That time Robben Ford told me that hearing Mike Bloomfield made him want to be a guitar player

By Steve Newton I did the first of my three interviews with American guitar ace Robben Ford in April of 1993, when he was touring behind the first Robben Ford & the Blue Line album. There was some damn tasty guitar playing on that platter if I recall correctly. At one point in the conversation … Continue reading That time Robben Ford told me that hearing Mike Bloomfield made him want to be a guitar player

Guitar great Robben Ford on playing with George Harrison and his new Vancouver pal Long John Baldry

Blues fans planning to attend Long John Baldry’s annual birthday bash at the Commodore will get a little extra bang for their buck this year.

Buddy Miles proclaims “there’s nobody can even mess with Jimi”

ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED ON JULY 19, 2001 BY STEVE NEWTON When ’60s blues legend Willie Dixon wrote “Wang Dang Doodle” for vocalist Koko Taylor, it was pretty clear from her lusty delivery that the term was a euphemism for sex. In the ’70s, crotch-rocker Ted Nugent put his own randy spin on the phrase with “Wang … Continue reading Buddy Miles proclaims “there’s nobody can even mess with Jimi”

Ex-Cars guitarist Elliot Easton denies going mercenary for Fogerty-less CCR

ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED ON MAY 2, 1996 By Steve Newton When a band calling itself Creedence Clearwater Revisited comes to the Pacific Coliseum on Friday (May 3), former Creedence Clearwater Revival leader John Fogerty will not be along for the ride. The lifeblood of the original CCR had been drained during a vicious court battle in … Continue reading Ex-Cars guitarist Elliot Easton denies going mercenary for Fogerty-less CCR

Robben Ford wanted to be a guitar player when he heard Mike Bloomfield

ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED ON APRIL 22, 1993 By Steve Newton In 1973 the Doobie Brothers recorded a tune called “Ukiah”, about a place in Northern California with “green trees and timberlands; people workin’ with their hands”. Judging by the lyrics, it was a pretty nice place to be. And for Ukiah-raised guitar great Robben Ford, it … Continue reading Robben Ford wanted to be a guitar player when he heard Mike Bloomfield

Marc Bonilla inspired by the intensity and melodies of Ronnie Montrose

ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED ON 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 sports make you … Continue reading Marc Bonilla inspired by the intensity and melodies of Ronnie Montrose

Steve Miller will keep on rockin’ you at Hard Rock Casino Vancouver

The Hard Rock Casino Vancouver announced today that it's bringing the Steve Miller Band to town on April 12, which is good news for anyone with a hankering for old-school guitar-rock. According to the most recent setlist available, Miller is concentrating on the two albums that pretty well ruled rock radio back in the day: Fly Like an … Continue reading Steve Miller will keep on rockin’ you at Hard Rock Casino Vancouver

Mike Bloomfield’s fearless fretwork shines on new box set

By Steve Newton When you're talking about amazing guitarists who've passed away before achieving the widespread acclaim they deserve, Mike Bloomfield's right up there. But a four-disc boxed set released today on Sony's Legacy Recordings imprint should help get the word out on the mindblowing blues player. Here's the promotional bumph: Produced and curated by Al Kooper (who … Continue reading Mike Bloomfield’s fearless fretwork shines on new box set

Rock Hall fucks up royally again, nominates Chic instead of Rory Gallagher

ORIGINALLY POSTED ON STRAIGHT.COM, OCT. 16, 2013 By Steve Newton The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame has done it again. It's made a complete ass of itself by nominating, for the eighth time, Chic. When you consider that somebody like Irish guitar hero Rory Gallagher hasn't once been given the nod, it's utterly preposterous. No less … Continue reading Rock Hall fucks up royally again, nominates Chic instead of Rory Gallagher