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15 questions for guitarist John Stowell
John Stowell most noted for his seminal duo work with bassist David Friesen in the '70s. Check out some of his albums:
- John, who are some guitarists who stood out for you?
Jim Hall, Wes Montgomery, Jimmy Wyble, Ted Greene, Ed Bickert, Lorne Lofsky, Alan Holdsworth, John Scofield.
- Tell me a little bit about your guitar set up and your favorite bits of equipment.
Guitars: Hofner Signature model VeryThin JS, Mike Doolin nylon acoustic/electric, Jim Soloway Swan Tones Baritone, Bobby Warren fretless baritone, steel and nylon string Soloette travel guitars.
Amps: Acoustic Image, AER, Howertone, Hendrikson Jazz Amp.
- Where does a player’s original style come from? Is it something you can consciously develop? Or does it just happen?
An original style happens organically, usually by drawing on a variety of styles and instruments as opposed to copying one musician.
- What was your first live gig?
Don't remember.
- Do you play differently when playing with different players?
Definitely. You should adjust to the context that you're in and the musicians that you're playing with.
- What was your earliest guitar experience?
I was about ten, playing folk and rock tunes on an acoustic guitar.
- Are you good at networking?
I work at the computer and on the phone most days, sometimes putting in long hours. Because I'm freelance with no steady jobs, I have to hustle to work.
- What was your first guitar?
A Stella acoustic.
- How do you prepare for a gig?
Know the music well, arrive early enough to set up and be relaxed, make everyone feel comfortable on the bandstand, have a positive attitude, come to play the best that I can regardless of the gig's importance.
- Do you have a philosophy?
Spread a positive attitude, communicate the joy of playing music to the other players and the audience, and work hard at my craft. Treat everybody with respect and courtesy, and encourage younger players coming up.
- How would you describe the sound of John Stowell? Any tips on how to recreate the sound?
Pianistic, organic and original. Learn a few of my chord melodies and solos to get an idea about my approach. That's a good suggestion for any musician that you want to learn about.
- John Stowell is a well known now, but how did you start?
I have a small international reputation with guitarists, but not with the general public. I began traveling in the late 1970's with bassist David Friesen and realized that touring can help you build an audience. In my case, the process is taking a long time because I mostly play small venues. I still like to tour and hope to do so for a long time.
- Do you have MySpace?
I don't use MySpace. No time.
John Stowell Jazz Guitar Mastery
- published by Mel Bay and comes with DVD. Book on John Stowell unique approach of improvisation.
I wanna say big THANK YOU to John for taking part in this interview.
Please flush my eyeball...
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