Category: Guitar World Interviews

Guitar World Interviews, Interview, Music

Human Nature: BWB Guitarist Norman Brown Discusses Album Paying Homage to Michael Jackson
BWB (Norman Brown, Kirk Whalum and Rick Braun)
BWB left to right: Norman Brown, Kirk Whalum and Rick Braun

With an incredible catalog of songs accumulated over the course of his life, Michael Jackson’s music was something that transcended many different styles and influenced a generation of listeners. Growing up, I remember not only being glued to the television watching the Jackson 5 cartoon show, but also being on the front lines for the “Thriller” and “Bad” album phenomenons (the former still ranks as the biggest selling album of all time).

People just couldn’t get enough of his music; and many a child of the 80′s will tell you (albeit, secretly) that they regularly paid homage to Jackson by imitating his moonwalk or wearing the same jacket and glove style he made famous.

Like me, Grammy winning jazz guitarist Norman Brown never had the opportunity to meet the King of Pop, but his work on the new BWB album “Human Nature” channels the connection Jackson had between himself and his music in a cool and powerful way.

Fans have lamented that more than a decade has passed since Brown and BWB (with fellow jazz greats Kirk Whalum on sax and Rick Braun on trumpet) released their last album, “Groovin”. With “Human Nature”, not only has the supergroup reunited, but the reunion also allowed them the opportunity of putting their own unique spin on eleven Michael Jackson classics; including tasty renditions of “Billie Jean”, “Beat It” and “Man in The Mirror”.

I had the pleasure of speaking with Brown and discussing “Human Nature” and more in this exclusive Guitar World interview.

Human Nature will be released on June 18th, 2013

For more on Norman Brown and BWB, check out his Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/normanbrownfans

Guitar World Interviews, Interview, Music

Right Now: Jazz Guitarist Fabrizio Sotti’s New Album Pays Homage To Classic Hits

FabrizioWhether it’s writing, producing or recording straight ahead jazz records for himself or for other artists, Fabrizzio Sotti has done it all. But when it comes to his latest album, “Right Now”, Sotti does something completely different from anything he’s ever done before. Included among six brand new, original tracks are songs that have inspired the jazz guitarist from his youth. Classic songs that have been re-worked into mesmerizing jazz-pop gems, including Pink Floyd’s “The Wall,” Jimi Hendrix’s “The Wind Cries Mary,” Bob Marley’s “Waitin’ In Vain and ” U2’s “One”.

Among many guest artists, Sotti is joined on “Right Now” by R&B powerhouse Melanie Fiona, reggae superstar Shaggy and hip-hop icons Ice T and M-1 of Dead Prez. The album’s cohesive sound stems from the band, which is made up of Sotti on electric, acoustic and classical guitar, Tony Grey on bass and Mino Cinélu on drums and percussion.

I spoke with Sotti about the new album and more in an exclusive Guitar World Interview!

Guitar World Interviews, Interview, Music

Guitar World: Gina StileTalks JSRG, Vixen, Thunderbox and Her Twisted Sister Connection
Share Ross, Roxy Petrucci, Janet Gardner and Gina Sile of JSRG
Left to Right: Share Ross, Roxy Petrucci, Janet Gardner and Gina Stile of JSRG

Gina Stile has been involved in several successful projects over the years including the 80’s bands Poison Dollys and Envy. She’s opened for Aerosmith on a string of dates, had an album produced by Dee Snider of Twisted Sister and her current all-female project, Thunderbox is generating a lot of buzz in the New York area. In addition to all of her success, she’s also one hell of a guitar player.

In the mid 90’s (and after the break-up of the band Vixen), Stile began working on a new project with drummer Roxy Petrucci and singer Janet Gardner. Although never intended to be labeled ‘Vixen’ because of its heavier edge, the new music nevertheless became known and was toured as the “Tangerine” album.

