Bass god Stu Hamm compares Joe Satriani to Steve Vai and raves about Jaco Pastorius

By Steve Newton Way back in October of 1991 I did an interview with bassist Stu Hamm, a giant of the four-string who was best known for his work with guitar heroes Joe Satriani and Steve Vai. He had recently released his album The Urge, and was headed to Vancouver for a club gig. At … Continue reading Bass god Stu Hamm compares Joe Satriani to Steve Vai and raves about Jaco Pastorius

That time I asked guitar god Guthrie Govan how he got so goddamn good

By Steve Newton A couple days ago I interviewed guitar god Guthrie Govan because his rock-fusion trio, the Aristocrats, is playing Vancouver next Sunday. While researching the story I viewed a fair numbers of YouTube videos showing Guthrie in action and, holy shite, is that guy scary good or what? Sometimes when a player is … Continue reading That time I asked guitar god Guthrie Govan how he got so goddamn good

Jennifer Batten calls Jeff Beck “the greatest guitar player who ever lived”

ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT, JUNE 13, 2002 By Steve Newton Any guitar freaks lucky enough to have seen Jeff Beck at the Commodore last year will rave about his top-hatted blond accompanist, whose mastery of the guitar-synth almost stole the show from the British rock legend. The waiflike lady was Jennifer Batten, who … Continue reading Jennifer Batten calls Jeff Beck “the greatest guitar player who ever lived”

Jeff Healey defends the bluesiness of new album Feel This

ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT, MAY 13, 1993 By Steve Newton Usually when I picture the Jeff Healey Band in concert, I visualize Healey seated at centre stage, his guitar on his lap, surrounded only by a couple of guys with curly black hair (drummer Tom Stephen and bassist Joe Rockman). But when the … Continue reading Jeff Healey defends the bluesiness of new album Feel This

George Thorogood wants to rock with McCartney and play the blues with Dylan

I've always enjoy asking guitar heroes which players they'd most like to jam with if they could pick anyone, living or dead. And the last one I interviewed, George Thorogood, had a pretty interesting bucket list. "Well you can't jam with Robert Johnson 'cause he didn't need anybody," replied the 64-year-old blues-rocker. And I can't jam with Elmore … Continue reading George Thorogood wants to rock with McCartney and play the blues with Dylan

Marc Bonilla inspired by the intensity and melodies of Ronnie Montrose

ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT, APRIL 30, 1992 BY STEVE NEWTON Kids wanna rock for all kinds of reasons. Seeing the Beatles on The Ed Sullivan Show is a common driving force; hearing Hendrix for the first time another. Then there are the old adages about getting into music “to get chicks” or because … Continue reading Marc Bonilla inspired by the intensity and melodies of Ronnie Montrose