Grüne Woche Berlin - Januar 2012

Einige Eindrücke:

1) Grüezi Berlin - die Schweiz auf der Grünen Woche
2) die Blumenhalle auf der Grünen Woche "Betreten erbeten"

Zum Fotoalbum bitte auf das Blumenbild klicken.
Die Blumenhalle ist immer ein Publikumsmagnet und wird gerne aufgesucht, da sie schon ein wenig vom Frühling vermittelt. Die Blumenpracht war wie immer wunderschön.
Die Idee, die Halle als Baustelle (zwar unter dem Motto 'Betreten erbeten') herzurichten, mag vielleicht originell sein, jedoch meinen Geschmack hat dies - offen gestanden - überhaupt nicht getroffen.
In Berlin sind wir von so vielen Baustellen genervt, und auf diese hätte ich gerne verzichtet.

Albert Lee & Hogan's Heroes - CD "On The Town Tonight" out by January 23, 2012

Double CD Albert Lee & Hogan's Heroes
- "On The Town Tonight"
Released January 23, 2012
(Available on the gigs, the bands website or Amazon). 

ON THE TOWN TONIGHT is the new live double CD from Albert Lee & Hogan's Heroes. Recorded live at The Tivoli Theatre, Wimborne, England, in Deember 2010.




Sue Hargreaves wrote: "New CD out and available at gigs ...
ON THE TOWN TONIGHT (tracks from the Tivoli DVD).
Great double CD, excellent packaging."

NAMM LA 2012 - Ernie Ball 50th Anniversary Celebrations, All Star Jam on Saturday 21 Jan 2012

From: Ernie Ball News

Anaheim, CA – January 18th, 2012

Ernie Ball will celebrate their 50th Anniversary this Saturday evening in Anaheim, CA with an iconic All-Star Jam featuring some of the world's most well renowned musicians.

Over the last 50 years, the Ernie Ball Company has expanded its reach from selling custom string sets through the back of Ernie's old Tarzana Guitar Shop, to distributing their products to over 120 countries world wide. 
   
While remaining a family owned and operated company, Ernie Ball has accomplished the extremely rare feat of becoming a household name while maintaining the grass roots approach that so many of their customers have become familiar with.
   
With one of the industry's most elite roster of artists, it is no surprise to hear that this special event will feature such players as; Albert Lee, Steve Morse, Paul Gilbert, Blues Saraceno, Steve Vai, Randy Jackson, Dave LaRue, Joe Bonamassa and MORE!!! This private event will be a highlight of this year's Winter NAMM Show.

A very special thank you to DW Drums, Zildjian Cymbals, ENGL Amps and MarkBass for providing the backline for this event. Stay tuned for a full press release including photos and highlights from the evening's events.

For more information on this event stop by and see Ernie Ball at booth #5440 in hall B.

________________________________________

"Here is a preview of what's to come up as we gear up for our 50th Anniversary!

Ernie Ball was the first to offer rock strings with the creation of Slinkys, and further revolutionized the market by offering guitarists Custom-Gauge single strings. The Ernie Ball Company also produces Music Man guitars and basses, volume pedals, and other accessories. The company's strings and accessories are available in more than 6,000 music stores throughout the U.S. The company also exports to 82 countries.

Ernie Ball Music Man is proud to endorse artists including: Slash, Eric Clapton, Jimmy Page, Eagles, Keith Richards, Rolling Stones, Angus Young, ACDC, Jeff Beck, John Fogerty, Pete Townshend, Jack White, The Raconteurs, John Mayer, Steve Vai, Kirk Hammett, Metallica, System Of A Down, Avenged Sevenfold, 311, Paul Gilbert, Blink 182, Brad Paisley, Rise Against, Maroon 5, Flogging Molly, Iron Maiden, Albert Lee, Don Felder, Deftones, Aerosmith, NOFX, John Petrucci, Dream Theater, Sonic Youth, Steve Lukather, Steve Morse, Deep Purple, The Edge, U2, Mars Volta, Nickelbackm Glenn Tipton, Judas Priest, Thrice, Buddy Guy, Limp Bizkit, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Tony Levin, Dave La Rue, Counting Crows, Joe Bonamassa, Escape The Fate, Hinder, and many more!!!