In 2012, Stile was already busy with Thunderbox when she was again approached by Gardner, Petrucci and now former Vixen bassist Share Ross about forming the new project, JSRG. With the line-up intact, Stile is performing with Petrucci and Gardner for the first time in 14 years. I spoke with her about the new project as well as her playing and her other heavier edged group, Thunderbox.

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Read the full Guitar World article, see pics and watch the new Thunderbox video by Clicking Here

For more info on Gina Stile and her current projects:

JSRG Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/JanetShareRoxyGina
Thunderbox official webpage: http://www.thunderboxxx.com

Guitar World Interviews, Interview, Music

Guitar World Interview: John Oates Discusses New Single and Project “Good Road To Follow”
Daryl Hall & John Oates (Photo: Mick Rock)
Daryl Hall & John Oates (Photo: Mick Rock)

Since the formation of their partnership in the early 1970s, Daryl Hall & John Oates have gone on to become the most successful duo in rock history. Together, they’ve sold over 80 million albums; scored ten number one records; amassed more than twenty top 40 hits and have toured the world over for decades.

John Oates’ latest solo project, “Good Road To Follow” gives the guitarist the opportunity to branch out and work with musicians from many different genres.  Oates plans to release a new song every month for the foreseeable future and not be bound to the demands and restrictions of making a traditional album. Having this creative control also allows him to create music that will appeal to a wider audience.  The project’s first single, “Stand Strong” is already receiving attention, having introduced the Nationwide Series race at Bristol Motor Speedway this past March.

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I spoke with Oates about his new single and “Good Road To Follow” project as well as his playing, songwriting and future plans with Hall and Oates.

You can read the entire interview by clicking here.

Guitar World Interviews, Interview, Music

Guitar World: Keifer Thompson Discusses Thompson Square’s New Album And More
Shawna and Keifer Thompson of Thompson Square
Shawna and Keifer Thompson of Thompson Square

Since the release of their debut album and #1 breakout smash “Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not”, the husband and wife team of Thompson Square (Keifer and Shawna Thompson) have been setting the music world on fire.

In addition to a run of sold out shows in tour support of Jason Aldean and Lady Antebellum, Thompson Square has earned over 25 major award nominations in the last two years including winning back to back ACM Vocal Duo or the Year awards and being recognized by the Grammys, American Music and CMA Awards. The duo is currently out on the road supporting their new album, “Just Feels Good”.

I sat down with guitarist Keifer Thompson to discuss the ACM award, the new Thompson Square album and what he believes makes country music so special.

You and Shawna [Thompson] recently won your second consecutive ACM Award for Vocal Duo of the Year. What was that experience like?

It was just amazing and complete euphoria. Many of the artists that we’ve looked up to all of our lives were out in the crowd watching. The first year I think they were probably thinking, “Who the heck is this?” because they didn’t know who we were. This year, it seems like we’ve become more solidified in our country music family. It was cool; especially now that everyone knows who we are and that we’re not a ‘fly by night’ thing.

Read the rest of my Guitar World Interview with Keifer Thompson by Clicking Here!

Guitar World Interviews, Interview

Illusion: Matt Baird Discusses New ‘Spoken’ Album

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It’s been a long process for Matt Baird, but the Spoken vocalist is glad the band’s new album, Illusion is finally out.

After fulfilling their obligation with Tooth and Nail records in 2007, the band decided to play the field to build momentum and see what fate had in store for them. Over the next few years the band continued to tour and was able to find time in between shows to start writing. The result is an album that appeals to both hard rock and metal enthusiasts. From the opening screams of “Stand Alone” to the anthemic“Through It All”, a song that really hits home, the band is firing on all cylinders.

While on tour with Volbeat, we sat down with Baird to get the inside scoop on Spoken’s new album, Illusion.

Why such a long wait in between albums?

