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Location: Chicago | Send me a request and I'll send our new CD with Mahavishnu Jerry Goodman. We are raising funds for future studio work; We are broke at this point, so every dime helps! Greg Dobrov 6749 N. Caldwell Ave. Chicago IL 60646 We are offering our CD for $9.00. Send me snail mail (or PayPal: gdobrov@luc.edu) and I'll shoot the physical CD your way. It is also available as a digital download:: http://bit.ly/1aGYOb7(iTunes) or here: http://amzn.to/19S2iZZ (AmazonMP3) 
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Location: Newington, CT | Hi, Greg! Please send me three. PayPal is on the way. I'll make it an even $30 to cover some shipping and handling. If it's not too much trouble, could you and/or Jeff and/or Jerry autograph one of them?
I can't tell you how much I've been anticipating this CD!!!
Best,
Alan
Edited by AlanM 2014-04-06 8:40 AM
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Location: Jet City | paypal sent |
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Location: Phoenix, AZ | Paypal sent. Thanks. |
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Location: Chicago | Thanks so much. I am still not seeing the physical CD on offer anywhere. I'm "old school": give me at least a small record-like thing to have and contemplate. Nice liner notes and print on the CD itself..... |
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Location: Newington, CT | Greg: I just got a copy of the CD and it's even better than I had anticipated! HUGE congratulations on a genuine tour de force!
I don't have a stereo system capable of doing justice to Goodman, Dobrov and Burns, so I brought it to the house of a friend. He has a "music room," into which he's placed top-notch speakers and 300 watts worth of wall-shaking power. He turned it up loud. Not too loud -- it's acoustic music, after all -- and everything came through REALLY well. And WOW!
I've said it many times: these guys are world-class talents.
The production values on this CD are excellent. I absolutely love it when you can hear some of the movement of fingers and the occasional squeak, creak, tap, shuffle or intake of breath, that lets you understand that you're hearing everything.
Dobrov, Burns and Goodman are so good, and their playing is so clean, that the extraneous sounds are minimal, but present, giving that authentic, right there feel.
The musicianship on this CD is just phenomenal. These guys have loads of technique as well as a superb feel for the notes. The songs cover such a range of emotion... from languid to frantic to contemplative to fiery to ethereal and more. The players shift from mood to mood with an effortlessness that is sheer, laugh out loud delight.
Dobrov and Burns are exquisite guitar players, while Jerry Goodman's legendary reputation, dating all the way back to his days with John McLaughlin and Mahavishnu, is well-deserved.
Dobrov's Adamas and Burns' Elite are simply gorgeous sounding instruments. Gigantic kudos to the folks at Muffin Records who did such a great job of putting the listener right in the room where these three great musicians are playing!
One thing I love about the tracks on this CD: they didn't scrimp. Most are five minutes or more. Lots of guitar and violin playing to love on this disc!
I bought three CD's, with two being advance Christmas gifts. I know the recipients are going to be as thrilled with them as I am.
I think I might have settled on a favorite track -- at least for now. I'm going with "Outer Sunset," though "Tamboura" is giving it a run for its money! "Outer Sunset" is mystery and tension, with streaks of fire and mesmerizing pizzicato violin in the background, as well as lots more Goodman, both understated and in your face. Great song! That'll be the favorite -- for this week.
I'll be listening to this one a lot!
Edited by AlanM 2014-04-14 6:20 PM
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Location: Chicago | Thanks so much for that review, Alan. You'll be glad to know that Jerry called with much the same reaction. We were so involved in composing and recording that the final product never was appreciated. He has the same experience of putting in on and sitting back to enjoy. It seems our Studio Expert Craig Williams is legendary for powerful 3-D acoustic recordings. I can't wait to get back in the studio!
PS Hey, post this as a comment on Amazon or iTunes! We need the publicity |
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Location: Phoenix, AZ | Greg, Jeff & Jerry,
Congratulations on an incredible album! I highly recommend this to all OFC'ers! Awsome tribute to Ovation & Adamas guitars.
I too, like Alan, do not have a stereo system to do it justice... cannot wait to listen with headphones, since thay have way better sound quality than my home or car speakers.
Thanks for the great album, looking forward to the next one! |
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Location: Jet City | Honest feedback?
