tag:brianwendtguitar.com,2005:/blogs/blog?p=3Blog2022-05-22T18:02:34-07:00Brian Wendt - Guitar Wizardfalsetag:brianwendtguitar.com,2005:Post/66936092021-07-20T18:29:47-07:002021-07-20T18:29:47-07:00First Gig in 18 months<p>It has been a tough 18 months for everyone but especially musicians. I just had my first gig at the City of Loveland Farmers Market at Railroad Park. </p>
<p>It was a great experience to perform again and I hope to be there again soon.</p>
<p> </p>Brian Wendt - Guitar Wizardtag:brianwendtguitar.com,2005:Post/61132412019-07-09T17:00:00-07:002022-05-22T18:02:34-07:00A Special Moment at the Greeley Farmers Market
<p>I was half way through my second set on Saturday at the Greeley Farmers Market and I had just started playing Classical Gas. A family walked by with 3 young children. The youngest child, who I am guessing was maybe 4 years old, broke free from her father and ran up to my Crate Street EX amplifier, which sits on the ground, and hugged the amplifier smiling a huge grin on her face. It was obvious that this young girl had serious vision issues (and possibly other issues) judging from the weirdness of her glasses. Her father quickly grabbed her off the speaker and mouthed "I'm sorry."</p>
<p></p>
<p>As the harried father pulled her away he was distracted by one of the other children and the young girl broke away from his grip. In the 30 seconds or so since the father had pulled the young girl off the speaker she must have realized I was making the music. She ran up to me, "strummed" the guitar strings with both hands and hugged the guitar. Once again the father pulled her away.</p>
<p></p>
<p>I am proud to say I kept playing Classical Gas the entire time in spite of how it may have sounded to the casual listener, I ended with a flourish. A younger, less experienced version of me may have been annoyed or even angry at the father for not keeping his child under control, but I have to admit I was amazed and awed by the amount of pure joy the child showed in reaction to my music.</p>
Brian Wendt - Guitar Wizardtag:brianwendtguitar.com,2005:Post/61132402018-12-31T16:00:00-08:002019-01-01T07:05:46-08:00Happy New Year 2019
<p>Happy New Year!</p>
<p>It's cold here in Colorado (11 degrees for a high today) but this year is starting off great. I have upcoming performances in January and more in the works for the rest of the year.</p>
<p>I am working on some more new pieces and hope to have them under my fingers soon.</p>
<p>The new sound system I recently purchased is drawing rave reviews for its clarity and its ability to project the sound with minimal volume, which is great because I don't like to perform at Rock and Roll volumes.</p>
<p>So check out the performances on my calendar page and I hope to see you soon.</p>
<p></p>
<p></p>
Brian Wendt - Guitar Wizardtag:brianwendtguitar.com,2005:Post/61132392018-09-04T17:00:00-07:002018-09-05T09:08:40-07:00Friday Night at Sweet Heart Winery
<p>This Friday, September 7th, give yourself a break and go to Sweet Heart Winery on Route 34 west of Loveland, to relax and taste some fine wines and listen to yours truly play solo guitar music from 6pm to 8pm. It's a great way to let the stress of everyday life disappear.</p>
<p></p>
<p>See you there!</p>
Brian Wendt - Guitar Wizardtag:brianwendtguitar.com,2005:Post/61132382018-03-14T17:00:00-07:002018-03-15T09:10:22-07:002018 Update
<p>They year is off to a good start. I had a great time performing at the Sweet Heart Winery in Loveland and the audience enjoyed the show while they tasted the various fine wines vented at the winery.</p>
<p> </p>
<p> I also had fun performing at the Loveland Museum for the opening of the Innate Confluences exhibit. This is an interactive art exhibit and is great fun. Be sure to check it out.</p>
<p></p>
<p>I am working on my summer performance schedule and I will be at many Farmers Markets in the Front Range area. Be sure to check my calendar to see when I will be at your favorite Farmers Market and I'll see you there. </p>
Brian Wendt - Guitar Wizardtag:brianwendtguitar.com,2005:Post/61132372017-04-28T17:00:00-07:002017-04-29T05:48:16-07:00Snowed Out!
