Monthly Archives: November 2004

Of the legendary rock guitarists who also have admirable guitar collections, it’s hard to imagine anyone who’s been more busy gathering than Randy Bachman. In the decade since his first interview, Bachman (he of Guess Who and Bachman-Turner Overdrive fame) has recorded numerous albums, marketed several recordings by his late friend and mentor, jazz guitarist [...]

If you just flew into Austin and were to drive around looking at the city, you’d barely have an inkling of the musical talent hidden in these hills. Among other things, you’d see Dell and Intel, as well as the clubs lining the streets below the Capitol. Chances are you’d surmise Austin was Texas’ center [...]

If Tim O’Brien was a ballplayer, he’d be at least a “triple threat.” He’s a superb songwriter, a stellar mandolin player, a unique singer, and a powerful live performer. Born in Wheeling, West Virginia, Tim emigrated to Boulder, Colorado, in the early ’70s where he quickly became part of the music scene. In 1978, he [...]

In the 25-plus years that Motorhead has been purveying its fast, furious, high-decibel entertainment, there have been changes and there have been constants. The World’s Most Brutal Heavy Metal Band has been through five guitarists and four drummers, but has always been anchored by Ian “Lemmy” Kilmister. Another constant is the band’s effort to regularly [...]

In this modern world, most of us will have at least two major careers by the time we’re 40. Rodney Crowell is already starting on his third. He has been a hotshot sideman and songwriter for Emmylou Harris, a major label country music star who produced gold records and filled stadiums, and finally an independent [...]

If you’re talkin’ Detroit rock, vintage guitars, muscle cars, then you’re talkin’ Kenny Olson. VG met Olson at the Detroit Guitar Show, and it didn’t take long before he was talking about old Strats and Teles. That seemed natural for a Fender-endorsed lead guitar player, but for Olson it was more. He loves the old [...]

The Meters are universally accepted as one of the great funk bands. Their rhythm section work is legendary for its ability to jump on a groove and stay put. One of the vital cogs to this band has always been guitarist Leo Nocentelli. Whether it’s a popping, funky single-line melody, killer jazz work, or some [...]