Solos Medley (covers) by Sabas

[sabasgr68]

Jam cover with some story...

To put you in context, this was before my inguinal hernia surgery in July 2024, 7 months ago.

I had two lumps on each side, which I didn't want to pay much attention to; I know it's not the right thing to do, but I didn't want to know what it was, knowing that there was no money for whatever had to be done, but finally went to a doctor, and the money appeared by the grace of God (short story version). Maybe it “wasn't much,” but I certainly didn't have $1500 in my hands, and still don't. My recovery went according to plan, although the first week was the worst.... I am still afraid to do some physical things and exercise like before, but a few months ago I started again, progressively.

After the operation I haven't really played guitar again, just a couple of times. Obviously not having a stable job affects me, and when that happens I usually have no inspiration or desire to play. I sold the Agile, and I was about to sell the Zoom multi-effects and the other guitar as well, but my wife convinced me to wait a bit and leave that for when it was the last option to take, knowing that I will hardly be able to replace that equipment again. Again, thank God, I've had some freelance jobs and have been able to cover the basic expenses - my wife was right to wait a bit before selling the rest, of course -.

Anyway, I tell you this story just to put in context the video of the covers I recorded last year, as I was quite encouraged by the progress I was making. I hope to start again, because maybe I can make some money just playing the guitar, for which I must get in shape. In other words, instead of selling it, it would be better to use my guitar to make money several times and still have it. In the meantime, enjoy the medley.

First solo: Bon Jovi's "Born to be my baby". Always wanted to play it. I went with the way Richie played it live later, it's a little bit easier for me.

Second solo: Phil Collin's "Easy Lover" (we all know Phil doesn't play the guitar): That's a tricky solo in its second part, so I simplified it a little bit so I can play something that would fit as well as possible, to my ears at least.

Third solo: Song "Fuera de este mundo", in English "Out of this world", by venezuelan artist Franco de Vita (he doesn't play lead guitar). The solo for this song is played with a violin. I did it with my guitar, of course, and I added some "salt and pepper" to the end, better for my ears. I don't suppose you know this song, but hope you enjoy it.

[BatUtilityBelt]

Nice work. I often hate how life gets in the way of our passions, and I agree, it would be better for a passion to provide for life instead.

[Tonray's Ghost]

That backstage costume change was fast !

[tlarson58]

Those were spot on! Great tones and tasty vibrato, too. I am sorry to hear about your health problems but am inspired by the way you faced the challenge.

Finally, great writing! You have a better grip on English grammar than I do.

[sabasgr68]

Thanks guys!

I should add that I did cover the whole song in each case, not only the solo part; I played the rhythm part too, but didn´t want to upload the videos of each one.

[sabasgr68]

Nice work. I often hate how life gets in the way of our passions, and I agree, it would be better for a passion to provide for life instead.

Thanks Steve. I get you, and what can I say, "one day at a time"...

Sometimes I do wonder if it is a good time to think on starting on music (as a job) at 56 years old, though... (in other words, some encourage needed!)

[sabasgr68]

Those were spot on! Great tones and tasty vibrato, too. I am sorry to hear about your health problems but am inspired by the way you faced the challenge.

Finally, great writing! You have a better grip on English grammar than I do.

Thanks Tommy! I sometimes force myself to only see one way: up, because sometimes I do feel a little down and with no strengh, I admit, but like I said to Steve above, "one day at a time", my eyes looking above...

LOL I don't think so, but thanks for your kind words, it means that little by little I'm making progress in English

[tonebender]

You've got some serous chops Sabas.

[Narsh]

Franco de Vita reminds me of early Mana.
Thoroughly enjoyed that.

[toomanycats]

Great choices. Those are all such tasty solos.

Ritchie brings such a great combination of melody, bluesy licks with just enough flash, and the obligatory whammy bar wanking that makes it sound sooo 80s.

I had no idea who played the solo on "Easy Lover" until I looked up Daryl Stuermer. Even though I was predominantly a hard rock fan in 1984, that solo definitely caught my ear when I heard it on the radio. It was a real standout for a pop song at that time with just enough "outside the box" notes to make it spicy but still accessible.

I was totally unfamiliar with Franco de Vita, so thanks for turning me on to this artist. Very nice solo you did there too.

[sabasgr68]

Franco de Vita reminds me of early Mana.
Thoroughly enjoyed that.

Thanks Enrique!

I haven´t followed Mana trayectory all that close,but I do like some of their stuff, although only a few.

Glad you enjoy it!

[sabasgr68]

Great choices. Those are all such tasty solos.

Ritchie brings such a great combination of melody, bluesy licks with just enough flash, and the obligatory whammy bar wanking that makes it sound sooo 80s.

I had no idea who played the solo on "Easy Lover" until I looked up Daryl Stuermer. Even though I was predominantly a hard rock fan in 1984, that solo definitely caught my ear when I heard it on the radio. It was a real standout for a pop song at that time with just enough "outside the box" notes to make it spicy but still accessible.

I was totally unfamiliar with Franco de Vita, so thanks for turning me on to this artist. Very nice solo you did there too.

Glad you enjoy listening, John!

I was a fan of Bon Jovi because of the guitar work on their songs; maybe simple to some ears, but it embodied the sentiment of whatever the subject of the songs was. You can appreciate a clear difference 'pre and post' 2000s, though. I prefer the 'pre'.

Same as you experienced, that solo gets stuck in the head. I can actually play it almost note by note but not at that speed. I had to come with a simpler take.

Yeah, like I said, I don't suppose you guys are familiar with de Vita; he was a very popular artist in the early 80s and the 90s decade. Not rock style, but he has some songs with some rock vibe. This one is a romantic song that my wife likes a lot.

Thanks!

[sabasgr68]

You've got some serous chops Sabas.

Glad you enjoyed, Jeff!