This Week’s Pick of the Week was made for the band Ghost Train Trio. The custom picks were designed and ordered by Clayton Customer Pat Mackinnon, who is the Ghost Train Trio vocalist, guitar-slinger and songwriter. “His original vision was to combine rock, surf and country with a Rat Pack chaser. When double bassist Joel Putzier and drummer Dan Cunneen saddled-up to the bar, the Mackinnon vision was fulfilled. In just a few short months Ghost Train Trio has skillfully taken the bite and swagger of hard-rock and blended it with Sun-era Elvis, Dick Dale’s twang and Tony Joe White’s soulful “Polk Salad” swamp. To round out their sound, they tossed in a dash of Willie Dixon’s electrified blues and a touch of Waylon and Willie’s outlaw drawl. Put it all together and you get Ghost Train Trio. (The band happily defies easy classification, so until somebody comes up with something better, the tongue-tied “hard-rocking, bluesy and soulful outlaw countrypolitan surf” will just have to do.)
With titles like “Lonesome Road” and “Brother to the Wind”, Mackinnon’s songs reflect isolation and a restless movement that no doubt springs from his formative years in the 49th state. Like all good songwriters, a common thread runs though Mackinnon’s material, but the songs aren’t just re-writes of the last one. Each distinct tune stands on its own and stands up to the last. Mackinnon’s voice echoes a rough-hewn crooner – meandering the wide gulf between Bob Dylan and Dean Martin – with a touch of the trademark Rotten snarl for good measure. Lyrically, he touches on themes of running, from your past – and your demons, and then making another dash for the next boundary. Ghost Train Trio has found the right mix musically, with their personalities and their style. Even when playing a jazzy song like “Just a Shame” or a dark ballad like “Evelyn”, Ghost Train Trio’s rock roots are clear – but not obvious. Put simply, even when they don’t rock, they do.”   -Gary Karconclion, The Puget Sound Perspective

To find out more about the Ghost Trio Band, visit their Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/ghosttraintrio

Pat was kind enough to write about his experience with Clayton Picks:

“I’ve been using Clayton picks exclusively for many years. I used to get really frustrated with standard plastic picks because they would easily break and get grooves along the sides from running my pick up and down the strings. Also the gloss finish always felt a little slippery in my fingers. When I discovered Clayton Acetal picks I fell in love with them and have never turned back. They don’t break, they hold up to all kinds of abuse and they grip your fingers and stay put. They will wear down after a while but whenever I notice that one of my picks is worn down around the end I know that I have put a lot of time in on my guitar with that particular pick and that’s a good feeling. I used to play with 1 mm which are great for fast picking and heavy attack. But with Ghost Train Trio I switch from electric to acoustic quite a bit and I like using a thinner pick on an acoustic so now I’m using the .8 mm because it has some flexibility which I like for acoustic srumming and is still firm enough to support fast picking and give me some crunch when I need it. So when I realized that I could make my own custom printed Clayton Picks I was thrilled and wasted no time in placing my order. Now I’ve got my favorite picks with my own cool design on it. It’s a great thing!”

The Ghost Train Trio picks were made on our Acetal guitar pick material, and we really liked the look of their full bleed yellow and black design. To create and order your own custom picks, be sure to visit www.claytoncustom.com today!

