Michael DowdleTV Dinners

[kingcrimsonscourt]

The tone and phrasing remind me of Shawn Lane...top stuff :)

[MichaelJDowdle]

@kingcrimsonscourt People tell me that from time to time. Have not heard much of Shawns work but know that it was awesome. Thanks for the nod!

[rsolorio]

I visit this vid often Michael. The song and watching you play it's just a great pick me up. By the way, what's the back story on the title?

Just so you know, I've decided to learn that opening ad lib phrase. I figured if I could learn that 20 second line if would afford me more guitar playing than my previous 35 years. Dang what a touch.

[MichaelJDowdle]

@rsolorio Thanks for the interest. The song was written for a TV theme of a show called Picket Fences. I did not get the gig as a writer so I used the theme to write this song for my Touch album "spruce up". I thought TV Dinners had a good ring to it.

[dougrmoe]

Wow Michael great tone again! What amps do you like to use at the low volumes your playing at in these vids?

[MichaelJDowdle]

@dougrmoe Just the software amp on my Mac. A Soldano Model (massaged of course)

[jtsolomedia]

Hey Michael,

I've really enjoyed your album and was thrilled to see you play many of my favorites on your youtube channel. All good stuff. You have an amazing touch on your guitar, pun intended. Do I detect a bit of Phil Keaggy and Larry Carlton hidden amongst the riffs?

Well produced album, keep up the good, hard work

[MichaelJDowdle]

@jtsolomedia Thanks, I am sure there is a touch of Carlton as I listened a lot to him in the 80s. I don't listen to Phil but I have heard great things about him. The new power trio album "Convergence" is in the mixing stage. Coming soon! M

[FreedomZealot]

I just LOVE the legato! I understand you started on the violin; does that influence your right-hand technique at all? To me it seems as if you use your picking hand as if it were holding a bow, rather than a plectrum.

[MichaelJDowdle]

@FreedomZealot Thanks, yes the violin past has influenced me a lot. I also use my second and third finger for articulation along with the pick. This facilitates crossing over strings without a lot of right hand movement.

[aarondupre1234]

hey mr. Dowdle. As one melancon owner to the next, amazing. I got the classic artist. Gerard is an amazing luthier and great friend. Cajun gentleman next on my list. You are truly an amazing composer, inspiring. If you ever come to new orleans, how could i find out?

[MichaelJDowdle]

@aarondupre1234 Thanks Aaron, Gerard is a good man. I met him at a NAMM show many years ago and we worked out a deal for this Tele and he made it just for me.

I LOVE the guitar too. He even used it on his catalogue cover at one time.

I don't actually tour much, mostly all session stuff, I would love to be in New Orleans again someday though. I love the town. MD

[aarondupre1234]

hey man, the classic t is a great choice. i grew up knowing gerard, couldnt ask for a better luthier. i already purchased the classic artist and am talking about the cajun gentleman. your a great composer by the way, love your work

[namnoiz]

I was looking for ZZ Top !!! Beautiful mastery of the guitar Sir !!!

[namnoiz]

Found you by accident , I was looking for ZZ Top. Really nice guitar playing mister !!

[MichaelJDowdle]

@namnoiz Thanks a lot. I love ZZ Top! I have posted 19 vids so far. When you get a moment check em out.

my channel is MichaelJDowdle

[Alberto1413]

Really brilliant Michael!

Full taste and perfect song.

Alberto Barrero.

[MichaelJDowdle]

Thanks Alberto! glad you like it.

MD

[waylay00]

Michael, I'm blown away by your playing. I can only hope to be able to play like you one day (I know, that sounds cheesy, but it's true). Thanks so much for sharing!

And yeah, I hear some Shawn Lane type lines in here too!

[MichaelJDowdle]

Thanks! Well I guess there are only 12 tones in a scale so sometimes ideas will be similar. I have never heard him play.

We all are feeling the same vibe I guess.

[LewRKop]

Shawn Lane fan? Some ery Lane esque melodies, runs and touch. You sounds fantastic! :)

[MichaelJDowdle]

Actually I don't think I have ever heard anything by Shawn. I have heard OF him though and from what I hear, he is fantastic! MD

[LewRKop]

Get Powers of Ten! :-)

[muller1007]

Michael,

In Raalte you told us this tune was originally intended for a TV series: Which series was it again?

Duncan

[MichaelJDowdle]

It was a series called Seventh Heaven on the WB network.

[GIULIO19]

great man!incredible tone

[MichaelJDowdle]

Thanks so much! MD

[heplar]

Michael,

All I can say is Wow! You are the best guitarist I have ever heard. Grateful I am to have met you a few times too.

Ralph

[Sony1only]

Any tips on tone in the GSP2101?

[MichaelJDowdle]

Sorry for taking so long to reply.

The key to any good tone is to control the gain so there is not TOO much sustain. Equalize the tone to not be too thin in the mids. Also I try to pick softer as to not overplay the string.

Thanks a lot. MD

[Bartgitaar01]

Fantastic Michael ! I am I friend of Stanley, so he was the person to getting to know your music ! Simply Fantastic ! Keep at it and I will see you in Raalte in May

[strawberryme08]

ha! You make it look so easy!

[waamarkenstein]

AWESOME

wilfried markenstein

[myskyrocket]

Amazing!

[MichaelJDowdle]

Thanks! MD

[freefreedfreedom]

Great tune...

[StanleyFusion]

What great playing on this great song, that was not found good enough for accompanying a new TV series....... (unbelieveable).

I'm so glad to write that Michael will be the main artist on our upcoming International Guitar Festival Acoustic Strings in Raalte Holland. Yeah, you read it right, this guy is an ace on acoustic too. He simply has it all! For me he simply knocks out guys like Luke, Allen Hinds, Masahiro Andoh, Michael Thompson etc.

Continue making video's Michael!

Stanley Dijkhuis

[MichaelJDowdle]

I will! Thanks, MD