Category: Guitar World Interviews

Guitar World Interviews, Interview, Music

Guitar World: Ted Nugent Discusses New Album ‘Shut Up & Jam!’ and His Kamp for Kids
Ted Nugent (Photo by Stefan Johansson)
Ted Nugent (Photo by Stefan Johansson)

Cute?

One could certainly find better adjectives to describe Shut Up & Jam!, Ted Nugent’s first studio album in seven years.

But that’s exactly how the Motor City Madman himself would describe this new collection of blues-inspired songs. Say what you will about his choice of words; it’s safe to say Nugent and his insatiable appetite for honky-tonk bastardization has never sounded better.

In addition to the tasty guitar work you’d expect from a Nugent album, highlights from Shut Up & Jam! include guest vocalist Sammy Hagar performing on the track “She’s Gone” and Nugent’s longtime musical cohort, Derek St. Holmes, showcasing his own soulful vocals on “Everything Matters.”

The release of Shut Up & Jam! will coincide with another summer tour, during which Nugent will be — once again — joined by Holmes plus Greg Smith (bass) and Mick Brown (drums).

I recently spoke with Nugent about Shut Up & Jam!, his Gibson Byrdland and his Kamp For Kids, which just celebrated its 25th anniversary.

GUITAR WORLD: The music industry has changed so much in the last seven years. What made you decide to release a new studio album?

I’m such a lucky guy, having been 100 percent in charge of my life since I was a teenager. My outdoor lifestyle so cleanses, fortifies me and inspires me that whenever I pick up the guitar, fire comes off of the neck and those killer, grinding grooves happen all the time. Because I’m so involved with so many different aspects of my life and tour like an animal every summer, I just didn’t put the logistics together to record these new songs. I finally couldn’t wait any longer. These songs have a fire in them, and I had to capture them.

Read the rest of my
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Guitar World Interviews, Interview, Music

Future’s Past: Dave Mason Talks Recording with Jimi Hendrix, New Album and More

DaveMasonGuitarist and Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Dave Mason was a founding member of Traffic (along with Steve Winwood, Jim Capaldi and Chris Wood). He’s also recorded and/or toured with the likes of George Harrison, the Rolling Stones, Fleetwood Mac and Michael Jackson.

Then there’s also the little matter of his historic performance on Jimi Hendrix’s iconic version of Bob Dylan’s “All Along the Watchtower.”

Mason’s new album, Future’s Past, pays homage to those early years by featuring new versions of songs from his Traffic days and solo career, including new interpretations of “As Sad and Deep As You” and “World In Changes.” Rounding out the nine-track album is a new song, “That’s Freedom.”

Mason is on the road with the Traffic Jam Tour, which pays tribute to his former band and his solo years. I recently spoke with Mason about Future’s Past, his days with Traffic and his experience with Hendrix.

GUITAR WORLD: How did the Future’s Past project begin?

There wasn’t really a plan. I have a huge collection of material I’ve recorded over the last few years. Some of the songs applied to my Traffic Jam show (“Dear Mr. Fantasy,” “You Can All Join In.”) Then I had “World in Changes,” which was from my Alone Together album but sounds absolutely nothing like the original. My original intent was to use these tracks for an EP of about four songs, but since I also had a few other tracks and everything sounded so good, I decided to just put them all on there. The thing I like is that the album doesn’t sound dated. It all sounds fresh and new.

One of the highlights on the record is the version of “As Sad and Deep As You.”

That’s basically a live cut. It has such a strong emotion and mood. To me, it’s better than the original. That’s why it’s on there.

Read the rest of my
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Guitar World Interviews, Interview, Music

Roll with the Changes: Dave Amato Talks Guitars and 25 Years with REO Speedwagon

Since REO Speedwagon’s arrival on the scene 40-plus years ago, the band has seen a lot of musical changes. Touring relentlessly through the Midwest in the 1970s, they finally broke through, scoring a pair of No. 1 hits in the 1980s. They also had the bestselling rock album of 1981, Hi Infidelity.

REO Speedwagon (Photo: Lisa Cuvo)
REO Speedwagon (Photo: Lisa Cuvo)

Some might even say they were the originators of the term “power ballad.”

And although the band also has gone through a few personnel changes over the years, they never cease to bring their lineup of hits to eager fans every year.

The band, which includes Kevin Cronin (vocals, rhythm guitar), Dave Amato (guitars), Bruce Hall (bass), Neal Doughty (keyboards) and Bryan Hitt (drums), performed 96 shows last year and are on pace to do an equal amount in 2014, including a summer co-headlining tour with Chicago.