Award winning Guitarists Roger Harmon and Jonathan Barlow are versatile musicians with careers that involve performing various kinds of music, composing and arranging music for publication, and promoting their work as recording artists. They also periodically receive grant funding and cash-prize awards. They both earned Master of Music degrees in classical guitar from the University of Denver (DU) where they met and began performing together. Since graduation, their alma mater has taken notice of their accomplishments and not only written an article about them for the alumni magazine but also invited them to be guest lecturers in a career workshop entitled “Entrepreneurship in Music.” Although classically trained, they pride themselves on their abilities in many genres including jazz and popular styles. As signed recording artists with Azica Records they share a roster with guitar luminaries Jason Vieaux, David Leisner, and Grammy-winning jazz pianist Bill Cunliffe. Roger and Jonathan’s music is distributed internationally by Naxos of America, has received traditional radio play, and can be heard on Pandora, Last.FM, Rdio, and Spotify. They recorded their first album under the name Massif Trio, a group formed by Jonathan to perform his arrangements of 19th century German art songs for 2 guitars and voice. Their album Massif Trio Plays Schumann, Schubert and Strauss garnered reviews from American Record Guide and All Music Guide; it was praised as “a masterful performance filled with keen musical insight, evocative text painting, and enticing sound quality.” The arrangements found on the album are published with Clear Note Publications. Jonathan is also published with Lathkill Music Publishers and Soundboard guitar journal published one of his arrangements and wrote an article about him. His work has been called “fabulous” by Guitarnotes, ”superb” by Steve Marsh of Classical Guitar Magazine, and “tasteful, impeccably written and exceptionally enjoyable” by Rovi Music. A growing number of university music libraries carry his publications. Roger and Jonathan are proud to be endorsed artists with Steve Clayton Guitar Picks, Godin Guitars, Curt Mangan Strings, and Sfarzo String Company. They are represented by Denver booking agency Masterful Musicians and have won many awards including: The Orville Moore Memorial Award - from the Allied Arts, Inc.- given for “achievement in German art song,” and the ASCAPlus Award - from the American Society of Composers Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) – a national award given for “creative contributions to American music.”

Pandora Radio Link:
http://broadcaster.pandora.com/t?r=927&c=901946&l=37961&ctl=410D029:55970D1978C19A868F921A04ECA14EF4050542759970026E&

www.jonathandavidbarlow.com

www.rogerlouis.com

The chosen Pick of the Week this week was made for the band Freaky Urban Troopers. They are a funk-rock/progressive-rock band from Vienna/Austria founded in 2011 who are currently starting out, playing (and winning;) several band-contests with national and international gigs and recording their first album in summer 2012. Here is a bio taken from their official site at http://www.freakyurbantroopers.com/:

Groovy beats, funky rock-guitars, freaky rhythms, fantastic melodies and a voice which enlightens your soul with pure desire and deliciousness. We come to rock your house, whatever you are up to. You may have heard of urban legends? …well…then you will probably like THIS:

Legend has it that it all started out as a songwriting-project between Juri and Michi in a shabby little students’ apartment in the slums of Alsergrund, Vienna, back in the late last decade, growing with the congeniality of their comrades in arms into something more inspiring, inconceivably ingenious and thriving than they would have ever imagined (isn’t it nice to be so down to earth besides being extremely modest at the same time?). Others say it was pure determination…or neither of it…who will ever know?

Fact is, that five talented artists with music in their heart and full devotion to their musical goals are on a mission to spread their freaky urban sound among their audience, keeping them procking and grooving. Freaky Urban Troopers are a force to be reckoned with…seriously…

You can also find out more about Freaky Urban Troopers on their facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/freakyurbantroopers.

The Freaky Urban Troopers picks were made on our white pearl material, which nicely supports their detailed red and black logo art. To design and order your own custom made guitar picks, visit www.claytoncustom.com!