Our fans have been awesome with being patient. We really didn’t plan on it taking 2 1/2 years to write a record. The fact is, we all live in different parts of the country and are touring eight months out of the year. So, it’s really hard to take a month off to write a proper record. We did make time to write and record if we had a few days off in between shows. It was a process, but it was worth the wait. A lot of life happened during those 2 1/2 years and gave us a lot of material to write about. Some of the first songs we wrote were written during times of bitterness and confusion. I’m not talking about within the band, but within our own personal lives and dealing with relationships on the brink of disaster. Then, some of the last songs we wrote were about grace and redemption. So it literally went full circle.

You can read the rest of my interview with Matt Baird on Guitar World and Revolver

Guitar World Interviews, Music

Guitar World Interview: Erik Martensson Discusses ‘Rise Up’ – New W.E.T. Album

RiseUpIn 2008, Frontiers Records asked guitarist and producer Erik Martensson (Eclipse) to write six songs for an album project with Jeff Scott Soto (Talisman) on vocals. At the same time, keyboardist/guitarist Robert Säll (Work Of Art) was also asked to contribute six songs of his own to the project. After listening to each other’s material and discovering how differently it sounded, the duo decided to scrap the songs and start writing together. Soto loved the result of their efforts so much that what started out as a solo project instead morphed into the super group W.E.T. (whose initials stand for the names of each member’s other respective bands).

“Rise Up”, the new sophomore album from W.E.T. continues to build upon the cohesion of talent that won critical acclaim for Martensson, Säll and Soto. Together with guitarist Magnus Henriksson and drummer Robban Bäck, the album presents a combination of massive production quality, impressive songwriting and blistering solos by Henriksson that takes the new “classic rock” sound well into the 21st century.

I spoke with Martensson about the new “Rise Up” album and more in this interview.

This new W.E.T. project has been a long time coming.

It has. The album was actually finished at the end of May 2012, but after a summer break we decided to go back and do three more songs. “Walk Away”, “Rise Up” And “The Moment” were the ones we recorded. I remember we drank a lot of coffee, but came up with a lot of great songs. [laughs]

You can read the rest of my Guitar World Interview With Erik Martensson
by Clicking Here.

Guitar World Interviews, Interview, Music

Former Vixen Bassist Share Ross Ready To Rev It Up Again With JSRG

In a world where males seem to dominate most of the guitar spectrum, ShareRoss continues to break down walls. Whether it’s her bass prowess, songwriting skills or having held her own against the forces of a Michael Schenker or a Tracii Guns, the beautiful blonde who once ruled the 80’s as bassist for Vixen is still proving she’s more than capable of running with the big boys.

(l to r: Gina Stile, Janet Gardner, Roxy Petrucci, Share Ross)
(l to r: Gina Stile, Janet Gardner, Roxy Petrucci, Share Ross)

Vixen disbanded for a short while in the early 90’s but aside from a one-off reunion for VH1, Ross hasn’t performed with the band during its various lineup changes. Not one to rest on her laurels, she’s remained busy during her post Vixen years. Ross was bassist for the super group ‘Contraband’ (with Schenker and Guns) as well as released three albums with her band ‘Bubble’ (with husband Bam). She’s also won the coveted John Lennon Songwriting Contest in 2000 with the song ‘Sparkle Star’, written a book on punk knitting and now even finds time to mentor and empower young women to become successful in the digital age. All this, and she’s still one bad ass rocker to boot!

For fans desperate for a return to the glory days, the wait is over. After a long hiatus, (and not a minute too soon) Ross is returning with JSRG, a band that includes 3/4 of the classic Vixen lineup. JSRG (whose initials stand for each of the ladies’ first names) features Ross (bass), Janet Gardner (vocals/guitar) and Roxy Petrucci (drums). Added to the mix is guitarist Gina Stile (also a member of Vixen from ’97-’98). Together, the ladies of rock are once again ready to rev it up.  It started last month with a journey on this year’s Monsters of Rock Cruise.

I caught up with Ross and spoke to her about JSRG, Vixen and how she continues to forge her own path.

How long has this reunion been brewing?

