Author Archives: Lisa Sharken

Vinnie Moore emerged in the 1980s as one of the decade’s premier rock guitarists, earning recognition for his extraordinary technique and melodic style. Following the release of his debut album, Mind’s Eye, Moore was instantly ensconsed among the elite shredders. Subsequent releases reinforced that status, and proved he was a true virtuoso. In addition to [...]

Formed by guitarist Poison Ivy Rorschach and frontman Lux Interior, the Cramps emerged in the spring of 1976, offering up a unique and infectious sound that blended the early roots rock and rockabilly styles of the ’50s with the raucous punk sounds of the day. Dubbing this new style “psychobilly,” the group built its cult [...]

Since his debut in 1989 with Let Love Rule, Lenny Kravitz has established an authentic retro sound by employing the classic tones of fine vintage instruments from the ’50s, ’60s, and ’70s, like Les Pauls, Flying Vs, and Strats played through older Marshall, Fender, and Vox amps to energize his music. Lenny, the artist’s highly-anticipated [...]

As the eldest son of the legendary Frank Zappa, Dweezil Zappa followed in his father’s footsteps by developing into a talented guitarist and songwriter. The Zappa son has released several solo discs, and collaborated with his brother and sister, Ahmet and Moon Unit, and others. Although he grew up in a musical family and has [...]

Few bands experience the success of Bon Jovi, a group that achieved tremendous commercial audience by combining hard rock elements with strong melodies, great hooks, and well-written pop lyrics. Though they reached the pinnacle of the ’80s pop/metal scene, they have since flourished by bucking trends and staying true to their roots. After making music [...]

Gilby Clarke gained celebrity as a member of Guns N’ Roses. Best known for his blues-flavored riffs, Clarke has since successfully carved his own solo career with several albums – Pawnshop Guitars (1995), Hangover (1997), Rubber (1998), ’99 Live (2000) and Swag (2002) – and has a growing resume of production credits for his work [...]

Before teaming up with Jimmy Page in 1968 to form the soon-to-become greatest and most influential hard rock band of all time, John Paul Jones was an arranger, composer, and session player, working with many of the most prominent artists of the 1960. Though best known as a bassist, he’s also an accomplished multi-instrumentalist who [...]

Bursting onto the rock scene in 1987, Guns N’ Roses overthrew the shred and pop kings who’d previously ruled the decade. The group’s contrasting blues-based style revitalized classic rock and its bluesier, more groove-oriented sounds. Once GNR ruled rock radio, pointy guitars and Floyd Rose tremolos were out of fashion and players returned to a [...]