Reunion Blues Backstage Banter

The Reunion Blues Blog

Jamming with Holograms

The Band
The Band
With the rapid thrust of technology affecting our daily lives, I’m waiting for an application that allows you to fill a room with holograms from a video of your favorite band in concert. I’m not talking about 3D pictures on a screen, but holograms of actual concert footage…real 3D in a room. Is this possible? I’m assuming it will happen at some point, hopefully in my lifetime.

For instance, how about The Beatles playing on top of Apple Studios in 1969, or The Band’s Last Waltz at Winterland Theatre? I want to pick up my guitar and jam alongside of John Lennon or Robbie Robertson and Levon Helm. I mean stand right beside them, or behind them, or in front of them (or their hologram image). Use computer imagery to add those extra dimensions. Talk about being in the moment, being in the zone. That would get me there! How about the Rolling Stones at Altamont? Not only could you jam with Mick and Keith, you could feel their fear as Hells Angels roamed the stage and crowd…I’m getting sidetracked and, well, you know the story. Or you could swing with Duke Ellington or even croon with Bing Crosby. The possibilities are endless. Whatever your style of music, join the band!

Talk about a great tool to inspire musicians and allow for an out of body experience, this is it, all in one. If someone is working on this please let me know, I’ll be the first to buy it. I’ve never been an “early adopter” when it comes to technology, but for this, sign me up! Come on you computer programmers. Let’s get on it. I even have a name for it: Holojams!

Rickey Minor… My kind of music hero.

I’ve added a new music hero to my short list. His name is Rickey Minor… and because he’s a long-time Reunion Blues endorser, I’m going to shamelessly plug this guy and his great work.

rickyminor2

Through the years, my heros have included John Lennon, Stevie Ray, Bonnie Rait, Jeff Beck, Harry Nilsson, Billy Joel and Keb Mo… all great fronline personalities. Rickey Minor is not known as a front man. Instead, Rickey has proven himself to be one of the most versatile music directors in the music business. He’s collaborated with Whitney Houston, Stevie Wonder, Celine Dion, and Sting. He’s produced music for the GRAMMY Awards, American Idol, the MTV Movie AwardsHBO... Most recently, he produced the music for Super Bowl XXXVI with the Boston Pops. He’s also one hellova bass player. – Check out his web site at www.RickeyMinor.com