Guitar players! I wrote an article for the incredible Premier Guitar magazine about cross-string playing and open tunings. Many of the examples are from my album, Invitation To Joy. It has tabs and sound clips, etc. I hope you enjoy it!
New Videos At Chicago Music Exchange With Gibson Guitars
I was out in Chicago a couple weeks ago and filmed some videos with Gibson guitars at the unbelievable Chicago Music Exchange. This place is guitar heaven! Here's the first video:
What I Read This Summer
Wolf In White Van, John Darnielle
Novel written by singer/songwriter, John Darnielle, of The Mountain Goats. I’m looking forward to his second book out this fall. I went to his reading at Busboys and Poets in DC earlier this year.
Ready Player One, Ernest Cline
Fun science fiction novel set in a dystopian near-future. Some 80s nostalgia throughout. Main characters take refuge in alternate digital reality - seems to be a recurring theme these days. Spielberg is making the movie.
History Of Western Philosophy, Bertrand Russell
A classic. I read about half and listened to the other half. Nearly every section prompts me to add a title or two to my current "to read" list.
The Grand Design, Stephen Hawking
Fairly short and and an easy read.
Complete Works, Arthur Rimbaud
At some point, I made a list of the poets Bob Dylan had mentioned in interviews. This was next on the list.
A Deeper Blue, Robert Earl Hardy
Biography of Townes Van Zandt - one of my favorite songwriters. An outstanding, inspiring songwriter but also a alcoholic, drug addict who left his family, cheated, but eventually cleaned up.
Born Standing Up, Steve Martin
This is the second time I've read this. I’m not a particularly big Steve Martin fan, but his career was remarkable. His approach to forging a singular career in show business - despite not fitting into the traditional roles of standup comedian, actor, etc is inspiring. I think anyone can find something inspiring and relevant to their lives in this book.
Hamlet, William Shakespeare
Four hundred years old and as engrossing as anything.
New Washington Post Review Of "Invitation To Joy"!
"'Invitation to Joy' quickly stands apart, brimming with self-penned, richly textured pieces that make imaginative use of alternate acoustic tunings, electric guitar and Dobro. Elements of Celtic, country, blues, jazz and world music play a role, creating shifting moods and appealing contrasts."
Read the full review here!
In Seattle at the The Fretboard Journal!
I flew out to Seattle last week to do some video at The Fretboard Journal - one of my favorite guitar magazines. I played a few songs and did a short interview. We filmed some more and it will be on YouTube soon.
My New Fingerstyle Guitar Album, Invitation To Joy, is Available TODAY!
I am really proud of this album and am excited for you to hear it! It features David Mansfield (Bob Dylan, Bobby McFerrin, Bruce Hornsby) on mandolin and fiddle, Joe Fitzgerald (Pat Metheny, David Liebman) on bass, and Todd Isler (Sting, Mike Gordon) on percussion. Guitar tabs are available as well!
Pre-Order Invitation To Joy on iTunes!
Get two songs NOW when you pre-order Invitation To Joy on iTunes! I'd love to get this on the charts, so please pre-order and leave a review! Here's the link: http://bitly.com/luke-itunes
FREE Download This Weekend
My last band record, Crack Of Light, came out a year ago this week. It was fan-funded and received airplay on SiriusXM, and was featured in The Washington Post, American Songwriter, and more. It features some phenomenally talented friends like Emily Hearn, The Alternate Routes, Stephen Kellogg, Taylor Carson, Molly Parden, Owen Danoff, and more. I'm offering it as a FREE download through the weekend. Get it here: http://buff.ly/1Usd0Yl
Enjoy and please share!
