Entries by denniswinge

Bringing the Blues to Life

The blues is more than a musical style—it’s a vehicle for adventure. That’s been my philosophy for years, and it’s the guiding principle behind Blue Train, the blues band I lead in the Myrtle Beach region. Our subtitle, “The Blues Band That Takes You Places,” isn’t just a catchy phrase. It’s a mission. Blues, like […]

My Intentions as a Musician Moving to Myrtle Beach

When I think about moving to Myrtle Beach (which I will be doing in November 2025), I don’t see it as just a change of scenery or a career opportunity. I see it as a sacred transition — a healing ritual that touches every part of my life. Spiritually, artistically, financially, relationally, socially, and in […]

What Is Musicianship—and Why Does It Matter?

The Listener’s Perspective vs. the Musician’s Responsibility When someone listens to a performance, they don’t think about how much technical work went into it. Just as when a person looks at a painting, they don’t ask how many hours the painter spent studying color theory or anatomy—they simply ask: Do I like it? Does it […]

The Ultimate Guide to Performing at Corporate Events

When you think of live music at a corporate event, what comes to mind? For some, it’s a lively party band after dinner. For others, it’s a jazz trio or solo guitarist providing a smooth backdrop for networking and conversation. The truth is, corporate entertainment can take many forms, but one thing is constant: the […]

Performing at The Mansion on James for Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day is a celebration of love, and what better way to set the mood than with live, intimate guitar music in a historic setting? This year, I had the pleasure of performing at The Mansion on James in Syracuse—a venue steeped in history and elegance. The experience was unforgettable, blending romantic melodies with the […]

Keeping the Groove in Solo Latin Jazz Performances

Performing music is a journey of highs and lows, growth and setbacks. Not long ago, I shared my struggles with feeling “beat up” on stage after an open mic performance where I attempted a solo instrumental set of Afro-Cuban Latin Jazz. The experience was a wake-up call, reinforcing the importance of time-feel, audience connection, and […]

Working On My Time-Feel to Suit Multiple Genres

For most of my guitar-playing life, I didn’t focus on rhythm. Like many guitarists, I was more concerned with technique, theory, and phrasing. It wasn’t until about five or six years ago, during the making of my album What Are the Odds?, that I began to truly study rhythm. I sought out a teacher and […]

Why I Love Studio Work

When legendary studio guitarist Tim Pierce talks about the essence of great studio playing, he highlights something that resonates deeply with me: having fun and bringing emotion to every part you play. Tim’s words reflect a universal truth in music—no matter your technical prowess or the gear you own, what truly matters is the heart […]