<p> My 2017 Farmers Market World Tour was supposed to kick off this morning with a gig at the Drake Road Farmers Market. Unfortunately, Mother Nature had other ideas as the temperature dropped into the 20's and it snowed and snowed and snowed. The Farmers Market was cancelled, which is the first time I have heard of a market being cancelled due to winter weather. How very Coloradoan.</p>
<p></p>
<p> Next up is Sunday May 7th from 11am to 3 pm at the Harmony Farmers Market in Fort Collins. Come on out for great foods and vegies and some great guitar music provided by yours truly. I'll see you there.</p>
Brian Wendt - Guitar Wizardtag:brianwendtguitar.com,2005:Post/61132362017-03-20T17:00:00-07:002017-03-21T04:48:12-07:00Spring 2017 is here!
<p> We are having an early spring here in Colorado, and I have come out of hibernation. I spent the winter working on new material, both original pieces and cover tunes. I also assembled a collection of music composed by other solo guitarists. I look forward to playing this new music for you soon.</p>
Brian Wendt - Guitar Wizardtag:brianwendtguitar.com,2005:Post/61132352016-07-14T17:00:00-07:002021-12-26T08:41:41-08:002016 Farmers Market World Tour Continues
<p>Brian's 2016 Farmers Market World Tour continues at the Larimer County Farmers market held on Oak Street In downtown Ft. Collins. See calendar for more details.</p>
<p></p>
<p>Last week I spent a beautiful Sunday morning at the Loveland Farmers Market. The weather was perfect as were the fruits, vegies, meats and other products that the vendors had for sale. </p>
<p></p>
<p>I hope to see you Saturday at the Larimer County Farmers Market.</p>
Brian Wendt - Guitar Wizardtag:brianwendtguitar.com,2005:Post/61132342016-06-05T17:00:00-07:002016-06-06T05:48:24-07:00Summer with 6 strings
<p> It's that wonderful warm time of the year when it's great to be outdoors and it's great to play guitar outdoors. I just finished practicing guitar on my front porch while occasionally glancing up to catch a glimpse of Long's Peak and the other 14ers I can see. It is very inspiring. I wonder if I could see my house from Long's Peak. I think I would need a great pair of binoculars to see that far and a house this small.</p>
<p></p>
<p> I'm working on learning more solo guitar instrumentals by guitarists such as Will Ackerman and Jorma Kaukonen. At some point I hope to phase out the pop songs and just play my original guitar pieces and guitar solos by other guitarists. The acoustic guitar is a wonderful and versatile instrument. It has its own voice and doesn't really need to be just an accompaniment for a vocalist. Especially a voice like mine. I'll leave singing to the people on The Voice.</p>
<p></p>
<p> I have some Farmer's Market gigs lined up so check out the Calendar Page for the details and listen to some great guitar playing while you shop for your fresh vegies. See you there.</p>
Brian Wendt - Guitar Wizardtag:brianwendtguitar.com,2005:Post/61132332016-01-26T16:00:00-08:002016-01-27T03:14:56-08:00It's Been A While
<p>Hello again. It's been a long time since I've posted any blogs. A lot longer than I thought.</p>
<p>Much has happened in the guitar world. Not so much in my life though. I am continuing to learn new music and trying to figure out my sweet spot in the musical world. I have had the opportunity to listen to a few of my idea tapes from decades past and was surprised to hear how my musical pieces have developed over time, and even found some old original compositions that I had totally forgotten. I have relearned them. It wasn't hard. Apparently my muscle memory has survived the years. I have reworked a few pieces, making them better and more enjoyable. I look forward to performing them in the future.</p>
<p>I still haven't figured out whether or not to release a new CD or if downloads are the way to go. If you have any feelings in the CD vs. download issues let me know. I don't know if many people buy CDs anymore so that is cost efficient to produce them.</p>
<p>On a sad note, my guitar friend, Pete Huttlinger, passed away recently. He was best known for being John Denver's lead guitarist, but he was a terrific player and performer and a great arraigner of songs for instrumental guitar. Check out his versions of Steely Dan's "Josie" and Stevie Wonder's "Superstition." Simply amazing playing.</p>
<p>Watch my upcoming events page for more performances and I see you there.</p>
<p> </p>
Brian Wendt - Guitar Wizardtag:brianwendtguitar.com,2005:Post/61132322015-08-03T17:00:00-07:002022-05-22T18:00:59-07:00Do We Know How To Listen Anymore?
