* (Cover photo: 1959 FORD Thunderbird Convertible in Drive-in Cinema).
=> "Drive-in Cinema" resurfaces as an entertainment alternative in a pandemic time.
"THE VENTURES are considered the most influential, best-selling Instrumental Band in ROCK AND ROLL history.
Over 450 (LPs and CDs including compilations) Released Worldwide."

"THE VENTURES have written over 1000 tunes, and recorded over 3000 songs altogether! If they ever decide to play all of the songs that they've ever recorded, it would take almost 5 days - without a break - to play them all."

"While they predated the advent of the terms surf guitar and surf rock, and they do not consider themselves a surf music group, they were a major building block of instrumental guitar-driven music. "Guitar Player", in an article titled "20 Essential Rock Albums", cited elements of their 1960 "Walk, Don't Run - Album" (Dolton Records BLP-2003 (mono) / BST-8003 (stereo)) which presaged the coming surf trend."

"Most instrumental groups of the 1950s and '60s disappeared after one hit, but the longevity of The Ventures, the best-selling instrumental group of all time, demonstrated the enduring appeal of the genre as well as the band's skill in choosing recording material."

"It was the electric guitars that made the impression; that and the unique rhythmic pulse that Wilson and Bogle had developed in 1958 in Tacoma, Washington, when they tried to make up for the fact that they didn't know any drummers, let alone pianists or sax players. At the time, most record companies wouldn't look at you if you had neither.
- "I played a very percussive rhythm-guitar style", Wilson says: "And Bob used to play with the whammy bar, and once in a white instead of a note he'd hit a chord and give it a little vibrato".
But the most distinctive element of The Ventures sound was that damped, rapidly picked descending glissando, which Japanese call "deke-deke-deke"."

"Through the nuances and characteristics of "THE VENTURES STYLE" in the songs, we can distinguish the unique songs played by them.
This is the "VENTURIZED SOUND". Enjoy !"

Get Venturized !!!

The sound of this website will be better appreciated with High Fidelity Stereo Headphones.

"The Ventures: Stars On Guitars" (Promo)

- New promo video for “The Ventures: Stars on Guitars” documentary, out 12/08/2020 ����❣️ @Staci Layne Wilson
- Please share with anyone you know who loves music ��
https://youtu.be/CnyyFtLYdNI

Coming soon to VOD and DVD- The Ventures: Stars on Guitars!

"The Ventures are one of the most influential guitar-based bands of their era.” — Rolling Stone

The Ventures have been thrilling music lovers with songs like “Wipe Out,” “Walk Don’t Run,” and “Hawaii 5-0” for over half a century. Started by Don Wilson and Bob Bogle in 1959, the band went from humble beginnings in Tacoma, WA., to worldwide acclaim, culminating as inductees into the prestigious Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as the #1 Bestselling Instrumental Rock and Roll Group of all time.

Now, see the story of the world’s most famous instrumental rock and roll band from those who know them the best: movie stars like Billy Bob Thornton, music legends such as Jimmy Page (Led Zeppelin), Jeff “Skunk” Baxter (Steely Dan), The Surfragettes, Lalo Schifrin (Academy Award winning composer of The Mission Impossible theme), Randy Bachman (Bachman-Turner Overdrive), and John Fogerty (Creedence Clearwater Revival), and their family. Witness the rise and influence of the electric guitar, the history, and the relevance of the band in pop culture still today, while you rock out to the stellar soundtrack. @Vision Films

* Soundtrack: "Holy Surf!" (M.Trapp) - The Alien Mike E.T. (2020)

Saturday, October 12, 2019

R.I.P. Gerry (Jerry) McGee (October 12, 2019)


*Updated: November 29, 2019

GERALD JAMES MCGEE (November 17, 1937 - October 12, 2019)
Gerry (Jerry) McGee was lead guitarist for Kris Kristofferson from 1974 to 1978, and appeared along with him in the films "A Star Is Born" (1976) - The Speedway Band and "Heaven's Gate" (1980) - Heaven's Gate Band



ooo0O0ooo


* From "ImSean McGee" (Son of Gerry) facebook page:October 12, 2019 - 5:58
Link: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=520470928771281&set=a.519330895551951&type=3&theater

"Everyone, One of the hardest things I have ever written and it brings me great sadness to inform you that my Dad past away today around 4pm Japan time." 



