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The Hammond B-3 is an electronic organ first introduced by the Hammond Organ Company in 1954. It used mechanical rotating tonewheels coupled with electro-magnetic pickups to create its signature sound. It quickly became popular in jazz, blues, and gospel music, and was eventually adopted by many classic rock musicians in the 1960s and 1970s.

Its unique sound has contributed to some of the most iconic songs in rock history. Many notable rock musicians, including Jimmy Smith, Keith Emerson (Emerson, Lake & Palmer), Gregg Allman (The Allman Brothers Band), and Jon Lord (Deep Purple), have used the Hammond B-3 organ.

One of the most famous uses of the Hammond B-3 in classic rock is on the song "Whiter Shade of Pale" by Procol Harum. The song features a prominent organ riff that is instantly recognizable and has become one of the defining sounds of the era. The distinctive organ riff played by Al Kooper on Bob Dylan's "Like a Rolling Stone" is another memorable example.

One of the reasons why the B-3 organ is so popular in classic rock is its ability to produce a wide range of sounds. The organ has two keyboards, or manuals, and a set of pedals that are played with the feet. The B-3 has two sets of nine drawbars that allow the player to adjust the sound of the organ by controlling the levels of the different harmonics. This gives the player a lot of flexibility to create different sounds and textures.

In addition to its versatility, the B-3 organ is also known for its warm, full-bodied sound. The organ's rotating tonewheels produce a distinctive vibrato and chorus effect that gives the instrument a rich, lush sound that is perfect for rock music. When paired with a Leslie speaker cabinet, with its rotating speakers providing a variable tremolo effect, the B-3 produces the signature sound familiar to fans of classic rock.

In the 1970s, the Hammond Organ Company abandoned the use of tonewheels in favor of integrated circuits. These organs were less popular, and the company went out of business in 1985. The Hammond name was acquired in 1989 by the Suzuki Musical Instrument Corporation, which then manufactured digital simulations of the most popular tonewheel organs. This culminated in the "New B-3" in 2002, a recreation of the original B-3 sound using digital technology. Other companies such as Korg, Roland, and Clavia have been successful in producing more lightweight and portable emulations of the original tonewheel organs.

Classic Rock History: Landmark Albums: 

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"Machine Head" is the sixth studio album by British rock band Deep Purple, released March 25, 1972. The album was recorded at the Grand Hotel in Montreux, Switzerland, in December 1971, using the Rolling Stones Mobile Studio. The band intended to record the album at the Montreux Casino, but a fire broke out during a Frank Zappa concert, destroying the theatre and forcing Deep Purple to find another location. The experience inspired the song "Smoke on the Water," which recounts the events of the fire and the band's attempts to record the album.

"Machine Head" is widely regarded as one of Deep Purple's best albums and a classic of the hard rock genre. The album features some of the band's most well-known songs, including "Highway Star," "Smoke on the Water," and "Space Truckin'." "Highway Star" is an energetic track that features a blistering guitar solo by Ritchie Blackmore, while "Smoke on the Water" is known for its iconic riff and memorable lyrics about a real-life event.

In addition to its popular songs, "Machine Head" also showcases Deep Purple's instrumental prowess, with extended solos and jams throughout the album. The album's heavy sound and virtuosic performances helped define the hard rock and heavy metal genres in the 1970s.

Track by track (vinyl):

  1. "Highway Star":
    • Overview: "Highway Star" kicks off the album with a bang, featuring one of the most iconic guitar riffs in rock history. The song is a fast-paced hard rock anthem, showcasing Ritchie Blackmore's exceptional guitar skills and Jon Lord's powerful organ playing.
    • Highlights: The energetic guitar and keyboard solos are standout moments, and Ian Gillan's high-pitched vocals add to the song's intensity. The driving rhythm and dynamic shifts contribute to its enduring appeal.
  2. "Maybe I'm a Leo":
    • Overview: This track takes a somewhat different approach, slowing down the tempo compared to the opening track. It features a bluesy feel with soulful vocals from Ian Gillan and a prominent bass line from Roger Glover.
    • Highlights: The song's groove and Gillan's emotive singing are key highlights. It showcases Deep Purple's ability to seamlessly transition between hard rock and blues influences.
  3. "Pictures of Home":
    • Overview: "Pictures of Home" brings back the hard rock energy, with a distinctive riff and powerful vocals. The song's lyrics reflect on life on the road, capturing the band's experiences during their tours.
    • Highlights: The interplay between Blackmore's guitar and Lord's organ is exceptional. The instrumental section in the middle of the song allows each member to shine, showcasing their technical prowess.
  4. "Never Before":
    • Overview: This is one of the more radio-friendly tracks on the album, featuring a catchy chorus and a melodic guitar riff. It showcases a more straightforward rock sound compared to some of the other songs.
    • Highlights: The memorable chorus and the tight instrumentation make "Never Before" a standout track. It demonstrates the band's ability to craft accessible yet powerful rock songs.
  5. "Smoke on the Water":
    • Overview: Perhaps the most famous track from the album, "Smoke on the Water" tells the story of the band's experience with the Montreux fire. The instantly recognizable guitar riff has made it a classic in rock music.
    • Highlights: The simplicity and effectiveness of the riff, coupled with Gillan's storytelling vocals, are the song's highlights. It's one of those rare tracks that even non-rock fans can identify.
  6. "Lazy":
    • Overview: "Lazy" is a showcase for Jon Lord's incredible organ skills. The song starts with a bluesy, laid-back feel and gradually builds into a powerful, Hammond-driven instrumental section.
    • Highlights: Lord's extended keyboard solo is a central highlight, demonstrating his mastery of the instrument. The interplay between the band members creates a rich and dynamic listening experience.
  7. "Space Truckin'":
    • Overview: The album concludes with the epic "Space Truckin'," a space-themed hard rock track with a driving rhythm and futuristic lyrics. It's a fitting end to an album that has showcased Deep Purple's versatility.
    • Highlights: The song's energetic pace, the interwoven guitar and organ parts, and the cosmic atmosphere created by the lyrics make it a memorable closing track.

"Machine Head" as a whole is a masterclass in hard rock, showcasing the individual talents of each band member while also highlighting their exceptional chemistry as a group. The album's impact on the rock genre and its enduring popularity attest to its status as a classic.

The album was a commercial and critical success, reaching No. 1 in the UK and No. 7 in the US, and it has sold over 6 million copies worldwide. It has been praised for its innovative use of the Hammond organ, Ritchie Blackmore's guitar work, and Ian Gillan's powerful vocals. "Machine Head" has been cited as an influence by generations of rock musicians, and its songs are still played on radio stations and in concert venues around the world.

Trivia: "Machine Head" refers to the gear-driven tuning mechanism for a guitar string.

Deep Purple genealogy and discography
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Tools Of The Trade: 

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The Gibson Modernist Series is a group of electric guitars that were designed and released by Gibson in the late 1950s. Gibson president Ted McCarty led a team of designers to come up with guitars with futuristic appeal. The series consisted of three models: the Futura, the Flying V, and the Moderne.

Futura

The Gibson Futura, designed in 1958, had a a unique angular body shape with long, sharp horns. It was originally intended to be a futuristic-looking guitar that would appeal to young players. Only a handful of prototypes were allegedly made, and it was eventually rebranded, with some modification to the body proportions, and released as the Gibson Explorer. However, the Explorer was not well received at the time and only a small number were produced.

The Flying V, which was also introduced in 1958, has a distinct V-shaped body. The guitar was said to be inspired by the tailfins of 1950s automobiles. Like the Explorer, the Flying V did not sell well initially and fewer than 100 were made. Dealers who stocked them were seen using them as pointing arrow store window display props. It was reissued in the 1960s in a slightly different configuration, and has since become an iconic instrument, known for its distinctive look and powerful sound.

The Moderne was intended to be the third model in the series. However, the Moderne was never actually produced at the time and remained a mystery for many years. Perhaps the oddest shape of the three, the upper body was like half of a Flying V, with the lower half having a small horn and an atrophied tail. In the 1980s, Gibson finally released a limited run of Moderne guitars, but these were not true replicas of the original design. The original patent application shows the Moderne with the "Gumby" headstock seen here.

Explorer

The Explorer and Flying V have become iconic instruments in the world of rock music. They are often associated with heavy metal and hard rock, and have been used by many famous guitarists over the years, including Jimi Hendrix, The Edge of U2, and Kirk Hammett of Metallica. Both guitars are highly sought after by collectors and players alike, and original examples can command high prices on the vintage market.

In recent years, Gibson has released various reissues and custom shop versions of the Modernist Series guitars. Despite their initial lack of popularity, they have become an important part of Gibson's history and have influenced guitar design for decades.

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Classic Rock History: 

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Grunge is a genre of rock music that emerged in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States, primarily in Seattle, in the mid-1980s. Grunge music is characterized by its heavy, distorted guitar sound, often with a focus on rhythm rather than melody. The lyrics often deal with themes of social alienation, angst, and apathy.

The term "grunge" originally referred to the unkempt appearance of musicians associated with the genre, who often wore flannel shirts, ripped jeans, and combat boots. Grunge fuses elements of punk rock (specifically American hardcore punk such as Black Flag) and heavy metal (especially traditional, earlier heavy metal groups such as Black Sabbath).

Key bands associated with the grunge movement include:

  1. Nirvana: Nirvana is perhaps the most iconic grunge band, led by singer and guitarist Kurt Cobain. Their breakthrough album, "Nevermind" (1991), featuring hits like "Smells Like Teen Spirit," played a pivotal role in bringing grunge into the mainstream and is considered one of the greatest albums of all time.
  2. Pearl Jam: Formed in Seattle in 1990, Pearl Jam rose to fame with their debut album, "Ten" (1991). Led by Eddie Vedder, their music blended grunge with a more classic rock sound. Pearl Jam became one of the most enduring and commercially successful bands of the era.
  3. Soundgarden: Known for their heavy and intricate sound, Soundgarden was a key player in the early grunge scene. Their album "Superunknown" (1994) is often regarded as one of the defining works of the genre. Chris Cornell, the band's vocalist, had a significant impact on the grunge movement.
  4. Alice in Chains: Combining grunge with elements of metal, Alice in Chains achieved success with albums like "Facelift" (1990) and "Dirt" (1992). Their harmonized vocals between Layne Staley and Jerry Cantrell set them apart, contributing to the distinctive grunge sound.
  5. Stone Temple Pilots: Though sometimes associated more with the broader alternative rock scene, Stone Temple Pilots had a significant impact on the grunge movement with their debut album "Core" (1992). Hits like "Plush" and "Creep" helped establish them as major players in the early '90s rock scene.
  6. Mudhoney: As one of the earliest grunge bands, Mudhoney's raw and energetic sound influenced many of the later bands. Their debut album, "Superfuzz Bigmuff" (1988), is considered a classic of the genre.
  7. Temple of the Dog: A unique project, Temple of the Dog was a collaboration featuring members of Soundgarden and Pearl Jam. They released a self-titled album in 1991 as a tribute to Andrew Wood, the late lead singer of Mother Love Bone.

Grunge music gained national and international attention in the early 1990s, with the success of Nirvana's album "Nevermind" (1991) and its hit single "Smells Like Teen Spirit." The commercial success of these bands led to a wider interest in grunge music and the Pacific Northwest music scene in general.

The popularity of grunge music had a significant impact on popular culture, with many people adopting the grunge aesthetic and style of dress. However, as the genre gained more mainstream success, it also faced criticism and backlash for its perceived nihilistic and apathetic themes.

The popularity of grunge also had a significant impact on the recording industry and the hugely popular 1980s bands the industry all but abandoned in order to embrace the emerging new genre.

Despite its relatively short-lived mainstream popularity, grunge music continues to be influential in modern rock music, with many contemporary bands citing grunge as a major influence on their sound and style.

Classic Rock History: 

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The British Invasion was a musical phenomenon that occurred in the mid-1960s, when a wave of British rock bands achieved massive popularity in the United States and other countries around the world. The British Invasion marked a significant shift in popular music, as it introduced new styles and sounds that would have a lasting impact on the music industry.

The roots of the British Invasion can be traced back to the late 1950s and early 1960s, when a number of British skiffle and rock-and-roll bands emerged on the scene. These bands were heavily influenced by American blues and rock-and-roll music, and they often covered songs by American artists.

However, it wasn't until the early 1960s that British bands began to achieve significant success in the United States. The Beatles were at the forefront of this movement, with their appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show in February 1964 marking the beginning of the British Invasion. Other British bands, such as The Rolling Stones, The Who, and The Kinks, quickly followed suit, and soon a wave of British acts were dominating the American music charts.

The British Invasion was characterized by its emphasis on guitar-driven rock music, catchy melodies, and a rebellious attitude. Many of the songs featured lyrics about love, relationships, and social issues, and they often had a distinctive sound that was influenced by American rock and roll, as well as British folk and blues music.

The British Invasion had a significant impact on popular music, as it helped to usher in a new era of rock and roll. The influence of British bands can be heard in many different genres of music, from pop to punk, and their legacy continues to be felt to this day.

Classic Rock History: Tools Of The Trade: 

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The Fender Telecaster, also known as the "Tele", is a classic electric guitar that was first introduced by Fender in 1950. It is known for its simple yet versatile design, as well as its bright, twangy tone.

The Telecaster's design is characterized by its single-cutaway solid body, which is made of ash or alder wood, and its bolt-on maple neck with a maple or rosewood fretboard. The Telecaster has two single-coil pickups, known for their clear, bright sound, which is particularly well-suited to country and rock music.

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Classic Rock History: Tools Of The Trade: 

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The Gibson Les Paul Sunburst is a classic electric guitar that is considered by many to be one of the most iconic and sought-after guitars of all time. The original Les Paul model was first introduced by Gibson in 1952, and it quickly became popular among musicians for its thick, rich tone and its sustain.

The Sunburst finish, introduced in 1958, was a combination of a deep red color on the outside of the guitar, which gradually faded to a golden yellow in the center. This finish was achieved by spraying the guitar with different shades of nitrocellulose lacquer and then buffing it to a high gloss. With two humbucking pickups, an adjustable bridge and a stop tailpiece, the model was priced between the earlier Gold Top and Custom models, and was designated the Les Paul Standard.

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The Fender Twin Reverb is an iconic guitar amplifier that has been a staple of rock, country, and blues music for decades. The Twin Reverb was first introduced by Fender in 1963 as a high-powered, two-channel amplifier with a 2x12 speaker configuration.

The Twin Reverb's signature sound is characterized by its bright, clean tone and its ability to produce a high level of volume without distortion. This made it a popular choice for guitarists who wanted a clear, powerful sound that would cut through the mix in a live performance.

Over the years, the Twin Reverb has gone through a number of changes and variations. In the 1970s, Fender introduced a new version of the amp with a "silverface" cosmetic design, which included silver control panels and aluminum trim around the speakers. In the 1980s, Fender reissued the original "blackface" Twin Reverb design, which had a black control panel and gold trim around the speakers.

Today, the Fender Twin Reverb remains a popular choice for guitarists who value its clear, powerful sound and its versatility. It is used by a wide range of artists in many different genres, from Stevie Ray Vaughan and Eric Clapton to The Edge of U2 and John Mayer.

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From The Vault: 

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This one came up on the radar years ago in a magazine review which mentioned that if you liked Bad Company, you'd probably like The Joneses. For that reason, I took a chance and bought it. I'll say there are some things about them I almost like better than Bad Company, the guitar work being the most compelling. Don't get me wrong, Mick Ralphs' work defined the Bad Co. sound, but The Joneses' Billy Loosigian does some fine playing on this record, the lengthy outro solo on "Don't You Know" being a standout. It appears they only released this one album.

Tools Of The Trade: 

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The Fender Stratocaster, commonly referred to as the "Strat," is an iconic electric guitar model introduced by the Fender Musical Instruments Corporation in 1954. The Stratocaster was designed by Leo Fender, George Fullerton, and Freddie Tavares, and was intended to be an improvement on Fender's earlier Telecaster model.

The Stratocaster featured a distinctive double-cutaway body shape, with three single-coil pickups, a tremolo bridge, and a bolt-on neck. The new, "Original Contour Body" meant relief from angular body edges pressing into players' forearms and ribcages. The guitar is known for its bright, clear tone and versatile sound, which has made it a favorite among guitarists in a wide range of genres, from rock and blues to country and jazz.

Over the years, the Stratocaster has undergone a number of design changes and variations, including different pickup configurations, finishes, and neck shapes. Some of the most notable versions of the Stratocaster include the "Hendrix Strat," which was designed to replicate the guitar used by Jimi Hendrix, and the "Eric Clapton Strat," which features special pickups and electronics designed to replicate Clapton's signature sound.

The Stratocaster has been used by countless famous guitarists over the years, including Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, Buddy Holly, Stevie Ray Vaughan, David Gilmour, and many others. The guitar's versatility and distinctive sound have made it a favorite among players of all levels, from beginners to seasoned professionals.

Today, the Fender Stratocaster remains one of the most popular and iconic electric guitar models of all time, and it continues to be an essential tool for guitarists in a wide range of genres.

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