Stop by the Official Ernie Ball Websites!"
ErnieBall.com

________________________________________

Links:
 

Blog by Sterling Ball on the Ernie Ball Forum 

NAMM Report by Sterling Ball on the EB Forum

First photos from the NAMM Show LA

Photos & comments by Colin, Music Man Dealer

Photos from the Ernie Ball Booth by Pete Du Baldo

Ernie Ball Bash Part I, by Pete Du Baldo  


Ernie Ball Bash Part II, by Pete Du Baldo

Rock Cellar Magazine Vol 1 - Report from NAMM

Rock Cellar Magazine, More Photos NAMM 2nd Day

Videos on Youtube:

Albert, Steve Morse & Sterling Ball - Tear it up

Albert Steve Morse & Sterling Ball jamming

__________________________


Earlier Blog by Sterling Ball:
Sterling Ball talks about Albert Lee

Singer Etta James dies at 73

Jan 20, 2012

By Arienne Thompson, USA TODAY

Legendary singer Etta James has died of leukemia at age 73.James, best known for her classic ballad At Last, was also battling Alzheimer's disease and stepped out of the spotlight two years ago to deal with her illnesses.

Last month, her rep, Lupe De Leon, revealed that the singer was close to death. At the time De Leon said, "Etta has a terminal illness. She's in the final stages of leukemia. She has also been diagnosed with dementia and Hepatitis C. She's in a home right now and mostly sleeps. She is under the care of a live-in doctor from Riverside Community Hospital (in Riverside, Calif.) and two others who have placed her on oxygen. Her husband is with her 24 hours a day, and her sons visit regularly. We're all very sad. We're just waiting."

Ramblin' Jack Elliott and Vikki Lee live at St Cyprian's, San Francisco - 21 Jan 2012

Ramblin' Jack Elliott and Vikki Lee
Saturday, Jan 21, 8pm
SF Live Arts at Cyprian’s - formerly the Noe Valley Music Series St. Cyprian’s Church, 2097 Turk Street, San Francisco 94115  

Music Legend and Three Time Grammy Winner Ramblin' Jack Elliott
“Ramblin’ Jack Elliott has been a towering influence on a generation of folk and rock musicians, most notably Bob Dylan.” One of the last direct links to the great folk traditions of this country, Ramblin’ Jack Elliott is one of the legendary foundations of American folk music. In the tradition of roving troubadours Jack has carried the seeds and pollens of story and song for decades from one place to another, from one generation to the next.   In 1950, he met Woody Guthrie, moved in with the Guthrie family and traveled with Woody to California and Florida, from the redwood forests to the Gulf Stream waters.

Along the way he learned the blues first-hand from Leadbelly, Mississippi John Hurt, the Reverend Gary Davis, Big Bill Broonzy, Brownie McGhee and Sonny Terry, Jesse Fuller and Champion Jack Dupree. So it’s fitting that earlier this year, he received his first Grammy Award in the Traditional Blues category for his album, A Stranger Here. (His two previous Grammys were in the folk category). He received the National Medal of Arts award and was honored with a special dinner at the White House.  Recently the award-winning film The Ballad of Ramblin’ Jack introduced a new generation to his timeless music and yarns.  We are honored to have this national treasure start our concert year. 
Americana/Country/Rockabilly artist Vikki Lee opens the concert.

Johnny Otis dies at 90; R&B singer wrote 'Willie and the Hand Jive'

Johnny Otis dies at 90; R&B singer wrote 'Willie and the Hand Jive'

By Randy Lewis, Los Angeles Times

January 19, 2012

CONCERT OVERLOAD: Albert Lee at McCabe's Guitar Shop ...

