Rush’s Alex Lifeson: The Complete 1984 “Grace Under Pressure” Interview Talking Guitar: Jas Obrechts Music Magazine 2023-11-24 | This interview took place on May 24, 1984, in San Francisco. At the time Rush was touring in support of their "Grace Under Pressure" album, and they were booked to play three nights at the Cow Palace. Before we met at a hotel that afternoon, Alex and I agreed to focus our interview on a track-by-track breakdown of his exceptional playing on the new album. To my ears, Alex’s taut, textural style perfectly framed and mirrored bassist Geddy Lee's impassioned vocals and drummer Neil Peart's lyrics, which expressed his concerns about the ecology, breakdowns in international communication, the specter of nuclear war, and other subjects trending in the news. Alex’s playing on the album travelled in uncommon directions, blending chorused tones, unique vibrato bar passages, and uncommon note and chord choices. And, as he explains during our conversation, he was given a freer hand by their new producer, Peter Henderson. I hope you enjoy this conversation! Portions of this interview were transcribed for my August 1984 article in Guitar Player magazine, "Alex Lifeson Playback: The Making of an Album." If you enjoy this unique recording, be sure to check out the many other historic, guitar-intensive interviews on the Talking Guitar YouTube channel. To help us continue producing podcasts like this one, hit that donate button and send some support our way: paypal.me/TalkingGuitar. Thanks to engineer/producer Nik Hunt for enhancing the sound of the 39-year-old master tape. For more than a hundred other guitar-intensive podcasts, interview transcripts, and articles, visit Talking Guitar magazine at jasobrecht.substack.com/. #rush #alexlifeson #geddylee #neilpeart #jasobrecht #talkingguitar #nikhunt #guitarplayermagazineThis podcast is copyright 2023 by Jas Obrecht. All rights reserved.
Mike Campbell: The 1986 Tom Petty Interview Talking Guitar: Jas Obrechts Music Magazine 2025-10-07 | This conversation took place on May 27, 1986, in a record company office in Hollywood, California. On assignment for "Guitar Player" magazine, my mission that afternoon was to do separate interviews with Tom Petty and Mike Campbell. Their band, Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, had just finished a world tour with Bob Dylan and they’d begun working on what would become their "Let Me Up (I’ve Had Enough)" album. While both Petty and Campbell were accomplished guitarists, there were no signs of one-upmanship in the Heartbreakers: Each man played for the song. “Mike really is the best in rock and roll,” Tom insisted on the front end of our interview. “I’d be lost without him. I’ve played with Michael since 1970, and we’ve developed a whole style of playing together.” As I spoke with Mike, we could see Tom waiting in an adjacent room. As soon as Mike and I finished, Tom came in for his interview. Hear it here: youtube.com/watch?v=8p4lcPvbPWM&t=2681s). I found Mike to be self-effacing, soft-spoken, and very forthcoming as we covered many facets of his artistry. I hope you enjoy our conversation!The B&W promotional photo of Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers by Caroline Greyshock is courtesy MCA Records. Thanks to engineer/producer Nik Hunt for filming the intro and outro and enhancing the sound of the 39-year-old master tapes. For more than 230 other blues-, rock-, and guitar-intensive podcasts, interview transcripts, and articles, visit the magazine version of "Talking Guitar" at jasobrecht.substack.com/. #tompetty #tompettyandtheheartbreakers #jasobrecht #talkingguitar #nikhunt This podcast is copyright 2025 by Jas Obrecht. All rights reserved.
Steve Vai: The 1986 Eat Em and Smile Interview Talking Guitar: Jas Obrechts Music Magazine 2025-08-30 | This two-hour interview took place during July 1986 at Steve Vai's Stucco Blue home studio in Sylmar, California. It mainly focuses on David Lee Roth’s "Eat ’Em and Smile" album, which Steve had just finished recording. As we delve into the tracks, Vai talks about his songwriting, solos, recording techniques, instruments, amps and effects, and the stories behind some of the songs. At various times he picks up an unplugged electric guitar to demonstrate his playing style. We also touch on Steve’s earlier projects with Frank Zappa, Alcatrazz, Whitesnake, PIL, the "Crossroads" film, and his "Flex-Able" solo release. During the outro to this podcast, I mention Steve's 1984 hand-written transcription of Eddie Van Halen’s “Eruption” guitar solo. Here's a link to a high-res scan of this extraordinary seven-page document: jasobrecht.substack.com/p/steve-vais-handwritten-transcriptionSteve and I did another interview in 1988, when he recorded David Lee Roth’s "Skyscraper Secrets." This one has already been posted: youtube.com/watch?v=zRMn7MFja1M&t=2566s.If you're into 1980s hard rock/heavy metal guitarists, I invite you to check out my Talking Guitar podcasts with young Eddie Van Halen, AC/DC's Angus and Malcom Young, Yngwie Malmsteen, Michael Schenker, Joe Satriani, Vivian Campbell, Ratt's Warren DeMartini and Robbin Crosby, and others. And please subscribe--there are lots more interviews to come! The "Guitar Player" magazine cover photo of Steve Vai and inscribed promotional photo seen during the intro were taken by Neil Zlozower. Thanks, Neil! And thanks to engineer/producer Nik Hunt for filming the intro and outro and enhancing the sound of the 38-year-old master tapes. For more than 230 other blues-, rock-, and guitar-intensive podcasts, interview transcripts, and articles, visit the magazine version of "Talking Guitar" at jasobrecht.substack.com/. #stevevai #daveleeroth#davidleeroth #vanhalen #jasobrecht #talkingguitar #nikhunt This podcast is copyright 2025 by Jas Obrecht. All rights reserved.
Ozzy Osbournes 1982 Tribute to Randy Rhoads Talking Guitar: Jas Obrechts Music Magazine 2025-08-04 | This short but poignant interview was done a few weeks after Randy Rhoads perished in a 1982 plane crash. At the time, Ozzy was in England while I was in California. Because Ozzy spoke quietly and telephone technology wasn't as advanced as it is today, it's sometimes challenging to understand what he's saying. To make it easier to follow, here's a link to a written transcription of Ozzy 's thoughts about the man he called "the most dedicated musician I've ever met": jasobrecht.substack.com/p/randy-rhoads-the-1982-ozzy-osbourne.If you're a fan of hard rock/heavy metal guitar, I invite you to check out my "Talking Guitar" YouTube channel interviews with Eddie Van Halen, AC/DC's Angus and Malcom Young, Uli Jon Roth, Yngwie Malmsteen, Michael Schenker, Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, Vivian Campbell, Ratt's Warren DeMartini and Robbin Crosby, and others. And please consider subscribing--there are lots more interviews to come! Thanks to engineer/producer Nik Hunt for filming the intro and enhancing the sound of the 43-year-old master tape. For more than 230 other blues-, rock-, and guitar-intensive podcasts, interview transcripts, and articles, visit the online magazine version of "Talking Guitar" at jasobrecht.substack.com/. #ozzyosbourne #randyrhoads #jasobrecht #talkingguitar #nikhunt #guitarplayermagazineThis podcast is copyright 2025 by Jas Obrecht. All rights reserved.
Eddie Van Halen: The 1991 For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge Interview Talking Guitar: Jas Obrechts Music Magazine 2025-07-14 | This is the world debut of one of Eddie Van Halen's happiest interviews. On the day it took place he was celebrating the recent birth of his son Wolfgang, his relationship with Valerie was going strong, and he'd just finished mixing the new Van Halen album.This interview took place on the morning of May 20, 1991, in the control room of Eddie's spacious home studio. Cigarettes, tools, bottlecaps, a bowl of guitar slides, and Motley Crue and Led Zeppelin CDs littered the console. “Before we do the interview,” Eddie said, “I want you to hear the new album.” He cued up an advance reference CD of "For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge," the first Van Halen album in three years, and showed me the slider to control the volume. “Hope ya like it,” he said with a smile before disappearing out the door. As the album finished playing, Eddie returned and flipped a switch that lit up two large rooms on the other side of the control room window. The first contained his instruments and amps, the other his brother Alex’s drum rig. We went right into the wide-ranging interview you’re about to hear. As I listened back to it for the first time in 34 years, I was struck by how joyful and relaxed Eddie sounds--this is how I like to remember him. I hope you enjoy our conversation. B&W Eddie Van Halen photo by Jon Sievert. Portions of this interview were transcribed and printed in the August 1991 issue of "Guitar Player" magazine. And if you're into hard rock/heavy metal guitar, be sure to check out my other "Talking Guitar" interviews with Eddie Van Halen, as well as my conversations with AC/DC's Angus and Malcom Young, Yngwie Malmsteen, Michael Schenker, Joe Satriani, Vivian Campbell, Ratt's Warren DeMartini and Robbin Crosby, and others. And subscribe--there are lots more interviews to come! Thanks to engineer/producer Nik Hunt for filming the intro and enhancing the sound of the 34-year-old master tape. For more than 230 other blues-, rock-, and guitar-intensive podcasts, interview transcripts, and articles, visit the online magazine version of "Talking Guitar" at jasobrecht.substack.com/. #vanhalen #eddievanhalen #edwardvanhalen #jasobrecht #talkingguitar #nikhunt #guitarplayermagazineThis podcast is copyright 2025 by Jas Obrecht. All rights reserved.