I love it... Bur Sara told me to turn it off before i could hear the whole thing through, so not done yet. She does the same thing with DiMeola, so you're in good company.
I REALLY dug Jerry's solo in Riverrun.... wicked. I liked Black Adamas too, but maybe I'm biased there.
Some of the best guitar harmonies since KK and Glen 
Unlike the previous posters, I was listening through some high-end near field monitors via optical. Like listening through headphones without the headphones. Sounds great.
Ah, Sara's off to get nails done. I'll check out the rest now. Next up, Outer Sunset |
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Location: Chicago | Thanks so much for the feedback, guys! If the OFC doesn't get it, no one will! |
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Location: Des Moines, Iowa | Hey Greg, you immediately got my attention with that awesome album cover, so I swam a bit closer.... and then you spoke of Orchestras of Mahavishnu and I was compelled to take a sniff... and then I read AlanM's review (which he totally should post to BOTH Amazon and iTunes and EVERYWHERE ELSE!) and I just had try a few samples, a nibble here, a gobble there, a nibble AND a gobble on that 3rd one, Echoes of Vishnu (damn straight, I heard it...). I'm nibbling on the samples of each track that Amazon has offered and after hearing the third track, I'm afraid I can't listen to any more... SAMPLES! I'm sold... I really liked the little bit I heard of Riverrun and I'm anxious to hear the rest.
Okay... I'm back. I just sent you $10 thru PayPal (extra buck for shipping AND to help with the PayPal charge). I was very tempted to go get that instant gratification that is a digital download, but with that album cover and all, I just had to have the real thing.
Congrats on the new album. What I've heard thus far AND read, I'm sure it won't disappoint. I'm going to bug our local alternative station a bit and see if I can't get the to play a track or two. Just trying to help with the buzz... but what do I know... I'm just a...
SillyLittleBoy |
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Location: Chicago | Right on, SLB! Be sure to forward your snail mail address and I'll shoot you the physical CD! |
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Location: Chicago | I got the address, John (Silly LB) and will mail tomorrow! |
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Location: Newington, CT | "No Mystery" is just too doggoned FREAKIN' good!
I just spent more than an hour of my life listening to it again and again and again. It was an hour REALLY well spent... unlike other hours (ahem) I've spent. Had to go and pick up my OFC II and play by myself for another hour!
From someone who has owned more than thirty Ovation guitars, of all stripes and types and and makes and models and years and conditions... these guys make their Ovations freakin' sing! I understand that Ovation is, in the opinion of many, in the sunset of its life, but I would think that Fender would think a bit -- just a bit -- about the idea of making Dobrov and Burns endorsers.
I know, I know... I'm a fan, and we fans tend to "gush," but think of it: Dobrov and Burns are "regular guys," and isn't that a part of what Ovation has been all about for decades? There HAS to be value in being able to point to these particular "regular guys," and say how devoted they are to Ovation guitars.
These guys -- Goodman, Dobrov and Burns -- ARE world class. And their music is compelling, enriching, horizons-expanding and rollicking fun! Especially for a lover and player of the guitar.
I may have neglected to mention it, but in order to hear this CD better, I treated myself today to some MUCH better speakers for my computer system (the replacement stereo system for the nice one I left to my ex-wife). All I can say is:
Now, I'm on to the ninth track, "Burning Questions."
At this point: Wow! Just...wow!
Edited by AlanM 2014-04-20 3:51 PM
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Location: Texas | Great news!
I guess I haven't been checking in here often enough lately, the CD's been out for a month and I haven't gotten it yet! I've been waiting for the CD release since Dobrov first gave us a taste of it… can't wait to get my hands, errr, ears on it!
(I'll email you…)
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Location: Chicago | Again, thanks so much for the kind words and orders. They mean a great deal to me! For some reason Chick Corea keeps us busy. "No Mystery" was our first on record, but now we're thinking of "Spain" and "Sr. Mouse".... such cool tunes. |
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Location: Des Moines, Iowa | Chick Corea? AWESOME, I love that guy.
