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INTERVIEWS |
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| Steve Vai - Steve Lukather - Andy Timmons - Richie Kotzen - Paul Gilbert |
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STEVE VAI
| by Matt Cafissi |
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 Let's
talk about your latest cd "the elusive light & sound"...How did
you come up with the idea of an album containing all your movies soundtracks?!
Your fans will be very happy for sure!! (they're probably gone mad finding them
until now!)
I wanted to make this a special project by
compiling all the music that I have written for films or soundtracks Some of the
stuff on the CD was written for some films but never made it but 90% of it did.
It's just another one of those odd things that I like to do.
This Cd will be out under Favored nations
and not for Epic/Sony...why?!
The CD is originally part of a 10 CD box set
that was released in December that comes with the first 3 CD's in it. ELS was
one of those three CD's. The entire box concept was offered to Sony but due to
their budget restraints with things like packaging and due to the extreme
eclecticism of the packaging we could not come to terms. Most of the music on
The Elusive Light and Sound was licensed from 3rd parties and anyone has the
rights to do that if they have 3 years and about $350,000.00 in legal fees,
licensing, manufacturing and distribution funds.
Do you think also your next cds will be on
Favored Nations?
No, My next CD will be a Sony
release. I am
still signed to them as an artist.
Live,Movies Soundtracks and the Secret
Jewel: apart from "Alive in the ultra zone" they are all a sort of
compilation....When the next album with unreleased tracks?
Yes I know, I am eager to get in the studio
and start working. I believe my next CD should be out by the end of this year of
the beginning of the next.
Wow.. A live performance with Nelly Furtado
during the Grammy Awards..!! Here in Italy sounded a bit strange to hear your
name on the pop-radios.."... and now Nelly Furtado and Mr Steve
Vai"!!!
Yes, I agree.
Will we see again Mr. Vai as a live
session-man with popstars?!
Well, you never know.
Thank you very much for your precious
time,...GOOD LUCK Steve
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STEVE LUKATHER
| by Matt Cafissi & Emiliano Mammini |
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 (italian
version)Steve
, da chi e da cosa e' nata l'idea di registrare un album Live
con brani inediti in coppia con il tuo maestro Larry Carlton ?
E’
partito tutto da una chiamata di Larry: lui era in Giappone e
aveva in mente di realizzare qualcosa che coinvolgesse diversi
artisti,compreso me.Io sono stato subito favorevole all’idea
visto che sono un suo amico e grande ammiratore.Oltre tutto non
avevamo mai suonato insieme e così alla fine abbiamo deciso
anche di registrare la nostra performance.Fortunatamente è
andato tutto per il meglio e abbiamo ricevuto un buon riscontro
ovunque.
Il
vostro tour sta attraversando l'intero globo , un grande
successo di pubblico e di vendite !
In
effetti il disco è andato piuttosto bene in diversi paesi e con
il tour abbiamo già attraversato circa dieci stati. Stasera
comunque potrete giudicare voi stessi ! Con noi ci sono
“…..” al basso, “….”alle tastiere e invece di Gregg
Bissonette ci sarà “….” Alla batteria. E’ stupendo
suonare con loro perchè la sera durante il concerto non
sappiamo mai dove andremo a finire: ovviamente I pezzi hanno una
struttura di base che cerchiamo di rispettare, ma
inevitabilmente ogni performance diventa unica proprio grazie
alla capacità di improvvisazione dell’intero gruppo.Nel rock
di oggi purtroppo questa cosa è venuta a mancare: si pensa a
suonare il pezzo così com’è nel disco e poi a scendere dal
palco. Per noi è diverso e per questo ci divertiamo molto ogni
volta che suoniamo.
Adesso
pero' parliamo di te : oramai tutti aspettano il tuo prossimo cd
solista , stai registrando qualcosa in studio ? In quale
direzione musicale ti dirigerai ? Con il tuo ultimo cd solista
"Luke" avevi (secondo me) raggiunto la perfezione
della tua espressione chitarristica e della canzone ...