Uli Jon Roth: The 1985 Astral Skies Interview Talking Guitar: Jas Obrechts Music Magazine 2025-06-12 | Recorded on March 20 and 21, 1985, these interviews capture the German guitar hero at a transitional moment in his career. Uli had already recorded classic albums with the Scorpions--"Fly to the Rainbow," "In Trance," "Virgin Killer," and "Tokyo Tapes" among them-- as well as two albums with Electric Sun. At the time of our conversations, he had just wrapped up the sessions for his "Beyond the Astral Skies" solo project. With its orchestrations, choir of voices, unusual guitar parts, and cosmic themes, this LP was album markedly different from other 1980s records by major rock guitarists. I found Uli to be very forthcoming as he revealed a wealth of information about his life, musicianship, and career. The conversation took place over two days, and both parts are presented in this podcast. Parts of it were used for my June 1985 article in "Guitar Player" magazine. I hope you enjoy it! If you're into hard rock/heavy metal guitar, be sure to check out our channel's uncut interviews with Eddie Van Halen, Michael Schenker, Angus and Malcolm Young, Steve Vai, Warren DeMartini and Robbin Crosby, Vivian Campbell, Yngwie Malmsteen, Joe Satriani, and others. Thanks to engineer/producer Nik Hunt for assembling this podcast. For more than 220 blues-, rock-, and guitar-intensive podcasts, interview transcriptions, and articles, check out my online "Talking Guitar" magazine at jasobrecht.substack.com/. #ulijonroth #scorpions #heavymetal #hardrockguitar #jasobrecht #nikhunt This recording is ©2025 Jas Obrecht. All right reserved.
Keith Richards: The 1992 Guitar Player Interview Talking Guitar: Jas Obrechts Music Magazine 2025-05-27 | This 102-minute interview took place on September 17, 1992, in the Manhattan office of Keith’s personal manager, Jane Rose. In a great mood that evening, Keith had just finished mixing his "Main Offender" solo album and was happy to talk about a wide range of subjects. We start off with his views on vintage fuzztones, and then discuss his use of open guitar tunings, “Street Fighting Man,” Chuck Berry, Muddy Waters, how there’s no lying when you play music, what to look for in a guitar and amp, and how to tell if a studio’s room will sound good on record. Keith also gets into how to set up a guitar for slide, how to record acoustic guitar, strategies for playing with a second guitarist, how the Rolling Stones’ music is more about chaos than precision, how to remember songs that come to you at strange times, the dangers of fame, the best drugs to use while playing music, and what he would have musicians learn from him. Accompanying us that day was Jesse Gress, who’d been assigned to write a Keith Richards music lesson. (One of the foremost transcribers of guitar music, Jesse later became the guitarist in Todd Rundgren’s band.) At various times you'll also hear Keith and Jesse playing unplugged electric guitars. Portions of this never-before-broadcast interview were transcribed in my December 1992 "Guitar Player" cover story. I hope you enjoy our epic conversation. If you're into the Rolling Stones, be sure to check out our channel's interviews with Mick Jagger, Charlie Watts, Ronnie Wood, Chuck Leavell, Darryl Jones, and more Keith Richards.. Thanks to engineer/producer Nik Hunt for assembling this podcast. For more than 200 blues-, rock-, and guitar-intensive podcasts, interview transcriptions, and articles, check out my online "Talking Guitar" magazine at jasobrecht.substack.com/. #keithrichards #rollingstones #mickjagger #blues #jasobrecht #nikhunt This recording is ©2025 Jas Obrecht. All right reserved.
Suzanne Vega: The 1987 Solitude Standing Interview Talking Guitar: Jas Obrechts Music Magazine 2025-05-08 | Taped on July 23, 1987, this interview was originally done for Guitar Player magazine. Three months earlier Suzanne’s breakthrough "Solitude Standing" album had come out, and at the time we spoke her hit single “Luka” was #3 on the U.S. record charts. Our conversation focuses on Suzanne’s distinctive approaches to songwriting and playing guitar. If you're into acoustic guitar playing, be sure to check out our channel's interviews with Bert Jansch, Jerry Garcia, John Renbourn, Jorma Kaukonen, Rory Gallagher, and the granddaddy of them all, Nick Lucas. Thanks to engineer/producer Nik Hunt for assembling this podcast. For more than 200 blues-, rock-, and guitar-intensive podcasts, interview transcriptions, and articles, check out my online "Talking Guitar" magazine at jasobrecht.substack.com/. #bbking #johnleehooker #blues #deltablues #mississippiblues #jasobrecht #nikhunt This recording is ©2025 Jas Obrecht. All right reserved.
John Lee Hooker and B.B. Kings Only Interview Together Talking Guitar: Jas Obrechts Music Magazine 2025-04-17 | This special podcast presents the only interview that, by their own accounts, John Lee Hooker and B.B. King ever did together.About a month earlier, Mr. Hooker and Mr. King, at the time the world’s preeminent bluesmen, had met at Fantasy Studios in Berkeley, California, to record together for the first time. They easily found common ground on the blues standard “You Shook Me.” This was partly due to their having similar backgrounds. They had both grown up in the Mississippi Delta, idolized the same musicians, migrated north, and began recording in the late 1940s. The styles they developed, though, were remarkably dissimilar. A master of single-note solos punctuated with his signature hummingbird vibrato, B.B. typically worked with a jumping, well-rehearsed big band. Much more of a lone wolf, John Lee tended to perform solo or with a small, hand-picked band, matching his deep voice with propulsive, trance-inducing rhythms or raucous boogies.Our interview took place on April 4, 1993. The B.B. King Band was booked to play that evening at the Circle Star Theater in San Carlos, California. Since this venue was just a few miles downhill from one of John Lee Hooker’s homes, I reached out to B.B.’s manager, Sid Seidenberg, and John’s booking agent, Mike Kappus, to see it they’d agree to do an interview together, which we'd run as the September 1993 cover story in "Guitar Player" magazine. Happily, everyone said “Yes!”We had just 35 minutes between B.B.’s sets to score the interview and do the photo shoot with Bill Reitzel. After a thrilling performance before a packed house, B.B. cooled down for a few minutes and then settled into an easy chair alongside the couch where John Lee Hooker was backstage holding court. They greeted each other warmly and, as you'll hear, we got right to it. The sound of this recording is not as good as my other "Talking Guitar" podcasts, but given its historical significance, I felt it was worth sharing. In the years following our interview, both of these legendary blues artists continued to make excellent records. John Lee Hooker passed away on June 21, 2001, and B.B. King on May 14, 2015.Thanks to engineer/producer Nik Hunt for assembling this podcast. For more than 200 blues-, rock-, and guitar-intensive podcasts, interview transcriptions, and articles, check out my online "Talking Guitar" magazine at jasobrecht.substack.com/. #bbking #johnleehooker #blues #deltablues #mississippiblues #jasobrecht #nikhunt This recording is ©2025 Jas Obrecht. All right reserved.
Buddy Guy: The Complete 1990 Guitar Player Interview Talking Guitar: Jas Obrechts Music Magazine 2025-03-26 | This February 1990 interview with Chicago blues great Buddy Guy was conducted in a tiny office in his Chicago nightclub, Legends. It captures Buddy at a transitional moment in his career. Not having released any new albums for about a dozen years, Buddy was hoping for a big break that would allow people to experience the "real Buddy Guy." Not long after our cover story came out in the April issue of Guitar Player magazine, Buddy called to tell me that it helped him get signed by Silvertone Records, which, in turn, revitalized his career. Buddy covers a lot of ground in this interview. He speaks at length about his musical heroes and forebears such as John Lee Hooker, Muddy Waters, Earl Hooker, Guitar Slim, Son House, and others. He details what the Chicago blues scene was like in the 1960s. He credits Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Eric Clapton, and Jeff Beck for their kind words about him. On the technique side, Guy discusses how he forged his own style and developed his distinctive finger vibrato. He reveals his strategies for soloing and mentions his various guitars. All in all, there’s a lot here for fans of Chicago blues, blues guitar playing, and the great Buddy Guy. I hope you enjoy it! Cover photo of Buddy Guy in the basement of his Legends nightclub by Paul Natkin. Thanks to engineer/producer Nik Hunt for filming the intro and enhancing the sound of the 35-year-old master tape. For hundreds of blues-, rock-, and guitar-intensive podcasts, interview transcripts, and articles, check out my online "Talking Guitar" magazine at jasobrecht.substack.com/. #buddyguy #chicagoblues #muddywaters #johnleehooker #jasobrecht #nikhunt ©2025 Jas Obrecht. All rights reserved.
Albert Collins: The 1993 Guitar Player Interview and Lesson Talking Guitar: Jas Obrechts Music Magazine 2025-03-13 | Held in San Francisco on January 23, 1993, this interview with Texas blues great Albert Collins was used for his July 1993 "Guitar Player" magazine cover story. In addition to speaking, Albert plays some amazing blues on his unplugged Fender Telecaster, which he tuned F, C, F, Ab, C, F, from low to high. Albert jumpstarts the conversation by explaining why Texas blues guitarists put rattlesnake rattles or pennies in their acoustic guitars. He describes his first homemade guitar and his encounters with T-Bone Walker, Gatemouth Brown, Lil Son Jackson, B.B. King, Lightnin’ Hopkins, and other bluesmen. He explains why many postwar Texas blues guitarists played with a horn section.Naturally, Collins goes into detail about his trademark Telecaster and how he dials-in his razor-sharp, treble-heavy tone. He also covers how he writes blues songs, his current recording projects, and his favorites among his own record releases. Sadly, this was one of Albert Collins’ final interviews. Ten months later, on November 24, 1993, he passed away from lung cancer.Photos by Bill Reitzel. Thanks to engineer/producer Nik Hunt for filming the intro and enhancing the sound of the 32-year-old master tape. For hundreds of blues-, rock-, and guitar-intensive podcasts, interview transcripts, and articles, visit my online "Talking Guitar" magazine at jasobrecht.substack.com/. #albertcollins #texasblues #telecaster #jasobrecht #nikhunt ©2025 Jas Obrecht. All rights reserved.
