John Hood Online

JOHN HOOD ONLINE

Welcome to the online presence of John Hood, Australian guitarist, composer, and improviser. I record my own original instrumental compositions and improvisations, except in the case of band albums, and band compilations. You are welcome to contact me for whatever reason, whether it be the music, bookings, inspirations, influences, resources, or just to chat. Email me here.

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NEWS: 2011

I have just finished writing a book, For The Love of Music, a musical biography which mostly concentrates on my blues-rock years in Perth. It's currently in the proof-reading stage.

I have also been doing some playing with Ken Wallace of Sid Rumpo on piano. If we get it together, we will play at the book launch, maybe a couple of months away.

I am currently recording an album of original blues and gospel with Jennie Newman, who is the partner of my friend John Briggs, on vocals. It will be mostly original material, but played in a traditional style that re-examines the classic blues and gospel music of the 1920-30's. However there will be a few surprises on it, using 2010 technology, I am sure.

You can hear some of my tracks on MySpace, in full, right now at myspace.com/johnhoodredguitar

We are still looking for stories, photos, articles and recordings from any Perth musicians of that era. We know you are out there. Check out author George Matzkov's blog for the book by clicking here.

CURRENT CATALOGUE: 2010 Click on album titles to hear track samples.

Blues My first album which consists of acoustic and electric guitar, slide and harmonica. A varied approach to the blues style.

Oceans A tribute to a great solo guitarist, Bola Sete. An ambient sounding album, with lots of acoustic overdubbing for texture, and some totally improvised pieces.

Impressions of Giverny/For Thomas Merton Two ambient suites. The first consists of a series of pieces depicting the life of French Impressionist artist Claude Monet. The second is related to Trappist monk, author and social commentator, Thomas Merton.

Abstraction By Proxy Spontaneous electric guitar improvisations over recordings by other musicians. One track is a live duet with drummer Alex Kash. A little out there.

In The Sky A live anthology of my various bands from 1972 onwards. Features Sid Rumpo, The Elks, The Units, Dave Brewer, Paul Daly and legendary blues harpist John McKittrick and many others.

Glenn Gould and the North/John Fahey and the South Another two suites. Dedicated to Canadian classical pianist Glenn Gould, and American primitive guitar hero John Fahey.

Whispers Contains four spontaneously improvised guitar duets. Jazz like, quiet, very abstract but in my opinion transcendent and beautiful. Dedicated to American composer Morton Feldman.

Consider the Lilies of the Field Something for God, Volume One. Mostly meditative musical sound sketches. A couple of soaring electric guitar pieces as well.

Electric Guitar A compilation of some of my favourite electric pieces from the early albums.

Improvisation Two improvised soundscapes. The first, Metropolis, is a suite of pieces featuring one electric guitar played through a digital delay processor. The second, Three Views Of a Folk Song is an extended improvised deconstruction of Bob Dylan's tune, It's All Over Now, Baby Blue, featuring three electric guitars and a string synthesiser. Two contrasting spontaneous improvisations.

Underwater Stories An echo drenched series of ambient pieces alluding to the title. Doubt if anyone has ever heard the end of this one, quite restful sounds.

The Words In Red Something for God, Volume Two. A Suite in Blues featuring quiet solo acoustic pieces through to solid, sometimes screaming electric blues guitar playing, and blues harp.

The Elks Live 1977 A limited edition recording of this great blues band recorded live at its peak. Mostly Chicago Blues covers.

Electric Guitar II A further compilation of some of my favourite electric guitar pieces, from the later albums. I prefer it to the first but they are both good samplers of my style.

Blues Time Straight ahead blues guitar and harp tunes.

Analog Man In A Digital World A collection of melodic jazz/blues tunes accompanied by digital backing tracks. It swings, good cafe music.

How Many Elks Does It Take? A live album by The Elks recorded in Bunbury, late 1977.

I have an arrangement whereby you can simply purchase any of my current albums directly from 78 Records' secure website by clicking here. If they don't have them, contact me here.