Review of Guitar Aerobics: A 52-Week, One-lick-per-day Workout Program for Developing, Improving and Maintaining Guitar Technique by Troy Nelson

I've been playing guitar since the early 1980s as a hobbiest and songwriter. I'm a decent rhythm guitarist, but I never quite understood how to improvise on lead, and my dexterity wasn't good enough. I could accompany myself singing but was never what I'd call "good" on guitar. I bought this book to improve my skills as a lead guitarist. I've only been using it for a few weeks, and it is tremendous!

I've worked through the first few weeks of lessons, and my skills already show a marked improvement. My wife has even commented that she can tell a difference. I started at lesson one although a better guitarist could probably skip ahead. I love how the lessons are structured and build on each other. So far, each one gets easier to master because it's a variation of the previous week. It's great, and I am actually seeing improvement in my skills. It's amazing to see the transformation from beginning to end each week. I'm working the program step-by-step and it works.

I can't say enough good things about this program. It has made me a better guitarist. By the end of the book, I think I'll be able to say I'm "good" on guitar. Thanks!

Guitar Aerobics: A 52-Week, One-lick-per-day Workout Program for Developing, Improving and Maintaining Guitar Technique

Review of Jesse James: The Man and The Myth by Marley Brant

I have a growing collection of books related to the guerilla war in Missouri and bushwhacker's. This book will become a permanent member of it. I enjoyed reading it.

This is a well written book that flows. The narrative stayed interesting to the very end. It examines a lot of things that were claimed about the James brother and Jesse in particular with a critical eye. Many possible myths are explored as well as some facts somewhat confirmed. It tells more about Jesse's family than I've seen in other books and follows his many moves admirably.

This book does not talk about the war and Jesse's participation as much as I would have liked nor does it include a whole lot of new information about his outlaw exploits. It's not the best book I've read on Jesse James, but it is worth reading. It has a new home on my bookshelf.

Jesse James: The Man and The Myth

What a week!

Wow! What a week this has been. My friend, Becky's, music is coming along great. Her first single "Dangerous Game" is getting some airplay and finished at #9 this week on Vradio Nashville's countdown. You can visit them here:

Tune In To VRadio Nashville

...or here on Facebook:

VRadio Nashville on Facebook

Request "Dangerous Game" by Becca Lee Roberts. Also request her from your local station. Indie artists need all the support they can get. She's awesome!!!

In other news, we got our first granddaughter this weekend! At 1:37 am on Easter morning, Emrey Jade made her appearance. She weighed 7 lbs. 4 ounces and is 20 1/2 inches long. She's already got Grandpa wrapped around her finger. Holding her the first time was one of the most incredible experiences of my life to this point. That little girl will be the most spoiled girl in southwest Missouri if I have my way.

Love, love, love her.

I hope everybody's having a super week so far. It's a beautiful day in our corner of the world.

Smile.