New Book Release:
Ritchie Valens book 6/25/19
New book spotlights Ritchie Valens’ guitars and playing
style
Ritchie Valens:
His Guitars and Music is the new book by guitarist and author Ryan Sheeler available
from Centerstream Publishing (distributed by Hal Leonard Inc.). The book spotlights the guitars and playing
style of Ritchie Valens; the first nationally famous Latino rock star. Valens was a talented young singer and
performer but was also a very skilled guitarist. Many who knew and worked with him attested to
his talent and skill on the instrument.
Ritchie Valens: His Guitars and Music looks at
Ritchie’s guitars that he owned and used both live and in the studio. The book is filled with photographs of
Ritchie, his instruments, commentary from musicians with whom he played and
sanctioned by Ritchie Valens’ estate. The book also offers a new transcription
of “La Bamba” with guitar tablature of Ritchie’s iconic guitar riffs and solo –
with a bonus transcription of the guitar solo from Los Lobos’ version on the
1987 film soundtrack. The book includes
an audio portion where Sheeler discusses and performs the guitar riffs and
solos of "La Bamba” in a full band setting.
Ryan Sheeler is Lecturer in the Department of Music at Iowa
State University where he teaches the History of Rock ‘n’ Roll and performs as a
guitarist in the Central Iowa area.
Ritchie Valens: His Guitars and Music is available
through Centerstream Publishing and Hal Leonard, Inc.
