Jon Shields

  A Love Song for the Ages: Irving Berlin’s Always Some songs are more than just melodies and lyrics—they carry stories, memories, and deep emotions within them. Irving Berlin’s Always is one of those songs. Written in 1925, this tune isn’t just a jazz standard—it’s a love letter, quite literally. A Musical Gift of Love Berlin composed Always as a wedding gift for his future wife, Ellin Mackay, whom he married in 1926. But he didn’t just write the song for her—he gave her all the royalties, a gesture that would prove to be incredibly valuable as the song became a major hit. Imagine that—one of the most successful songwriters of all time handing over the financial rights to one of his compositions as a pure expression of love. That’s a pretty high bar for romantic gestures! The song was an immediate success, covered by countless artists over the decades, from Frank Sinatra to Billie Holiday. Despite its popularity in the early 20th century, Always isn’t heard as often in jazz jam...

  The Magic of Blue Skies – A Solo Guitar Take Some songs are so deeply embedded in our musical culture that even if you don’t know the title, you know the tune. Blue Skies by Irving Berlin is one of those songs. A staple of jazz, pop, and musical theater, it has been performed by countless musicians over nearly a century. Today, I’m bringing it into the solo guitar world—no backing tracks, no loopers, just my own arrangement, created on the spot. The history of Blue Skies is just as fascinating as its melody. Written in 1926, some reports suggest that Berlin composed it as a last-minute addition to the Rodgers and Hart musical Betsy , while others say he wrote it as a gift for his newborn daughter. Either way, it ended up in Betsy —a musical that barely lasted a month—but the song was an instant success. On opening night, singer Belle Baker performed it to such an enthusiastic crowd that she gave a staggering 24 encores . Imagine playing the same song 24 times in one night! One...

  Acoustic vs. Electric Guitar: Key Differences Every Beginner Should Know If you’re new to guitar and trying to decide between an acoustic or electric, you’re not alone. It’s one of the first big choices every guitarist makes. While both instruments share the same basic principles, their differences can significantly impact how you play, practice, and perform. Let’s break down four key distinctions to help you make the right decision. 1. Body & Sound Projection The most obvious difference is the body. Acoustic guitars are built with a large, hollow wooden body that naturally amplifies sound. The strings vibrate, causing the soundboard to resonate, and the sound escapes through the soundhole. This self-contained amplification means no extra gear is needed—just pick it up and play. Electric guitars, on the other hand, are solid-bodied (in most cases) and rely on magnetic pickups to convert string vibrations into an electrical signal, which is then amplified. This gives you acces...

  The Timeless Elegance of "Days of Wine and Roses" Some melodies have a way of sticking with you long after the music stops. Days of Wine and Roses is one of those tunes—elegant, wistful, and undeniably memorable. Written by Henry Mancini with lyrics by Johnny Mercer, this 1962 classic was composed for the film of the same name and quickly became one of the most celebrated songs in American cinema history. From Silver Screen to Jazz Standard Premiering in Days of Wine and Roses , the song captured the film’s themes of romance and melancholy with its lush harmony and flowing melody. The following year, Andy Williams recorded a version that propelled the song into popular culture, earning it an Academy Award for Best Original Song. Its success didn’t stop there—by 1964, it had also won two Grammy Awards for Record of the Year and Song of the Year. But what truly cemented its legacy was its adoption by jazz musicians. Artists like Bill Evans, Wes Montgomery, and Tony Bennett t...

  10 Essential Questions to Ask Your Guitar Teacher So, you’re ready to dive into guitar lessons—great choice! Whether you're just picking up the instrument or refining your skills, finding the right teacher is key. But before you commit, it’s important to ask the right questions. A good guitar teacher should fit your learning style, help you reach your goals, and keep you motivated. Here are 10 essential questions to ask before you start your lessons: 1. How long have you been teaching? Experience matters, but it’s not everything. Some incredible musicians are new to teaching but bring real-world experience, while some long-time teachers may not be the best fit for you. Ask about their background, and more importantly, how their experience translates into effective teaching. 2. What is your teaching style? Some teachers are laidback, some are drill sergeants, and others fall somewhere in between. Knowing what works best for you will help you find a teacher who aligns with your lea...