Billy Cox: The 1989 Jimi Hendrix Interviews Talking Guitar: Jas Obrechts Music Magazine 2025-02-26 | In these back-to-back, previously unreleased interviews, bassist Billy Cox offers amazing insights into his friend and bandmate Jimi Hendrix. Some quick background: Billy Cox was Jimi's closest friend. They first met in the Army and then lived together in Nashville. After Jimi found worldwide fame with the Experience, he hired Billy to replace Noel Redding. That’s Billy playing bass alongside Jimi at Woodstock, the Band of Gypsys concerts, and on Jimi’s later recordings.Billy and I spoke by phone for the first time on February 23, 1989. A few days later, Billy’s wife Brenda contacted me and said Billy had more to say, so we did a follow-up interview. This podcast begins with the first interview. Before we spoke, Billy prepared a handwritten statement to share with me. In the second interview, Billy relates a wealth of details about Jimi’s journeyman years as an R&B player, his favorite blues musicians, Jimi’s first guitars, how they’d back blues artists in Nashville clubs, and their band, the King Kasuals. He reveals that Jimi was such a compulsive player that people nicknamed him “Marbles.” Billy remembers their friendship with great fondness and, in an aspect of Jimi that’s rarely been covered, talks about Jimi’s spiritual beliefs. The second voice you’ll occasionally hear is Billy’s wife Brenda. I hope you enjoy these! A special thanks to Billy and Brenda Cox for being so gracious and accommodating all those years ago, and to my podcast producer and engineer, Nik Hunt.For more than 200 other blues-, rock-, and guitar-intensive podcasts, interview transcripts, and articles, visit the online magazine version of "Talking Guitar" at jasobrecht.substack.com/. #jimihendrix #jimihendrixexperience #bandofgypsys #billycox #woodstock #jasobrecht #talkingguitar #nikhunt This podcast is ©2025 Jas Obrecht. All rights reserved.
J.J. Cale: The Complete 1990 Guitar Player Interview Talking Guitar: Jas Obrechts Music Magazine 2025-02-13 | This interview took place in a San Francisco motel room in March 1990. At the time, J.J. Cale was touring in support of "Travel-Log," his first album in a half-dozen years. A few days earlier I'd seen his concert at the Catalyst in Santa Cruz, which we reference during the interview. I also played him a section of one of his solos from the Leathercoated Minds' "A Trip Down the Sunset Strip," a rare psychedelic album he'd made circa 1966.On the afternoon we spoke, J.J. was fighting a wicked cold, as you’ll hear from his sniffling and coughing. Ever the trouper, though, he still delivered an insightful interview about his instruments (including his guitar synth), playing and recording techniques, records, songwriting, and other music-related subjects. I hope you enjoy it!J.J. Cale promotional photo courtesy MCA Records.Thanks to engineer/producer Nik Hunt for filming the intro and enhancing the sound of the 35-year-old master tape. For hundreds of blues-, rock-, and guitar-intensive podcasts, interview transcripts, and articles, visit my online "Talking Guitar" magazine at jasobrecht.substack.com/. #jjcale #jasobrecht #nikhunt ©2025 Jas Obrecht. All rights reserved.
Steve Vai: The David Lee Roth Skyscraper Interview Talking Guitar: Jas Obrechts Music Magazine 2025-01-30 | Taped on February 16, 1988, this in-depth interview for "Guitar Player" magazine was timed to coincide with the release of David Lee Roth’s second full-length post-Van Halen album, "Skyscraper." As you'll hear, Steve is extremely articulate as he takes us a track-by-track tour of the record. In the process, he provides a wealth of details about his creative process, his songwriting with Dave, his guitars, amps, and other equipment, and other subjects. I hope you enjoy hearing Steve’s "Skyscraper" secrets. Steve Vai promotional photo by Ross Pelton, courtesy Epic Records. And if you're into 1980s hard rock/heavy metal guitarists, check out the "Talking Guitar" podcasts with young Eddie Van Halen, AC/DC's Angus and Malcom Young, Yngwie Malmsteen, Michael Schenker, Joe Satriani, Vivian Campbell, Ratt's Warren DeMartini and Robbin Crosby, and others. And subscribe! There are lots more interviews to come! Thanks to engineer/producer Nik Hunt for filming the intro and enhancing the sound of the 37-year-old master tape. For more than 200 other blues-, rock-, and guitar-intensive podcasts, interview transcripts, and articles, visit the online magazine version of "Talking Guitar" at jasobrecht.substack.com/. #stevevai #daveleeroth#davidleeroth #vanhalen #jasobrecht #talkingguitar #nikhunt This podcast is copyright 2025 by Jas Obrecht. All rights reserved.
Robbin Crosby: The Complete 1984 Ratt Interview Talking Guitar: Jas Obrechts Music Magazine 2025-01-06 | This interview with the late Robbin Crosby took place on May 9, 1984. At the time, Ratt had released their self-titled EP and first full-length album. Out of the Cellar. Their hit song “Round and Round” was climbing the charts and its video was in regular rotation on MTV. (On the same day, I interviewed Robbin's co-guitarist in the band, Warren DeMartini. Here's the link to that interview: youtube.com/watch?v=QZHMDFc7GpQ.) These never-before-released 1984 interviews give a lot of insight into the inner-workings of Ratt, such as how Robbin and Warren decided who’d play what part, the guitars and other gear they used, and the differences in their styles. If you haven’t already heard them, I invite you to check out my longer 1988 interviews with Warren and Robbin. (Warren: youtube.com/watch?v=LyJNaYGuj9o&t=167s. Robbin: youtube.com/watch?v=wMz_MvTm9O4&t=160s.) I hope you enjoy these conversations! If you're into 1980s hard rock/heavy metal guitarists, check out the "Talking Guitar" podcasts with young Eddie Van Halen, AC/DC's Angus and Malcom Young, Yngwie Malmsteen, Michael Schenker, Joe Satriani, Vivian Campbell, and others. And subscribe! There are lots more interviews to come! Thanks to engineer/producer Nik Hunt for filming the intro and enhancing the sound of the 40-year-old master tape. For 200 other guitar-intensive podcasts, interview transcripts, and articles, visit the online magazine version of "Talking Guitar" at jasobrecht.substack.com/. #warrendemartini #robbincrosby #ratt #jasobrecht #talkingguitar #nikhunt This podcast is copyright 2025 by Jas Obrecht. All rights reserved.
Warren DeMartini: The Complete 1984 Ratt Interview Talking Guitar: Jas Obrechts Music Magazine 2025-01-06 | This interview with Warren De Martini took place on May 9, 1984. At the time, Ratt had released their self-titled EP and first full-length album. Out of the Cellar. Their hit song “Round and Round” was climbing the charts and its video was in regular rotation on MTV. (On the same day, I interviewed Warren's co-guitarist in the band, Robbin Crosby. Here's the link to that interview: youtube.com/watch?v=MkcHHzG0lMw.) These never-before-released 1984 interviews give a lot of insight into the inner-workings of Ratt, such as how Robbin and Warren decided who’d play what part, the guitars and other gear they used, and the differences in their styles. If you haven’t already heard them, I invite you to check out my longer 1988 interviews with Warren and Robbin. (Warren: youtube.com/watch?v=LyJNaYGuj9o&t=167s. Robbin: youtube.com/watch?v=wMz_MvTm9O4&t=160s.) I hope you enjoy these conversations! If you're into 1980s hard rock/heavy metal guitarists, check out the "Talking Guitar" podcasts with young Eddie Van Halen, AC/DC's Angus and Malcom Young, Yngwie Malmsteen, Michael Schenker, Joe Satriani, Vivian Campbell, and others. And subscribe! There are lots more interviews to come! Thanks to engineer/producer Nik Hunt for filming the intro and enhancing the sound of the 40-year-old master tape. For 200 other guitar-intensive podcasts, interview transcripts, and articles, visit the online magazine version of "Talking Guitar" at jasobrecht.substack.com/. #warrendemartini #robbincrosby #ratt #jasobrecht #talkingguitar #nikhunt This podcast is copyright 2025 by Jas Obrecht. All rights reserved.