oooO0Oooo
* From "The Ventures Movie" facebook page:
October 12, 2019 - 12:27
Link: https://www.facebook.com/TheVenturesMovie/photos/a.239340209903639/698900257280963/?type=3&theater

"Sadly, Gerry McGee has passed away. 
He left quite a legacy to the music world. 
According to the Rockabilly Hall of Fame: "Gerry recorded with The Hollywood Argyles of the song Alley Oop. 
In the 60's Gerry recorded and produced records with famous recording artists, such as Jerry Lee Lewis. 
He is the guitarist for the theme, Great Ball Of Fire. 
He has recorded for Sandy Nelson, Elvis Presley, John Mayhall, The Monkees, Delaney & Bonnie, Rita Coolidge, Booker T And The MG's, Nancy Sinatra, Kris Kristofferson, Patti Paige and Emmy Lou Harris. 
His music is deeply rooted in so-called Southern music, Cajun blues, Rockabilly and Zydeco. 
Gerry joined The Ventures in 1968 and recorded and toured with them for many years."


ooo0O0ooo

* From "Legends of Rock Guitar" facebook page:
October 12, 2019 - 13:45
Link: https://www.facebook.com/LegendsOfRockGuitar/photos/a.236270839851559/1830166753795285/?type=3&theater
A VENTURES HERO DIES WHILE PLAYING ONSTAGE

"Ventures lead guitarist Gerry McGee has died while on tour in Japan.
Gerry joined the Ventures in the late '60s when Nokie Edwards got off the road, and he played lead on their 1969 radio smash, "Hawaii Five-O."

A message on Gerry's facebook page said:
"Legendary guitarist, composer, actor and Louisiana native, Gerry McGee, died today. He was on tour in Japan with the Ventures and suffered a heart attack onstage, then went into a coma. He was gigantic talent and great friend."

A great Tele player, McGee has long been part of the Ventures lineup that toured Japan, while the late Edwards (who died 18 months ago) and then Bob Spalding have led the US road trips.

RIP to Mr. McGee, who was 81 years old.

 ooo0O0ooo
* From THE VENTURES Official Web Page:
October 14, 2019

"Gerry McGee passes away October 12, 2019"

"It is with extreme sadness that I write this post. I was advised by Gerry's family this morning that he had passed away early this morning, California time, at approximately 4 p.m. in Japan on October 12. Gerry was on tour in Japan so that he could re-connect with his friends and fans, as it had been two years since his last tour with The Ventures which, as we know, was cut short for health issues. Gerry had been very much looking forward to his return to Japan and, the last time I spoke with him, he was really happy to set off on this tour.
Unfortunately, during his performance earlier this week, he had an apparent heart attack and was taken to the hospital in Tokyo where he remained in a coma until today. I have been contacted this week by so many of his fans from all over the world, wishing him well and sending prayers for him and his family. Of course, all of us - the Ventures family, group members and friends - have been waiting and hoping that, by some miracle, he would recover but that was not to be.

Gerry was known to us all as a long-standing member of The Ventures: he joined the group in 1968 and was a very important part of the band during the time when they had so many hit songs in Japan. Gerry was co-writer on 3 of the biggest hits The Ventures had in the Japanese market: "Ame No Midosuji", "Kyoto No Koi" and "Kyoto Bojo" (also known as Strangers in Midosuji, Expo 70 / Kyoto Doll, Reflections in a Palace Lake), as well as many others. He also co-wrote/arranged several of the titles on the "Joy" album and continued writing for The Ventures until very recently - "Santa Cruz" is one of Don's favorites. Gerry toured with the group from 1968-1971, then rejoined the group in the latter part of the 1980s and remained actively performing and recording with The Ventures until two years ago.

