Tuesday, June 25, 2019

*NEW* Book Release: Ritchie Valens book 6/25/19

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.