Hey Greg, just wanted to drop a quick note to say that the CD arrived today, so I'm off to fix me a nice smooth root beer float and then kick back and enjoy the CD. I'm excited because I'm definitely a big Mahavishnu fan, love good acoustic work, and it's got my very favorite acoustic instruments featured (Ovation/Adamas).
It always disappoints me that the distribution of new music is so lopsided and narrow. There was a time when there were album oriented radio stations that would announce each song both before and after, so you'd know what you were going to hear and what you just heard AND it was guaranteed that out of a half dozen tunes you'd get to hear one you'd never heard before and quite possibly by someone you'd never heard of before... back when you could get excited about some new talent and be dragging that cassette tape with you everywhere saying, "Hey, have you heard this new guy...."
I think I might be dragging your new CD around to some of my old "album" listening buds... one of who still owns a turntable and stacks of 12" records as tall as a man. I don't miss carrying those around, but I do miss that time when an album was one unit, one work of art, one journey thru an artists heart, soul, or just a trip round his crazy headed thoughts.
Okay... shutting up now so I can go hear... be back later... or I'm not just a...
SillyLittleBoy |
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Location: Chicago | I am eager to hear your impressions, John. At the root it's all rock n' roll, brother! |
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Location: Des Moines, Iowa | Greg, I had to drop a quick note to tell you that I LOVED IT! But, I kind of already knew that I did and would, after listening to the teaser samples on Amazon. Of course I have to add that I hate you... but in a good way as in JEALOUS... serious chops, dude! Made me want to pick up my Elite and practice properly, rather than fiddle fartin' around like I usually do.
Yea, it's all in there... and a lot to take in and enjoy. It's got the full gamut and I think I'll have to listen to it at least once or twice more before I can give it the proper words, BUT...
Let me just say to anyone out there who is listening, go check out the samples from it AND if you're a true Ovation lover, then you're also a true lover of awesome acoustic guitar work/playing. This CD is a serious showcase of what is possible with a beautiful, but beefy, sounding acoustic guitar. I'm a metal head from way back, so I enjoy me some head-banging, but there's nothing like hearing things stripped down of all it's distortion and fuzz and hearing an acoustic lead run that to me, is WAY better than some metal scale trilling at 250BPM. That's easy stuff, but make it sound melodic and do it acoustically... now that's when the REAL talent shows through and the pretenders just fall away.
Much more to say, which if you've ever read even ONE of my postings, then you'll know that I'm rarely a man of few words... with this posting being a short, quick one.
Oh... and hey, my lady is from Chicago. She used to be a Bears season ticket holder and is still a huge fan. I like them as long as they're not playing MY team, but I'm a Cubbie's fan from way back in the 6-7 Bud Tall Boy days of Harry Carrey (and that was Harry's intake BEFORE the 7th inning stretch.) He was a fun drunk though... So, let me hear you... a one... and a two....
Oh... only really ONE complaint about the album, it needed a little more in the liner notes to let me know who was playing what on what song. Of course I could probably just ask you.
Much more details later... but gotta listen again to find a way to put it into words, cause much of it just kind of have to listen to it AND you kind of have to just "get it" and either you do or you don't, though I myself can't understand why ANYONE wouldn't "get it" cause it's right there in that universal language we all know and love - MUSIC, brother!
But that could be just me and you know me, I'm just a...
SillyLittleBoy |
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Location: Chicago | Thanks, John, for taking the time for some awesome feedback. I never take for granted that the music is good. You write what you write (play what you play) it's all you can do. But the question remains: will it "reach" others, make sense to them? That's where feedback is so important and I'm very grateful to have it! |
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Location: Chicago | Which guitar is which on the CD? (Responding to queries): Dobrov is more in the LEFT channel, Burns in the RIGHT. Dobrov plays the second (concluding) solos on "Tamboura" and "No Mystery." The first short break in "Black Adamas" is Dobrov, the first break in "Burning Quesitons" is Burns etc. By the way, Jerry Goodman is a great guitar-player in his own right, but we could not stand being totally clobbered! |
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Location: Newington, CT | Finished work, brought my daughter to her National Guard drill weekend, put this disc into the new, improved stereo system (really: a much better speaker system on the computer) and fired it up.
Let me tell you, you CANNOT cap off a busy Friday better than with this CD! There's REAL energy and skill here; and all the tangibles and intangibles that make for great music!