Gerry's career was very wide-ranging and his skill and musicianship was appreciated by many world-famous musicians. He was on the early Monkees' recordings (before the group members became musicians themselves), he worked with Elvis, Delaney and Bonnie, Eric Clapton, John Mayall, Kris Kristofferson, John Fogerty and many others. He received accolades from members of The Beatles to Liberace. he appeared in movies too - including "A Star in Born" with Kris Kristofferson and Barbara Streisand. "...

ooo0O0ooo

THE VENTURES, "Hawaii Five-O" (1969 promo video)

 Gerry McGee 1937 - 2019
Rest In Peace, Gerry McGee
Song by Gerry McGee - "I'm Comming Home"
 
Gerry McGee Play "Rhythm of the Rain"

* "Rhythm of the Rain" - Played by The Ventures: Gerry McGee, Don Wilson, Bob Bogle and Leon Taylor - "Your Hit Parade 60's" album (2003) MYCV-30195

 2016 - The Ventures Summer Tour - Gerry McGee play "Classical Gas"


Gerry McGee Play "The House Of The Rising Sun" - The Ventures Summer live show 1997

Boyce & Hart - "I Wonder What She's Doing Tonight" - THP December 12, 1967.

"Stormy Monday" - Eric Clapton & Gerry McGee
Swing Auditorium, San Bernardino, California  (Aug 15, 1975)

Kris Kristofferson - "Watch closely now" (soundtrack - "A Star Is Born", 1976) The Speedway -  (Gerry (Jerry) McGee plays lead guitar)

Scenes from 1980's "Heaven's Gate" movie (Gerry McGee play Cajun Accordion)
"Roller Skate Dance - La Porte du Paradis"


"Heaven's Gate" (Michael Cimino, 1980) Ella's Waltz


"Sushi & Sauce Piquante" Trailer -
* Gerry McGee Documentary Film from Pat Mire Film

Amede' & Denus - Movie Trailer -
* Unfinished movie of Cajun Music Pioneers Amede Ardoin and Denus McGee (Gerry's father)


House Of The Rising Sun ("Rising Sun Blues") Music Video. Is sung by Gerry and Sean McGee.
Gerry (Dad) first recorded song in 1997 on his album "Born in Louisiana". Sean his son, re-recorded in 2013 along with brother Kane on the drums.
For ENTERTAINMENT ONLY.
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NAMM TEC Awards 2020 - Tribute to DON WILSON (January 18)


* Jeff Skunk Baxter (founding member of Steely Dan and played with the Doobie Brothers also Jimmy Hendrix), Steve Lukather (Toto) and Elliot Easton (The Cars), along with Larry Batiste and the 2Cold Chilibone TEC Band perform a medley of Ventures tunes as a tribute to Don Wilson as he receives NAMM's "Music for Life Award" at the 2020 NAMM Show in Anaheim, CA.

* Elliot Easton plays on a Lefty Mosrite Guitar and Steve Lukather and Jeff Baxter play on a Wilson Bros. Guitar "The Ventures Model". All with the finish in "Candy Apple Red". One of the beautiful colors appreciated by Don Wilson and The Ventures.
Don Wilson in 1963 used a Mosrite guitar all in this color while Nokie and Bob used their guitars in the Sunburst color.
* In the Tribute, a special message from the friend Billy Bob Thornton.

Nokie Edwards: The Ventures, Musical Inspirations, Guitars & More.

Musicians Hall of Fame & Museum (YouTube channel) Upload: June 14, 2020.
Backstage interview: January 23, 2005.

The Ventures: Stars on Guitars – Don Wilson, Deleted Scene 2018 Interview (1 of 2)

"Here is Don Wilson, from the documentary feature film The Ventures: Stars on Guitars, in a deleted scene talking about how much The Ventures love playing Fender guitars, as well as mentioning their 1996 Fender signature line. Shot by: Staci Layne Wilson"
Score/Composer: Michael Trapp (this song is called Holy Surf).
* Fender Guitar Japan - Special Limited Edition - The Ventures Model Signature Line (1996)

The Ventures: Stars on Guitars - Bill Ford Deleted Scene

"Here is Bill Ford, former road manager of The Ventures, talking about how he got this one-of-a-kind1962 “Franken-guitar” (Telecaster neck on a Jazzmaster body), which was Nokie’s lead guitar used to record Walk, Don’t Run Vol 2. This story did not make it into the film, but it’s quite interesting! Shot by: Staci Layne Wilson"

The Ventures: Stars on Guitars - 60th Anniversary Fan Shout-Outs from Around the World

The Ventures: Stars on Guitars is a feature documentary film on the #1 instrumental rock group in the world, The Ventures. This is the story of their rise to fame in the 1960s right up to now, as they celebrate their 60th anniversary of playing the best guitar-rock of all time. With over 35 interviewees in the film, we couldn’t possibly run all of their stories in their entirety—so here you will find some of our favorite extended clips (as well as B-roll and more fun stuff; please subscribe to keep up to date). The feature will be released sometime in 2020; watch our Facebook and Instagram (@theventuresmovie) for details. Director: Staci Layne Wilson—Producers: Don Wilson, Tim Wilson, Jill Fairbanks, Lisa S. Johnson, Michael Kaplan

