Sonic Boom
Enjoy reading about the history of audio technology? I would like to recommend the following highly enjoyable read:
Sonic Boom by Peter Blecha
This book is the title of the post because it really felt like a sonic boom! If you were anywhere around the Northwest in the ’50s,’60s,’70s ’80s – this book will really take you back – and tell you things about your own time you never knew. Great research into not just the people and the companies, but the music, the usage of instruments – the author is my new hero.
In 1976 I shared a house with a guy who performed as “Hank Rasco and the Wasted Rangers.” I almost dropped the book (but would never now that it’s on my phone!). The author knew about the Wasted Rangers! Other flashbacks were set off by the memory of Heart playing the Aquarius! OMG I was right back in the Aquarius. The level of detail is remarkable, but the true beauty of this book is in the more distant past – I don’t want to give anything away, but I never knew the Northwest had a direct connection to the blues. The English may have listened to the records and evolved their style from them – but did you know the kids in Seattle not only got to see them live, but the blues musicians actually taught them things and let them play! BB King, Bobby Blue Bland and other hot artists of the day came through the area and excited and inspired musicians directly!
Respect to the author, Peter Blecha. Incredible work.
Nice, I was in Hank Rasco and the Wasted Rangers. While we were putting the band together I was playing Bass with Albert Collins. The band at that time was Henry (Co Co) Montoya on drums, Dave Brewer guitar, me on Bass and Boom (Kenneth Gaspar) on Hammond B3. Boom is in Pearl Jam. I Always loved how the PNW was so deep in to the blues. It was ironic that this little white kid (me) who grew up in Woodland, WA ended up playing with the amazing Albert Collins. Great memories!
Wow, Rick I remember you! You were on a poster on Hank’s door at the house, and I was also able to catch you guys play a couple of times. Dancing, foot-stomping times. You have some awesome cred. I’m not creeping on you, but I checked out your Pinterest page and was able to see the poster again! What a pleasure to hear from you. Thanks!