This week’s Pick of the Week was ordered by Clayton customer Tudor Adrian Negru. Tudor is a “previous guitar player in Romanian heavy-metal bands Refractara, Ronin and currently lead-guitar in a newly established band called Anomaly (http://www.facebook.com/anomalybandcluj). With the main influences of the band straying more into the hard-core/metal areas but with a taint of nu-metal and hard-rock, Anomaly tries to bring something unique to the musical scene in Cluj-Napoca and Romania. The band is currently working on writing material for their first demo album which should be finished by July 2012 and have already had several live performances along with some of the most well established and appreciated bands in the scene.
In order to bring that huge metal grind to the overall sound of the band, using heavier string gauges really does make a difference. Still, a common challenge that every guitar player in this genre faces is how to keep the tone tight and defined while also making it easier on yourself when playing heavy gauges.”
Tudor explains how he found Clayton picks: “Having being recommended Clayton USA and being handed a custom Clayton pick some time ago by one of the most established metal guitar players in the field, Balauru’ of Trooper, the search for that missing and much-needed element ended. It wasn’t long until I turned to have my own custom order with Steve Clayton USA. I find it that the Acetal 1.9 mm gauge suits my needs perfectly. The matte finish really keeps the pick where and how you need it to be while the material-gauge combination means that I can finally get that attack, control and tone definition that I was very much searching for even in the middle of a crazy live gig.”
“The custom layout features the above mentioned 1.9 mm Acetal standard shape but with the “Ronin” logo which stands for “one with no lord nor master” inspired by Japanese culture. The custom design was provided by established artist Paul Pantazescu (www.paulpantazescu.com) and in conjunction with Clayton craftsmanship it screams attitude, professionalism and strength.” To order your own custom guitar picks like Tudor’s, visit www.claytoncustom.com today!

Attention Clayton Customers!! Today is the last day to order custom picks during our Spring Sale! Right now, we are offering a 15% discount on any order of custom guitar picks placed on our website at www.claytoncustom.com!! This sales ends at 11:59pm Central Standard Time tonight! To use your discount, visit claytoncustom.com to create your custom pick design. Then, you can order your picks directly from the site! During the online order process, you will be prompted to enter a promotional code. To receive the 15% discount, use the code APR12. Be sure to use all capital letters and no spaces when entering in the code. Place your order today!!! Also, be sure to check out our custom drumsticks that we now offer, at http://www.claytoncustom.com/drumsticks/!!

Ivan Muñoz aka Vigilante is one of the most important industrial music artists in South America. By mixing electronic and metal, Muñoz has conquered audiences from Chile and all over the world.  Currently he has released three albums “The Heroes Code” (2005), “War of Ideas” (2007), and “The New Resistance” (2011), one EP “Juicio Final” (2006) and one DVD + CD “Life is a Battlefield” in countries as diverse as Germany, Russia, Argentina and Japan; his records are distributed both physically and digitally throughout the world. With 5 European tours, Vigilante has brought their music to many countries: Germany, Netherlands, Czech Republic, Denmark, Belgium, France, Portugal, Switzerland, Italy, Norway, Spain, etc. In addition, in 2006 and 2010 he was the only Chilean musician to participate in one of the world’s biggest festivals in Germany, the Wave Gotik Treffen; and in 2008, Vigilante became the support band of Nine Inch Nails in Chile. Throughout his career, he has worked and shared stage with the most important bands in the scene, such as: Nine Inch Nails, Ministry, Strapping Young Lad, Suicide Commando, S.I.T.D., Die Krupps, VNV Nation, Funker Vogt, Leaether Strip, Agonoize, Soman, Hocico, Birmingham 6, Hanin Elias, Tyske Ludder, Clan of Xymox, Siva Six, The Dreamside, Dope Stars Inc., XP8, XPQ-21, etc. Today Vigilante is promoting his latest release, “The New Resistance” featuring guest artists from bands like Ministry, Public Enemy, Clawfinger, Leaether Strip, Strapping Young Lad, Hanin Elias, Funker Vogt, Birmingham 6 and more. He is also preparing a new tour across the USA and Europe.

Vigilante Links:
www.vigilante.cl
www.myspace.com/vigilanteband
www.facebook.com/vigilanteband
www.youtube.com/vigilanteband

Attention Clayton Customers!! Only five days left for our Spring Sale! Right now, we are offering a 15% discount on any order of custom guitar picks placed on our website at www.claytoncustom.com!! This sale goes through this coming Monday, the 23rd of April. To use your discount, visit claytoncustom.com to create your custom pick design. Then, you can order your picks directly from the site! During the online order process, you will be prompted to enter a promotional code. To receive the 15% discount, use the code APR12. Be sure to use all capital letters and no spaces when entering in the code. Remember, this code will expire at 11:59pm central time on the 23rd, so don’t delay! Also, be sure to check out our custom drumsticks that we now offer, at http://www.claytoncustom.com/drumsticks/!!