Davvero
pensi questo??!! Non esageriamo !Ti ringrazio comunque. Per
adesso ho solo un paio di cose registrate da me,credo che
comunque uscirà il prossimo anno.
Ultimamente sono molto
influenzato da Larry (forse è la vicinanza !!) e da Jeff Beck;
in generale credo che ci sarà molta più chitarra, anche
complicata, meno rock e pop.
Grazie
anche per l’apprezzamento sul disco “Luke”, ma….posso
fare di meglio!!!
Adesso
qualche domanda curiosa sui Toto : perche' e' stato chiamato di
nuovo Bobby Kimball nella nuova formazione ... Joseph Williams
e' un grandissimo cantante , ha rifiutato la nuova chiamata ?
Perche' non sono stati inclusi brani di "Seventh One"
nella video live "Toto-Live" , brani come
"Pamela" e "Stop Loving You" sono delle
grandi hits .
Ti
dico solo che il prossimo anno festeggeremo I 25 anni della band
ma non so ancora come e quando: non ne abbiamo parlato
chiaramente, ci sono alcune idee ma non so se uscirà un nuovo
album .
Per adesso sono molto impegnato in questo progetto con Larry e
non credo di dover pensare ad altro.
L'ultima
domanda curiosa : dato che sono un grande un fan di Richard Marx
, puoi raccontarci la tua esperienza musicale fatta con lui ?
Siete ancora in contatto ? A dir la verita' la sua voce non
sfigurerebbe nella band dei Toto , hai mai pensato a questo ?
Oh,Richard
Marx,è stato molto tempo fa e non lo sento da un pezzo.
Dunque,ti posso solo dire
che è un ottimo cantante pop e una brava persona. So che
ultimamente ha prodotto un singolo N°1 per gli N’Synch e ha
fatto un bel po’ di soldi!!
Non
credo che potrebbe entrare a far parte dei Toto: Bob e al limite
io siamo I cantanti, questi sono I Toto, non sarebbe il suo
contesto adatto.
Ti
abbiamo visto in alcune foto sul sito di Satriani insieme alla
band del G3 (Satriani,Vai,Petrucci,Hamm,Sheehan…)..come è
nata queta partecipazione?
Oh,
sono tutti miei amici e quando posso è un piacere suonare con
loro! Come ben saprai Satriani è la mente di quei concerti:
ogni sera suonano in un posto diverso e a lui piace invitare
anche I chitarristi locali. E così una sera ha chiamato anche
me! Questo è tutto!
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ANDY TIMMONS
| by Salvo Vecchio |
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 Hi
Andy, first of all congratulations for
your recent release “That was then, this is now”, but why a compilation
CD?
Initially when Steve Vai approached me
about releasing some of my music, he was thinking of re-releasing ear X-tacy 1
and 2 in their entirety, mainly because they were never officially released
and promoted in the US...we finally decided that a "best of" with
some new tracks would be best for the worldwide market. A good way to
hopefully introduce my music to some new fans, and also some new music for
those who already are into what I do.
This album is released by
Steve Vai’s label, Favored Nation, could you describe this new relationship
and also, are you planning a new release for them, have you composed any new
songs?
The relationship has been 100%
fantastic.
The label has given me complete control over the records and Steve is
incredibly helpful with decisions that I may need help with (what better
guitarist to help with career decisions!!!!!) And yes, we are planning a whole
new CD for next year...I've written many new songs already!
Will you play live “That was then, this is now” and of
course, will you come in Italy also for clinics?
Yes...I'm touring Asia all of
July,. dates in
the States in August, South America in October,,,hopefully Italy in November!
