originally published at Tinfoil Music
Date: Thursday, April 07 2005 @ 02:51:47 BST
It's no wonder Dave Weiner landed one of the best gigs on earth: playing guitar in Steve Vai's touring band. He started playing guitar at 10; by 13 he was recording with his band; by 15 he was releasing his 2nd full-length album; by 16 he was teaching guitar! After grabbing a practical degree, he moved to Hollywood to attend GIT, and a year later - September 1999 - the hard work pad off and he found himself playing guitar for his new boss, Steve Vai.
The gig, of course (which has included several world tours, a few G3 tours, Clapton's Crossroads Festival, the Grammys, and more), has led to massive exposure for Weiner, who launched his official - DAVEWEINER.COM - site in 2000...where you can get gobs of info, audio clips, video clips, tabs, and more.
Now, hot off the Favored Nations presses, comes Dave's debut solo CD, "Shove the Sun Aside" (see review HERE, an amazing work that spotlights not just his incredible chops, but his gift for great melodies and funky grooves.
I had a chance to speak to Dave recently - check it out!
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1) What are your current projects?
Right now, I'm on a world tour with Steve Vai. This is my 6th year in Vai's band. Every tour is a great adventure and learning experience. While we're on the road, I'm writing for my next cd which I hope to release in 06.
2) How does this (do these) differ from your past work?
Well, this is all I've done for my professional career so it's the exact same! Touring, writing, recording, etc!
3) Do you have one project that you are most proud of as a guitarist?
So far, my cd "Shove The Sun Aside". It was the most trivial experience of my life making that cd, but the rewards from the hard work just keep coming. That's why I can't wait to get more recording done.
4) Can you give our readers a run-down of your basic gear (live and/or studio)?
Well I'll tell you about my live gear since it's the most current set up. I'm using my custom "Dave Weiner" Ibanez 7 strings through a Mesa Stiletto Duece head into a Mesa 4x12 cab with Vintage 30s. I've got a TC Electronic G-Force in the loop. On the floor, I've got an Ernie Ball VP Jr., Dunlop 535Q wah, Digitech Whammy, Keeley DS-1, Keeley Compressor, MXR EVH Phase 90, Boss TU-2, a Framptone Amp Switcher, and a TC G-Minor midi pedal. I'm using Ernie Ball strings, Dunlop Jazz 3 picks and DiMarzio pickups.
5) Who would you cite as early influences, and who are you favorite new players?
My earliest influences were Tom Scholtz from Boston and Vai. Today, I admire players such as Adam Jones from Tool, Head & Munky from Korn, Tim Mahoney from 311 and Enya!
6) Can you give a few tips to aspiring players?
Sure, just follow your heart. Don't play what you feel you HAVE to play because someone else plays that way. Get comfortable with your own playing, find the tone in your fingers, and aspire to be as original as possible.
7) What are your future plans?
I'll always put out instrumental cds, I hope to get a tour happening this summer in between Vai tours. I also have plans to do a band with a singer too...But as always, it's impossible to find a good singer.
8) Thanx for talking to us, Dave!
You're very welcome, thank you!
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