Vinyl guitarist Billy Frates pulls off a sterling Santana impression on Flea Market

ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT, APRIL 17, 2003 By Steve Newton Inside Flea Market, the latest CD by Bay Area jam band Vinyl, there’s a gatefold reproduction of a painting by friend Neil Osborn (not the 54•40 guy) that depicts the titular open-air bazaar, with hippie types setting up shop in front of old … Continue reading Vinyl guitarist Billy Frates pulls off a sterling Santana impression on Flea Market

Album review: Gary Hoey, Music from the Motion Picture The Endless Summer II (1994)

ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT, AUG. 19, 1994 By Steve Newton Rock-guitar maniacs are gonna love this one. Fretboard wizardry abounds in the score to director Bruce Brown’s latest surfing documentary, as up-and-coming axe master Hoey tears up the beach on 14 surefooted instrumentals. With the exception of Dick Dale‘s “Shake & Stomp (Part … Continue reading Album review: Gary Hoey, Music from the Motion Picture The Endless Summer II (1994)

That time Carlos Santana told me that he was open to anything and everything

By Steve Newton Carlos Santana has been known as a brilliant guitarist since the 1960s, but he didn’t hit his commercial peak until the release of the Supernatural album in 1999. That disc featured collaborations with artists such as Eric Clapton, Rob Thomas, Eagle-Eye Cherry, Lauryn Hill, and Dave Matthews, and sold a staggering 30-million copies worldwide. … Continue reading That time Carlos Santana told me that he was open to anything and everything

Newt’s top 10 Vancouver concerts to see in the second half of 2023

Nita Strauss plays the Rickshaw By Steve Newton There were some darn fine concerts to see in Vancouver during the first half of 2023–including gigs by Jason Isbell, Larkin Poe, John Mellencamp, and the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Now here’s my top 10 picks for the second half of the year. Rock on, people! Nita … Continue reading Newt’s top 10 Vancouver concerts to see in the second half of 2023

Newt’s top 10 things to do in Metro Vancouver this weekend, June 30 to July 2

Scott Smith plays the Shipyards By Steve Newton FRIDAY: Comedy Here Often?‘s Summer Showcase at 604 Studios features headliner Sophia Johnson, with guests Rory Dunn, George Ridgen, and Rachel Schaefer. Get your laugh on. FRIDAY: the Blind Pig Festival presents performances by Jay Gavin, COL WILL, and the Steve Kozak Band at Granville Island’s Waterfront … Continue reading Newt’s top 10 things to do in Metro Vancouver this weekend, June 30 to July 2

Newt’s top 10 Metro Vancouver concerts in July

Nita Strauss plays the Rickshaw By Steve Newton Nita Strauss: heavy-metal guitar virtuoso, formerly of the Alice Cooper band, with guests Lions at the Gate. July 2 at the Rickshaw Theatre. That lady can play! Scott Smith & the Evil Ways: Vancouver guitarist is featured in a celebration of the music of Santana, accompanied by … Continue reading Newt’s top 10 Metro Vancouver concerts in July

Animotion looks past current “Obsession” in hopes of avoiding one-hit wonder status

ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED ON JULY 5, 1985 By Steve Newton “The first time I heard it I knew it would be a hit,” says Animotion drummer Frenchy O’Brien, speaking of the group’s smash debut single, “Obsession”. The tune was originally recorded by its writers, Michael Des Barres and Holly Knight, for the movie A Night in … Continue reading Animotion looks past current “Obsession” in hopes of avoiding one-hit wonder status

That time I asked Carlos Santana who his favourite guitar player was

By Steve Newton When I interview the world’s greatest guitarists, I often like to ask them who they think is the world’s greatest guitarist. Carlos Santana is definitely one of the best ever, so when I interviewed him back in 2001 I put the question to him. Have a listen: To hear my full interview … Continue reading That time I asked Carlos Santana who his favourite guitar player was

That time I asked Carlos Santana how he gets his guitar tone

By Steve Newton One of the biggest thrills of my life as a rock journalist came when I interviewed Carlos Santana in August of 2011. His guitar sound has just entranced me ever since I first heard “Black Magic Woman” as a kid. So of course I had to ask him where he gets his … Continue reading That time I asked Carlos Santana how he gets his guitar tone

Jeff Beck, the world’s greatest rock guitarist, dead at 78

kevin statham photo By Steve Newton I can barely believe the shocking and terrible news. I just heard that Jeff Beck died yesterday after suddenly contracting bacterial meningitis. That is surely one of the most profound losses the music world has ever suffered. Jeff Beck’s guitar playing spoke to me more than any other player. … Continue reading Jeff Beck, the world’s greatest rock guitarist, dead at 78

That time Carlos Santana told me pot should be legal and “it’s all fun once you get past the fear”

By Steve Newton Carlos Santana is one of the most amazing guitar players of all time. Everybody knows that. But he’s also got it goin’ on in the humanity department. He knows what’s important in life, it seems. I interviewed Santana in 2011, and at one point in the conversation I asked him if he … Continue reading That time Carlos Santana told me pot should be legal and “it’s all fun once you get past the fear”

Tony Furtado became entranced by slide guitar via Ry Cooder

ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT, MAY 9, 2002 By Steve Newton Who’da thunk that the lowly banjo would ever be perceived as such a cool instrument? Okay, so it isn’t exactly fashionable, but in the hands of innovative pickers like Bela Fleck and Tony Furtado, it’s certainly getting known for more than just “Dueling … Continue reading Tony Furtado became entranced by slide guitar via Ry Cooder

Album review: Neal Schon, I on U (2005)

ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT, FEBRUARY 17, 2005 By Steve Newton Yeah, I know, everybody hates Journey. Even I lost interest in them after 1978’s Infinity album. But don’t take that much-maligned band’s corporate-rock shenanigans in the ’80s out on ex-Journey guitarist Neal Schon. Don’t forget that he made a helluva lotta fine music with … Continue reading Album review: Neal Schon, I on U (2005)