NEW !!! - The Ventures: Stars on Guitars (2020) Official Movie Trailer

- A 2020 feature documentary film on the #1 instrumental rock group in the world, The Ventures.
- This is the story of their rise to fame in the 1960s right up to now, as they celebrate their 60th anniversary of playing the best guitar-rock of all time.
- Featuring: Billy Bob Thornton, Jimmy Page, Josie Cotton, and many more.
- Director: Staci Layne Wilson. Editor: Nina Helene Hirten.

- Music: "Surf's Up" by Michel Perillard (with drum roll from "Atlantic Surfer" by the 9th Wave).

The Ventures: Stars on Guitars - Unofficial Teaser Trailer

" A sneak-peek at the upcoming full-length documentary about the bestselling instrumental rock group in the world, The Ventures!
Directed by Staci Layne Wilson, produced by Don Wilson, Tim Wilson, Jill Fairbanks, and Lisa S. Johnson. "
* Ending theme song: The Ventures - "Ame no Kyoto" (Bob Spalding) from "Here We Go Again" CD album (2018).

This is Rock n Roll TV feat. Tribute to & The Ventures & The Movie 2020 & Songs like Wipe Out

"Sunday 8pm 3/1/2020Monday 12:30pm & Tuesday 5 am.
This is Rock n Roll TV A Tribute to The Ventures #1 instrumental group. We will be talking about The Ventures Movie 2020 produced by Staci Layne Wilson & Their Music on Fios 34 Optimum 68 or (outside the Bronx) go to Bronxnet.org hit WATCH & BROMNI 68/34 and enjoy. Songs like Wipe Out, Pipeline, Walk Don't Run and much more... w/ Host Dennis Dion Nardone. This is our50th episode w/ guests James Fracassi, Vic Sabatini & Al Belfiore Just Nuts Band. ENJOY"

"Surf's Up" - (Michel Perillard)(2010) / Surfer Plus Haut live version

"Holy Surf!" - (The Alien Mike E.T.) - "Stars On Guitars" Documentary Score


Get the music !
( >) hearnow - cdbaby - link : THE ALIEN MIKE E.T.
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This is an independent blog about The Ventures group and not linked to them.
From Fans to Fans.
The material in this blog has been researched and ordered didactically as support and entertainment for the instrumental rock appreciators without commercial purposes.
Some articles or opinions may have different interpretations. Because they are extracted from different sources and different times.
Some publications may change according to new data collected.
Praise and Tribute of The Ventures group.
The use of any copyrighted material is used under the guidelines of "fair use" in title 17 § 107 of The United States Code. Such material remains the copyright of the original holder and is used here for the purposes of education, information, comparison, and criticism only.
No infringement of copyright is intended.
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I am a lover of all good music. My father was a pianist and at home we had piano and mandolin. In the 60s to 70s, when I was a child, my father took me weekly to watch and listen to the Classic Music concerts of the Symphonic Orchestra of the Municipal Theater of São Paulo (Brazil). At that time, we could only enter the theater with sober and classic clothes and leather shoes. - "A song can simply be played on the notes. But the music played with different intensities in each part, transmits liveliness and feeling in the music. The same music is differentiated and appreciated by others."

Thanks For The Visit !

WELCOME !!!
This is a Informative blog by the Instrumental Rock group "THE VENTURES".
This blog was created because there was little information and text about The Ventures outside of Japan.
I hope to contribute a little to new discoveries.
Thanks for the visit !
RICARDO VENTURES

"Music is the link that unites the life of the spirit with the life of the senses.
The melody is the sensitive life of poetry."
(Ludwig van Beethoven)

Nikolas & Nina

A Bridge Called Love

It takes us back to brighter years,
to happier sunlit days,
and to precious moments
that will be with us always.

And these fond recollections
are treasured in the heart
to bring us always close to those
from whom we had to part.

There is a bridge of memories
from earth to Heaven above…
It keeps our dear ones near us
It’s the bridge that we call Love.

winter 2020 (south hemisphere)