Roger Mayer on Making Pedals For Hendrix, Beck & Page Talking Guitar: Jas Obrechts Music Magazine 2024-12-22 | In this September 1978 interview, British guitar effects wizard Roger Mayer discusses the guitar effects devices he created in the 1960s. The first to prominently feature them were Jeff Beck and Jimmy Page, who used his fuzz boxes while they were in the Yardbirds (as heard on “Heart Full of Soul”). Then, in 1967, Roger met Jimi Hendrix and gave him his latest creation, the octave-producing Octavia heard on Jimi's “Purple Haze” and “Fire.” As Roger describes, Hendrix invited him to attend recording sessions and to accompany him on part of an American tour. Jimi used his devices for the rest of his career. During the ensuing years, Mayer's effects devices helped shaped the tones of Ernie Isley with the Isley Brothers, Peter Frampton and Steve Marriott with Humble Pie, members of Bob Marley & The Wailers, and many others. Mayer is still producing effects pedals and studio electronics. Check out his website, which comes right up when you search his name. Thanks to engineer/producer Nik Hunt for filming the intro and enhancing the sound of the 46-year-old master tape. For more than 200 other guitar-focused podcasts, interview transcripts, and articles on blues and rock, visit jasobrecht.substack.com/. #jimihendrix #jeffbeck #jimmypage #rogermayer This podcast is copyright 2025 by Jas Obrecht. All rights reserved.
Jeff Healey: The Complete 1989 “See the Light” Interview Talking Guitar: Jas Obrechts Music Magazine 2024-11-27 | This May 24, 1989, interview captures the late, great Jeff Healey at an important moment of transition in his career. His Jeff Healey Band had recently done a star turn performing four songs in the kickass movie “Road House,” starring Patrick Swayse and Sam Elliott, and he was in the final stages of preparing his debut album, “See the Light.” Since this interview was done for his first internationally published cover story, we spoke at length about Jeff’s musical development, his highly unusual overhand guitar technique, the challenges of being blind, how listening to other musicians was his main form of practice, the tools of his trade, and his profound love for jazz and blues musicians from bygone eras. As you’ll hear, Jeff was friendly, sincere, insightful, and easy to talk to—in short, a wonderful guy. I hope you enjoy our conversation! A special thanks to engineer/producer Nik Hunt for enhancing the sound of the 35-year-old master tape. For more than 200 other guitar-intensive podcasts, interview transcripts, and articles, visit Talking Guitar magazine at jasobrecht.substack.com/. #jeffhealey #jasobrecht #talkingguitar #nikhunt #guitarplayermagazineThis podcast is copyright 2024 by Jas Obrecht. All rights reserved.
Eddie Van Halen Dissects His Playing on “Women and Children First” Talking Guitar: Jas Obrechts Music Magazine 2024-11-16 | If you haven't already heard them, I invite you to listen to Tapes 1 through 5 of my day-long 1980 interview Eddie Van Halen. In this final installment posted here, Eddie Van Halen pops in a cassette of Van Halen's as-yet-unreleased "Women and Children First" album. He cues up and dissects his favorite guitar parts and sonic innovations. I hope you enjoy this unique recording! A special thanks to engineer/producer Nik Hunt for enhancing the sound of the 44-year-old master tape. For more than 200 other guitar-intensive podcasts, interview transcripts, and articles, visit Talking Guitar magazine at jasobrecht.substack.com/. #vanhalen #eddievanhalen #edwardvanhalen #jasobrecht #talkingguitar #nikhunt #guitarplayermagazineThis podcast is copyright 2024 by Jas Obrecht. All rights reserved.
Lee Ranaldo: The 1995 Sonic Youth and East Jesus Interview Talking Guitar: Jas Obrechts Music Magazine 2024-11-07 | This interview with Lee Ranaldo, one of rock guitar's sonic visionaries, took place on August 5, 1995. Lee and I initially focused on his playing with Thurston Moore, Kim Gordon, and Steve Shelley in Sonic Youth, which was about to release their "Washing Machine" album, and his brilliant "East Jesus" solo release. Lee also offers sage advice for players wishing expand their style and venture into new directions. Given his groundbreaking approach, it's little wonder that Rolling Stone ranked Lee at number 33 on its "Greatest Guitarists of All Time" list.If you're into rock, blues, and other styles, I invite you to check out my many other "Talking Guitar" podcasts of historic interviews. And please consider subscribing -- there are lots more interviews to come! Thanks to engineer/producer Nik Hunt for filming the intro and outro and enhancing the sound of the 29-year-old master tape. For over 200 other guitar-intensive podcasts, interview transcripts, and articles, visit jasobrecht.substack.com/. #sonicyouth #leeranaldo #thurstonmoore #kimgordon This podcast is copyright 2024 by Jas Obrecht. All rights reserved.
Brian May: The 1983 Eddie Van Halen Star Fleet Interview Talking Guitar: Jas Obrechts Music Magazine 2024-09-25 | In this 1983 interview, Queen guitarist Brian May explains how his one-of-a-kind studio jam session with Eddie Van Halen and others led to the blues-packed EP called "Star Fleet Project." This conversation took place at Brian's request while the EP was still in the planning stage.In it, Brian details the science-fiction-themed project from start to finish. He reveals how his musical upbringing, especially his love and appreciation for the blues and Eric Clapton, fueled the EP, as did his young son's love of a Saturday-morning TV show. Naturally, Brian also provides insight into working with Eddie Van Halen during one of Eddie's rare projects outside of the band Van Halen. Brian May promotional photo by Richard Gray courtesy Hollywood Records.If you're into classic rock guitar from the 1980s, I invite you to check out my other "Talking Guitar" podcast interviews with Eddie, Brian, AC/DC's Angus and Malcom Young, Yngwie Malmsteen, Michael Schenker, Joe Satriani, Dio-era Vivian Campbell, Ratt's Warren De Martini and Robbin Crosby, and others. And please consider subscribing -- there are lots more interviews to come! Thanks to engineer/producer Nik Hunt for filming the intro and enhancing the sound of the 41-year-old master tape. For nearly 200 other guitar-intensive podcasts, interview transcripts, and articles, visit jasobrecht.substack.com/. #brianmay #eddievanhalen #queen #starfleetproject #ericclapton This podcast is copyright 2024 by Jas Obrecht. All rights reserved.
Robbin Crosby: The Complete 1987 Ratt Interview Talking Guitar: Jas Obrechts Music Magazine 2024-09-02 | This Robbin Crosby interview took place on January 7, 1987. It was done on the same day that I interviewed Robbin's co-guitarist in Ratt, Warren DeMartini (hear it here: youtube.com/watch?v=LyJNaYGuj9o&t=68s)Portions of both interviews were used for the April 1987 issue of "Guitar Player," which featured Warren on the cover. At the time of these conversations, Ratt was midway through their "Dancin' Undercover" tour. Together, these Crosby and DeMartini interviews present unique and detailed insight into the inner-workings of one the great glam-metal bands of the 1980s. Thanks for tuning in! If you're into hard rock/heavy metal guitarists of the 1980s, be sure to check out my "Talking Guitar" podcasts of interviews with young Eddie Van Halen, AC/DC's Angus and Malcom Young, Yngwie Malmsteen, Michael Schenker, Joe Satriani, Vivian Campbell, and others. And consider subscribing -- there are lots more interviews to come! Thanks to engineer/producer Nik Hunt for filming the intro and enhancing the sound of the 37-year-old master tape. For nearly 200 other guitar-intensive podcasts, interview transcripts, and articles, visit jasobrecht.substack.com/. #robbincrosby #warrendemartini #ratt #jasobrecht #talkingguitar #nikhunt This podcast is copyright 2024 by Jas Obrecht. All rights reserved.
Warren DeMartini: The Complete 1987 Ratt Interview Talking Guitar: Jas Obrechts Music Magazine 2024-08-26 | This Warren DeMartini interview took place on January 7, 1987. Portions of it were used for his April 1987 "Guitar Player" magazine cover story. On the same day, I also interviewed Warren's co-guitarist in Ratt, the late Robbin Crosby (hear it here: youtube.com/watch?v=wMz_MvTm9O4). At the time of these conversations, Ratt was midway through their "Dancin' Undercover" tour. As you’ll hear, Warren was psyched about appearing in the magazine. He’s super-articulate and insightful, and the conversation unfolds like a master class in how to craft solos, sound great on record and in the studio, and play your very best. I hope you enjoy it! Warren's GP cover shot was done by the always-excellent Neil Zlozower. If you're into hard rock/heavy metal guitarists of the 1980s, be sure to check out my "Talking Guitar" podcasts of interviews with young Eddie Van Halen, AC/DC's Angus and Malcom Young, Yngwie Malmsteen, Michael Schenker, Joe Satriani, Vivian Campbell, and others. And consider subscribing -- there are lots more interviews to come! Thanks to engineer/producer Nik Hunt for filming the intro and enhancing the sound of the 37-year-old master tape. For nearly 200 other guitar-intensive podcasts, interview transcripts, and articles, visit jasobrecht.substack.com/. #warrendemartini #robbincrosby #ratt #jasobrecht #talkingguitar #nikhunt This podcast is copyright 2024 by Jas Obrecht. All rights reserved.
Vivian Campbell: The Complete 1984 Dio Interview Talking Guitar: Jas Obrechts Music Magazine 2024-08-09 | This 1984 interview with Vivian Campbell took place midway through Ronnie James Dio's "The Last in Line" tour. Vivian, who hails from Belfast, Ireland, had been recruited for the band about 18 months earlier, when he recorded the solos for the title track, “Rainbow in the Dark,” and other stand-out songs on Dio’s breakthrough "Holy Diver" album. His playing on the "The Last in Line" LP proved equally spectacular. Vivian covers a lot of ground in this wide-ranging interview, which we originally did for his debut article in "Guitar Player" magazine.If you're into hard rock/heavy metal guitarists of the 1980s, be sure to check out my "Talking Guitar" podcasts of interviews with young Eddie Van Halen, AC/DC's Angus and Malcom Young, Yngwie Malmsteen, Michael Schenker, Joe Satriani, and others. And please subscribe -- there are lots more to come! Thanks to engineer/producer Nik Hunt for filming the intro and enhancing the sound of the 40-year-old master tape. For more than 180 other guitar-intensive podcasts, interview transcripts, and articles, visit jasobrecht.substack.com/. #viviancampbell #dio #ronniejamesdio #defleppard #jasobrecht #talkingguitar #nikhunt This podcast is copyright 2024 by Jas Obrecht. All rights reserved.
