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“Always on the Run” acoustic cover

A slight tag onto Mother’s Day… This is “Always on the Run” by Lenny Kravitz. Lenny says it was about all the good advice and instruction his mother was giving him, but he was too young and crazy to appreciate it, always running.

The guitar lick at the beginning (and throughout the song) hooked me the first time I ever heard it. Throw in that bass with the funk and the beats and it gets all my musical atoms synched up and vibing in rhythm. Slash and Lenny recorded this song together in a vodka-fueled weekend, and the energy level in their version is near 11. They are singing most everything up an octave. I tried that in my version but it just wasn’t working (and I don’t do vodka) so I dropped most everything down an octave, and I thought that gave it a vibe that worked.

An acoustic re-make almost always comes out a little slower, and more relaxed than its high-energy, amps-to-eleven original, but somehow, my version is substantially faster — at 185 bpm to their 169 bpm. That’s just what seemed to sound right to me. The faster speed pretty much assured zero chance of pulling off Slash’s solo, so I just did my own thing around what he was doing as best I could.

I always enjoy trying to use random objects, like the 8-ball, that have the sound I’m looking for, and exploring the sounds of different materials. It was a perfect hi-hat type of sound. There’s a subtle wah-wah pedal effect I stumbled upon with the main guitar while I was playing with the EQ. When I narrowed in on a some particular frequencies and raised them, it created this warpy-flangy-wave sound alongside the reverb. It sounds much like the kind of frequency-collision one might typically want to remove in the mastering process, but I thought it was the perfect way to “distort” the clean sound of the guitar without going too far.

By the way, I always post these videos to have a decent-level of audio quality so that some of these nuances can be enjoyed by anyone who is into it. I hate what computer speakers and phones have done to good music. If you haven’t already, I encourage you to listen to some of these with at least some decent earbuds, headphones or speakers to appreciate the full mix. (See Victor Wooten’s “The Spirit of Music” for more on that :)) I’m sure open to any thoughts or critique on any of my mixes. My ears are getting old, too. Enjoy!

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“Sultans of Swing” acoustic cover

I’ve been playing guitar for 30 years but have never taken on the challenge of learning some quality Mark Knopfler licks. So I decided to go all-in and start with one of the most difficult. I wish I was able to record all the failures of learning this song and show you what it took.

I have always loved the pure, natural sound of acoustic instruments, and those MTV unplugged sets where they’d have all kinds of rock and blues artists perform more acoustic sets. It’s a more intimate setting and sound. I hadn’t really planned on doing any kind of recording at the beginning, but as I started learning the song I was so horrible at the lead guitar I needed to record some MUCH slower backing tracks to play along with, so I started with that. Then, as I was getting it up to proper speed, I decided to add in some other percussion and bass and see what kind of mix I might get. I have been really enjoying getting back into the recording process, and all the rabbit-holes of different mixes and settings. I’ve been putting together a new, simple home studio, and this was a perfect way to get to know it and create a flow (If you’re into that stuff, I’m using a Scarlett 2i2 and recording into GarageBand on a Mac, using a few different mics depending on the application, an AKG C200B, P170, and a Shure SM57).

I consider myself a wannabe bass player and percussionist, and I have to do a few takes to fix my timing errors but I enjoy trying. I pretty much copied the bass line from the recording but tried to add a bit of my own groove in there.

Thanks to Mark Knopfler and Dire Straights for their music and inspiration. 

Now, if you’ve read this far, what song should I do next??

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I’m Gonna Live So God Can Use Me

What an appropriate song to celebrate the life of my aunt Faye! My oldest brother Clark on the piano, my nephew Raleigh, my niece Christen and I pulled this song together in about 30 minutes shortly before the funeral. The audio from the actual service didn’t come through very well so I’m glad I recorded this, our last run-through. I love this song and its message. Performed at Shelby Presbyterian Church, Shelby, NC.

This song is an old gospel spiritual, in the public domain.

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5 Minutes with Mac Arnold

Thanks to Mac Arnold for sitting down for a talk this past weekend. Follow Mac at https://www.macarnold.com/

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ANW Seasons 15 & 16

Hey friends! A lot of you have been asking when my appearance on American Ninja Warrior will be, and the short answer is: summer of 2024!

So this year they did something different and filmed 2 seasons in a row, back-to-back. Some of us were selected for season 15, which is airing currently, and some of us got selected for season 16, which will air next summer, and some of us got selected for both. I was selected for season 16 only. So, it’s a long time to wait, but there’s a lot of great runs between now and then.

Greenville and MOTIVE have 3 competitors to watch, 14-time legend Ryan Stratis, 12-timer Brett Sims, and world-renown parkour athlete Bob Reese on his 2nd season. Watch for them on the upcoming episodes, and of course… if you’re looking for a place to let your kid work out their energy in a safe, positive and learning environment, come see us at MOTIVE School of Movement!

