In this Part II of our three-part interview with Rusty Paul, son of the legendary Les Paul, Rusty gives us a glimpse into Les Paul’s relationships with some of the most beloved guitarists and musicians in the music world, including Jeff Beck, Tommy Emmanuel, Slash and Steve Miller, among others. Let’s get right to it!
In tribute to the legendary guitarist, Les Paul, we caught up with his son, Rusty (Lester G. Paul, Jr) to gather up his thoughts about his father, who had passed a way over a year before. We knew Rusty was carrying on the family musical legacy, by playing bass with his own group, frequenting the Iridium Jazz Club in New York City, a long time gig played by his father every Monday night for decades and working on a tribute tour for his dad.
The lumbering, monstrous beat of Edgar Winter Group’s “Frankenstein” seems like it should be the reason for the title of this 1970’s rock instrumental, but the real reason is much more interesting. Because the band often deviated from their written songs into free-form jams, the original recording of “Frankenstein” had to be pieced together from many different sections of the jam. This led to Chuck Ruff, the drummer of the group to remark on the tape’s resemblance to the fictional monster. The main riff of the song contains only three notes, but it’s heaviness is what really counts. It came at a time where bands like Black Sabbath were becoming popular, and this heaviness fit right in. “Frankenstein” also helped popularize the synthesizer as a rock n roll instrument, because Edgar Winter, the albino leader of the band, is supposedly the first person to ever strap a synthesizer on his neck and play standing up.
Queensryche’s anticipated new CD, Dedicated to Chaos is the sound of the band marching forward artistically, philosophically and sonically. Their commitment to their craft is unwavering. Their ability to challenge themselves and create new soundscapes is unparalleled in hard rock. A band continually re-inventing themselves, growing, and blending the boundaries of heavy metal, hard rock, alternative to form a unified and unique sound that is always recognizable with Geoff Tate’s vocals at the helm. I had a chance to meet up with guitarist Michael Wilton to talk about the new CD, reflect back on the 20th Anniversary of Empire and talk about all things on guitars and gear.
Brazil seems to grow great guitarists as easily as it grows the palm trees that line the country’s boulevards and streets. Some of the greatest players to ever live have come from this South American guitar breeding ground, such as Baden Powell, Raphael Rabello and Yamandú Costa just to name three. With such a rich guitar history, it is no wonder that Brazil continues to develop and produce some of the best young guitarists on the planet. With a strong recording catalog already in his library, a series of high-profile concerts and the ability to compose, interpret and improvise at a world-class level, Ouro Preto based guitarist Tabajara Belo is a player that deserves to be counted as one of the country’s finest guitarists.
Black Country Communion 2 was released on June 14, 2011, just nine months after the initial release by the band comprised of Joe Bonamassa, Glenn Hughes, Derek Sherinian, and Jason Bonham. It’s a positive step when a supergroup releases a sophomore record within a year after the debut, primarily because it shows that they’re still seriously motivated about the overall venture. It’s unusual, as statistics have shown that many of these bands lose interest quickly, and obstacles and personal issues get in the way. Obviously this band is keyed up, which means fans are keyed up too.
From the Eagles’ Hotel California, “Life In The Fast Lane” couldn’t be any more different from the album’s title track, which was also a hit single for the Eagles. The song idea came to singer Glenn Frey when he was driving on the highway with a drug dealer who refused to drive more slowly. Living up to its title, “Life In The Fast Lane” is perfect driving music. The song kicks of proper with a driving blues-rock guitar riff that is soon joined by bouncing bass and drums. This guitar riff, written by lead guitarist Joe Walsh, can be heard throughout the song, but it constantly changes, never getting old.
Each year at the end of the September to May touring and concert season, as my schedule eases up, I like to write “Thank You” notes to concert presenters and other colleagues who I’ve worked with or who have helped me or inspired me in some way. Of course, there are occasionally those to whom I’d like to write a very different kind of note. A special note for colleagues who broke a contract, made a gig or tour unnecessarily difficult or brushed me off in some way – a “F*@K You” note if you will.
Allele (pronounced Uh leel) is Wally Wood (vocals), Mason Romaine (guitar), Giancarlo Autenzio (drums), Tim Tobin (bass), and Kelly Hayes (guitar). All of these musicians, formerly known only to each other as “local boys” that once played in various bands around the Jacksonville, Florida area, comprise a group of incredibly sharp, talented musicians that deliver a clear message that rock n roll is not a joke, nor is it dead. After their first CD, Point of Origin, there were tours, followed by Wally’s departure, then a regrouping of the lineup with Wally’s return and Lane’s departure.
Jimmy Page is one of rock ‘n’ roll’s most influential guitarists, and over the years has become a household name even in households without music fans. He has earned countless accolades and awards throughout his monumental career with Led Zeppelin, his time with the Yardbirds and The Firm, and as a session musician, but has maintained his humility and dedication to the music above all else.