Michael Schenker: The Complete 1980 MSG Interview Talking Guitar: Jas Obrechts Music Magazine 2024-07-28 | This never-before-heard interview captures Michael Schenker at an important moment in his career. It was taped during the fall of 1980, shortly after the Michael Schenker Group had released its debut album and done its very first tour dates in the U.K. and U.S. As you'll hear, Michael is remarkably candid during this interview, which we originally did for his first appearance in "Guitar Player" magazine. If you're into hard rock/heavy metal guitarists of the 1980s, be sure to check out my "Talking Guitar" podcasts of interviews with young Eddie Van Halen, AC/DC's Angus and Malcom Young, Yngwie Malmsteen, and Joe Satriani. And stay tuned -- there are lots more to come! Thanks to engineer/producer Nik Hunt for filming the intro and enhancing the sound of the 44-year-old master tape. For more than 180 other guitar-intensive podcasts, interview transcripts, and articles, visit jasobrecht.substack.com/. #michaelschenker #msg #thescorpions #ufo #jasobrecht #talkingguitar #nikhunt This podcast is copyright 2024 by Jas Obrecht. All rights reserved.
Darryl Jones Interview: On Bass With the Rolling Stones Talking Guitar: Jas Obrechts Music Magazine 2024-07-06 | At the time of this 1994 interview, Darryl Jones had just replaced Bill Wyman as the bassist for the Rolling Stones -- a position he holds to this day. Before joining the Stones, Darryl was Miles Davis's bassist of choice, and he'd toured and recorded with Madonna, Sting, and Peter Gabriel. On the day we met for the interview, Darryl began by saying "I feel like the luckiest musician in the world." According to Keith Richards, Charlie Watts was responsible for Darryl being hired by the band. "With us," Charlie explained, "Darryl's very much a rhythm section within a rhythm section. He doesn't play on top of the arrangement. He's underneath it, which is what we need."Our conversation took place during the Rolling Stones' rehearsals in Toronto, where they were preparing to embark on the Voodoo Lounge world tour. During a two-day period I also interviewed Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Charlie Watts, Ronnie Wood, and keyboardist/musical director Chuck Leavell. Transcriptions of all these originally appeared in "The Rolling Stones: Inside the Voodoo Lounge," a one-shot magazine sold at venues and newsstands during the Rolling Stones’ 1994-1995 World Tour. Audio of the Keith Richards, Mick Jagger, Charlie Watts, Ronnie Wood, and Chuck Leavell interviews is already available on YouTube. I hope you enjoy these conversations! Thanks to engineer/producer Nik Hunt for filming the intro and enhancing the sound of the 30-year-old master tape. For more than 170 other guitar-intensive podcasts, interview transcripts, and articles, visit jasobrecht.substack.com/. #rollingstones #darryljones #keithrichards #mickjagger #charliewatts #madonna #jasobrecht #talkingguitar #nikhunt This podcast is copyright 2024 by Jas Obrecht. All rights reserved.
Chuck Leavell: On Piano With the Rolling Stones Talking Guitar: Jas Obrechts Music Magazine 2024-06-22 | This interview took place on July 14, 1994, while the Rolling Stones were rehearsing at Toronto’s Crescent School for their upcoming Voodoo Lounge tour. By then Chuck Leavell had already spent a dozen years playing keyboards with the Rolling Stones. He'd also been a member of the Allman Brothers Band and Sea Level, and had worked as a session musician for Aretha Franklin, Eric Clapton, George Harrison, the Black Crowes, and many others. Thirty years later, Chuck is still manning the 88s for the Rolling Stones onstage and in the studio.Leavell has been called the Rolling Stones' "unofficial musical director." The night before the interview, Keith had invited me to watch the band's rehearsal. On several occasions, I saw Mick and Keith turn to Chuck for musical suggestions and reminders of how to play parts of their repertoire. My conversation with Chuck took place the next morning in the school’s cafeteria. He was personable and articulate as we discussed his predecessor, Ian Stewart, and his impressions of Mick and Keith’s skills on piano and how they write songs. We also talked about Bill Wyman’s approach to bass compared to that of newcomer Darryl Jones and why Charlie Watts has such a distinctive drum sound. Naturally, we delved into Chuck’s role in the Rolling Stones as well. This was taped during a two-day period when I also interviewed Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Charlie Watts, Ronnie Wood, and Darryl Jones. Transcriptions of these originally appeared in "The Rolling Stones: Inside the Voodoo Lounge," a one-shot magazine sold at venues and newsstands during the Rolling Stones’ 1994-1995 World Tour. Audio of the Keith Richards, Mick Jagger, Charlie Watts, and Ronnie Wood interviews is already available on YouTube, and the Darryl Jones will soon be posted. I hope you enjoy these conversations! Thanks to engineer/producer Nik Hunt for filming the intro and enhancing the sound of the 30-year-old master tape. For more than 170 other guitar-intensive podcasts, interview transcripts, and articles, visit jasobrecht.substack.com/. #rollingstones #chuckleavell #keithrichards #mickjagger #charliewatts #allmanbrothers #allmanbrothersband #jasobrecht #talkingguitar #nikhunt This podcast is copyright 2024 by Jas Obrecht. All rights reserved.
Mick Jagger on Blues, Songwriting & Keith Richards + Talking Guitar: Jas Obrechts Music Magazine 2024-06-08 | In this 1994 interview, Mick Jagger delves into his songwriting with and without Keith Richards, his approach to playing harmonica and guitar, and his lifelong love of the blues. He also discusses how he's been influenced by favorite country singers such as Merle Haggard and Johnny Cash, and recounts his meetings with Muddy Waters, Howlin' Wolf, and Willie Dixon. We also talk about the Rolling Stones' recent recording sessions and other subjects. This was taped during a two-day period when I also interviewed Keith Richards, Charlie Watts, Ronnie Wood, Darryl Jones, and Chuck Leavell. Transcriptions of these originally appeared in "The Rolling Stones: Inside the Voodoo Lounge," a one-shot magazine sold at venues and newsstands during the Rolling Stones’ 1994-1995 World Tour. Audio of the Keith Richards, Charlie Watts, and Ronnie Wood interviews is already available on YouTube, and the others will soon be posted. I hope you enjoy these conversations! Thanks to Max Crace for permission to use his 1994 color photos of Mick Jagger, and to engineer/producer Nik Hunt for filming the intro and enhancing the sound of the 30-year-old master tapes. For more than 170 other guitar-intensive podcasts, interview transcripts, and articles, visit jasobrecht.substack.com/. #rollingstones #keithrichards #mickjagger #muddywaters #howlinwolf #williedixon #jasobrecht #talkingguitar #nikhunt This podcast is copyright 2024 by Jas Obrecht. All rights reserved.
Keith Richards: Songwriting Stories+ Talking Guitar: Jas Obrechts Music Magazine 2024-05-27 | "Songwriting Stories" works as a title for this 1994 Keith Richards interview, but there's a lot more to it. In addition to discussing how he and Mick Jagger approach songwriting, Keith talks about Mick's singing and guitar and harmonica playing, how they rediscover and rehearse songs from their vast catalog, and the recent dramatic change in the Rolling Stones rhythm section with bassist Darryl Jones coming onboard. He also offers insights about Charlie Watts, Ronnie Wood, and former bandmates Brian Jones, Bill Wyman, and Mick Taylor, as well as blues songwriter Willie Dixon. Keith covers other subjects as well. This was taped during a two-day period when I also interviewed Mick Jagger, Charlie Watts, Ronnie Wood, Darryl Jones, and Chuck Leavell. Transcriptions of these originally appeared in "The Rolling Stones: Inside the Voodoo Lounge," a one-shot magazine sold at venues and newsstands during the Rolling Stones’ year-long 1994-1995 World Tour. Audio of the Mick Jagger, Charlie Watts, and Ronnie Wood interviews is already available on YouTube, and the others will soon be posted. I hope you enjoy these conversations! Thanks to Max Crace for permission to use his 1994 photos of Keith, and to engineer/producer Nik Hunt for filming the intro and enhancing the sound of the 30-year-old master tape. For more than 170 other guitar-intensive podcasts, interview transcripts, and articles, visit jasobrecht.substack.com/. #rollingstones #keithrichards #mickjagger #brianjones #billwyman #williedixon #micktaylor #jasobrecht #talkingguitar #nikhunt This podcast is copyright 2024 by Jas Obrecht. All rights reserved.
Nick Lucas: Recording the First Popular Guitar Solos, 1922 Talking Guitar: Jas Obrechts Music Magazine 2024-05-13 | #nicklucas #jazzguitar
Eddie Van Halen, 1978: Why I switched from drums to guitar #eddievanhalen #vanhalen Talking Guitar: Jas Obrechts Music Magazine 2024-05-05 | ...