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That’s a Wrap!

That’s a wrap of filming for #americanninjawarrior!

It’s all a blur, filming overnight, trying to sleep during the day, plus a west coast time zone haha. But it’s always so fun to be there, seeing everyone again, if only for a few days. I never take enough photos with people and then the next thing I know we’re all saying our goodbyes and headed home all over the place.

We filmed this year on the Universal Studios Hollywood backlot and it was a lot of fun. If they would allow me to wander around that place I could get lost for weeks.

I’m so grateful to be a part of this ninja family. Love you all.

It’s always an amazing time and I’m excited to see how everything comes together. This year Greenville has 5 competitors, Brett Sims, Bob Reese, Ryan Stratis, JB and myself. I can’t share any results yet but say tuned for more info on air dates! Enjoy the photos below!

🙏✌️❤️ #BootieBandwagon

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Let’s Go!

Los Angeles bound! Feeling as good as I’ve ever felt before competing. I’ll be sharing some behind-the-scenes stuff to my Instagram and Facebook stories. Here’s a humble ask for your vibes, prayers and energy.

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If you need a team this March, this is it…

After decades of relative insignificance and mediocrity, Furman basketball punched its ticket to the NCAA tournament by winning the Southern Conference Championship in Asheville last weekend. Their last tournament appearance was 43 years ago. I was 12.

This team is already getting national attention, and it has what it takes to surprise a first-round opponent and then perhaps battle their way into the sweet 16. Here’s the short history and what you’ll want to know while you enjoy the ride.

THE SHORT INFO:

Where is Furman? Greenville, SC. One of the most beautiful campuses there is.

What is a Paladin: A knight renowned for heroism and chivalry.

The cheer: When we are happy or upset, you will sometimes hear us yelling our school initials. We’re just really proud of Furman University, that’s all. Yeah.

THE DETAILS:

In the 70s, I watched in person as Furman traveled to beat NC State and UNC in the same weekend. Those were the old glory days, but the program’s success declined and they could never seem to gain any traction.

When Niko Medved was hired in 2013, his direction and leadership began to bring Furman basketball back into relevance. But as often happens with smaller schools, the successful coaches typically get gobbled up by the bigger programs that can offer more of that green paper everyone loves so much. In 2017 Niko moved on and one of Niko’s assistants, Bob Richey, was handed the reigns.

The first time I heard Bob Richey speak I knew he had the tools to be successful. There’s a charisma and energy about him that is inspiring. Under his leadership the Paladins boast a 111-46 record, a welcome change from where the program had previously been. But Bob’s leadership is about more than basketball wins, it is about life, and shaping the people on this team into men.

Last season was one of Furman’s best. After decades of missing out, they claimed a spot in the conference championship game against Chattanooga, and were ahead with only a few seconds remaining, ready to begin the celebration. But they were forced to watch in disbelief when an off-balance, prayer of a 3-point shot fell in to end the game, and their hopes for the NCAA tournament. I was heartbroken as a fan, but more so for them. I had seen the work they had put in.

Jalen Slawson and Mike Bothwell, each with a final year of eligibility, could have left Furman to play most anywhere in the country.

Head coach Bob Richey, now with plenty of coaching credibility and an offer from an SEC school, could’ve left as well. But Bob said he needed to stay. Bothwell and Slawson stayed too. They stayed to finish what they started, and Furman fans will never, ever be able to thank them enough.

Now they’ve broken the curse and have earned their way into the big dance. At this point they have nothing to lose, which will be to their advantage. If they can play loose and have fun, look out. They could sneak into the Sweet 16 with most of America cheering them on as the Cinderella they deserve to be.

The first game will be March 16 against Virginia in Orlando, FL. I’m moving heaven and earth to get there.

This team is special. We’d love to have you cheering us on.

#FUATT

#paladins

#marchmadness

#ncaa #basketball

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Still in the Game!

Annnd we’re BACK for season 15/16 of #AmericanNinjaWarrior! There are some new format changes for this upcoming season I’m anxious to learn more about. Stay tuned and follow my social media for updates!

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American Ninja Warrior Southeast Qualifying

Hey friends, the time is here! The southeast ninjas traveled to Tacoma, Washington back in April to film the qualifying rounds for this season of American Ninja Warrior, and our episode airs TONIGHT (Monday, June 21) at 9pm/8c on NBC. Tune in to see how we did!

I’m constantly amazed and grateful for the opportunity to compete and to be a part of this ninja community. If you’d like to get your kids or yourself involved in ninja obstacle training, simply search for a ninja gym in your community. There are so many gyms popping up around the country these days tailored to this kind of training, and it is hard to find a more positive and supportive group of people to be around. A good source to check out is https://www.ninjaguide.com/. Good luck!!

And if you’re in the upstate SC area, come visit us at MOTIVE School of Movement!
Bootie