Skip to content
Join our Newsletter

Ear Candy

With Gary Yoshida
gary-yoshida

Rob Funk’s trusty wingman, Still Smokin’s axeman, and W-B parts guy

My five favourite songs right now:

1. Blue Powder — Steve Vai

"I originally heard this on a sound page from Guitar Player magazine and I wore out the little flexible record you could play on your turntable. My introduction to Stevie Vai was indelibly stamped by his role as the devil's pawn in Crossroads (1986) with Ralph Macchio. To this day I still work out to Eugene's Bag of Tricks where Ralph and Steve dual their guitars to the death."

2. East Wes — Eric Johnson

"This song touches my soul with smooth octaves paying tribute to the late, great Wes Montgomery. There is so much air in this song every timbre and tone hangs out freely in the time and space of the music. Eric is the master of playing rhythm and lead lines at the same time."

3. Catherine — Don Ross

"I've been fortunate to meet Don a couple of times now. The first time was at A&B Sound's record warehouse. Don played for a dozen people in front of a shipping table. We all watched in awe with mouths open – such a personal and candid performance. Catherine was written for his aunt who was dying of cancer and the song is said to be the last piece of music she heard."

4. One Summer Night in Brazil — Rippingtons

"Russ Freeman is the man behind this band, composing and playing it all – bass, drums, keys, horns, guitar – just like Rob Funk! Fluid jazz songs that make your drive down Hwy 99 so sweet."

5. Crossroads Guitar Festival DVD — Eric Clapton

"Unbelievable is what this montage of six-string greats is. I'm blown away by the hidden/masked abilities of John Mayer, Dan Tyminski and Vince Gill. Any aspiring player should own a copy of this DVD."

Last words:

"Music is an amazing thing and learning an instrument is added intensity; the beauty of playing is when the music seems to flow outside of mind and body. Everyone should find that intimate relationship playing music. Pick something up, get lessons, take it back out of the case if it's in your closet or under the bed, go to an open mike, keep playing and learning if you're already involved. Props to all of you performing and supporting local music in the corridor!"