James Honeyman-Scott: I cant count Chrissies timing! Talking Guitar: Jas Obrechts Music Magazine 2024-04-19 | #Pretenders #JamesHoneymanScott #jasobrecht #talkingguitar #thepretenders #chrissiehynde
Eddie Van Halen: The Birth of Frankenstrat, 1978 Talking Guitar: Jas Obrechts Music Magazine 2024-04-09 | #eddievanhalen #vanhalen #frankenstrat
Charlie Watts Interview: On Favorite Jazz Drummers and the Rolling Stones Talking Guitar: Jas Obrechts Music Magazine 2024-03-24 | This in-depth interview with Charlie Watts took place on July 14, 1994, in the cafeteria of the Crescent School in Toronto, where the Rolling Stones were rehearsing for their "Voodoo Lounge" tour. Charlie began by speaking about his favorite jazz ensembles and jazz drummers, and then we moved on to discussing his work with the Rolling Stones, his thoughts about John Bonham and Ginger Baker, and other subjects. A transcription of this conversation is available in my "Talking Guitar" Substack magazine: jasobrecht.substack.com/p/charlie-watts-our-complete-1994-interviewThis Charlie Watts interview, along with the interviews I did during the same week with Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Ronnie Wood, Darryl Jones, and Chuck Leavell, originally appeared in "The Rolling Stones: Inside the Voodoo Lounge," a one-shot magazine sold at venues and newsstands during the Rolling Stones’ 1994-1995 World Tour. The Ronnie Wood interview can be heard here: youtube.com/watch?v=OQc-l-BYZsQ&t=195s. Look for the others to be posted in the coming weeks. I hope you enjoy this conversation! Thanks to engineer/producer Nik Hunt for filming the intro and enhancing the sound of the 30-year-old master tape. For more than 150 other guitar-intensive podcasts, interview transcripts, and articles, visit jasobrecht.substack.com/. #rollingstones #keithrichards #mickjagger #jazzdrumming #jasobrecht #talkingguitar #nikhunt This podcast is copyright 2024 by Jas Obrecht. All rights reserved.
Ronnie Wood on the Rolling Stones, Faces, and Slide Guitar Talking Guitar: Jas Obrechts Music Magazine 2024-03-11 | In this 1994 interview, Ronnie Wood talks about slide guitar and the various bands he's been part of, notably the Jeff Beck Group, Faces, and Rolling Stones. Wood details how he dialed in his tone on famous songs, the various styles of slides he's used, his favorite blues and rock musicians, and how he and Keith Richards work out their parts. The interview took place in the cafeteria of Toronto’s Crescent School, where the Rolling Stones were rehearsing for their Voodoo Lounge tour. On the table in front of us as we began was a photograph of various guitar slides that guitarists used over the past century. Ronnie examined the photo and pointed excitedly to an old hunk of thin copper pipe. Our conversation took off from there. Here's a link to a complete transcription of this interview: jasobrecht.substack.com/p/ronnie-wood-on-the-jeff-beck-group To help us continue producing podcasts like this one, kindly hit that donate button: paypal.me/TalkingGuitar. Every bit helps! Thanks to engineer/producer Nik Hunt for filming the intro and enhancing the sound of the 32-year-old master tape. For more than 150 other guitar-intensive podcasts, interview transcripts, and articles, visit jasobrecht.substack.com/. #rollingstones #ronniewood #faces #jeffbeck #keithrichards #slideguitar #jasobrecht #talkingguitar #nikhunt #guitarplayermagazineThis podcast is copyright 2024 by Jas Obrecht. All rights reserved.
Jorma Kaukonen on the Jefferson Airplane and Psychedelic 1960s Talking Guitar: Jas Obrechts Music Magazine 2024-03-02 | In this 1996 interview, Jorma Kaukonen discusses his guitar playing with Jefferson Airplane and the emergence of San Francisco's psychedelic scene in the 1960s. At the time of this conversation, Jorma was performing with Hot Tuna and setting up his Fur Peace Ranch guitar camp in southern Ohio. Portions of this interview were used for my 1997 "Psychedelia" cover story for Guitar Player magazine. A complete transcription is available in my online Talking Guitar magazine: jasobrecht.substack.com/p/jorma-kaukonen-on-the-jefferson-airplaneTo help us continue producing podcasts like this one, kindly hit that donate button: paypal.me/TalkingGuitar. Every bit helps! Thanks to engineer/producer Nik Hunt for filming the intro and enhancing the sound of the 28-year-old master tape. For more than 150 other guitar-intensive podcasts, interview transcripts, and articles, visit jasobrecht.substack.com/. #jormakaukonen #jeffersonairplane #hottuna #psychedelic #jasobrecht #talkingguitar #nikhunt #guitarplayermagazineThis podcast is copyright 2024 by Jas Obrecht. All rights reserved.
Aston Family Man Barrett on Bob Marley and the Bass in Reggae Talking Guitar: Jas Obrechts Music Magazine 2024-02-19 | Until his death in February 2024, Aston “Family Man” Barrett probably had deeper reggae roots than any other living musician. Fams, as his friends called him, and his younger brother, drummer Carlton “Carly” Barrett, began their professional careers as the rhythm section in Lee Perry’s studio band, The Upsetters. During the early 1970s the brothers joined Bob Marley and The Wailers. From then on, Family Man accompanied Bob Marley on nearly every Wailers release. He also led the Wailers band, helped Marley arrange songs, and left an indelible imprint on hundreds of recordings by a who’s-who of other reggae musicians, including Peter Tosh, In this candid, wide-ranging interview, Barrett discusses his musical beginnings and experiences with The Upsetters, Hippy Boys, Youth Professionals, and Bob Marley and the Wailers. He details his instruments, Marley’s approach to songwriting and rehearsing, and his legendary role in bringing bass to reggae. In one of the lighter moments, he clarifies who rolled better spliffs — Bob Marley or Peter Tosh. Near the end of the hour-long conversation, he delves into his spiritual beliefs.Our interview took place in Ann Arbor in the Wailers’ tour bus on January 9, 2011. To help facilitate our conversation, I brought along a friend, Chewy Fraser, who is fluent in the Jamaican dialect. He's the third person heard from time to time. It was less than 10 degrees outside that afternoon, but tropically hot inside the tiny back room where I found Family Man, sans his trademark sunglasses, relaxing on a couch. Gracious and accommodating, he looked deep into our eyes and told us of his life and music as he smoked hand-rolled tobacco-and-ganja cigarettes.A word-for-word transcription of this interview is available on my "Talking Guitar" online music magazine: jasobrecht.substack.com/p/aston-family-man-barrett-interviewIf you like what you hear and want to help us continue producing podcasts like this one, hit that donate button: paypal.me/TalkingGuitar. Every donation goes toward producing new podcasts.Thanks to engineer/producer Nik Hunt for filming the intro and enhancing the sound of the original master tape. For more than 150 other guitar-intensive podcasts, interview transcripts, and articles, visit jasobrecht.substack.com/. #bobmarley #bobmarleyandthewailers #reggae #reggaemusic #petertosh #jasobrecht #talkingguitar #nikhunt
Tom Petty: That Lick in Breakdown Talking Guitar: Jas Obrechts Music Magazine 2024-02-15 | #tompetty #tompettyandtheheartbreakers #breakdown
Yngwie Malmsteen’s 1985 “Rising Force” Interview Talking Guitar: Jas Obrechts Music Magazine 2024-02-11 | This interview was used for Swedish guitar great Yngwie Malmsteen’s first English-language cover story. At the time, the 21-year-old was rapidly becoming renowned for his fiery “neo-classical” style. He’d already recorded albums with Steeler and Alcatrazz, and had just released his debut solo album, “Yngwie J. Malmsteen’s Rising Force.” (A year earlier, while Yngwie was in Alcatrazz, we did our first interview together: youtube.com/watch?v=g2FdG4XXSPg&t=477s)As we met in a San Francisco hotel room to do his debut cover story interview, Yngwie detailed the amount of work required to achieve his level of skill and reach new plateaus. He revealed how he composes instrumentals, drawing on the influences of Bach, Mussorgsky, and Tchaikovsky rather than other guitarists. He talked about Jimi Hendrix and responded to critics who wrote that his playing mirrors Ritchie Blackmore’s. He then covered his musical experiences with Alcatrazz and his current band, Rising Force. We took a track-by-track tour of his debut solo album. Yngwie explained his recording and playing techniques and pointed out that he is “not involved in rock guitar,” but rather is a unique force unto himself. The interview took place on January 12, 1985. A partial transcription was published as the May 1985 "Guitar Player" cover story. I hope you enjoy the world debut of the audio of this conversation! If you like what you hear, you can help us continue producing podcasts like this one by hitting that donate button: paypal.me/TalkingGuitar. Every donation goes toward producing new podcasts.Thanks to engineer/producer Nik Hunt for filming the intro and enhancing the sound of the 39-year-old master tape. For more than 150 other guitar-intensive podcasts, interview transcripts, and articles, visit jasobrecht.substack.com/. #yngwiemalmsteen #neoclassicalmetal #ritchieblackmore #jimihendrix #jasobrecht #talkingguitar #nikhunt #guitarplayermagazineThis podcast is copyright 2024 by Jas Obrecht. All rights reserved.
