Archive for August 2016

In part 2 of our Truetone Lounge interview with guitarist Rob McNelley, we talk about the gear he uses both on the road, and in the studio. Rob talks about, and then demonstrates 3 of his most used instruments; his 1953 gold top Les Paul, his P90 equipped Senn Pomona, and his prized 1965 Stratocaster that was formerly owned and played by his father. He also goes in-depth with his pedal board, and talks about his vintage Princeton Reverb, his favorite grab and go amp.

Rob McNelley is one of the very few “first call” session guitarists in Nashville, TN. In part 1 of 2, we discuss his musical upbringing in Ohio, his move to Nashville, working as a touring guitarist, and how he began to get called for studio work . McNelley recalls how his playing on Lady Antebellum’s chart topping hit, “Need You Now,” single-handedly launched his recording career. Rob also shares how performing with his own band locally, and touring with Rock and Roll Hall of Famer, Bob Seger, helps to keep his musical ideas fresh and vital.

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In Part 3, we discuss John Leventhal’s gear. We cover the wealth of instruments and amps used in the studio, and the outright Spartan rig he uses on the road. Also, John plays a number of solo clips that both showcase his signature touch and tone, and pays homage to a number of his favorite guitarists.

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https://truetone.com

In Part 2, we discuss John Leventhal’s 23 years of musical collaboration with wife Rosanne Cash, and his recent work with Stax Records singer and songwriter, William Bell. We go in depth on his philosophy behind the reimagining of classic country and folk tunes on Rosanne Cash’s The List, the inspiration behind her “Southern” themed album, The River & The Thread, and the thrills and challenges of making the modern soul album, This Is Where I live, with William Bell.

In Part 1 of our 3-part series with the Grammy award-winning producer John Leventhal, we discuss his early years, and why he picked up the guitar and began learning the craft of songwriting. He also describes the thrill of having his first outing as a producer result in a Grammy win for Shawn Colvin’s 1989 album, Steady On. John also shares how a home studio demo tape led to him catching the attention of Marc Cohn and working on Cohn’s huge hit, “Walking in Memphis.” Leventhal also discusses how he met Rosanne Cash and began a collaboration that began musically and culminated in marriage.