<p>The arrival of the technology of the 21st Century has brought some casualties. The biggest loss is that we no longer know how to listen anymore. We cannot focus on just sound, in particular music without a visual prompt. When was the last time you sat down, closed you eyes and just listened to a piece of music? We are so trained in the art of multitasking that we get all nervous and edgy with just aural stimulation. We eat to music, work to music, drive to music but we never listen to music by itself.</p>
<p>Pop music is now just a soundtrack to a video or a performer "owning the stage." And music has suffered because of this. It's all about rhythm and repetition, not about a melody and lyrics merged together to create a better experience.</p>
<p>Even Classical music performances are including big screen videos so people have something to look at. I was stunned that at a Colorado Symphony Orchestra of 2 symphonies, one by Beethoven and one by Stravinsky (if I remember correctly), that it included a big screen visual that showed the photography of a Colorado artist. These are major classical works being relegated to second fiddle by visual art.</p>
<p>I will admit that I am as guilty as anyone else of multitasking but now I challenge myself to just sit and listen without any visual prompts to get the true musical experience. I hope you will also take some time to do this.</p>
Brian Wendt - Guitar Wizardtag:brianwendtguitar.com,2005:Post/61132312015-06-28T17:00:00-07:002015-06-29T07:48:12-07:00Had a great time
<p>This past Saturday I played at the Larimer County Farmers Market in Fort Collins. It was a fun time for everyone. The customers and vendors had great things to say about my performance and we bought lots of vegies, meats and plants and a bottle of wine.</p>
<p>July 12 I will be at the Loveland Farmers Market at Old Fairgrounds Park on Railroad Ave. I hope you can make it.</p>
Brian Wendt - Guitar Wizardtag:brianwendtguitar.com,2005:Post/61132302015-05-09T17:00:00-07:002015-05-10T07:41:44-07:00Listening To Me Play Guitar
<p>I sheepishly admit that I have not listened to my CD "One Man, One Guitar" in several years. I still perform the music on it, so that is my excuse for why I haven't slipped it into my CD player. </p>
<p>When I was at a friends birthday party last night, the host made an announcement about the his appreciation for the music he was putting on his CD player and I recognized from the first few notes that it was my CD my first thought was "Uh-oh!"</p>
<p>But I didn't run for the door. I sat and listened. Soon several of the guests were very forthcoming with their praise for my CD. By the time the CD ended I admitted to myself the CD was very good. Especially since it was recorded with absolutely no overdubs. The sound was of high quality also. I came away from the party inspired about my playing and my music.</p>
<p>So if you are looking for a CD that provides a good listening experience check out my CD at CDbaby.com or Amazon or BN.com or iTunes. I wholehearted recommend it.</p>
Brian Wendt - Guitar Wizardtag:brianwendtguitar.com,2005:Post/61132292015-03-27T17:00:00-07:002015-03-28T02:54:02-07:00Spring Is Here, Hibernation Is Over
<p>This was an interesting winter that hopefully is nearly over. It was either near ZERO degrees, snowy and miserable or SIXTY degrees and unnaturally warm. I spent much time thinking about the music I wanted to perform and how to go about giving the best performance of that material. I also had the 5 week flu even though I had a flu shot. I stayed home as much as possible because I didn't want others to go through this misery.</p>
<p>I've reworked many of my earlier guitar compositions making them even better and I look forward to performing them for you.</p>
<p>Watch my calendar for upcoming concerts.</p>
<p> </p>
Brian Wendt - Guitar Wizardtag:brianwendtguitar.com,2005:Post/61132282014-11-11T16:00:00-08:002014-11-12T01:53:55-08:00Winter Arrives
<p>Winter has arrived with a blast of frigid air. I say brrr. We had a beautiful unseasonably warm autumn and now it is 2 degrees below 0 F.</p>
<p>I have retired from my corporate retail job and I have spent the last 3 months getting my life in order. I have gone through the garage attic and the basement storage rooms assembling items to donate or sell, finding all kinds of stuff I didn't know existed. I also began a get myself into shape program. I worked my way up to "running" 5 miles every other day and I have lost 15 pounds in the process, however, it is hard to run outside when it is below freezing so we will see how much I can keep off.</p>
<p>I've also spent time thinking about my music and guitar compositions and the musical direction I want to go in the future. So check in for future updates.</p>
<p> </p>
Brian Wendt - Guitar Wizardtag:brianwendtguitar.com,2005:Post/61132272014-09-17T17:00:00-07:002014-09-18T02:38:45-07:00Brian's Compositions on YOUTUBE!