Nick Lucas: An Interview With Americas First Guitar Hero Talking Guitar: Jas Obrechts Music Magazine 2024-02-02 | Credit where credit is due: Nick Lucas was America’s first guitar hero. During his heyday, he made stacks of records featuring his agile guitar playing and crooning vocals. Recorded for Pathe in 1922, his “Pickin’ the Guitar” and “Teasin’ the Frets” were the first "hot" guitar solos on record. (In the interview he describes how these were recorded through a big recording horn onto wax.) In 1927 Nick was the first popular player to have a guitar named after him, the Gibson Nick Lucas Special. During the 1930 and ’40s, Nick’s smiling image appeared on the covers of sheet music and instruction books. His name was stamped into countless guitar picks. As late as the 1960s music stores were still offering Nick Lucas-approved lesson books and plectrums. At the time of this September 3, 1980, interview for Guitar Player magazine, Nick living in semi-retirement in an apartment in Hollywood. As you'll hear, he proved to be a grand and gracious guy. If you enjoy this unique recording, be sure to check out the other historic, guitar-focused interviews on the Talking Guitar YouTube channel. To help us continue producing podcasts like this one, you can hit that donate button: paypal.me/TalkingGuitar. Thanks to engineer/producer Nik Hunt for filming the intro and enhancing the sound of the 44-year-old master tape. For more than 150 other guitar-intensive podcasts, interview transcripts, and articles, visit Talking Guitar magazine at jasobrecht.substack.com/. #nicklucas #jazzguitar #acousticguitar #jasobrecht #talkingguitar #nikhunt #guitarplayermagazineThis podcast is copyright 2024 by Jas Obrecht. All rights reserved.
Stevie Ray Vaughan: Why Jimi Hendrix Still Matters #jimihendrix #stevierayvaughan Talking Guitar: Jas Obrechts Music Magazine 2024-01-31 | ...
The First Solo Guitar Recordings in North America Talking Guitar: Jas Obrechts Music Magazine 2024-01-25 | During the winter of 1905-1906, the Edison Company set up a temporary recording studio in a building at 146 Industria in Havana, Cuba. Among the many musicians who made field recordings there was classical guitarist Sebastián Hidalgo, who made cylinders of two selections: the popular “Miserere” from Verdi’s Il Trovatore, and “Polka Selva Negra.” Dick Spottswood, an expert on early recorded music, observes that “these are likely the first recordings of solo guitar made in North America.”For decades, musicologists have known of their existence through a listing in the July 1907 edition of Edison Phonograph Monthly, which advertised Hidalgo’s cylinders as “Solos de Guitarra.” However, until the recordings heard here recently turned up, no copies were known to have survived. My friend Joe Gore’s Tonefiend YouTube channel is a tremendous resource for guitar aficionados: youtube.com/@joe_gore. Given Joe’s wide knowledge of classical guitar music, I shared these recordings with him and asked for his observations: “Hidalgo was a solid player,” Joe offered, “though maybe not in the very highest tier of virtuosity for the era. There are clams and intonation issues throughout, but then, who knows what the recording conditions were like? And of course, he would have been using sheep-gut strings which could be pitchy and unreliable relative to modern strings. Perhaps especially so in the Cuban climate. “‘Miserere’ conforms with the guitar’s role as a parlor instrument. It was common to perform medleys of simplified guitar versions of beloved operatic themes — the closest thing to a Top 40 in Europe and the colonies. The other piece’s title is Spanish for ‘Black Forest Polka’ — a Polish/German fusion? Sounds like the composer was a little hazy on their musical geography, sort of like saying ‘Mexican flamenco.’ Again, it was very much a 19th-century thing to perform pieces with strong nationalistic identities. You didn’t have to be Polish to compose a polka or mazurka, or Scottish to write an écossais, or Austrian to play waltzes. “One interesting aspect of the performance is Hidalgo’s use (and non-use) of vibrato. It’s applied selectively and dramatically. I was surprised by the fast vibrato speed on ‘Miserere.’ It’s almost like a B.B. King vibrato, presumably deployed to mimic an operatic soprano. Thanks for sharing. Super fascinating stuff!” Thanks, Joe! Mark Marrington’s post “Early Classical Guitar Recording in Cuba,” an excerpt from his 2021 book Recording the Classical Guitar, provides more details about the Hidalgo session and recordings: markmarrington.com/uncategorized/early-classical-guitar-recording-in-cubaFor an overview of other pioneering guitar recordings, 1904-1916, check out this article in my "Talking Guitar" online magazine: jasobrecht.substack.com/p/the-first-north-american-guitar-recordingsI hope you enjoy these historic recordings!#classicalguitarist #classicalguitarists #classicalguitarists #joegore #jasobrecht
Stevie Ray Vaughan: A 1989 Interview About Jimi Hendrix Talking Guitar: Jas Obrechts Music Magazine 2024-01-20 | While an editor for Guitar Player magazine, I wrote a Jimi Hendrix cover story that included a Soundpage of an unreleased recording of “Red House.” I asked Stevie Ray Vaughan, Joe Satriani, and Jimi’s former bandmates Noel Redding and Billy Cox to add their perspectives on Jimi's blues playing. Quotes from these conversations appeared as part of my May 1989 cover story. Here is the audio of my February 9, 1989, interview with Stevie Ray Vaughan. In addition to speaking about Jimi Hendrix, Stevie talked about what he was going through as he recorded his “In Step” album. A transcription of this interview is available on my “Talking Guitar” online music magazine: jasobrecht.substack.com/p/stevie-ray-vaughan-our-1989-interview. You can help us continue producing podcasts like this one by hitting that donate button: paypal.me/TalkingGuitar. Every donation goes toward producing new podcasts.Thanks to engineer/producer Nik Hunt for filming the intro and enhancing the sound of the 35-year-old master tape. For more than 150 other guitar-intensive podcasts, interview transcripts, and articles, visit jasobrecht.substack.com/. #stevierayvaughan #jimihendrix #jimihendrixexperience #redhouse #jasobrecht #talkingguitar #nikhunt #guitarplayermagazineThis podcast is copyright 2024 by Jas Obrecht. All rights reserved.
Curtis Mayfield: The 1996 New World Order Interview Talking Guitar: Jas Obrechts Music Magazine 2024-01-10 | Curtis Mayfield’s uplifting songs with the Impressions and on his solo releases became part of the soundtrack of the lives of countless listeners in the 1960s and beyond. Like Bob Marley, he excelled at creating music equally suited for the prison yard and cathedral. He also created an exquisite guitar style set in the unusual tuning of F#, A#, C#, F#, A#, F#, from low to high. Curtis’s career came to a sudden halt in 1990, when he was struck onstage by a piece of windblown lighting equipment. This accident left him paralyzed from the neck down. Unable to play guitar, Curtis continued to compose music from his bed. In 1996 he released “New World Order,” his first album of new songs since the accident. His lyrics stayed true to his lifelong message of love and acceptance. Warner Brothers sent me an advance CD of “New World Order” and arranged for me to do this phone interview on August 30, 1996. An article based on this conversation was published in the December 1996 issue of Guitar Player magazine. “New World Order” would be Curtis Mayfield’s final album. He passed away on December 26, 1999. Thanks to engineer/producer Nik Hunt for filming the intro and outro and enhancing the sound of the original master interview tape. For more historic, guitar-intensive interviews, check out the other offerings on the Talking Guitar YouTube channel. If you'd like to help us carry on our work, please hit that donate button: paypal.me/TalkingGuitar. For more than 130 other guitar-intensive podcasts, interview transcripts, and articles, visit Talking Guitar magazine at jasobrecht.substack.com/. #curtismayfield #theimpressions #impressions #soulmusic #jasobrecht #talkingguitar #nikhunt #guitarplayermagazineThis podcast is copyright 2024 by Jas Obrecht. All rights reserved.
Queens Brain May: The Complete 1982 Guitar Player Interview Talking Guitar: Jas Obrechts Music Magazine 2023-12-30 | This post presents the world debut of the audio of my September 22, 1982, "Guitar Player" cover story interview with the author of “We Will Rock You.” I hope you enjoy it! To prepare for our conversation, I attended Queen’s July 9, 1982, concert in Oakland, California. After that, I listened to every Queen album in chronological order, paying close attention to Brian’s guitar innovations. So in addition to covering his musical background, influences, and tools of his trade, I was able to question him about his playing techniques on specific songs throughout the band’s career-to-date. Brian seemed to appreciate this. As we spoke, he also expressed his appreciation for the talents of Eddie Van Halen. (A few months later, Brian and Eddie would collaborate on the "Star Fleet Project" album, which led to Brian's requesting that we do a second interview. Let me know in the comments if you'd like to hear this interview too.)For more historic, guitar-intensive interviews, check out the other offerings on the Talking Guitar YouTube channel. To help us continue producing podcasts like this one, please hit that donate button and send some support our way: paypal.me/TalkingGuitar. Thanks to engineer/producer Nik Hunt for filming the intro and outro and enhancing the sound of the original 42-year-old master interview tapes. For more than 130 other guitar-intensive podcasts, interview transcripts, and articles, visit Talking Guitar magazine at jasobrecht.substack.com/. #brianmay #queen #jasobrecht #talkingguitar #nikhunt #guitarplayermagazineThis podcast is copyright 2024 by Jas Obrecht. All rights reserved.
