In a music era where the airwaves are destitute of rock guitar, Godfrey Townsend unleashes an album of virtuoso steel-string wonder, reminding us that our electric guitar fanaticism still has sturdy legs. Easy Journey to Other Planets saddles up and takes us for a guitar romp, unlike any that we’ve heard for some time.
In the early 1980’s Roy Rogers spent several years touring with John Lee Hooker before going out on his own with The Delta Rhythm Kings in 1986. Since that time Roy has stayed busy, not only as a performer, songwriter, and recording and guest artist, but, also as a producer of recordings by John Lee Hooker and Ramblin’ Jack Elliott. Roy has been nominated for two Grammy Awards and three W.C. Handy Awards. He still tours the world with The Delta Rhythm Kings, alongside bandmates Steve Ehrmann [bass] and Billy Lee Lewis [drums].
Perla Hudson, the wife of Velvet Revolver’s legendary guitar player, Slash, has navigated the depths and ridden the crests of the rock ‘n’ roll lifestyle for a decade. And no one would be surprised if she simply wrapped herself in that self-indulgent lifestyle that we hear about that beckons and, sometimes, overcomes the rich and famous. But, we spoke to Perla, and she let us know that she and her husband had more important things to take care of and nurture.
Larry Coryell has been, and continues to be, an innovative force of jazz guitar and is credited by many with being among the first players to champion the jazz-rock and fusion movements. After reviewing his new autobiography, Improvising: My Life in Music (Backbeat Books)
By the time he was a teenager; Eric Gales was being hailed as the “Second Coming” of Jimi Hendrix and had signed a contract with Elektra records. The early 1990s saw two albums released, two hit singles, multiple awards and even an appearance on The Arsenio Hall Show.
Capturing the imagination and the spirit of live performing is multi-award winning singer-songwriter, Michelle Swan, who’s solo work is impressive and her ability to front “pickup” bands in the Washington, D.C. area, and grab the attention of audiences, immersing them in her songs and on-stage charisma, is always a good lesson for her contemporaries on “how to” entertain a crowd.
And what’s even more impressive is Brian Tarquin’s altruism, given his support and contributions to veterans’ and other causes, and the music projects he’s driven to completion with his fellow collaborators, who include some of the world’s first flight musicians: Jean Luc Ponty, Eric Johnson, Robben Ford (Miles Davis), Steve Morse (Deep Purple), Dean Brown (David Sanborn), Hal Lindes (Dire Straits), Chris Poland (Megadeth), John Tropea (Billy Cobham), Steve Kindler (Jeff Beck), Carl Verheyen (Supertramp) and Larry McCray (John Mayall), the late Phil Naro, and the Budapest Symphony Orchestra.
When country music artist Vince Gill was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2007, one only had to look back on a few of his accomplishments to recognize his impact on the musical style.
For many in the Washington, D.C. area, Rebecca Berlin, seems to have appeared on the singer-songwriter scene from out of nowhere. But, her journey has taken a few twists and turns, and a long hiatus along the way. She released a studio album a decade ago, focused on the world of music syncing, and was on the move performing her original songs; all systems “go”. Life had its challenges that needed tending to and her artistic ambitions were held in abeyance until recently.
Guitar International’s feature article at “The Good Life” is an exclusive interview with the legendary John Coltrane Quartet pianist, McCoy Tyner, who now has his “Guitars” album out for your listening pleasure.