<p>There are now 2 of my compositions on YOUTUBE performed by guitarist Jorge Torres. Associate Professor of Music at Lafayette College in Easton, Pennsylvania. </p>
<p>As soon as I figure out how to get to add a direct link to the website I will, but until the you can go to YOUTUBE.com and view them by typing the composition's title in Search. The title's are:</p>
<p>The Wish For Water</p>
<p>The View From Mt Pinos.</p>
<p>I very much enjoy his performance and interpretation of the pieces.</p>
<p>Check them out.</p>
<p> </p>
Brian Wendt - Guitar Wizardtag:brianwendtguitar.com,2005:Post/61132262014-07-25T17:00:00-07:002014-07-25T23:45:04-07:00Fun In The Sun
<p>This past Saturday morning I performed at the Windsor Farmers Market. It was great to be playing outdoors in the cool morning air while people shopped for fresh vegies, fruits, breads and other items. I used a newly acquired battery operated amplifier that was very small and light but delivered a crisp, clean acoustic guitar sound with enough volume for an outdoor show. Sometimes technology is amazing. I still prefer the sound of an unamplified guitar, but for some gigs an amplifier is necessary.</p>
<p>Many people stopped and listened, asking for requests and complimenting me on my playing.</p>
<p>I will return to the Windsor Farmers Market, Saturday August 16th starting at 9:00 am. Come out and get fresh organic food and other items and enjoy some great guitar music. I hope to see you there.</p>
<p> </p>
Brian Wendt - Guitar Wizardtag:brianwendtguitar.com,2005:Post/61132252014-07-07T17:00:00-07:002020-10-09T07:17:08-07:00Big Changes
<p> Life is filled with changes, some good, some bad. But these new changes are all good. I have retired from my day job as a head cashier at a major chain bookstore and now I can totally concentrate on my guitar career, performing concerts, giving lessons and finally completing my CD project that has been ever so slowly progressing while I was working fulltime.</p>
<p> I must admit my attitude has improved immensely. I wake up in the morning and I can't wait to pick up the guitar and play. I am working on a Bruce Springsteen song, trying to arrange it for solo guitar but as with many stadium rock anthems it has a chorus and the verses are more shouted than sung to a melody. I am also working more on my own compositions that usually have a melody :-)</p>
<p> Concerning CD's and the distribution of recorded music, I am open to any feedback on how to make my recorded guitar music available to everyone. Does anyone still buy CD's or is it all online song by song sales for I-pod type devices? I still sell a few CDs at my performances but I notice that big name solo guitar performers are not releasing any new records, CDs or anything like that. In fact, Leo Kottke and others seem to be using YouTube as their recording platforms. I would like to hear your opinions about this.</p>
<p> I will be performing for the public at the Windsor Farmers Market here in Colorado in July and August. Check my calendar for dates and times. I hope to see you there.</p>
<p> </p>
Brian Wendt - Guitar Wizardtag:brianwendtguitar.com,2005:Post/61132242014-05-23T17:00:00-07:002014-05-24T01:56:54-07:00What are all these private events?
