'GUITAR GODS: Marty Friedman''

- David "Skinny Devil" McLean
Origina;y published at Tionfoil Music
Date: Friday, January 10 2003 @ 10:39:42 GMT


               How does one write a summery of a guitarist who plays as well and is as influential as Marty Friedman, the man who has been the hero of budding axe-slingers for well over a decade while recording solo projects and fronting the bands Cacophony, Megadeth, and Red Dye #2?

With 27 gold and platinum albums, 5 Grammy nominations, 5 Top Ten singles, countless performances (including late night TV, MTV & other video stations, world tours, giant festivals [including headlining sets at Woodstock & Rock in Rio & Madison Square Garden]), regular instructional columns for 3 major guitar publications, a signature model guitar from Jackson Guitars, and articles & interviews in every major music publication in the free world, Marty Friedman has become a musical force with few peers.

Marty started his career in the late 1980s with the band Cacophony. Their albums (1987's "Speed Metal Symphony" and 1989's "Go Off!") featured the twin leads of Marty and his pal Jason Becker (who later recorded with David Lee Roth) and set a new standard for neo-classical style guitar players across the globe. In 1990, Marty joined Megadeth. His work with Dave Mustaine and the boys of Megadeth demonstrated Marty to be more than just a speed demon, and his contributions helped propel Megadeth to their current status of legends of heavy metal music.


In early 2000, Marty split to start his own band, Red Dye #2. This move was a surprise to those who didn't realize the scope of Marty's talent, as Red Dye is a hyper pop/dance band (Marty calls it "...bubblegum with balls...") fronted by lead singer Mischa (one of the best female singers of the genre), Marty, and composer Jason Moss.

Through it all, of course, Marty has released solo work via Shrapnel Records: "Dragon's Kiss" (1988), "Scenes" (1992), "Introduction" (1995), and "True Obsession" (1996). Now, Marty is about to released his new solo work, "Music For Speeding". "Speeding" features cool rhythms, great grooves, and lots of insane guitar playing. It also demonstrates a depth of musical knowledge and ability that is both rare and exhilarating. From the rockin' opening track, "Gimme a Dose" to the semi-techno "Cheer Girl Rampage" to the spacey and passionate "Novocaine Kiss", Marty's new solo release is sure to surprise and delight old and new fans alike.

You can hear the new trax at Marty's web-site, plus get all the latest up-dates, photos, and other great stuff, so be sure to visit!

I had a chance to speak to Marty just before the new year. Check it out!

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1) What are your current projects?

My new album, 'Music For Speeding' comes out in Feb. 2003. Tour to follow.

2) How does this (do these) differ from your past work?

More focused, more aggressive. I produced and engineered it myself. Hopefully everyone's gonna dig it!

3) Do you have one project that you are most proud of as a guitarist?

Gotta be this new record because I worked so much more on this than any of the others.

4) Can you give our readers a run-down of your basic gear (live and/or studio)?

Boss GT-6, Ibanez, Fender, Jackson, Fernandes and Gibson guitars. Crate 300 watt amp and Crate 4/12 cabs. D'Addario strings, Seymour Duncan pickups, Pickboy picks, Tech21 pedals.

5) Who would you cite as early influences, and who are you favorite new players?

Early-Kiss, Ramones, Frank Marino. Presently, Garbage, Andrew W.K. Ayumi Hamasaki.

6) Can you give a few tips to aspiring players?

Play your favorite music and skip the boring stuff your friends are telling you to play.

7) What are your future plans?

More recording, more touring, fun stuff!

8) Thanx for talking to us, Marty!

Thank you, David!!