In the Spring 2012 installment of Guitar Aficionado, Dhani Harrison, son of the legendary George Harrison, gives readers an unprecedented and exclusive tour of the celebrated guitars that his father used during his tenure in the Beatles and beyond. The issue also features the magazine’s annual Motoring section, in which we explore the automobiles favored by the Fab Four, discuss the similarities between guitar and car design with Jaguar designer Wayne Burgess, and visit former Guitar Center president and owner Ray Scherr’s stunning collection of vintage vehicles and archtop guitars.

In April 2010, a cloud of black volcanic ash gathered over Europe, blocking all air travel between the U.S. and Britain. One prisoner of the atmosphere was Paul McCartney, who was forced to spend several extra nights in Manhattan. The ex-Beatle was staying at the Carlyle Hotel and, having unanticipated time on his hands, found himself in Bemelmans Bar, the Carlyle's jazz lounge. There he came across the Thailand-born pianist-singer Loston Harris and his trio, with guitarist Ron Affif and bassist Chris Berger. According to Mr. Affif, Mr. McCartney not only spent several nights enjoying the trio's music, but sat in with the group on "The Very Thought of You." Upon hearing himself singing this classic (and, coincidentally, British) song, he became determined to go ahead with an idea that had been on his mind for some years: to do a whole album of the Great American Songbook. Fast forward two years and Kisses on the Bottom is now in stores.

BANDWDTH Publishing, in conjunction with the George Harrison Estate, announces the release of a special iPad app celebrating the guitarist and his historical guitar collection. The Guitar Collection: George Harrison iPad app will be released through iTunes on February 23, two days before George’s birthdate.

The app brings George Harrison’s private guitar collection to life through photographs, detailed descriptions, audio, and video footage. For the first time, with the help of unique 360° imaging by photographer Steven Sebring, fans can see the scratches, dings, and worn threads on the guitars as if they were themselves holding the instruments.Fans will be able to examine Harrison’s private guitar collection, through personal audio recordings from Harrison himself as he introduces many of the guitars and plays sections of songs.

The history of each guitar is laid out in great detail; including the origin of the guitar, when and how it became part of Harrison’s collection, modifications he made to it and why each was so important in creating his distinctive sound. Songs from his catalogue are organized by the guitars used on each track, which allows the user to appreciate the personalities of each instrument. The video section of the app contains footage of Ben Harper, Josh Homme, Mike Campbell, and Dhani Harrison each playing and showcasing the guitars and exploring their feel and tone. In addition, Conan O’Brien and Dhani discuss what make these guitars so exceptional. Also in this section, guitar great Gary Moore shares his views on what made George Harrison such a distinctive and influential guitar player.

The app will sell for $9.99 at the Apple App store. Click here for more info.

Wondering what Heather's been up to?

'Kisses On The Bottom' is a collection of standards Paul grew up listening to in his childhood as well as the two new McCartney compositions 'My Valentine' and 'Only Our Hearts'. Get details here. You can also buy the album as a Digital Download at iTunes. With the help of Grammy Award-winning producer Tommy LiPuma and Diana Krall and her band—as well as guest appearances from Eric Clapton and Stevie Wonder, McCartney's new album is a deeply personal journey through classic American compositions that, in some cases, a young Paul first heard his father perform on piano at home. The full tracklisting reveals that Paul has been both reverent and adventurous in his song choices. All orders receive an instant download of 'My Valentine.'

Kisses On The Bottom 

01. I’m Gonna Sit Right Down And Write Myself A Letter 02:36 

02. Home (When Shadows Fall) 04:04 

03. It’s Only A Paper Moon 02:35 

04. More I Cannot Wish You 03:04 

05. The Glory Of Love 03:46 

06. We Three (My Echo, My Shadow And Me) 03:22 

07. Ac-Cent-Tchu-Ate The Positive 02:32 

08. My Valentine 03:14 

09. Always 03:50 

10. My Very Good Friend The Milkman 03:04 

11. Bye Bye Blackbird 04:26 

12. Get Yourself Another Fool 04:42 

13. The Inch Worm 03:43

14. Only Our Hearts 04:21

Deluxe CD Album will feature 2 bonus tracks plus access to a download of an exclusive live show (available from Tuesday 14th February via paulmccartney.com, plus longer liner notes and expanded packaging featuring 3 postcards)

15. Baby's Request 03:30

16. My One And Only Love 03:50

Now you don't have to wait for Sunday to hear "Birthday"! Watch the animated Rockband video version HERE its Free!  Also, EMAIL us your birthday people, then listen in the 11 o'clock hour each Sunday on the radio. You can also listen worldwide for free > STREAMING AUDIO 

Ringo 2012 is the fabulous sound of a man you know and love working in the groove of a lifetime and making an album with nine songs that vividly reflect his life yesterday and today. "This album is me doing what I do here and now," says Ringo, "and nobody's more qualified to do that than I am!" In fact, one of the only things that didn't come easy for Ringo Starr making Ringo 2012 was the title. Ringo 2012 cannot help but recall the title of another classic album by Starr, 1973's Ringo -- in fact, Ringo 2012 features a startlingly new and improved version of "Step Lightly' from the massively successful Ringo, as well as "Wings" from 1978's Ringo The 4th.

Ringo Starr's 17th solo studio record was produced by Starr and was recorded in LA and mixed in England by Ringo and Bruce Sugar,
and features 9 songs. Of the 9 tracks two are covers, "Think It Over," and "Rock Island Line" and two are new versions of his own songs, "Wings" and "Step Lightly." Joining Ringo in the studio for Ringo 2012 were musicians (in alphabetical order): Michael Bradford, Ann Marie Calhoun, Matt Cartsonis, Steve Dudas, Charlie Haden, Amy Keys, Kelly Moneymaker, Richard Page, Van Dyke parks, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Dave Stewart, Bruce Sugar, Benmont Tench, Joe Walsh , Don Was, Edgar Winter.

The first single is the song "Wings". Here is some background on the song:

"This is a song I first recorded on Ringo The 4th back when an album meant vinyl. These are different days, and it's one of those songs I always wanted to revisit. I wrote "Wings" with Vinnie Poncia in New York, and he
doesn't know I've done this yet. I'm going to surprise Vinnie and send it to
him. I had Joe Walsh come over and play, and nobody can top Joe. Joe is the best and he plays all over "Wings." Joe was always family, even
before we became related, but now he can't say no. I'm on Joe's next record
too if he ever finishes it. For the last two years, I've been listening to a
lot of reggae, so this album has a reggae feel to it. What can I tell you? I'm
a product of my environment. I always loved the sentiment of this song, and I'm glad we finally got it right."

The album is available now. Click here for more information.