<p>This year I am getting asked to perform at many private events. You may be wondering what these events are. I can't tell you the particulars because they are not open to the general public due to the purpose of the event. However, I can tell you that I am usually supplying background music to a networking event or a private social event.</p>
<p>I don't mind performing as background music because I meet many great people this way and they become fans and give me ideas where to perform in a concert venue I may not have heard about. They also suggest many fine tunes I should learn or tell me of other guitarists that I have not heard of before.</p>
<p>I perform cover tunes that suit the event as well as many of my original solo guitar pieces and I always have business cards available as well as CD's for purchase. </p>
<p>These events are fun, even when it's a serious event, and I enjoy them and these events benefit my career as a guitarist.</p>
<p>I thought you might be interested after looking at my concert calendar.</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
Brian Wendt - Guitar Wizardtag:brianwendtguitar.com,2005:Post/61132232014-04-11T17:00:00-07:002014-04-12T08:56:53-07:00A Great Time
<p>I'd like to thank the Loveland Chamber of Commerce and the Loveland Embassy Suites for having me perform for their "Chamber After Hours" event. I had a great time and received numerous compliments on my guitar playing and my guitar compositions. The event was very well attended and a good time was had by all including the guitarist. I hope to do it again sometime soon.</p>
Brian Wendt - Guitar Wizardtag:brianwendtguitar.com,2005:Post/61132222014-03-19T17:00:00-07:002014-03-20T01:47:27-07:00Ahh...Springtime
<p>It is the wonderful time of the year again. This old bear has come out of hibernation and I am lining up some great shows for the upcoming months. This past winter was more difficult than most because I caught the never ending flu or gunk or what ever it was, but now I am healthy and ready to go out and perform.</p>
<p>Watch for upcoming performances in the calendar section!</p>
<p> </p>
Brian Wendt - Guitar Wizardtag:brianwendtguitar.com,2005:Post/61132212014-01-08T16:00:00-08:002014-01-09T02:16:40-08:00Happy New Year
<p>Another New Year has begun and as always I have many resolutions. Besides the usual lose weight and get in shape so I can run a mile as fast as I did when I was 20 (probably just a dream) I resolve to learn 6 great new solo guitar instrumentals this year. They are:</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">The Tempest by Doug Smith</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Andecy by Andrew York</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Turning Turning Back by Alex Degrassi</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Freewayman by Pat Donohue</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Cobalt Blue and The White Pass Trail by Laurence Juber</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">I really love listening to these pieces and I have a great desire to be able to play them. Some of them are in tunings I haven't used before so this will be an big learning experience. I will most likely learn all of these pieces before I match my mile time from when I was 20. But there is always hope.</p>
Brian Wendt - Guitar Wizardtag:brianwendtguitar.com,2005:Post/61132202013-11-09T16:00:00-08:002013-11-10T05:19:37-08:00More Fun At Loveland Aleworks
<p>We had another great evening at the Loveland Aleworks this past Friday night. It was Night On The Town here in Loveland and the place was jumping. I saw many old friends and made some new friends as I played my solo guitar music through the night. </p>
<p>The Ale is so good there, in fact as I type this Sunday afternoon (WHAT? YOU'RE NOT WATCHING THE BRONCOS?) I am enjoying a glass of the fabulous Stout they brew there. It is a fine ale for a mid-autumn afternoon.</p>
<p>I'll be performing there again soon so check out my calendar for that and future performances.</p>
Brian Wendt - Guitar Wizardtag:brianwendtguitar.com,2005:Post/61132192013-10-31T17:00:00-07:002021-12-26T08:40:26-08:00Writing About Music
<p>How to write about music. Especially instrumental music. This dilemma has befuddled me for quite sometime. </p>
