ONE GUITAR , THIRA and TRANSIT II on the Grammy ballot

Posted on Ottmar's Diary

Ottmar Liebert / Diary

Today

Today I stopped by Ottmar's place to show him the new guitar and while I was there I got the opportunity to hear some of the new music for his next year's upcoming album.

Wow, I was blown away. Beautiful and emotional melodies, arrangements where you think your heading down one path, the song transforms and the music then takes you on a completely different journey. Can't wait to hear the entire album.

Mark your calenders for this one, it's going to be an amazing musical journey.

German Vazquez Rubio Blog

G.V.R. Guitars have a new blog that just started this past week. I think it will be great to check in from time to time to see what's new and going on in the guitar shop.

germanvazquezrubio.blogspot.com

New Vazquez Rubio Negra

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Originally uploaded by stromo.

Here it is! Very thrilled to have this beautiful flamenco guitar. My trip to LA last weekend was very successful. Had a great time picking out a new guitar. Lots of choices but this one spoke to me.

I've been friends with the guys at the shop for a long time now and they set up a time for me to stop by after the store closed Friday evening since I arrived in the mid afternoon. When I walked in, Armand had all the new flamenco guitars out on stands. I wish I could go back and walk in again, it was an amazing feeling seeing everything out and knowing they were for me to try. I definitely felt like a kid in a candy store.

There were some beautiful choices. Pegs, no pegs, Blancas, Negras. etc.. I tried a new archtop Blanca, (never heard of that before) amazing tone, very crisp and bright.

I've been very happy with my G.V.R. blanca, I've been playing it for the last 11 years. It has done a great job on the album Thira and previous recordings. So this time, I knew I wanted something a bit different, maybe darker sounding then my blanca for the next album and for playing live. so I went right for the Negras and picked this one out. I really liked the feel of the neck and the tone. I fell in love with it right away as It seemed to have a great vibe, played great and looked beautiful. I was sold.

And of course it wasn't over yet, we then had chips + salsa and invited some great friends down with their Vazquez Rubio flamenco guitars along with Jason Shapiro who played the percussion on my first CD. We had a great time playing and It was by far the best way pick out a new instrument. I guess if you want to be a part of the hang, you'll have to get one of these guitars first!

Thanks again to everyone at the guitar shop, especially German.

www.guitarsbygvr.com

flight home today

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Originally uploaded by stromo.

Clear sky's over the desert today, or should I say friendly skys? ah, wrong airline. A non eventful flight on the way home and that's the way I like it. As long as I have a window seat, I'm happy.

Had a great time in LA and the new Flamenco guitar made the trip home safely, very happy to have it here. I uploaded some pictures and will write more about the trip this week.

FRIDAY NIGHT IN LA / German Vazquez Rubio Guitar Shop

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Originally uploaded by stromo.

As rain comes pouring down outside / After hours at the guitar shop, Choices, choices, choices....

36 hours in Sao Paulo

Travel / 36 hours in Sao Paulo / NY Times

Stepping out of the office

Not sure if you got the memo but I'm heading to LA for a few days to check out some Flamenco guitars - I'll make a detailed report when I get back.

November / South America

Next month I'll be doing the stage lighting for the band TOTO in South America.

Here is a link to my page on their website. It has cartoons and pictures of light shows I've done.


3-Nov-07 - UR - Montevideo, Teatro De Verano

5-Nov-07 - AR - Buenos Aires, Teatro Gran Rex

6-Nov-07 - AR - Buenos Aires, Teatro Gran Rex

7-Nov-07 - AR - Cordoba, Superdomo Orfeo

9-Nov-07 - CL - Concepcion, Sur Activo

10-Nov-07 - CL - Viña del Mar, Quinta Vergara

12-Nov-07 - BR - Sao Paulo, Via Funchal

14-Nov-07 - PU - Lima, Vertice del Museo de la Nación

16-Nov-07 - COL - Bogota, Gran Salon de Corferias