Jun-22

We welcome Mike Campbell, Vince Gill, Ron Wood, Nat Daniel, and the Gibson ES-330 to the VG Hall of Fame, while the Readers’ Choice Awards note the best music and performances of 2021 – by Vince Gill, Billy Gibbons, Robben Ford, Derek Trucks, and the Tedeschi-Trucks Band.

The Lovin’ Spoonful boasted an impressive song catalog in the age of psychedelia. Founder/front man John Sebastian recently joined world-class guitarist Arlen Roth in reworking 14 of the group’s “good-time” songs, including three instrumentals.

For more than a decade, an Alembic Long Scale was David Hood’s #1 bass as the world-famous Swampers backed a laundry list of high-profile artists on megahit sessions at Mussel Shoals Sound. We tell its story.

Most classic amps stand on their own merits. But when a hallowed creation also has a fun artist-related history like this road-worn ’57 Fender Super formerly owned by Dwight Twilley, there’s a whole other dimension to the tale.

“Pop ’N Hiss” recounts the planet-shattering impact of Prince’s 1999, Wolf Marshall’s “Fretprints” offers a timely reminder of how drummer-turned-frontman/guitarist Dave Grohl has influenced two generations of rock musicians, and Dan Forte’s “Check This Action” rediscovers Son House… again

Our tell-it-like-it-is “Approved Gear” reviews dig into the Donner DST400, Lovepedal Purple Plexi, Walrus Audio Eras Five-State, Godin A6 Ultra Baritone, Tx-Watt Flagship, Kirn Vaquero, King Snake Three Bone, and the PRS SE Silver Sky. 

Our “Hit List” review staff sifts out the best new music. This month, their list include the Duke Robillard Band, Circle Jerks, Andy Timmons, Ty Tabor, Rick Holmstrom, Calexico, Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway, and more! Stopping in to talk about their new music are Robin Trower, Duke Robillard, Aldo Nova, Ty Tabor, and Larry McCray, while Larry Carlton talks about his final tour.

It’s all in the June issue of Vintage Guitar!