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Ann Wickstrom
Johnny Hiland
Mr. Versatility
“…when you’re onstage, in the heat of the moment in the middle of a solo, you want to have bandmates who can read you loud and clear and know where you’re going. It’s just a godsend to have that with these guys.” Nashville monster picker Johnny Hiland has been a wonder to guitar nuts ever…
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Ann Wickstrom
Johnny Hiland
The eagle has landed
For an artist who hadn’t yet seen his first solo release when VG spoke with him 18 months ago, Johnny Hiland had made a lot of inroads. His well-deserved reputation as a downright dangerous force on the Telecaster was earned through master classes, NAMM appearances, session work, and a number of high-profile performances. Now, that…
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Ann Wickstrom
The Derek Trucks Band – Soul Serenade
Though a step back chronologically – tracks for this album were recorded in late ’99 and early 2000, before the release of the band’s 2002 Joyful Noise album – Soul Serenade is several steps forward stylistically and progressively for the Derek Trucks Band. And that’s one of the most satisfying things about this album; save…
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Ann Wickstrom
Johnny Hiland
Nashville Schoolin'
In the wee hours of a July morning in 1996, Johnny Hiland made a crucial decision. He deleted the 52-page term paper he’d been working on, left college and his home state of Maine, and made the pilgrimage to Nashville. He was just 21. A bold move, indeed, for yet another guy with a Telecaster…
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Ann Wickstrom
Johnny A.
On the fast track
When VG first caught up with guitarist Johnny A. in 2001, his instrumental release, Sometime Tuesday Morning, was perking ears all over the place. Before he signed to Steve Vai’s Favored Nations label, Mr. A. had sold about 8,500 copies of the record. With the signing, the count quickly rose, and has now approached 10…
