Nuevo
flamenco is currently one of the most popular instrumental music forms
of the 21st century and has remained at the forefront for at least
the past ten years. With a stunning combination of daredevil guitar
techniques and melodies enhanced with hi-tech, glossy electronics
and studio polish, the Nuevo Flamenco sound is in good hands on the
2010 CD release of Behind The Curtain, from Rochester, N.Y.
based guitarist Rick McKown. McKown has earned a solid reputation
over the past thirty years as a professional guitarist, composer and
music educator and he serves his purpose well with the dazzling instrumental
guitar vision on Behind The Curtain. While the groove may be
Nuevo Flamenco based, clearly McKown has enormous talent on the guitar
and would excel in any kind of guitar-based musical / recording setting.
Showcasing his guitar as the star here, McKown drapes his modern flamenco
sound with his own digital orchestra, and overall the CD is clearly
a real find for guitar fans. McKown receives able support from both
Jeff Sawyer (piano, synths) and Harry Ford (five string
and fretless bass) but the real star here is McKowns vivid guitar
imagination and finesse in the recording studio. Guitar fans as well
as Nuevo Flamenco fans are well advised to pick up on McKowns
CD latest release.
MUSIC WEB EXPRESS 3000
presents RICK McKOWN
Guitars Center Stage
Guitarists making waves in the music world,
their new recordings and gear!
Musical
Background
I
started playing the drums when I was 6 or 7, then took piano lessons
when I was around 12. I picked up the guitar in my teens and have
been playing for more than 30 years now. I was in the 4th class to
ever graduate from the Musicians Institute (GIT). Seems like
a very long time ago.
New CD
Behind the Curtain is an album I had wanted to make
for a very long time. Its probably best described as acoustic
guitar driven, richly orchestrated contemporary instrumental music.
It was recorded in my own studio and start to finish took more
than a year to record, as I had other projects going on throughout.
With the exception of the bass and piano parts, I either played or
programmed everything myself. All drums, percussion, orchestration,
etc.
The other two musicians who played on this CD, keyboardist, Jeff Sawyer
and bassist, Harry Ford and are both very talented and versatile musicians
who always manage to come up with whatever is needed to fit any song.
As a composer I write in many different styles. I do my best to tailor
the sound to fit any given project. But, Behind the Curtain
is really much more of a reflection of me as an artist and guitar
player.
Favorite Guitars
I have really always just had what I consider working mans
guitars. My main electric is the same Les Paul Ive had since
1979. The Strat that I use quite a bit in the studio is equipped with
a MIDI pick-up. I also have an assortment of acoustic guitars.
The guitar that I used on the Behind the Curtain CD is an Ovation
Custom Legend, Al DiMeola model. For my style of lead acoustic playing
the Ovations have always been a good fit. My recording set-up for
my Ovations is generally two separate tracks recorded simultaneously.
One miced and one line going directly into the board. I then
bring the two tracks together in a sub-mix and add slight amounts
of chorus and reverb to fatten things up a bit.
My stings of choice on my acoustic guitars are Elixir Nanoweb
Custom Lights (11 - 52). On my electrics Ive used DAddario
Lights (10 - 46) for years.
Musical Influences
My musical influences are pretty eclectic and include: Al
DiMeola, Larry Carlton, George Benson, Jean Luc Ponty, Toto, Gino
Vannelli, The Doobie Brothers, and many more. And, I do like Yannis
kind of large, orchestral approach to things.
Upcoming Plans
I dont really do much in the way of live performance
these days. I spend most of my time, and am really happiest working
in my studio. I really enjoy video scoring. I love having a piece
of film and composing music to help create the mood of whatever the
scene may be.
Web Site
Please visit my website at www.RickMcKown.com
And feel free to contact me at: info@RickMcKown.com