A Blog by Gabe (member of Blogger, from the LA area) about Albert Lee's gig at McCabes Guitar Shop on 13 Jan 2012 with photos. Thanks to Gabe for the great pics and his comments.

Gabe wrote an amendment on Jan 15:
NOTE: I have revised the initial version of this write-up, the result of having slept one more night on my initial feelings about the show.
[read more, follow the link below]

CONCERT OVERLOAD: Concert #619 - Albert Lee at McCabe's Guitar Shop ...


Set List:

_____________________________________________

Advert by Santa Monica Patch - and Albert has a word:

Best Guitarist You've Never Heard to Play McCabe's

Albert Lee, who Eric Clapton once called "the greatest guitarist in the world," has gone solo. He'll play at the Santa Monica guitar shop Friday night.

• By Peter Gerstenzang
• Email the author
• January 9, 2012

   

His sinuous, quietly-sensational licks have graced albums by everybody from Emmylou Harris to Bill Wyman. He was the bandleader for the Everly Brothers for 20 years. He's been called "The guitar player's guitar player," and "Mr. Telecaster." Eric Clapton once called him "the greatest guitarist in the world."
His name is Albert Lee—and he'll play Friday at McCabe's Guitar Shop in Santa Monica.

"It will be nice being the frontman for a change," said Lee. "I'm usually backing someone up, so this gig is going to be a lot of fun."

Although, you may have heard him on at least one of your favorite records, Lee's resume does deserve a good airing-out.

He first got noticed in England in the late 1960s, backing R&B star, Chris Farlowe. After a stint with the country-ish cult favorites, Head, Hands & Feet, things heated up for this extraordinary axeman. In 1976, Lee replaced his hero, James Burton, in Emmylou Harris' Hot Band. From that point on, it was pandemonium. Sessions City, if you will. If you needed a guy to play a solo that smoked so much, you had to open a window afterwards? You called Albert Lee. The Englishman is now comfortably ensconced in Malibu.

A great example of his finger-pickin' lyricism? Take a listen to Carlene Carter's 1991 country hit, "I Fell In Love." It sounds like five guys are playing the solo.

"That song was particularly enjoyable for me to play on," said Lee. "It showcased me nicely and I really like the solo I played. Something about the way I finger-pick works well with that sort of groove. And I even got to be in the video."

The smiling, elfin dude, with the curly, silver-colored candy-floss hair? That's Lee. There's just one geeky, guitar-oriented detail he'd like you to know.

"What I'm holding in the video is a Gold Top Gibson. I used my Fender Telecaster to play the actual solo. But the Gibson looked so cool, had such a '50s-vibe, that it suited the retro look in the video."
Then there are those two English superstars with whom Lee has been known to pal around.
"Yes, I've played in Bill Wyman's band for about 12 years. We do a lot of old R&B and rock 'n' roll; we have a couple of horn players and a keyboardist. It'll be interesting to see if Bill does any gigs with The Stones this year, as it's their 50th anniversary. He's afraid to fly, so that will probably cut into the number of shows he could do. Poor guy. When he left The Stones, he had about $30 million dollars. But that just doesn't seem to go as far as it use to."

And of his friend Clapton?
"One of the best gigs I've ever been involved with was 'The Concert For George,' in late 2002. I'd heard about it and mentioned to Eric that I'd love to be a part of it, but I didn't hear back for the longest time. I didn't really want to bug Eric, you know? I'm lucky to even have his e-mail address. Finally he got in touch. And the whole thing was magic. The reason that show was so good, so moving, was because we rehearsed for two weeks!"

Before he heads off to his own rehearsal, for his McCabe's date, Lee mentions one more sacred gig, with a superstar outfit, that might actually be his crowning achievement.