Rushs Alex Lifeson: The Complete 1985 Power Windows Interview Talking Guitar: Jas Obrechts Music Magazine 2023-12-23 | This 1985 interview with guitarist extraordinaire Alex Lifeson was done on the afternoon of December 18, 1985. At the time, Rush was touring in support of their "Power Windows" album. Later that evening, they headlined the Pittsburgh Civic Arena, with the Steve Morse Band opening. As you’ll hear, Alex and I focused a good portion of our conversation on a track-by-track breakdown of his playing approach, guitars, effects, and amps on the "Power Windows" album. In addition, Alex talks about the current tour and offers some excellent advice on how guitarists can expand their playing and make more innovative use of effects devices. I hope you enjoy this conversation! Portions of this interview were transcribed for my April 1986 article in Guitar Player magazine, "Alex Lifeson of Rush: The Evolving Art of Rock Guitar." For more of Alex's insights, check out our in-person "Grace Under Pressure" interview from May 1984: youtube.com/watch?v=ThLBuEosdFk&t=156s If you enjoy this unique recording, be sure to check out the other historic, guitar-intensive interviews on the Talking Guitar YouTube channel. To help us continue producing podcasts like this one, please hit that donate button and send some support our way: paypal.me/TalkingGuitar. Thanks to engineer/producer Nik Hunt for filming the intro and enhancing the sound of the 38-year-old master tape. For more than 150 other guitar-intensive podcasts, interview transcripts, and articles, visit Talking Guitar magazine at jasobrecht.substack.com/. #rush #alexlifeson #geddylee #neilpeart #jasobrecht #talkingguitar #nikhunt #guitarplayermagazineThis podcast is copyright 2024 by Jas Obrecht. All rights reserved.
Luther Allison: A 1996 Interview With Solo Guitar Performances! Talking Guitar: Jas Obrechts Music Magazine 2023-11-13 | Conducted in a San Francisco hotel room on September 3, 1996, this in-depth interview features Luther Allison talking about his life in the blues. In addition to answering questions about his career, recordings, guitar playing, gear, musical inspirations, and other topics, Luther brilliantly sings and plays songs and solos on his unplugged electric guitar. The first of these occur around the 25:00 mark. At 44:00 Luther demonstrates the differences between his version of “Goin’ Down” and those of Eric Clapton and Freddie King. He then goes into his own “Should I Wait.” Thrilling stuff! The third voice occasionally heard during this interview is that of Andy Ellis, who at the time was an editor at Guitar Player magazine. Luther's life partner and manager, Carolyn "Rocky" Brown, was also present. More details about this interview and Luther's background can be seen here: jasobrecht.substack.com/p/luther-allison-a-1996-interview-withPortions of our conversation were published as “Luther Allison: Confessions of a Soul Fixin’ Man" in Guitar Player’s December 1996 issue. Luther Allison passed away less than a year after our interview, on August 12, 1997. I invite you to check out my other podcasts on the Talking Guitar YouTube channel. For dozens more guitar-intensive podcasts, interview transcripts, and articles, visit Talking Guitar magazine at jasobrecht.substack.com/. To help us continue producing podcasts, please hit that donate button: paypal.me/TalkingGuitar. Thanks to engineer/producer Nik Hunt for filming the intro and outro and enhancing the sound of the 27-year-old master tape.#LutherAllison #BernardAllison #chicagoblues #jasobrecht #talkingguitar #nikhunt #guitarplayermagazineThis podcast is copyright 2023 by Jas Obrecht. All rights reserved.
Eddie Van Halen and Sammy Hagar: The 1987 Interview, Part 2 Talking Guitar: Jas Obrechts Music Magazine 2023-10-23 | This is the second part of my July 14, 1987, joint interview with Eddie Van Halen and Sammy Hagar. If you haven't already heard it, here's the link to part 1: youtube.com/watch?v=ZmJmQrU5Bac&t=849sThis interview took place on the patio of Sammy’s spacious home in Mill Valley, California. As mentioned in the intro to Part 1, at the time of this interview Sammy had sung on Van Halen’s chart-topping "5150" album, completed a major tour with the band, and had just released his self-titled solo album. Eddie had co-produced the album with Sammy and played bass on it. (This album was re-released as "I Never Said Goodbye.") At more than 80 minutes, our patio meeting that afternoon would lead to one of the most in-depth and revealing interviews they’d do together. Portions of it were transcribed for my October 1987 cover story for Guitar Player magazine. Solo photos of Eddie by Jas Obrecht. The magazine cover photo was shot by Ray Olsen.I hope you enjoy this unique recording, and be sure to check out my other historic Van Halen interviews on the Talking Guitar YouTube channel. To help us continue producing podcasts, please hit that donate button: paypal.me/TalkingGuitar. Thanks to engineer/producer Nik Hunt for enhancing the sound of the 36-year-old master tape. For dozens more guitar-intensive podcasts, interview transcripts, and articles, visit Talking Guitar magazine at jasobrecht.substack.com/. #vanhalen #eddievanhalen #edwardvanhalen #jasobrecht #talkingguitar #nikhunt #guitarplayermagazineThis podcast is copyright 2023 by Jas Obrecht. All rights reserved.
Eddie Van Halen and Sammy Hagar: The 1987 Interview, Part 1 Talking Guitar: Jas Obrechts Music Magazine 2023-10-13 | This is the first part of my July 14, 1987, joint interview with Eddie Van Halen and Sammy Hagar. The afternoon of the interview, Eddie, his wife Verlie Bertinelli, and I traveled by limousine from a hotel to Sammy’s spacious home in Mill Valley, California, where Eddie, Sammy, and I sat down on his patio and had this conversation. By then Sammy had already sang on Van Halen’s chart-topping "5150" album, he’d completed a major tour with the band, and he’d just released his self-titled solo album. Eddie had co-produced the album with Sammy, and we began our interview by talking about how Eddie came to play bass on Sammy’s record, which has since been re-released as "I Never Said Goodbye." From there, we delved into many aspects of their collaborations, both on Sammy’s album and in the band Van Halen. At more than 80 minutes, this would be one of the most in-depth and revealing interviews they’d do together. Here's the link to Part 2: youtube.com/watch?v=Gy20n640kuAPortions of it were transcribed for my October 1987 cover story for Guitar Player magazine. Solo photos of Eddie (with bass) and Sammy were taken just after the interview by Jas Obrecht. The magazine cover photo was shot by Ray Olsen.I hope you enjoy this unique recording, and be sure to check out the many other historic Van Halen interviews on the Talking Guitar YouTube channel. To help us continue producing podcasts, please hit that donate button: paypal.me/TalkingGuitar. Thanks to engineer/producer Nik Hunt for enhancing the sound of the 36-year-old master tape. For dozens more guitar-intensive podcasts, interview transcripts, and articles, visit Talking Guitar magazine at jasobrecht.substack.com/. #vanhalen #eddievanhalen #edwardvanhalen #jasobrecht #talkingguitar #nikhunt #guitarplayermagazineThis podcast is copyright 2023 by Jas Obrecht. All rights reserved.
Tom Petty: The Complete 1986 Guitar Player Interview on Songwriting and Rhythm Guitar Talking Guitar: Jas Obrechts Music Magazine 2023-10-02 | Rock music lost one of its premier songwriters and rhythm guitarists when Tom Petty passed away on October 2, 2017. For decades Petty fronted the band that bore his name – Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers.One of the qualities I most admired about Tom was how he stood up for himself. He was unwavering in his all-or-nothing fight to control his artistic freedom and integrity. Like his musical heroes John Lennon and Keith Richards, he was devoted to rhythm guitar, which is one of the major themes of our interview. Over time he evolved into one of rock’s preeminent songwriters, crafting enduring songs that deal with social outcasts, love, heartbreak, resilience, and especially American individualism. It’s fitting that when the iconic Traveling Wilburys initially came together as a self-described “band of brothers,” Tom Petty received equal billing with Bob Dylan, George Harrison, Roy Orbison, and Jeff Lynne.At the time of our interview, the Heartbreakers had just finished a world tour with Bob Dylan and Tom had begun work on what would become the "Let Me Up (I’ve Had Enough)" album. Our conversation took place mid-afternoon on May 27, 1986. Just before the interview was to begin, a publicist informed me that I could only have fifteen minutes with Tom and that I was forbidden to bring up the topics of sex and drugs. Tom, it turned out, would have none of that. A few minutes later he came into the room and pulled his chair so close to mine that our knees touched. He locked eyes with me and we got right to it. He ignored the time restriction, speaking for nearly 50 minutes.An edited version of this interview appeared in the August 1986 issue of Guitar Player magazine. A complete transcription is included in my book "Talking Guitar: Conversations With Musicians Who Shaped Twentieth-Century American Music" [UNC Press, 2017].Thanks to Nik Hunt for enhancing the sound of the decades-old master tape. We hope you enjoy this unique recording. You can help us continue to produce "Talking Guitar" podcasts of historic interviews by sending a donation c/o paypal.me/TalkingGuitar. Thank you! Be sure to check out the other historic interviews on the Talking Guitar YouTube channel. For dozens more guitar-intensive podcasts, interview transcripts, and articles, visit Talking Guitar magazine at jasobrecht.substack.com/. #tompetty #tompettyandtheheartbreakers #mikecampbell #rhythmguitar #songwriting #nikhunt #guitarplayermagazineThis podcast is copyright 2023 by Jas Obrecht. All rights reserved.©2022 Jas Obrecht. All right reserved.