<p>I often perform in quiet but background situations and I get to observe peoples reactions to my music as they converse, drink or eat. One peculiar observation is that if I play only instrumental music, that is music composed without any lyrics, for a time and then switch to an instrumental version of a song, I can almost see people brains twisting in the heads as the brain switches from it's non-verbal side to it's verbal side. The real problem for me as a performer is that most people are far more comfortable with the verbal side of their brain than the non-verbal side. Once they get to the verbal side they don't want to leave. This has led me as a performer to drop all my arrangements of songs and concentrate on strictly instrumental music in my performances. (Perhaps I am more comfortable in my non-verbal side of my brain.) People want me to play familiar music when they ask for requests, which usually means a song, not an instrumental tune. So I guess I am becoming an ambassador for the joys of instrumental music and residing in the non-verbal part of the brain.</p>
<p>Which leads me to the original question. How to write about instrumental music? How to express verbally what is non-verbal?</p>
<p>When music reviewer write about CDs they write about the song lyrics, or they compare it to another performance by the same or a different musician. they rarely mention anything about their emotional response or the musical structure other than the rhythm or speed of the music. </p>
<p>I could write about the technique used by the musician in the performance or the musical structure of the piece but that does not convey the emotion that is ultimately what the brain reacts to with music. Does instrumental music elicit a purely emotional response? It certainly seems that way to me as I listen to music and watch the audience as I perform.</p>
<p>So how do I write about emotional responses? I'm still working on that part.</p>
<p>In the meantime, I'll be performing instrumental solo guitar music at Loveland Aleworks this Friday night November 8th at 7:30pm and I promise not to twist your brain from one side to the other. I'll let the Stout do that.</p>
Brian Wendt - Guitar Wizardtag:brianwendtguitar.com,2005:Post/61132182013-10-08T17:00:00-07:002013-10-09T02:07:23-07:00Great Time At Loveland Aleworks
<p>I had a great time playing guitar for the people that stopped in at Loveland Aleworks Tuesday night. The stools were occupied most of the evening and every one had a good time. The Ale pourers said at the end of the night, "We were rockin' !!"</p>
<p>Check the calendar for the next time I play there as well as other upcoming performances.</p>
Brian Wendt - Guitar Wizardtag:brianwendtguitar.com,2005:Post/61132172013-09-25T17:00:00-07:002013-09-26T02:05:08-07:00Autumn In Colorado
<p>The leaves are starting to change color, there is a nip in the morning air and my cats are curling up under the blankets at night to keep warm. It's a wonderful time of the year and there is snow on the mountains that glistens in the sunlight.</p>
<p>I've got some great gigs coming up, so check out the upcoming gig schedule and I hope to see you soon.</p>
Brian Wendt - Guitar Wizardtag:brianwendtguitar.com,2005:Post/61132162013-09-17T17:00:00-07:002013-09-18T03:48:06-07:00After The Flood Report
<p>It rained and rained and rained starting last Tuesday night and the Big Thompson River spilled over its banks Thursday night and it kept raining. Luckily I live over a mile from the river and I can report no flooding and no leaking in my house. Many people in Colorado were not so lucky as the waters flooded houses and took out bridges and roads. The news says 15,000 houses damaged and destroyed and many families now are homeless. Please, if you can please contribute to the Red Cross as they have been very helpful here and their supplies have been depleted.</p>
<p>My performance for the Larimer County Humane Society was cancelled due to the flooding and Loveland was split in half by the Big Thompson River flooding over all the bridges including Interstate 25.</p>
<p>The sun is out now and the river has mostly receded back into its normal riverbed. My lawn is this incredible shade of bright green from all the rain that fell. We are all hopeful that life will return to normal soon and that this flood turns out to be a hundred year flood like the media claim and not a 30 year event.</p>
Brian Wendt - Guitar Wizardtag:brianwendtguitar.com,2005:Post/61132152013-08-18T17:00:00-07:002013-08-19T09:07:16-07:00Another Evening of Fine Ale and Guitar
<p>Last Saturday I had a great time performing at the Loveland Aleworks. A crowd gathered early, probably half of them to watch the Broncos-Seattle game, but the Broncos bowed out quickly (are they taking lessons from the Rockies?), and many of them stayed around to listen to me perform. I did my own instrumental compositions, told some stories about the music, played some jazz instrumentals and I sang a quite a few old blues tunes. We all had a great time and thank you to all of you who stopped by and said nice words about my performance. Watch my calendar for the next time I perform there.</p>
