Posted February 16, 2011 at 9:00 am | No comments
Jazz guitarist and inventor, Les Paul, brought us more than his electric “Log” guitar fashioned out of two pickups, and the triptych coupling of a slab of 4 x 4 lumber and the two halves from an Epiphone hollow body guitar. He brought us more than a delightful legacy of jazz, but a mountain of amazing guitar techniques to examine and study. His deep curiosity and rich inventiveness roamed the world of electronics and sound, luring him like sirens to seemingly insurmountable production and recording challenges. Good for us that Mr. Paul’s intense curiosity was welded to an equally tenacious spirited drive.
Posted in: Guitar Hero Interviews, Interviews, Jazz, Jazz Interviews
Posted February 15, 2011 at 10:00 am | One comment
Although Immortal Dominion has issued several releases thus far, the latest from this Colorado-based band Primortal (on 427 Records), is undoubtedly their strongest yet. Comprised of band members Ray Smith (vocals), Brian Villers (guitars/vocals), Louis Micciullo (guitars), Bryan “Ed” Schmidt (bass), and Casey Glass (drums), the group has teamed up with renowned producer Sterling Winfield, who is best known for his work with such best-selling metal acts as Pantera and Mercyful Fate.
Posted in: Interviews, Metal, Metal Interviews
Posted February 12, 2011 at 9:00 am | One comment
Fender’s promotional efforts with respect to the limited-edition Crossroads Stratocaster (also known as the Antigua Strat or Sun Strat) and amp have been both generous and tasteful. In fact, the efforts have been tasteful to the extent that Fender’s said relatively little as to exactly what guitar a buyer is getting for the $30,000 Platinum Package, which includes Strat, amp, case and a variety of interesting collateral items, or the $20,000 Gold Package that includes the guitar and a similar array of value-added materials, preferring to place the emphasis on the underlying cause for which the gear is being offered – the Crossroads Centre.
Posted in: Classic Rock, Interviews, Rock Interviews
Posted February 10, 2011 at 10:00 am | 8 comments
While classical, jazz and now even rock music have all been “institutionalized” over the past century, working their way into university and college curriculum across the globe, there is as least one form of highly-improvised guitar playing that has, for the most part, shied away from these institutions, Flamenco. Possessing a raw energy and folk-like quality that has inspired some of the best guitarists in the world to immerse themselves in the genre, including Paco de Lucia and Adam del Monte, Flamenco has long been an art form that is handed down aurally from generation to generation, and at least up until now has remained that way, which most Flamenco players seem to prefer.
Posted in: Classical, Classical Interviews, Interviews
Posted February 7, 2011 at 9:00 am | 4 comments
Talking to Sammy Hagar, it’s hard to tell that the prolific guitarist, singer and songwriter has been working as a professional musician for almost 44 years, beginning his career by recording “Reach Out to Find Me” and “Read My Thoughts” in 1967. During the intervening years, Hagar has had several successful solo careers, been a member of the rock band Montrose, and spent a decade with Van Halen at the height of the band’s fame in the mid ‘80s and early ‘90. Throughout it all has maintained an exuberance and excitement for music that is often only found in performers half his age or younger.
Posted in: Classic Rock, Guitar Hero Interviews, Interviews, Rock Interviews
Posted February 2, 2011 at 10:00 am | No comments
When you think of shred-guitar prowess and monster metal chops, players from the U.S., the U.K. or Brazil normally come to mind as the guys standing at the top of the heap. But, there is a guitarist living in Croatia that is quickly making a name for himself as a player to watch out for on today’s scene.
Posted in: Interviews, Metal, Metal Interviews
Posted February 1, 2011 at 11:02 am | One comment
Fans that caught the first few shows on the Music as a Weapon tour might have been a little surprised to see that Brad Kochmit and not Clint Lowery was playing guitar with Sevendust during their shows. After taking a break from the band between 2005 and 2008, there might have been a little concern that Lowery was taking another break, but this is definitely not the case. Brad was filling in because Clint just had his first baby, and took two weeks off to spend time with his family and get used to their new addition.
Posted in: Interviews, Metal, Metal Interviews
Posted January 31, 2011 at 10:00 am | 2 comments
When we think of heavy metal, Greek rockers tend not to immediately come to mind, unless we’re Ozzy or Firewind fans, and we’ve dialed into a guitarist from Thessaloniki, Greece, who calls himself Gus G. Gus was born, Kostas Karamitroudis, but his birth name evolved to an American translation from Kostas to Gus, with the “G” added from a shortened version of his name that a good friend calls him.
Posted in: Interviews, Metal Interviews
Posted January 30, 2011 at 11:00 am | One comment
In today’s modern world there are many paths an artist can take throughout their career. Some prefer to focus their attention solely on one genre, ensemble or solo project, while others stoke their creative fires by moving between projects, bands and jumping between the commercial and non-commercial worlds.
Posted in: Interviews, Jam Band, Jam Band Interviews
Posted January 28, 2011 at 10:00 am | 3 comments
Having known guitar legend Ritchie Blackmore from his days in Deep Purple and Rainbow, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect from his newest CD Autumn Sky, which was recorded with his Renaissance influenced ensemble Blackmore’s Night, but I have to say that I really enjoyed the record.
Posted in: Guitar Hero Interviews, Interviews, Legends Interviews, Rock