I caught up with Amato, who recently celebrated 25 years with REO Speedwagon. I asked him to reflect on his career with REO and his affection for guitars and vintage gear. He also told me about an important lesson he learned from his early years working with Ted Nugent.

GUITAR WORLD: Twenty-five years with REO Speedwagon. What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you think about that?

I think brothers. We’ve been together for 25 years, and these guys are my friends and my brothers. It’s great playing with them every night.

Can you tell me the story of how you joined the band?

My friend Jesse Harms was a keyboard player in Sammy Hagar’s band and was also writing songs with Kevin [Cronin]. Gary [Richrath] wasn’t with the band anymore and they were looking for a guitar player. They didn’t want to put out a “cattle call” for people in LA, so Jesse mentioned me to Kevin and they gave me a few songs to see what I could do with them. I remember I went in on a Friday around 1 p.m. We played a few of the songs together and then played a little basketball. Then we went back in and jammed again until around 5. That was when they offered me a spot in the band. It’s a good story and was just meant to be.

Read the rest of my
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Guitar World Interviews, Interview, Music

Guitarist Nita Strauss Talks Touring with Alice Cooper, Gear and Three-Guitar Attacks

Following the April premiere of Alice Cooper’s film, Super Duper Alice Cooper, at the Tribeca Film Festival and its subsequent on DVD, rock’s greatest showman is hitting the road as a “very special guest” during Mötley Crüe’s final “All Bad Things Must Come To An End” North American tour, which starts in July.

NitaStrauss

But the tour also will mark the debut of Cooper’s new guitarist, Nita Strauss, who recently was listed as one of GuitarWorld.com’s “10 Female Guitar Players You Should Know.” Strauss takes the place of Orianthi, who had toured with Cooper for the past several years.

Strauss — whose influences include Steve Vai, Marty Friedman, Paul Gilbert and Shawn Lane — has already made her mark with the Iron Maidens and Femme Fatale. She’ll now join Cooper’s three-guitar attack, joining fellow six-stringers Ryan Roxie and Tommy Henriksen.

I recently spoke to Strauss about the upcoming tour, her gear and how she got her start.

GUITAR WORLD: Tell me how you got involved with this project.

Kip Winger was the one who actually connected the dots. We met each other on the Monsters of Rock Cruise, where he saw me play. He later heard through the grapevine that Alice was looking for someone, so he sent them a few links and videos of me performing. I was then introduced to Shep Gordon [manager] and Bob Ezrin [producer] who sent me over a few tracks to learn and from there. Everything just seemed to fall into place. I’m so honored and excited to be a part of this project. It’s hard to put into words.

What was it like when you first met Alice?

I first met Alice in LA when he was recording some material for his new album. Ezrin called and asked me if I’d like to come down to the studio and meet him. So I went down and got to sit in the studio for Alice’s recording session. He’s such a cool guy. The whole experience was pretty incredible.

You can read the rest of my
gw_logoInterview with Nita Strauss by Clicking Here!

Guitar World Interviews, Interview, Music

The Long Run: Don Felder Talks Soundtrack of Summer Tour, Eagles Highlights and More

Felder

Former Eagles guitarist/songwriter — not to mention multi-Grammy winner — Don Felder isn’t one to simply rest on his laurels.

In addition to penning his best-selling memoir in 2008, Felder’s most recent album, 2012’s Road to Forever, has done incredibly well on the classic rock charts and recently was re-released as an extended-edition package with four additional songs.

Felder is out on the road now with Styx and Foreigner in what’s being billed the Soundtrack of Summer tour. The jaunt coincides with the release of a new album of the same name. It features a collection of hits from the bands, and finishes off with a brand-new interpretation of the Eagles’ “Hotel California.”

I recently spoke to Felder about the Soundtrack of Summer tour, his early years with the Eagles and much more. Check out the interview below.

How did the Soundtrack of Summer project come about?

I’ve known the Styx guys for many years. We’ve done many benefits together in the past and started doing some shows together. Tommy [Shaw] and I became good friends, and he even volunteered some of his time to writing lyrics and singing on my last CD, Road to Forever. So when the idea for doing a Styx and Foreigner tour came up and my name was mentioned, I said “Absolutely!” The catalog of these three bands is just magnificent. I’m excited to be a part of it.

What can fans expect from your set?

I do some of the Eagles songs I recorded and played live with the band for 27 years. Songs like “Hotel California,” “Heartache Tonight,” “Those Shoes” and a version of “Seven Bridges Road” that we used to do with the Eagles years ago. We even do a version of my song “Heavy Metal,” which was something the audience used to yell out for us to do during the Hell Freezes Over tour [laughs].