Just can't get enough now of "Tamboura" and "Black Adamas!" I love 'all the songs, but those are the current top two.
Edited by AlanM 2014-05-02 7:35 PM
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Location: Chicago | Thanks, Alan! The story behind "Black Adamas" is that the tune was really long with all these repetitions etc. In order to submit it to a competition I had to shrink it to under five minutes. At first I was really upset, but when we started to play the short version it became THE version. Much, much better it its abbreviated form (hey, five minutes is LONG enough!) |
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Location: Newington, CT | So, can we get a bootleg copy of "Black Adamas," the jam version? I'd listen to that a few (hundred) times! |
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Location: Chicago | We never really got a complete "bootleg" of the prototype (I think it's for the best). By the way, Alan, I have not forgotten your other two CDs and have a nice treat in store. Again, thanks for the warm response and support. |
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Location: Newington, CT | Not to worry, Greg... I'm playing the one I have -- a whole lot. As I mentioned above, I bought two as early Christmas gifts, and I KNOW the recipients are going to love them! Take whatever time you need for the other two.
Some quick questions: What is the effect that Jerry uses on Outer Sunset to get that ethereal, slightly phase-shifted sound that is so reminiscent of his Mahavishnu Orchestra days? Was he miked, or did he have a pickup? And, I love the slight reverb! When I put the speakers in the four corners of my room, it's a GREAT, room-filling effect.
And, I have to tell you, the interplay beginning at about 1:50 on Outer Sunset is spectacular! I'd LOVE to hear that live! I know that you and Jeff play out once in a while, but is there a chance that the trio might play live somewhere? I'd pay to attend THAT little get-together!
Look, you know I'm a guitar lover and a fan, but I have to tell you, I've played this disc a few dozen times now, and I hear something new every time! You put a lot of musical elements into this and kept it really clean! Example: the pieces of ornamentation throughout Outer Sunset, including Jerry's pizzicato at about 2:50, as well as the REALLY subtle percussive effects you put in all throughout the tracks. There's also the fast-picking at 1:33 of Tamboura as well as at 1:47. Of course, I'm LOVING the guitar solo that begins at about 4:05 in Tamboura! I've played THAT passage a few times! It's really, really good!
The Muffin Records people did a GREAT job, but you gave them extraordinary music to work with!
Edited by AlanM 2014-05-17 12:42 PM
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Location: Chicago | Knowing very little about violin pickups and effects I emailed Jerry. The moment, however, has passed us both by: "Hmm...not sure Greg....never document that kind of info! I'll try to remember but no guarantees...sorry, Alan!" I had a similar question about the Jethro-Tull flute-like tone that he uses at 0:50 on "Friendly Fire". No luck. I guess it's just alchemy, trade secrets and wicked fingers! I, too, have loved the JG pizzicato since I first heard "Miles Beyond." There is an interesting Goodman detail here I can share: For the pizzicato that he plays in "Outer Sunset" under the section in 10/8 (at 2:26), Jerry faced a challenge: we are picking jangly chords on two unison six-string guitars at a decent clip. Not really in the fiddle "comfort zone." To provide a plucked note for each guitar note in the chart, he first played every other note (1,3,5,7,9) and then overdubbed the "missing teeth" (2,4,6,8,10). The result works well, I think. My weakness as a "composer" is not knowing very well which keys and techniques lend themselves best to other instruments (I had to look up the available range for violin, though Jerry pulls out his 5-string at times). Thanks for all the feedback and if/when I can corral Jerry into a Chicago gig, I'll definitely let you know! |
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Location: Newington, CT | Yep. Goodman's just great -- always has been, since I first encountered him with Mahavishnu! And you two were great with him! You downplay your skills as composer, but there are plenty of times on this recording where you guys seem perfectly natural together, as if you're three good friends conversing animatedly about something, only using guitars and a violin. I've always loved that relaxed-then-tense-then-back-to-relaxed spontaneity, even within tight composition. All that takes serious skills as a composer and as players. It's really good stuff! |
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Location: Chicago | Speaking of composition: you yourself are a good player but pretty low-key about your own recordings and tunes. Are there any "Miner" charts in the vault? Something perhaps we could steal.... I mean "cover" or elaborate? Send me something! |
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Location: Newington, CT | I just received the other two CD's in the mail, Greg, along with, as you mentioned, a truly nice surprise. Needless to say, I'm more than thrilled! Many, many thanks! |
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Location: Newington, CT | I probably should have added a tad more elaboration to my previous post. I'm now the thrilled owner of two more GuitarFire CD's, each bearing the autograph of Jerry Goodman, as well as a brief personal note from him, on each CD's jacket.