Could you describe your typical
clinic? Are you with the band…any favorite technique to explain…etc…
Usually, I have a CD of backing tracks from my
records for the clinics. Every clinic is different. I try to play as much as
possible...and leave it up to the audience how much detail I get into
regarding playing, music biz, etc...we have a great time.
You are also famous as session player,
is difficult for you to separate your solo career from playing totally
different things for different artists and in your opinion what are your best
performances as session player?
The diversity is what I thrive on! I love being
able to go from a Simon Phillips gig to an Olivia gig to an Andy Timmons Band
gig...It's all equally challenging and fun for me! Best performances as
session player? Probably Kip Winger's thisconversationseemslikeadream...very
spontaneous...I really enjoy working with Kip..he's outrageuosly talented and
creative.
What was/is your role as “music
director” for Olivia Newton Jone?
Basically putting the band
together,
rehearsing them,....just being "on top of things" in general for her
concerts. Not a hard job if you put the right band together!
About the Danger Danger years,
how did you get in contact with them and would you change anything from that
period?
They found me through Buddy
Blaze, the
artist relations guy for Kramer guitars at that time. Regrets? Not
really..we had an incredible time! Really living the rock 'n roll fantasy. I
suppose I wish the band could have achieved more respect (because I considered
myself musician first, pop star second), but that's just not what the band was
about.
Your friend Reb Beach is again
touring with Winger, do you think is possible a Danger Danger reunion? (Classic
question! Ndr.)
Never say never!
Speaking about your musical studies:
you went at the famous Miami University. Is been that an important experience
for your musical approach? I know it mostly for great Jazz teachers, what kind
of theory and harmony did you study?
My time
at UM was profoundly influential..so many great players there to learn from.
There's no doubt that all the jazz playing has influenced all the styles that
I play...even in heavy rock tunes I'm swinging a good amount!
Your songs are a perfect mixture of
melody and technique, and we can listen to rock as well as blues, sometimes
country, metal, pop or sixties rock; would you be interested also in a more
jazz/fusion way for some future songs?
Absolutely!! You can expect that sometime in
the future.
Looking at the cover artwork of
“That was then, this is now” and of “And-hology”, is important, for
your music, religious or oriental meditation?
The cover is meant to be all
incusive.. all
music, all religion..I'm not any specific religion or musical backgound...I
learn from everything...anything that helps me continue a positive journey
through life.
Speaking of gear, please tell us all
about your equipment and particularly about your signature guitar, I know
there is a new A.T. model. And about the studio gear how do you usually record
your guitar parts.
I'm excited about the new Ibanez AT
guitar...it
iis similar neck shape as my AT100, but a mahogany body and rosewood
fingerboard...sounds fantastic! I used this guitar on Super '70s and Beautiful
Strange on the new CD. I mostly record the guitars dry, adding effect at the
console. I recorded the amps through my fave Boogie Rectifier 4x1`2 with 2
mics , a Shure 57, and a Beyer Dynamic 160 (the Eddie Kramer "Hendrix"
mic).
Finally, Andy Timmons in his free
time (if you have got it!):…
Searching
for vintage guitar gear, music, Beatles collectibles... I'm boring really...it's
always music releated!!!! I'm just a fan!! Thanks everyone! Andy Timmons.
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RICHIE KOTZEN
| by Matt Cafissi |
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 Hi
Richie , tell me something about your latest cd "Slow"
. More funky-stuffs respect to the great "Break It All
Down" .