Read the rest of my
gw_logoInterview with Don Felder by Clicking Here!

Guitar World Interviews, Interview, Music

Guitarist Joe Perry Talks Aerosmith, Touring with Slash and His Upcoming Autobiography

Since their start in the early Seventies — when they were fixtures of Boston’s vibrant music scene — Aerosmith have sold more than 150 million albums, garnered countless awards (including four Grammys) and have been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Aerosmith

They’ve crossed musical genres with their signature song “Walk This Way,” while their most recent album, 2012’s Music From Another Dimension, debuted at Number 5 on the Billboard 200.

There have been ups and downs along the way, but perhaps no band defines success better than Aerosmith. So it only makes sense that Steven Tyler (vocals), Joe Perry (lead guitar), Brad Whitford (guitar), Tom Hamilton (bass) and Joey Kramer (drums) would team up with another musical giant — Slash (along with Myles Kennedy and the Conspirators) — for a summer tour like no other.

The new Aerosmith/Slash North American tour, Let Rock Rule, will start July 10 in Wantaugh, New York, and end September 12 in Sydney, Nova Scotia.

I recently spoke with Perry about the Let Rock Rule Tour. He also gave me an update on his next solo album and a first look at his new autobiography, Rocks: My Life In and Out of Aerosmith, which will hit shelves October 7.

GUITAR WORLD: Did you ever think that more than 40 years after the band’s formation we’d be talking about yet another killer Aerosmith tour?

No, I really didn’t [laughs]. But in the bigger picture, I don’t think anyone could have predicted that the business would have carried on as long as it did. We’ve seen a lot of changes in this business of rock and roll. We’ve seen it go from an underground meeting for a new generation of people to becoming a social revolution where the music became the theme (and sometimes even helped drive it). Then we watched the whole thing collapse and change with the way people receive their music. It’s tough to say where things are going to go from here, but the good thing is that fans still want rock and new music. When we see the fans out there, they’re as excited as ever to see rock and roll in the flesh. It’s the end of an era and a whole different world.

You Can Read The Rest Of My
gw_logoInterview with Joe Perry By Clicking Here!

Guitar World Interviews, Interview, Music

Guitarist Jeff Rains Discusses His New Album, ‘From The Ashes’
Jeff Rains (Photo: Jeff Sciortino)
Jeff Rains (Photo: Jeff Sciortino)

Ever since Jeff Rains first caught the music bug at age 15, he’s been doing things his own way. Even though the Indiana-based guitarist/vocalist wasn’t signed to a label, Rains regularly wrote, recorded and produced his own original music.

Having spent three solid years touring with the likes of Five Finger Death Punch, Hatebreed and Black Stone Cherry, Rains recently took some time off to be with his family and to finish his sophomore release, From The Ashes.

The new album, which will be released June 17, features more of the melodic hard rock sound Rains has become known for. Tracks like “Radio Song,” “Better Man” and “Believe” delve deep into Rains’ psyche while “Hero” crosses over into a more mainstream arena. From The Ashes even includes a dynamic cover of Kanye West’s “Heartless.”

I recently spoke with Rains about From The Ashes and more.

GUITAR WORLD: It’s been a few years since your debut album, Stories, was released. Why such a long wait?

I don’t really have a band, so I do everything on my own. I record all of the instruments, write all of the songs and produce everything. That makes the process of making a record take a little bit longer than most. We also went through a few management changes during that time, and the singles were really lasting a long time on the radio. Ideally, I wanted to get the record out faster but there were circumstances that kept happening and I didn’t want to rush it.

You can read the rest of my
gw_logoWith Jeff Rains by Clicking Here!

Guitar World Interviews, Interview, Music

Guitar World: Zane Carney Talks Solo Albums, Musicvox Guitars & Working with John Mayer
Zane Carney
Zane Carney

Guitarist Zane Carney’s musical journey started at an early age.

Following a four-year stint as a star on a Nineties sitcom, the former child actor dabbled with guitar before deciding to retire from the acting craft to begin seriously honing his guitar skills.

With a new-found perspective and an appreciation for jazz greats like Wes Montgomery, Carney’s work ethic, combined with a ravenous appetite for music theory, would eventually lead him to some pretty notable gigs, including working as guitarist for the Broadway show Spider-Man: Turn off The Dark and collaborating with the likes of Bono and Justin Timberlake.