This week’s Pick of the Week was made for the band Whiskey Twin. “Whiskey Twin is a Minneapolis band that plays an eclectic mix of rock and alternative covers, in addition to original songs.  The band met through a program at Minneapolis’ Twin Town Guitars, where bands play a set at a local bar after six weeks of rehearsals.  The members of Whiskey Twin enjoyed the experience of playing together so much they wanted to continue and play their own gigs.  They continue to hone their chops through ongoing involvement with one of Twin Town’s instructors, Mark Wade, who is also the bassist for the band The Melismatics.

The band is fronted by Mandy Simmons’ strong, confident and tender vocals.  Mandy is supported by three diverse guitarists; Ed Fruin, Ed Wilms and John Morris.  The band’s heartbeat comes from Tom Parsons on bass, and Tony Scott’s driving drums and occasional primal screams.

The band picked their name as homage to Twin Town Guitars, where they met; and Whiskey Junction, the bar in which they first played together.  Ed Fruin designed the picks and took inspiration from the labels on the bottles of premium spirits.” Whiskey Twins’ picks were made on our white pearl guitar pick material, which best supports parchment background and variety of color in the design. To create your own custom guitar picks, visit www.claytoncustom.com!

See http://www.facebook.com/pages/Whiskey-Twin/253379511378342 on Facebook for Whiskey Twin band updates and future gigs.

This week’s Pick of the Week was made for blues artist Jeff Strahan.  Jeff usually plays with a three piece band made up of himself (guitar), bass and drums.  He also plays piano and B-3.  Here are a couple reviews of Jeff:

“Strahan is a fiery Texas spirit, a killer guitar player & piano pounder and singer, as wild as the high plains from which he hails, and as cool as the hill country where he lives. He’s as real & strong as lightning, I swear, and I love being around him, to hear how he’s going to knock me out next.” -Walt Wilkins

We are pleased to announce that we have just endorsed Jim Ledford! Haling from a small town in the Hudson Valley, NY. area Jim Ledford has been a professional guitar player and performing musician for over two decades. During his early stage of his career(1980s) was labeled as a very season guitarist. Radio spots were an enjoyable gig for him in the late 80′s and 90′s. During the  1990′s Jim had the pleasure of working with, and recording projects for the audio visual  department at the United States Military Academy, West Point NY. He also played warm up for many classic rock acts throughout his career. To name a few would be Foghat, and Three Dog Night. Jim played many venues in the Tri-State area during his longtime career. He has also recorded privately for many professional artists. Jim always contributes time to a limited number of students for private guitar lessons producing fine guitar players on the east coast and NY area. Fall 0f “09″ will also bring something new to the NY music scene. Jim will be slotted in as an instructor at the Garrison Art Center  located on the banks the grand Hudson River. Jim has developed his own customized method of teaching guitar with a 100% success rate! He taught guitar at the NY Academy Of Music during the summer rock camp sessions in “07″. Currently Jim is doing audio/video demo work for major industry guitar,effects,amp,speaker, and pickup companies. Jim has full endorsement agreements with Dean Markley Strings Inc. Peavey, Electro Harmonix Jim Dunlop/MXR Effects,Cort Guitars,Arbor Guitars,Spencer Guitars,Coffin Cases LLC, Steve Clayton Custom Guitar Picks, and has a personal artist agreement with DiMarzio Pickups. Jim holds a full membership as a song writer with ASCAP.His new EP/CD will be availible late “2012″ The CD will display some great instrumental fusion/progressive guitar work. We also wanted to share with you that Jim has been selected to play at the Chiller Theatre Center in NJ, for more on the convention you can visit http://www.chillertheatre.com/. Also be sure to check out Jim’s website http://www.jimledford.net/.