May-18

Enjoy Wolf Marshall’s fresh look at the life, career, licks, and influence of country-jazz legend Jimmy Bryant, the very first player to stage a Telecaster! We talk with Wendy Melvoin, whose impressive list of credits includes years backing Prince and other pop luminaries. We delve into the new acoustic collaboration by Stooges guitarist James Williamson and Radio Birdman axe-wielder Deniz Tek, then catch up on the latest music and happenings with Big Head Todd frontman Todd Park Mohr, Primus’ Les Claypool, Jim Campilongo, prog-metaller Al Joseph, former Iggy Pop guitarist Whitey Kirst, and fusion player Rahul Mukerji, then take a look around NAMM.

Our monthly flood of in-depth instrument profiles includes George Gruhn’s look at an 1843 Martin & Coupa, Michael Wright’s “Different Strummer” look at the Westone Pantera Deluxe X350, Dave Hunter’s study of a ’61 Fender Showman, and Willie Moseley’s historical overview of the Pedulla Buzz Bass. Peter S. Kohman extends his study of the Larson Brothers’ work with a look at their Prairie State patents, Dan Erlewine finishes work on a vintage Fender Palomino, and Will Kelly converts a six-string to a budget 12-string! Finally, we offer our usual bountiful assortment of “VG Approved Gear” reviews and “Hit List” music reviews, including examinations of new music by Jimi Hendrix, the Eagles, Black Sabbath, Luther Allison, Wes Montgomery, Lee Roy Parnell, Adrian Legg, Wilco, Ronnie Earl, Carl Verheyen, and others. It’s all in the May issue, available now!