Brian Wendt - Guitar Wizardtag:brianwendtguitar.com,2005:Post/61132142013-07-26T17:00:00-07:002013-07-27T03:27:15-07:00Notes For One Man One Guitar - TEST PATTERNS
<p>This is the first of the notes for the original compositions on my CD, "One Man, One Guitar"</p>
<p>I chose Test Patterns first because it was the first instrumental I composed that I actually felt worked as a composition. Before Test Patterns I dabbled in song writing creating mostly boring songs with lyrics that were either morbid or trite, typical teenage longings and ranting. I actually performed these songs at open mikes and the few coffeehouse performances I booked for myself. Oh, the horror!</p>
<p>About this time I discovered Kicking Mule Records and their various fellow record labels that released albums of fingerstyle guitarists of the time or rereleased blues recordings from the 30's and 40's along with some tablature of the music. I found I really enjoyed the music the guitarists were doing, both past and present and I immersed myself in learning how to fingerpick during my spare time. I also bought every solo blues or solo instrumental guitar album I could find and listened to them over and over and over. </p>
<p>I thought if I could play Anji like Paul Simon, The Fisherman like Leo Kottke and Ditty wah Ditty like Blind Blake my life would be complete. So I studied the recordings and the tablature when it was available, or wrote out my own. I also began to have musical ideas of my own and began to archive my ideas on reel to reel tape and later cassette tape. (I still have these tapes but I am not sure I want to listen to them anytime soon.) At some point some of my musical ideas morphed into Test Patterns. I knew I was on my way when I played it for some friends and they said, "Wow, you can really play guitar."</p>
<p>That put me on a life long quest of learning, composing and performing.</p>
<p>The name Test Patterns came from the TV screen that was on all the local stations when they ceased broadcasting around midnight or so. This was before cable TV. It also was a play on words because the piece was a test of my composing knowledge and playing ability at the time and it is basically a series of pattern variations.</p>
<p>I teach Test Patterns to many of my students because it is a fun piece to play. For me it remains a great warm up piece to play when I go on stage without time or a place to warm up.</p>
<p>The tablature for Test Patterns is available. If you are interested please send an email to <a href="mailto:brianwendt@aol.com" data-imported="1">brianwendt@aol.com</a>. Also please sign up on my email list for info on future concerts and my soon to be released CD. </p>
<p> </p>
Brian Wendt - Guitar Wizardtag:brianwendtguitar.com,2005:Post/61132132013-07-25T17:00:00-07:002013-07-26T04:52:35-07:00I'm Back And It's A Good Thing
<p>An odd thing happened several months ago. My index fingers started to not straighten out. It didn't affect my guitar playing but it scared me. My doctor said it could be many things and suggested to take a break from playing as it could be tendonitis or arthritis or something else. So I took some time off and nothing really changed. So it probably is not tendonitis. </p>
<p>I really missed playing and now I am trying an herbal ointment that may or may not work. It was highly recommended by someone who had the same ailment. I am also back to practicing, recording my latest CD and looking for performance opportunities. </p>
<p>Please contact me if you are interested in having me perform and watch for my new CD which will be available before the Holidays.</p>
<p> </p>
Brian Wendt - Guitar Wizardtag:brianwendtguitar.com,2005:Post/61132122013-04-29T17:00:00-07:002022-05-21T10:16:39-07:00Review - ArtWorks, Loveland, CO April 25, 2013
<p>I had a great time performing at ArtWorks Loveland. The occassion was for the opening of a new show by photographer, Robert Campagna and sculptor, Dee Clements.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/393631/f4b55f09f54d5368e679578b5b9234e49ffa356a/original/brian-wendt-at-loveland-artworks-4-25-2013-1.png/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6Mjk4eDIxMSJd.png" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="211" style="vertical-align: top;" width="298" /></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"> photo by Devani Ruff</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">The artwork by both of these talented artists was amazing and very inspiring. I greatly enjoyed their brief comments about the particular pieces that were on display and I enjoyed meeting and talking with these gentlemen.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Many thanks to Judy O'Gorman for hiring me to perform for the Opening and thanks to Devani Ruff for the photographs ofd the event.</p>
