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I Know It's only Rock and Roll, But I Like It
By Jimmy Gibson
A short time ago, I was sitting in an old restraurant watching the best bar band this side of the Atlantic play the oldies, goodies, and everything in between. At the table positioned directly in front of the band, a boy of about twelve years of age caught my attention. He had shaggy blond hair and was consuming a plate of buffalo wings accompanied by a coca-cola beverage. He was sitting with his parents, who seemed as though they did not know what they had gotten themselves into, spending an evening in this run down establishment.
While all this filled me with a strangely reminiscent feeling, it was not what seized hold of my attention. What caught my eye the most was this boy's unblinking gaze transfixed upon the fingers of John Zahn as they danced up and down the fretboard. I turned to my mother, who had been sitting there, next to me, for the last five years for seemingly hundreds of John's performances, and said, "I was that boy five years ago." She chuckled at this comment because indeed I was. I had worn the same shaggy hair cut, ate the same plate of wings accompanied by the refreshment of an icy Coca-cola. It was as if a picture was taken and preserved there for all of time.
This is the legacy of local guitar hero and legend John Zahn. To take unsuspecting youth and fill them with a life long passion for something greater than buffalo wings and soda. The love of music that floods through the steel strings of this music performer, teacher, enthusiast cannot help but permeate the souls of even the toughest critics. It has inspired me and helped shape who I have become. The pride and confidence that I have discovered through music, I carry into other aspects of my life.
Through music I have come to know that as a son, a friend, and a student I can succeed, as long as I stay dedicated to achieving my goals. Also I know that when I play a wrong note on my path towards these goals, I must persist until my song is complete. But untill that time I know I'm not alone because every time I pick up my six-string there is a music teacher in a six by six foot room in the back of a local music shop who is playing along.
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Love your original songs. They stood out among the covers.
Thanks alot
- Mike Hering
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You have to be one of the best musicians I've met and you are remarkable.
Thank you for everything
- Dr. Pat Satini
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John, I wanted to thank you for your direction and insight into playing. I thought it would be cool to let you know that your teaching gave me a strong base and inspiration to continue to play and to fall in love with the guitar
- Kevin Rocci
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My teacher...found on Myspace
Hey John!
I took lessons from you around 1984-85 at Victor Litz, my name is Michael Glasgow and I thought to look you up and bang I found you! Love your songs and you'll be happy to know I've been writing some myself...let me know what you think and thanks for the great lessons, you were a true inspiration to me, no lie.
---Mick Glasgow
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John,
I was one of your students in 1986-1989. I enjoyed your lessons and still have many of the handwritten lessons that you wrote in an old Victor Litz Music manuscript book. I found the book and decided to look you up. I still draw on many of the lessons written in that manuscript, modes, major and minor pentatonic scales and others. Frankly many of your lessons are the foundation of my playing. Going to guitar lessons never felt like a chore, you made it fun and I always left eager to practice. That foundation has kept me actively gigging 2-3 nights a week for the past 20 years or so. Thanks John!
I enjoyed the Red House cut and hope to catch a gig next time I'm in Maryland.
Thanks Again,
Scott Becker
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Hey John, its Eric. I used to take lessons from you like 2 years ago. every wednesday at like 3:30. You pretty much taught me everything I know, and I still play all the time. You guys sound awesome, keep it up.
- Eric Taft
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I enjoyed listening to your songs ... passionate playing and killer tone !!!
Keep in Touch,
Barry Richman
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Really like your style...Glad to be your friend!! Keep on rockin' the blues!!
-Nob
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Y'all kick ass!
-Jim Rosenkrantz
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You guys were great saturday night. Keep it up.
-Chasity
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“John is absolutely incredible.”
Kirk H.
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“Thank you so much for the opportunity my son, Jacob, had learning guitar with John Zahn.”
-Rhoda P.
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“[John Zahn] is a great teacher.”
-Peter G.
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"John is a STELLAR guitar player"
-Ty & Karie Naquin
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John Zahn has been a full time Guitar Instructor with
– Electric, Acoustic, and Slide Guitars, Rock, Blues, R&B, Metal, Alternative, Reggae, Country. Over 2500 songs transcribed. John also teaches bass.
– Instruction includes; theory, ear training, harmony, triads, arpeggios, rhythm study, soloing techniques, improvisation and performance.
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