Sam Coulson
©Isao Nakamura
Sam Coulson succeeded in filling in the shoes of progressive rock guitar maestro Steve Howe, as the new guitar player for ASIA. On their latest album “Gravitas” Sam delivers skillful guitar performances, bringing the songs to another level. Sam took some time to talk to MUSE ON MUSE about his musical background, as well as about his guitar playing on the new ASIA album.
Richard Page
Photo Credit: Bill Megalos
Richard Page came under the spotlight as an amazing songwriter and singer during the late 70s and early 80s as a member of the PAGES. Richard and PAGES band mate Steve George went on to form MR.MISTER, and in 1985 their second album “Welcome To The Real World” topped the album charts, along with singles “Kyrie” and “Broken Wings” hitting #1 on the singles charts as well.
MR.MISTER went on to release 2 more albums: “Go On…” and “Pull” before disbanding. (“Pull” was finally released in 2010, which was approximately 20 years after the actual recording.)
After leaving MR.MISTER, Richard Page went on to pursue his solo career. Recently Richard has joined and is touring with RINGO STARR & HIS ALL STARR BAND. Richard took time during his busy touring schedule with RINGO STARR & HIS ALL STARR BAND to answer a quick interview with MUSE ON MUSE about the ongoing North American Tour with RINGO STARR & HIS ALL STARR BAND, about MR.MISTER, and about his solo works.
Dweezil Zappa
Born as the son of Frank Zappa, the great music artist known for his unique musical masterpieces featuring perfection in various styles of music, Dweezil Zappa also grew up to be an artist and guitar player, creating fascinating and remarkable music. He is well respected and has a strong following among devoted music fans. Dweezil Zappa is taking part in “The Experience Hendrix Tour 2014” while also continuing from 2006 the “Zappa Plays Zappa” project, in which Dweezil brings back Frank Zappa’s music for the dedicated fans of his father. Dweezil Zappa took time to talk to MUSE ON MUSE about his ongoing tour projects, and about some of his past solo material.
Gus G.
Photo by Patric Ullaeus
Gus G has an extensive career in the metal scene as the guitar player of FIREWIND, as well as numerous other bands. One of his high points in his career is definitely his role as the guitar player for Ozzy Osbourne, which has consolidated his position as a real guitar hero, following great guitar players such as Randy Rhoads, Jake E Lee and Zakk Wylde. Ozzy Osbourne’s 2010 album “Scream” displays some great guitar work by Gus G with a combination of melody and technique. Gus G recently released his first solo effort “I Am The Fire”, which features quality performances of Gus G both as a guitarist, songwriter and artist. MUSE ON MUSE asks Gus G about his solo album…
Francis Dunnery
Former IT BITES guitarist and singer Francis Dunnery continues to deliver numerous artistic albums with further brilliance in his talent of writing music with a one of a kind creativity. Francis and his music was greatly influenced by his elder brother Barry Dunnery, who was a member of the band NECROMANDUS discovered by BLACK SABBATH’s Tony Iommi back in the 70s. After Barry Dunnery passing away in 2008, Francis Dunnery went into re-recording NECROMANDUS’ music along with 2 new original songs and a cover version of WARM DUST’s “Blood Of My Fathers” to complete his new album “Frankenstein Monster”. MUSE ON MUSE asks Francis Dunnery about the story behind “Frankenstein Monster”.
MARAGOLD
Many may image highly technical jazz and fusion music, knowing that this new band was formed by guitarist Greg Howe. But MARAGOLD reverses such speculations in a good way.
MARAGOLD features powerful, passionate and beautiful vocal performances by Meghan Krauss, versatile rhythm guitars and melodic/dynamic solos by Greg Howe, backed by some great groves created by the rhythm section of bassist Kevin Vecchione and drummer Gianluca Palmieri. MARAGOLD is a band that fascinates the listener with its impressive melodies that stick to your ears.
Meghan and Greg took some time to talk to MUSE ON MUSE about MARAGOLD.
Jake E. Lee
Jake E Lee’s long awaited comeback has finally become a reality with his new band RED DRAGON CARTEL. Featuring HAREM SCAREM drummer Darren Smith as the lead singer of the band, Jake successfully delivers some magnificent performances showing his continuous talent as a guitar hero. RED DRAGON CARTEL’s debut album features a collection of fascinating tunes along with a variety of guests including Robin Zander of CHEAP TRICK and ex-IRON MAIDEN frontman Paul Di’Anno. Jake E Lee took time to talk to MUSE ON MUSE about his new band and its debut album.
Nile Rodgers
Nile Rodgers is well known for delivering numerous hit songs as the songwriter and guitar player of CHIC. Since the 80s Nile Rodgers has also made his name known as a producer for countless big artists such as Madonna, David Bowie, Diana Ross, Duran Duran, just to name a few. He has also fascinated and influenced many guitar players around the world with his dynamic and groove oriented rhythm guitar performances.
Nile Rodgers collaborated with DAFT PUNK on their latest release “Random Access Memories” proving that he still keeps fascinating the world with his amazing music and guitar performances. MUSE ON MUSE interviewed Nile Rodgers during his stay in Japan with the CHIC tour. Nile talked to us about several topics including CHIC, producing, as well as some aspects of playing the guitar.
Michael Lee Firkins
Photo by Ross Pelton
Michael Lee Firkins has released “Yep”, his latest studio effort which is his first album in the past 6 years after releasing “Black Light Sonatas”.
Michael Lee Firkins debuted in the 90s with his self titled rock instrumental album. His unique guitar style and tones of blending melodic rock tunes with country music techniques quickly gained him recognition as a new generation guitar hero. Later, Michael went on to record albums with stronger influences from country and blues music, in which his powerful and deep vocals, and persuasive guitar performances have fascinated countless listeners. Michael Lee Firkins talks to MUSE ON MUSE about “Yep”, his latest studio album containing all the fascinating elements of country, blues and rock.
Pete Lesperance
Photo by Tyler Weatheral
HAREM SCAREM, known for its high quality melodic hard rock music, is finally back in action after calling quits 4 years ago. The band re-recorded their masterpiece album “Mood Swings” aptly titled “Mood Swings II”. Pete Lesperance, not only acts as the core of the band ensemble, but also fascinates many with his remarkable guitar techniques and musical talent. MUSE ON MUSE asks Pete about the newly released re-recorded “Mood Swings II” album.