Brian Wendt - Guitar Wizardtag:brianwendtguitar.com,2005:Post/61132112013-02-03T16:00:00-08:002013-02-04T02:34:57-08:00Tommy Emmanuel In FC
<p>I attended The Tommy Emmanuel show last Sunday. It wasn't Heavy Metal loud like some of his shows and I liked that a immensely.</p>
<p>He played many new tunes for the first part of the show which was great. He did however go into a few very extended single note improv sections which were technically impressive but a bit boring. In fact as I wandered about the lobby during intermission, I heard the comment,"It was a real shred fest." And it was said in an unfavorable manner.</p>
<p>Tommy did a Merle medley and sang other songs as well and I admit I go to see him play guitar not sing so that was a bit disappointing. His intros to songs were great as well as his "guitar lesson".</p>
<p>In conclusion, I must mention that when I left I had Classical Gas and one of the songs he sang running through my head which surprised me because Tommy is a great guitar composer besides being a great guitarist and I would really rather see him play just his own material, which is very good, rather than cover tunes.</p>
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Brian Wendt - Guitar Wizardtag:brianwendtguitar.com,2005:Post/61132102012-12-16T16:00:00-08:002012-12-17T06:30:45-08:00The Year In Review
<p> It has been another good year for this guitarist. Although I did not finish my latest CD in time for the holidays, I have taken the time to make it especially good. At least in my opinion.</p>
<p> I had many fine performances and gigs. I especially enjoyed playing for the Birds In Art opening at the Loveand Museum in Loveland, Colorado and a great event at the Larimer Humane Society in Fort Collins.</p>
<p> I am looking forward to may fine performances in 2013 and I wish you the best for the coming year.</p>
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Brian Wendt - Guitar Wizardtag:brianwendtguitar.com,2005:Post/61132072012-01-31T16:00:00-08:002012-02-01T01:47:18-08:00Blood On The Guitar
<p>I was performing Sunday morning at Sofia's Bistro as I do every Sunday and everything was fine. I did have a paper cut on my thumb from a book's dust jacket but I practiced the night before and there were no problems. I played the first hour long set of my original instrumental guitar music and I noticed during my break that my thumb skin was starting to peel on the paper cut. It didn't hurt so I wasn't concerned as I went to play the second set.</p>
<p>I played with no problems until half way throught the second set I noticed my thumb felt like it was sticking to the strings. I looked down at my guitar and it had speckles of blood on the front. Then I looked at my thumb. Yuck. I won't go into details but it wasn't pretty. Needless to say I called it a day. It didn't hurt until I was home which may have been shock or just mentally blocking out the pain.</p>
<p> I couldn't play a gig for 2 weeks but I am fine now. It's the first time I never finished a gig. I hope something like that never happens again.</p>
Brian Wendt - Guitar Wizardtag:brianwendtguitar.com,2005:Post/61132062011-10-27T17:00:00-07:002011-10-28T09:13:33-07:00Welcome to my website!
<p><strong>Blogs not blahgs!</strong></p>
<p>Here I go exiting the stone age and joining the computer age. It's been quite a learning curve to climb and I'm still not anywhere the top yet. I still have to add music, reviews, and more interesting (I hope) blogs. Blogs not blahgs is my motto. </p>
<p>I really love the guitar and the many styles of music that can be played on it and I hope to add reviews of other guitarist's cds as well. For now I reccommend the 6 cds in my car's changer. </p>
<p>Pierre Bensusan - Intuite </p>
<p>Pat Donahue - Radio Blues</p>
<p>Mary Flower - Instrumental Breakdown</p>
<p>David Russell - Spanish Legends</p>
<p>Allen Toussant - The Bright Mississippi</p>
<p>Herbie Mann - Memphis Underground</p>
<p>The last 2 cds are not solo guitar cds but great instrumental cds none the less. The last is one of my favorites from my teen years. I still groove on it now. Check out any of these cds.<br></p>
Brian Wendt - Guitar Wizard