I LOVE IT WHEN A PLAN WORKS!

So how did I spend my Sunday morning/afternoon? In a studio of course! But not with my music, rather contributing many guitar solos to one song (!)

I love it when a plan works!

Last Saturday at the Attacker show in Clifton, I was chatting with the band Scarlet King, as they asked me to play a solo on a future song. I said I would for sure. Once the lyrics are completed, they will send me a rough demo to work on. Overhearing this conversation was Peter (singer/guitarist) from Apathy and he said, “Wait a minute! I have a song that you could play on too!” He sent me the file, I listened and said I already had ideas for it. Was only supposed to do the solo section but was in for a surprise today.

BTW: They tune down a half step like Slayer so instead of me restringing a guitar to that tuning, I did the jazz thing and played in Eb! (pats self on back)

Upon arriving at Factory Studios, I treated myself to brown sugar cinnamon Pop Tarts and Mountain Dew. So if you want my secret to playing faster, there you go. But seriously, I was greeted by Pete and John (bassist/producer). From there, we got to work and I showed them my ideas. Much smiling ensued. And of course there were ideas thrown at me such as “A bit more melody” (which was NOT a dis) and “Here you can sweep pick” (nice!) I channeled such guitarists as Randy Rhoads, Uli Roth, Steve Vai, Dimebag Darrell…but everything still sounded like me.

Damn it.

After the solo section, I was asked “Can you do something before the verse?” and “I can hear something in this little spot.” Wow, I played more notes per square inch today than in the past four months combined. (Coming from me…that’s a bold statement!) I improvised quite a lot, but also took direction such as “Do something with bends like this” and Pete or John would mouth the riffs. Duly noted. And it worked! Well not everything did…but there’s something like 12-14 tracks of my guitar playing?! That alone can make a new solo album, and it would be purely SOLOS!

Two hours flew by and that was it, we shook hands, I packed my guitar and headed home. Being around people who genuinely want to work with me is the best feeling. If the vibes are right, and the guitar tones are too, then it’s smooth sailing. From what I was told, this and one other song will be released on June 21, give or take. Start off the summer the right way!

I had a really great time and can’t wait to hear the final results.

One last thing: I was asked to play a solo using augmented fifths?! My aging black heart was so happy!

But…Eb?!