James Marsters: Rockin’ Out With Spike And Ghost Of The Robot
James Marsters just might be the hardest working man in show business with one of the coolest dossiers in both music and Hollywood.
James Marsters just might be the hardest working man in show business with one of the coolest dossiers in both music and Hollywood.
“Every song has something in it that pushed my buttons!” said Steve, and it’s clearly evident on each song on his latest CD release, The Story of Light.
Guitarist, Randy Ellefson, is driven to create something special, whether it’s his music or his other artistic endeavors. His musics ranges free style melodic instrumentals to crushing heavy metal, both of which contributed to one very bad case of tendinitis.
Greg Howe is an amazing guitar virtuoso who has become one of the most in-demand performers, clinicians, guitar teacher, studio and touring musicians on the scene today. Howe has performed with musicians such as Michael Jackson, Enrique Iglesias, N’Sync, Victor Wooten, Dennis Chambers, Stu Hamm among many others. In this interview we talk about Howe’s music, jazz influences in his music, his touring with different pop stars as well as Howe’s thoughts on Allan Holdsworth, success and teaching individuality.
In July 2001, I was deeply honored to interview roots music legend, the late, great Clarence “Gatemouth” Brown before he passed away just a few years later. At some 77 years young, the virtuoso guitarist, fiddle player, and multi-instrumentalist had been blessed with a luminous, storied career and had shared the live performance stage and recording studio with the likes of Eric Clapton, Ry Cooder, Leon Russell, Roy Clark, and a glittering who’s who of music icons who have all tipped their hats to Gate’s musical gifts and immeasurable influence on them.
I first heard and saw John Benitez perform with the Richie Flores Sextet during the 2011 Heineken Jazz Festival in Puerto Rico. Benitez’s enthusiasm, charisma and personality were felt subtly through his performance with this ensemble. Benitez contributed a sense of truthfulness to the performance that many young performers are in search for today.
The world of instrumental guitar is mostly associated with American and British performer such as Steve Vai, Joe Satriani, Allan Holdsworth and Guthrie Govan, but there have also been amazing guitarists from other countries who have made meaningful contributions to the genre over the years. One of the countries that have produced some of the best instrumental guitarists over the last 30 years is Sweden. Players such as Yngwie Malmsteen, Adreas Olberg and now Fredrik Pihl have all shone a spotlight on the Swedish guitar scene with their lightning fast technique, soaring melodies and on-stage flair.
Legendary guitar and piano/keyboard virtuoso, Tony MacAlpine’s new selftitled album, to be released June 21 on Favored Nations, marks a highly-anticipated return to solo work after a prolific decade of output with his bands, including prog-metal-fusion trio
Planet X; GRAMMY-nominated jazz fusion outfit CAB; power metallers Ring Of Fire; as well as performing keyboard and guitar duties in Steve Vai’s double platinum DVD-selling live band “The Breed” from 2001-2006. “When I set out to write a new album, I quickly realized that my urge to once again create and define myself as a solo artist had returned with a vengeance,” said MacAlpine. “This is my strongest album to date. I can’t wait to hit the road and play it live.”
When one thinks of Saudi Arabia, a strong and open music scene doesn’t normally come to mind, but as is the case with many cultural stereotypes, looks can be deceiving. One of the artists that is looking to shed light on the Saudi musical scene and heritage is guitarist, and current Vancouver resident, Faze, and his Faze Project is an exciting new instrumental record that features world-class playing and writing. Aside from his work as a performer and recording artist, Faze is also an experienced teacher who is spreading his wings into the realm of live workshops and internet guitar lessons. Keep your eyes and ears peeled for Faze, he’s definitely ready to make a splash on the international, instrumental-guitar scene.
Multi-talented guitarist, composer, arranger and pedagogue, Santiago Diaz Garćes is helping to shed light on the Argentinian guitar scene with his advanced technique and heightened sense of melodic development. While many players have similar chops, or have Garćes’ sense of melody, very few have both in the same engaging and entertaining combination that the gifted South American possesses. As well as being recognized for his performance ability and writing, you can also catch Garćes’ videos over at GuitarMasterClass.net, where he teaches you how to play in the style of Jeff Loomis, Jason Becker and Paul Gilbert, just to name a few of his video lessons.
Do you love the guitar and all things guitar related? 