We’ve been talking about getting back together as Vixen for a while. I know some people think there are some big shenanigans going on, but the fact is we’re all still friends with Jan (Kuehnemund – Vixen guitarist who holds the rights to the name). The timing just isn’t right. So, we’ve decided to let go of the Vixen thing for now and reached out to Gina. Out of respect for Jan, we’re not going to call it Vixen and instead calling it JSRG.

Read more of my Guitar World Interview with Share Ross Here.

Guitar World Interviews

Dave Amato Talks Les Pauls, Touring and REO Speedwagon

DaveAmato

If you’re a child of the ’80s and ’90s, chances are you’ve heard the work of guitarist Dave Amato.

Amato’s six-string prowess is a major part of songs by REO Speedwagon, and his impressive resume includes stints with Ted Nugent, Richie Sambora, Cher and Latoya Jackson.

Amato, a self-professed gear head, has amassed a collection of more than 100 guitars and a dozen Marshall stacks over the course of his career (most of them vintage).

I recently spoke to Amato, who’s now on tour with REO Speedwagon, Styx and Nugent, and got the scoop on his time with the band as well as his affinity for vintage gear and his forthcoming signature model Gibson Les Paul.

This is the second annual Midwest Rock and Roll Express. How has it been reuniting with Ted (Nugent) for these tours?

It’s fun. I was Ted’s understudy in the 80’s and we’re close friends. And Styx and REO are like family, so it’s a great bill.

You always play a lot beautiful guitars on stage.

I love guitars and like to show them off. When people come backstage after the show, we’ll talk about everything and that’s great. But if we start talking about guitars, I’ll keep them there all night. I’m a gear head first and foremost. [laughs]

Read the rest of my Guitar World interview with REO Speedwagon’s Dave Amato HERE

Guitar World Interviews, Music

Guitar World Interview: Gunnar Nelson discusses father’s legacy, James Burton and Scrap Metal

NelsonConsider a world where Bob Dylan, Johnny Cash and The Eagles were all regular visitors to your house. A world where George Harrison was literally “Uncle George” who lived next door, and one where Mama Cass Elliott was your babysitter. Now consider guitarist Gunnar Nelson and his brother Matthew, for that was the world they grew up in.  Where most fans could only dream of meeting their musical heroes, the sons of the legendary Ricky Nelson were privy to music royalty nearly every single day of their childhood.

Ricky Nelson’s music (and particularly the guitar prowess of James Burton) has been cited as a major influence for such players as Brian May and Jimmy Page. Proving that the apple doesn’t fall from the tree, the brother’s own 1990 debut album went multi-platinum and spawned the #1 hit, “Love and Affection”.

The Nelson Brothers are currently involved in several different projects. Their recent album; “Lightning Strikes Twice” is a follow-up of sorts to the hugely successful “After the Rain”. They’re also involved in a traveling road show called “Ricky Nelson Remembered” which pays tribute to their late father and his music.

In addition, the brothers are also performing as part of “Scrap Metal”, a show which features the lead singers of popular 80’s bands doing nothing but their biggest hits. Finally, Gunnar and Matthew are working on a brand new Brothers Nelson experience that’s been five years in the making and promises to showcase the duo as a modern day Everly Brothers.

I sat down with Gunnar Nelson to get the scoop on these projects as well as what it was like growing up in a musical household and performing alongside legendary guitarist, James Burton.

What was it like growing up in such a unique musical environment?

I was born too late for my Dad’s first go around in music, but when Matthew and I were becoming musically conscious, it was vintage garden party Stone Canyon Band. I remember my Dad rehearsing in the pool house that was right down the hall. Bob Dylan would stop by the house and George Harrison lived next door; always encouraging him to write his own songs. When Matthew and I were growing up, this stuff was in our house all the time. I mean, these guys were doing what the Eagles wound up doing four years later, but in MY house. [laughs]

Read more of my Guitar World interview with Gunnar Nelson here.