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MIKE
CLINCO |
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I started
playing guitar at the age of 10. My early influences as a teenager
were Eric Clapton, Mike Bloomfield, Jimi Hendrix, B.B. King and others.
I actually started with the piano and then studied saxophone. High
School provided ensembles to perform in but not as a guitarist. My
first performances were with cover rock bands playing high school
dances. I had several guitar teachers that provided the basics which
inspired me to continue my education at the college level.
My new
CD entitled Neon was recorded and mixed over a six month period
in 2008. It was recorded live in 2 days at a studio in North Hollywood,
CA called the Blue Room. The engineer was Talley Sherwood and the
project was recorded in Pro Tools HD 24bit, 88.2khz. I brought the
files to my home studio where I did some overdubs. Initially, I brought
my signal path (Neve 1272 and vintage SM57) to the studio to keep
the sound as similar as possible. This proved to be a wise move. I
think Neon is a true expression of my composition and playing
style. This was an ensemble endeavor and I wanted to feature all the
players and not get too self-indulgent in the process. The tunes were
assignments when I studied with Charlie Banacos and through the encouragement
of Pat Martino, I decided to record the CD.
Over
the past 30 years, I’ve managed to collect some really nice instruments.
Here’s a partial list: Musical
Influences
I’ve
been playing around Los Angeles with my own group and want to travel
and play with different players around the world. I’d like to
work in Europe and Asia and do clinics focusing on composing using
the guitar. The response to Neon has been very positive. I’m
writing new tunes for my next solo CD.
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Having
played his guitar for luminaries such as Bobby McFerrin, Luciano Pavarotti
and Natalie Cole, Mike Clinco makes waves of his own with his
2009 CD Neon. Although he grew up listening to
Clapton, Page, Bloomfield and Hendrix, jazz studies fine tuned Clinco’s
guitar sound to incorporate classical influences from Stravinsky to
jazz guitar giants like Joe Pass, Wes Montgomery and Pat Martino.
Clinco also spent 14 years with Henry Mancini’s touring band
and as a result he worked with 20th Century Fox studios as a session
guitarist for a range of films and TV shows. Recorded and mixed in
L.A., the nine track Neon CD is filled with sparkling, jazzy
guitar instrumentals that are way too uptown to fit into the so called
smooth jazz realm. Backed up by jazz giants such as Bob Sheppard
(who has worked with Chick Corea “Origin” group), Walt
Fowler (who’s worked with Billy Cobham and Frank Zappa),
as well as drummer Jimmy Branly and more, Clinco just shines
in the company of these jazz all stars. On an album of Clinco originals,
the guitarist also manages to fit in a jazz instrumental of his late
friend—a cover of Henry Mancini’s “Charade.” In
depth liner notes from Charlie Banacos fills in the details
behind Clinco’s guitar prowess. www.WhalingCitySound.com
In my senior year, I saw an ad in Downbeat for a music program at
the University of Utah and ended up spending 6 years (1972-1978) in
Salt Lake City teaching, working in clubs and fronting my own group
playing original music. There was a community of students/musicians
that provided an inspirational climate of progressive jazz and pop.
It was a pivotal time in my development. In 1977, I landed my first
real professional gig with Ella Fitzgerald and the Nelson Riddle Orchestra.
The rhythm section was comprised of the Tommy Flanagan Trio and this
is where I really learned the role of a guitarist in a big band. Three
years later, I joined the Henry Mancini West Coast touring band and
spent 14 years traveling and playing with pickup orchestras. This
was a great gig. I also had an opportunity to do film dates with Hank
and the experience was incredible. In 1985, I started traveling with
Burt Bacharach and remained on that gig until 1997. I was privileged
to work in the studios (1980’s) doing film and television sessions
with some great composers and musicians. A great deal of work was
done at 20th Century Fox and I got a chance to sit next to some incredible
guitarists, Tommy Tedesco, Dennis Budimir, George Doering to name
a few.
The
turning point my in electric evolution was hearing Bill Connors with
Return to Forever. I think that changed my life. Studying with Charlie
Banacos really turned my head around and I still refer back to my
correspondence courses. During my college years, I was really into
Miles Davis (Bitches Brew, On The Corner) and Herbie Hancock
(Headhunters). I gravitated toward that style of jazz/funk/rock
and comping and playing with a good feel was my main objective. I
can remember the first time I heard Inner Mounting Flame by
the Mahavishnu Orchestra. I couldn’t believe it. It was mesmerizing!
John McLaughlin and Billy Cobham really blew my mind. I began to collect
ECM records and started listening to John Abercrombie, Ralph Towner,
Keith Jarrett. I think their influence was profound on my writing
style and this was the kind of music I wanted to play. Here’s
a short list of some of my favorite guitarists: