A seminar this weekend by one of the continent鈥檚 most respected Warr Guitar players will show how to apply the distinctive string-tapping technique to guitars and bass guitars.
Paul Edwards, famed for his work with the progressive-rock band Kittyhawk and for nearly four decades of playing and composing on Chapman Stick and Warr Guitar, will host the workshop, beginning at 3 p.m. this Saturday at Studio Live in Cumberland. Guitarists and bass players of all ages and ability levels are welcome to attend.
The teaching time will follow Edwards鈥� performance Friday night at Joe鈥檚 Garage, at the foot of Fifth Street in Courtenay. Chapman Stick player Oscar Robles will also be performing at the concert along with special guests Roger Baird, Tony Morrison and Britt Bowman of the Fractal Quartet in varied and colourful collaborations with the Stick.
鈥淭apping my electric guitar was how I started, long before I ever tried a Chapman Stick,鈥� says Robles. 鈥淚t鈥檚 a really fun technique that expands the horizons for guitar and bass players. Check out bass legends Victor Wooten or Michael Manring to see what I鈥檓 talking about.
鈥淭he cool thing is that players who are beginning or advanced their musical development can quickly learn to tap their instrument with a bit of instruction followed with dedicated practice.鈥�
Although now concentrating on his solo musical journey, Edwards said another CD with Kittyhawk is also in the works.
The band, which he co-founded in the late 1970s with fellow Stick player Daniel Bortz, was named for his great-great uncles, Wilbur and Orville Wright, credited for making the first human flight at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina.
鈥淣either of them had any kids, so I am their closest relative in my generation,鈥� Edwards said. 鈥淲hen we were choosing the name, the idea was to suggest 鈥榠nnovation鈥� and 鈥榯aking to the air.鈥� It spoke of the music we were creating.鈥�
Cost of the seminar is $10. Studio Live is in a former school building at 2679 Beaufort Ave. in Cumberland, across First Street from Cumberland United Church.
For more information on the seminar, call 250-339-2279.