In addition to Carney’s current job as touring guitarist for John Mayer, he recently released two solo albums. The first, Confluence, is an inspired collection of songs showcasing his strength as a vocalist and songwriter. Amalgam, which was released in February, is a dynamic, guitar-driven instrumental album emphasizing Carney’s virtuosity and improvisation.

I recently spoke with Carney about his music, working with Mayer and his affinity for Musicvox guitars.

How would you describe your album Confluence?

It’s a little bit of a “growing pains” kind of sound, it’s about me searching for my own voice. It was the discovery of something that would allow me to express myself as a solo artist and a mixture of the many of the different styles of jazz and blues that inspired me.

What was the writing process like for that record?

I always try to use a different process for each song I write. For instance, the song “Fade to Black” was inspired by listening to a lot to Neil Young’s After the Goldrush. I was also reading a lot of T.S. Eliot at the time and felt like writing poetry. For the song “Talk to Me Baby,” I had already had the title lyric in mind and just expounded on what that thought meant to me.

Read the rest of my
gw_logoInterview with Zane Carney by Clicking Here!

Guitar World Interviews, Interview, Music

‘I’ll Have Some of That!: Guitarist Joey Sykes Talks Babys Reunion and Working with Wally Stocker

Joey Sykes1 Photo Credit to Karina ChiechiWith a string of hits including “Isn’t It Time,” “Every Time I Think of You” and “Back On My Feet Again,” the Babys’ brand of classic rock/power pop played a huge part in the musical transition of the late Seventies.

Following their breakup in 1981, members of the band went on to achieve continued success — Jonathan Cain with Journey, Ricky Phillips with Styx and original singer John Waite as a solo artist and with Cain and Phillips in Bad English.

Now, after more than a three-decade absence, guitarist Wally Stocker and drummer Tony Brock have reformed the Babys and will release a new album, I’ll Have Some of That! June 24.

Originally brought on just to contribute songs for the project, guitarist Joey Sykes’ wizardry and work ethic impressed Stocker and Brock so much that he was asked to sign on as a new member of the band along with bassist/vocalist John Bisaha. The two musicians add a new dimension to the Babys and bring with them a style that works well in tandem with Stocker and Brock.

I recently caught up with Sykes to ask him about the Babys reunion, the new album and more.

GUITAR WORLD: How did the Babys reunion come about?

Over the years, the guys would often tease about doing one. Obviously, Jonathan Cain is a huge part of Journey and Ricky Phillips is firmly entrenched with Styx, so it was tough to do a full-on reunion. The closest they got was a few years ago with John [Waite], but in the end John decided to continue with his solo career. But there was no animosity. At the end of the day, everyone is a fan of everything that made the Babys’ legacy so great and gave the reunion their blessing.

Read more of my
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Guitar World Interviews, Interview, Music

California Breed: Guitarist Andrew Watt Discusses His New Trio with Glenn Hughes and Jason Bonham

CBFormer Deep Purple and Trapeze bassist Glenn Hughes, who has spent the recent past guesting with everyone from Black Sabbath to Earth, Wind & Fire, formed Black Country Communion with Joe Bonamassa, Jason Bonham and Derek Sherinian in 2009.

After three albums and four years together, that hard-rocking foursome — very publicly — called it quits last year.

Now Hughes and Bonham are back with a new trio — California Breed — which is handily rounded out by 23-year-old New York City guitarist Andrew Watt.

The band’s self-titled debut, which was produced by Dave Cobb (Jamey Johnson, Rival Sons), was recorded live and direct to tape. And while you will find several examples of Watt’s six-string prowess throughout the disc, you’ll also discover he is just as comfortable when he’s falling back into riffs and rhythm work.

California Breed’s debut highlights the best of all three virtuosos without overstating the obvious. Because in the end, it really is all about the groove. I recently caught up with Watt to discuss California Breed.

GUITAR WORLD: How did California Breed come together?

I was at a party of a friend of mine, Julian Lennon, when he brought Glenn over and told me that the two of us really needed to meet. After talking with Glenn for a while and discovering we had so much in common musically, even though there’s a bit of an age gap, we decided to get together to write a few songs.

So we hooked up in LA, went into a studio and a few hours later we had written two songs, “Chemical Rain” and “Solo.” What’s cool is that the songs we wrote didn’t seem to be “Glenn Hughes” or “Andrew Watt” songs. It was this brand-new collaboration neither of us had expected. Right from that point, it started feeling like a band. That’s when Glenn called up Jason to see when we could record. Everything just unfolded in a very natural way.

You can read the rest of my
gw_logoInterview with Andrew Watt by Clicking Here!