Professional guitar sessions

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: Precise, accurate, in time, in the groove, in tune, respectful of the song.

Q: Tell us about a project you worked on you are especially proud of and why. What was your role?

A: "Proud" is a dangerous word..... I'm especially happy with my first Skyhooks album (Guilty Until Proven Insane) and Beyond Salvation (working alongside Terry Manning) by The Angels. I think my solo album turned out well and am keen to do another.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: Another solo album.

Q: Is there anyone on SoundBetter you know and would recommend to your clients?

A: Not yet - I am new to this.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Though I have owned many digital devices (mainly the Fractal stuff) over the last dozen years, I achieve my sound via analogue (valve) gear. Why? It "feels" better and still affords me many opportunities to supply the client with alternative tones.

Q: What's your 'promise' to your clients?

A: That I will deliver a fabulous groove with great tones.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: The creativity.

Q: What questions do customers most commonly ask you? What's your answer?

A: I have been hired only be those who are aware of my works, so I don't get much in the way of people canvassing what I might do, however........ I am often asked to supply what I believe might be "better" parts than those initially requested, which I of course do, if applicable.

Q: What's the biggest misconception about what you do?

A: That I play only "rock".

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: What is the purpose of your project? Do you have a clear goal?

Q: What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?

A: Hire a player based on their track record and be open to new perspectives. Don't merely copy another artists. Find your own voice.

Q: If you were on a desert island and could take just 5 pieces of gear, what would they be?

A: A parlour sized acoustic guitar. I think that would do me.

Q: What was your career path? How long have you been doing this?

A: Started playing and recording professionally while still at school (1971). My career has been a very long and varied one. It's been interesting. Wiki has a decent overview.

Q: Which artist would you like to work with and why?

A: Songwriters - Randy Newman, Warren Zevon (Vale), Tom Waits, Joni Mitchell - their substance and depth. Producers - Tchad Blake, Daniel Lanois - their inventiveness and willingness to experiment. Bands (though they don't need me!) - Midnight Oil, SAHB, Jon Cleary, Humble Pie, The Faces..........

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: "Think like a producer" (not like someone showing off).

Q: What type of music do you usually work on?

A: Rock in its various forms.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: As above - attention to detail, accuracy, groove, parts which compliment the song. Playing appropriately for the song and the arrangement and producing guitar tones and parts which fit the song and marry with the other players' parts.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: Attention to detail, accuracy, a great groove, parts which compliment the song. It's all about the groove and the song!

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: Listen to the song in its entirety. Write out the arrangement and make notes. Consider the lyrics (if there are any). Go over individual song parts (intro, verse, chorus etc). Note the parts played by the other players. Provide guitar tones which compliment the song, the vocals and the other players. Record guitar parts which compliment the other players and which do not "step on" the vocals. Listen back objectively, not as "the guitar player", and access whether I'm on the right path or not.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: Valve (tube) guitar amp's by Ivan Richards Audio Various pedals by Ivan Richards Audio, M.I Audio Mic pre's by JLM Interface RME UFX Monitoring (2 sets) by Grover Notting Various microphones Extremely well treated room Samplitude DAW (ProX 7 - latest version). Guitars - quite a variety of acoustic and electric (and a few too many to list.....).

Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?

A: Pete Townshend, Paul Kossoff, Doug Ford, Joe Walsh, Jeff Beck, Midnight Oil, Sonny Sharrock, Sonny Rollins, Thelonious Monk, Tchad Blake, Mike Fraser, Daniel Lanois...... mostly due to their unique voices and authority in their works.

Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.

A: Guitar parts - rhythm and solos, electric and acoustic. Electric bass guitar.