Jerry Goodman has been a musical hero of mine since I first became acquainted with his energy-packed, fiery, virtuosic electric violin playing, while he was playing with one of my other all-time musical heroes, John McLaughlin, and the Mahavishnu Orchestra.
Greg, Jeff and Jerry are all world-class musicians, and GuitarFire made it to the top of my most played list very shortly after its arrival here.
It was so great to hear that not only had Jerry Goodman not lost a single step since his debut with Mahavishnu in 1970, but, to the contrary, had GAINED depth, breadth and even greater expressiveness from those younger days. I can't wait for their next CD! (hint, hint, Greg)
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Location: Chicago | Hint taken, Alan... we're on it. And thanks for the support and insight! |
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Location: Chicago | A nice review of our record on Amazon: "Like their name, these guitars are on fire! The sound is ever changing and very vibrant it's great dancing music. Some songs make me feel like I'm in Ireland, some Spain, some France and some Italy. Each song has a part I love and want to keep replaying over and over. You can either sit back and really listen to all the changing dynamics and appreciate all the work they put in, or just have it on as background noise and dance from time to time. I highly recommend it!" |
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Location: Chicago | PS: I am always encouraged when a woman likes the music. So much guitar is stuck in testosterone mode! |
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Location: Newington, CT | Well said, Greg! I can tell you honestly that BOTH my girlfriends, AND my daughter, love the disc! |
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Location: Chicago | I just heard from the SF Bay Area that KCSM--a premiere jazz station for the Peninsula, Silicon Valley, SF, Marin County etc.--has not only played half the CD in one swipe but added it to their playlist. My brother Tom, who sent them the disk, got this response from Alisa Clancy the music director:
"I love it, have played one side this week [Wed. morning, 8/27], will do more...I also asked Chuy to add it, it IS that good!
Alisa" |
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Location: sitting at my computer | Excellent! Congrats!! |
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Location: Newington, CT | Great, GREAT news! And well-deserved! It IS that good! So good to hear that you're getting some more play around and about. I'm spreading the word here in CT. |
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Location: Chicago | And we were all set to record another! |
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Location: Newington, CT | Stunned at the news of the loss of Jeff Burns. Saddened and stunned.
AlanM |
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Location: Yokohama, Japan | Hi dobro, I'm so sorry to hear about the loss of your friend, Jeff Burns. I heard some of the YouTube stuff, and just had to have the CD. I figured the least I could do was buy it; so, I just sent 15 bucks including shipping, but I live in Japan and shipping over here could be a pain. I was wondering if there was a way you could send the CD as a ZIP file via e-mail instead of shipping? In any case, I pray comfort for Mr. Burns' family and friends. |
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Location: Chicago | Hi Ken. There's no problem at all shipping it out to Japan. In fact, I'd like you to have the physical CD. Just shoot me a PM with your address and I'll git 'r done. |
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Location: Yokohama, Japan | Thanks dobro! PM Sent! |
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Location: Yokohama, Japan | Thanks for sending the CD all the way out to Japan, dobro! I had my first listen and am just amazed, and I'm going through my 2nd listen...the sound and composition quality...just everything about it is really fabulous. The extra copy is really really appreciated. I love this stuff, but whether the music is to your taste or not; if you want to hear Os at their best, I'm not sure you could do much better than this...
Edited by arumako 2015-01-10 12:07 AM
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Location: Chicago | Thanks for the warm response, Ken. I am especially proud of how well our "guru" Craig Williams (Dr CAW Studios) captured the beauty of the Ovation sound. He was quite resistant to "plastic guitars" at first, but when we played he really listened and became a "convert"! |
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CD "GuitarFire" (Dobro-Burns-Goodman) Now Available!!