17/02/2007

First of all, thanks to give us a part of your time. Can you please tell for Metal Sickness readers what you have done since”Above, below and Beyond”

I went on Michael Jackson’s Dangerous Tour right after that record wasreleased. After the tour I recorded My Tribal Rage record with Glen Sobeland Ricky Wolking and again, immediately went on another MJ tour. About 6months after that tour ended I joined Jeff Beck’s band for 3 years and 2 CD’s. I’m ready to release my 3rd CD but want to do my own tour this timearound.

You went on very different musical ways during your career. What is the nextone for the future ?

The new CD called “Whatever” is about ear candy andcomedy. It’s more in an electronica direction but there’s still plenty ofguitar. I have a lot of vocal samples as well. There’s some story telling, adramatic ballad and a special surprise that will endlessly entertain 13 yearold boys.

Maybe you can tell us few words about your gear, and the reasons of yourchoice ?

I’m using the Digitech GNX 3000 through a Marshall power amp. I want tohave access to all the sounds in the book without carrying a lot of geararound. It’s versatile and includes an expression pedal which I use a lot.

Have you got a touring band or do you play with backing tracks ?

This tour will be alone but with videos and backing tracks. I’ve got somegreat footage from various film makers and will also release a DVD withinterviews and videos

What are your projects for this year ?

So far I’m travelling to Japan twice in the spring and will probably go toCanada late spring. The main focus though is to get my new CD off theground.

What’s your opinion about learning methods and what is for you the best wayto learn guitar ?

There’s no best way because people are so individual. I think thetechnological progress is great. Any way music can be made easier is a goodthing. There’s no substitute for just putting in time listening though. Theon line community is something I wish I’d had when I was younger. It’s afantastic resource.

What do you think about master class sessions and clinics ? Which kind ofperformance do you prefer ?

I enjoy doing the clinics and master classes but you have travel from yourleft to your right brain when you talk and then play. In doing a real show,you can stay in the creative side all night so it’s easier to emote. Alsosome of the clinic environments are pretty stiff and uninspired unlike theaverage club vibe

Do you think that technic is still important for one part of the metalaudience ?

I think technique is important for any musician in any genre. It’s thebuilding blocks to just being able to play&emdash;basic stuff

Personally, do you consider that you still got to prove your technical valueor are you in peace with that to focus on the music and the emotions ?

I don’t give it much thought anymore. I worked a lot on technique in the 80’s and now just do excercizes to get me back to my peak just so I can pulloff whatever I feel like at any moment . It’s like having access to whatevercolor you want to paint withWhat do you think of the evolution of guitar-heroes who started in the 80ssuch as Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, Yngwie Malmsteen … ?They’re all well seasoned. I think musicians tend to get better with age

And what do you think about the new heroes (Ron Thal, Guthrie Govan,Christophe Godin etc.) ?

I honestly don’t listen to much guitar any more so I don’t know those guys.I listen more to ethnic music and electronica. Anything that sounds reallyfresh to my ears. I want to get inspiration from musicians other thanguitarists

Which artists do you consider today to be the future of guitar ?

There are a few I’ve become aware of like Kaki King and Preston Reed. I lovetheir stuff because it’s very adventurous and different from what I do.Detuned acoustic is foreign to me so it catches my ear

Are you still in contact with Steve Lynch ?If is the case, would you mindjoining his school as a teacher or for master class sessions ?

I’ve been meaning to catch up with him as he’s now only a 4 hour drivesince I left LA a few years ago. I talked to him but haven’t seen him inyears. Yeah I’ll do a master class. That would be fun.

Would you like to tour again with a famous band to play in big arenas as you’ve done with Michael Jackson?

I’d rather play my own music at this point in whatever venue I’m welcome in

Have you got something special to say to Metal Sickness Readers ?

Protect your ears!!! Loudness is exciting until you start to hear whitenoise ALL THE TIME!

Thank you so much for this interview, and good luck for all your projects.