Jason Becker was born in 1969 and raised in
Richmond, California. He graduated from Kennedy High School where he blew his
schoolmates away when he performed Yngwie Malmsteen’s Black Star with his band
at a talent show. It was in high school that Becker met Marty Friedman and began
playing as the duo Cacophony. They put out two albums, Speed Metal Symphony and Go
Off, and toured Japan and the U.S. and while they never went mainstream in
the U.S., Europeans embraced their music and they sold out everywhere they
went.
At the age of 20, he joined David Lee Roth’s
band, replacing Steve Vai. While recording the A Little Ain’t Enough album in 1989, he won the Best New Guitarist
award from Guitar Magazine. As he was preparing for the subsequent tour, Jason complained
of what he called a "lazy limp" in his left leg. He was diagnosed
with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS; Lou Gehrig’s disease) and was given
three to five years to live. He could barely finish the recording, with his
weakening hands. The album was completed in 1991, but Jason couldn’t go on the
supporting tour due to his inability to perform anymore.
He eventually became completely debilitated and
even lost the ability to speak. He communicates with his eyes via a system
developed by his father. Although his ALS robbed him of his ability to walk,
talk, move, and play guitar, he still remains mentally sharp and, with the aid
of a computer, continues writing songs. In the back of his Perspective
CD that was released in 1996, Jason states, "I have ALS. It has crippled
my body and speech, but not my mind." If you want to be inspired by a man
who has overcome one of the most tragic diseases to ever affect a human being,
check out his website: http://www.jasonbecker.com
. Enjoy!
Altitudes: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1wFoSbjXB68
Perpetual Burn: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5qCQLyb0-mI&feature=related
Hot for the teacher: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UnnY3BxCoEk&feature=related
Paganini’s fifth caprice: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W-Vz-7WAKg4&feature=related
Mozart Symphony in G: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=10tD46Oxykw&feature=related
Drop in the bucket: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4V53k5mjL4Q&feature=related
Bouree in E minor: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T0PGra6n4oo&feature=related
I’m pairing Jason with a very nice summer red,
the 2010 Alain Jaume et Fils Réserve Grand Veneur Rosé (Côtes
du Rhône; $15.00). The Grand Veneur Rosé is a blend of 70% Grenache, 20% Syrah
and 10% Cinsault. Lots of black cherry and raspberry flavors with a touch of
pepper complimented by aromas of dark berries and lavender. At this price, it’s
a terrific wine and compliments the shredding of Jason Becker harmonized with
the Fourth of July fireworks that are exploding all around me right now. Happy
fourth.
Cheers!
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