My new cd is called Slow. On this cd I wanted
to get back to some of my guitar playing roots. I think the style of this record
is sort of a combination of what I was doing on the cd Wave Of Emotion mixed
with Mother Heads Family Reunion. With this record I feel like I have settled
into a comfortable direction that represents Richie Kotzen. Why little instrumental songs ...
shred-songs after many years ? Do you have composed these songs for the fans or
... The reason for the short little instrumental
pieces on the cd are for transitions and I also wanted to include some extra
guitar playing since that is what I am mostly known for. I think the styles of
the instrumentals are reflections on the sorts of things ive listened to in the
past. Ohio is the intro to the cd and is very blues based while Conflicted
starts off as a bee bop style and ends in a very aggressive rock style and ends
the cd. "Slow" includes "Don't wanna
lie" , a video-clip . Why we don't see on MTV ? This is a modern ballad , a
"trendy-song" ... The first 10,000 cds that were manufactured
included a video clip for the song Dont Wanna Lie. This promotion video has been
played on tv in Japan to promote the cd. The reason you have not seen it in
Europe is because this cd has not yet officialy been released in your territory
however it will be released within the next few months. Fenders Guitars / Yamaha Records ...
mmmmmhhh ... I have been playing fender guitars for the
last 12 years. I have 2 signature model guitars that can be bought in music
stores all over Japan. One guitar is a Strat and one is a Tele. Both guitars are
designed to my personal specs. I have also been using Yamaha accoustic guitars.
As for the Yamaha record label... This is a new venture and I am one of the
first international artists for them. They have been doing a greatjob with my
new cd in Japan and I am happy to be involved with their company. The latest Mr Big album is printed only in
Japan , why ? A problem with Billy Sheehan ? And what is the position of Billy
inside Mr Big ? As for Mr Big... Yes it is true the new cd is
only being sold in Japan. The Band has just finished its Final tour in Japan. We
played 16 shows in Japan and one in Hong Kong. This was Mr Bigs Farewell tour
and was a great success. I had a fun 2 years being a part of Mr Big and wish all
the members well in their future projects. A crazy question for you : what are the three
songs of everytime that you would have been written ? I think you are asking me what 3 songs I wish
I would have written... 1 Let it Be 2 Satisfaction 3 The Star Spangled Banner What do you think about Internet ? In your
opinion , Internet is the future of music business ? I think the internet is a great way for people
to have their music be heard. I dont know if it is the future of the music
business but it is becoming a very valuable tool for musicians and music fans. The last one ... what's music for you and what
suggestions could you give to the young guitarists in order to become better
musicians ? As for new music... I like a lot of the new
artists like Alicia Keys, Train, Disturbed... As for advice to young guitarists...
I think it is very important to play with other musicians and playing in front
of people. If you can play with musicians who have more experiance than you that
will also help you pick up new things quicker. |
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PAUL GILBERT
| by Matt Cafissi |
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 Paul,
tell me about your lastest album.
"Alligator Farm"
was the fastest I have ever written and recorded an album. It
was possible because I was having fun, and writing about things
that were happening around me .Almost all of the music was
recorded live in the studio. Even the guitar solos were mostly
one-take live solos! It's so much fun recording this way!I
played a Mozart piano sonata using two guitar tracks on the song
"Whole Lotta Sonata". I think this is a very
interesting song for guitar players to hear. Why a Shrapnel collaboration, if your solo albums are with
vocals?
I have vocals and pop
melodies on my solo albums, but there is still lots of intense
guitar playing! Help me to understand,
I know about your love for bluesy and 'Beatles' sound and we
have heard that on last Mr Big album. Now, the new Mr. Big (w/Kotzen)
plays 70's and rock blues ... but your sound is heavier ... do
you not like the sound of last Mr Big album?
I love rock/blues
guitarists like Robin Trower, Pat Travers, and Frank Marino. I
love the incredible songs of The Beatles, Cheap Trick, Queen,
and Enuff Z'nuff. And I love heavier stuff like old Van Halen,
Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, Judas Priest, Accept, and Saxon. Your official website
is very friendly, filled with many strange stories and crazy
photos!
I dig it!
Thank
you! I have fun
editing it myself. I will have rare sound clips on it soon! If you get back with
Mr. Big, don't forget about your solo career because I really
enjoy your solo sound.
I plan on doing my solo
CD's and Racer X for a long time. Both situations are more fun
and musically satisfying than anything else I've done! |
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