Muses on Music
Gary Moore
1949-2011
An insider’s pick as one of the premier blues rock musicians of his era, Irish guitar legend Gary Moore was one of a kind. Often with his Les Paul “Greeny” in hand (purchased from Fleetwood Mac founder Peter Green), he was known for his ability to change pitch and tone, along with heavy use of the bridge pickup in many of his solos. While not being as well known here in the states as some of his contemporaries, he reached significant popularity in the UK in the early 90’s with his release of “Still got the Blues”. Below is one of his greatest recorded guitar performances (maybe of all time truly) “Live from London” recorded in 2009 where you can truly hear how he makes the guitar scream. At 3 minutes 45 seconds in Moore’s acoustical talent is on full display with an incredible guitar solo that brings one shivers.
Mike Campbell
Most known for his role as lead guitar in Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, Cambell is one of the guitar world’s most underrated. Part of this is due to his unselfish approach to playing where rather than break off into big riffs and solos-his play was in service to the individual song, and the greater collective at whole. This approach-which was employed by all the Heartbreakers-is in part what made the band so very special; everyone was there for the music and not their individual egos, and they had no problem letting a magnificent talent like Tom Petty shine through and flourish. Speaking of Tom, Cambell knew just how to play him; exactly when to punctuate a lyric with guitar fill or match a high note with the right chord. Below is one of the most touching performances the Heartbreakers have every given in the days following 9/11; followed by a solo demonstrating some of his abilities.
Brandi Carlile
Born and raised outside of the post grunge Seattle music scene, Brandi Carlile found her way to the twin brother guitar duo of Phil and Tim Hanseroth in a downtown Seattle studio. The trio formed a deep friendship, and they have been making music ever since with the twins being instrumental to her creative process providing musical backup and serving as key contributors to her songwriting. Brandi’s breakout single “The Story” came in 2007 and was featured in the hit show Grey’s Anatomy along with a handful of commercials across the U.S. market. It showcased her substantial musical abilities along with her plaintive but powerful raw and earthy voice that can invoke emotion in the lister out of nowhere. Below is an acoustic performance of one of her most touching songs. I’ve always maintained that the cornerstone of a singer’s talent is how they in fact sound live. And if that measure holds true-Brandi Carlile rates at the very top of any list.
Kirk Hammet
Lead guitar for a band that truly defined the heavy metal genre, Kirk “The Ripper” Hammet has spent his entirety some 40 years playing lead and rhythm alongside James Hetfield. He is known for his fast-paced riffs, intricate solos, and extensive use of the wah pedal (especially in earlier times). In his prime, few could come close to the fast metal licks that punctuated Hammett’s style. With Hetfield playing rhythm Kirk often had many opportunities to break off into extensive solos that the band is certainly known for.
Re-uniting after more than 20 years, the band performs again with the San Francisco Symphony in 2019 at the Chase Center. At 3:20 in you see what perfect harmony between lead, rhythm and bass guitar looks like on stage.
J.J. Shiplett
Candian born J.J. Shiplett is not exactly a guitar virtuoso, but one listen to a live performance by him and you quickly see why he’s included on this list. Singing out of the back of his van the man sounds better than most in million-dollar production studios. His raspy and raw penetrating voice invokes emotion within the listener almost immediately. After a successful stint in Nashville for a few years, Shiplett parted ways with the major labels to return to his hometown and stay true to his indie roots-valuing his art, craft, and identity above all else; a rare and certainly admirable trait.
Zakk Wylde
One cannot have a legitimate conversation about guitar legends without Zakk Wylde’s name being brought into the lexicon. Born Jan. 1967 in New Jersey Wylde has been playing the guitar since 8 years old. During teenage years he worked at a local guitar store and it’s said he played with basically every second of free time-and man does it show…
Wylde famously got his start with Ozzy Osbourne in the late 80’s, touring with the band through the No Rest for the Wicked and No More Tears Albums; and then co-wrote much of the Ozzmossis album in 1995. Wylde went on to found the Black Label Society in 1998 and they have produced some truly amazing ballads that I have included here. One in particular In this River-a tribute to friend Darrell Abbot from Pantera who was gunned down in 2004-is especially moving.
Wylde’s style is known for it’s pure technical ability along with his near exclusive use of the pentatonic scale which flew in the face of the style of the time with its heavy usage of whammy bars and other Van Halen’esq ways of playing.
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