Talking Guitar: Conversations with Musicians Who Shaped Twentieth-Century American Music

by Jas Obrecht (Editor), Jas Obrecht (Contributor)

In this lively collection of interviews, storied music writer Jas Obrecht presents a celebration of the world's most popular instrument as seen through the words, lives, and artistry of some of its most beloved players. Readers will read--and hear--accounts of the first guitarists on record, pioneering bluesmen, gospel greats, jazz innovators, country pickers, rocking rebels, psychedelic shape-shifters, singer-songwriters, and other movers and shakers. In their own words, these guitar players reveal how they found their inspirations, mastered their instruments, crafted classic songs, and created enduring solos. Also included is a CD of never-before-heard moments from Obrecht's insightful interviews with these guitar greats.

Highlights include Nick Lucas's recollections of waxing the first noteworthy guitar records; Ry Cooder's exploration of prewar blues musicians; Carole Kaye and Ricky Nelson on the early years of rock and roll; Stevie Ray Vaughan on Jimi Hendrix; Gregg Allman on his brother, Duane Allman; Carlos Santana, Eric Johnson, and Pops Staples on spirituality in music; Jerry Garcia, Neil Young, and Tom Petty on songwriting and creativity; and early interviews with Eddie Van Halen, Joe Satriani, and Ben Harper.

Genres: Music, Nonfiction, History

320 pages, Hardcover

Published May 8, 2017

About the author

Jas Obrecht was a staff editor for Guitar Player, 1978-1998. The author of several books, he runs the Talking Guitar YouTube channel and online magazine at jasobrecht.substack.com.

Reviews

[Gijs Hollebosch · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice read, interesting stuff, especially the interviews with Nick Lucas (the earliest recorded guitar player in history) and Ry Cooder about early roots recordings, diverse playing styles, and breaking down personal styles of bluesmen. Gregg Allman about his brother Duane is definitely a treat! Why the accompanying CD, though? It does not add much, they are fragmented telephone conversations of lamentable quality. When you listen to it, you hear a piece of what you have just been reading.

[Tony Billard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love classic rock, and an amateur guitar player, aspiring song writer. I saw this book randomly on the shelf and knew I had to read it.

I was glued to every word and fascinated to hear what these iconic legends like Neil Young and Eddie Van Halen had to say about their craft. How the creative process is gilded by the experise of a rock God like themselves.

My r & b trivia is scant at best but it covers interviews with some of the masters like Charlie Christian.

If you love the guitar and rock and roll you must read this book!

Definitively Inspirational to the highest level.
It is an introspective that's written concisely and with succinct depth to dazzle the reader.

[sid · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the Tom Petty and Neil Young conversations the most. Some of these interviews have a timeless aspect to them, but others feel somewhat dated.

[Tony]

pick up at page 31