"Sure, it's great to play with people like Emmylou and The Everlys. But did you know I've also played with Spinal Tap? I did a solo on a song called, 'Break Like The Wind.' There's just no getting around it. As far as gigs go? And jobs on my resume? That one has to be very close to the top."

Albert Lee and band will be at McCabe's on Friday at 10 p.m. Tickets are $22.50. For more information go to mccabes.com

Invalidenfriedhof Berlin-Mitte, Scharnhorststraße

Invalidenfriedhof Berlin, Scharnhorststraße, 163 Fotos auf Flickr

Sehenswerter alter Friedhof aus unterschiedlichen Gründen. Hier eine Kurzbeschreibung von Wikipedia, es lohnt sich, dort alles über die Geschichte dieses Friedhofs nachzulesen. Die Fotos wurden von mir zu verschiedenen Jahreszeiten aufgenommen.

"Der Invalidenfriedhof ist ein historischer Friedhof und eine Gedenkstätte im Ortsteil Mitte.

Er liegt zwischen Scharnhorststraße und Berlin-Spandauer Schifffahrtskanal, nördlich des Bundeswirtschaftsministeri​ums. Die Anlage gehört zu den ältesten Friedhöfen in Berlin und wird als Zeugnis der preußischen und deutschen Militärgeschichte wie als Erinnerungsstätte an die deutschen Befreiungskriege der Jahre 1813 bis 1815 angesehen.

Zerstörungen gegen Ende des Zweiten Weltkriegs und in der DDR-Zeit, als durch den Friedhof ein Teil der Berliner Mauer lief, haben dazu geführt, dass auf dem 2,54 Hektar großen Gelände nur etwa 230 Gräber erhalten sind. Ein Förderverein des Friedhofs bemüht sich seit 1992 um Bewahrung und Restaurierung der Anlage und Grabstätten."


"The Invalids' Cemetery is one of the oldest cemeteries in Berlin. It was the traditional resting place of the Prussian military, and is regarded as particularly important as a memorial to the German Wars of Liberation of 1813-15.

After German reunification in 1990 the cemetery was placed under the monument protection scheme and restoration work began. There is now a memorial to Berliners killed trying to cross the Berlin Wall in the cemetery. The cemetery also contains a mass grave of Berliners killed in Allied air raids, but this grave is not marked."

______________________

Auf diesem Friedhof sind u.a. folgende Personen bestattet:
Hans Karl von Winterfeldt
Gerhard Johann David von Scharnhorst
Job von Witzleben
Friedrich Bogislav Emanuel Tauentzien von Wittenberg
Friedrich von Holstein
Karl Friedrich Friesen
Hermann von Boyen
August Hiller von Gaertringen
Therese Elssler
Julius von Groß genannt Schwarzhoff
Alfred von Schlieffen
Karl von Schönberg
Helmuth Johannes Ludwig von Moltke
Moritz von Bissing
Hans Joachim Buddecke
Maximilian von Prittwitz und Gaffron
Hermann von Eichhorn
Olivier Freiherr von Beaulieu-Marconnay
Robert von Klüber
Rudolf Berthold
Hans Hartwig von Beseler
Friedrich von Baudissin
Manfred Albrecht Freiherr von Richthofen
Max Hoffmann
Josias von Heeringen
Ludwig von Schröder
Werner von Frankenberg zu Proschlitz
Ludwig von Falkenhausen
Hans von Seeckt
Hans Maikowski
Adolf Karl von Oven
Rochus Schmidt
Oskar von Watter
Werner von Fritsch
Wolff von Stutterheim
Lothar von Arnauld de la Perière
Friedrich-Carl Cranz
Ernst Udet
Werner Mölders
Walter von Reichenau
Herbert Geitner
Fritz Todt
Reinhard Heydrich
Curt Haase
Hermann von der Lieth-Thomsen
Carl August von Gablenz
Hans Fuß
Hans Valentin Hube
Rudolf Schmundt
Walter Marienfeld