Teaming up with harpist Johnny Mastro, singer/guitarist Ian Siegal delivers ferocious blues on Simple Tiger, which was minimize stay at Bigtone Studios in New Orleans. Working with historic recording gear and a cookin’ band, Siegal and Mastro, with co-guitarist Smokehouse Brown, ship a mighty payload of roadhouse blues and rock and roll depth.

Simple Tiger is uncooked and punchy. Was there a musical plan?
Truthfully, there was little planning apart from holding it as stay as attainable. I are likely to method albums with a “serve the music” angle and see what occurs. Often, a vibe is created in response to whoever is taking part in and engineering. We knew it was going to be straight-up blues, plus Huge Jon Atkinson’s superior studio is all analog gear, in order that already pulls you in a sure path. Bigtone is a really inspiring place.

Johnny Mastro blows arduous on “No Mercy.” How did you join with him.
We met within the early 2000s, once we have been signed to the identical U.Okay. label, Nugene. I’d run into Johnny every so often after they have been touring Europe. It was at all times a blast to see him.

As a British lad, was there a selected blues music that turned your head?
Exhausting to say, however I feel it was my dad and mom’ Rolling Stones information and listening to “Little Crimson Rooster.” Then I began to hint that music again. I do know I used to be very younger after I turned conscious of who Muddy Waters and Howlin’ Wolf have been – 5 years previous or so.

Who’re your major guitar and slide influences?
Muddy Waters, in fact. Johnny Winter’s acoustic stuff gave me entry to what Robert Johnson had carried out since you may hear extra clearly what he was taking part in; I personally imagine Johnny acquired very near Robert’s vibe. Albert Collins and Buddy Man have been huge influences, as have been Charley Patton, Hubert Sumlin, Lightnin’ Hopkins, Johnny “Guitar” Watson – and Taj Mahal, for positive.

The solo on “Get Your Gun” is a component Chuck Berry, half Lonnie Mack.
That’s Smokehouse Brown taking part in the solo there. I play fills in that music and I think about I used to be making an attempt to channel Chuck Berry by way of Keith Richards.

Your vocals sound like Howlin’ Wolf on “Canine Gained’t Hunt.” Once you have been a younger musician, was there a second if you opened your mouth and this large sound got here out?
Can’t truthfully say, however as a teen I used to be at all times singing, often making an attempt to emulate Little Richard, James Brown, or Otis Redding. The Wolf’s voice is a vocal trick I spotted I may do; I do know Taj typically makes use of what I assume is identical method.

Which tunings do you employ for slide taking part in?
Open G and D, but additionally commonplace tuning. I don’t use a damper; I suppose I try this with my palm one way or the other. For choosing, I take advantage of each choose and fingers. When fingerpicking, I palm the choose – anyone pointed it out to me and nearly messed me up as a result of I began interested by it and shedding it (laughs)! I actually don’t give it some thought a lot. My choosing fashion simply occurs.

Which guitars, amps, and pedals did you employ on the album?
Simply my Tele with a DeArmond Gold Foil pickup within the neck. The amp was certainly one of Huge Jon’s small Silvertones and, in reality all of us used small 10 -or 15-watt amps. I feel Johnny was blowing harp by means of a Gretsch at numerous factors. I’m not so good at recalling that sort of factor (laughs).

Are you able to recommend methods for gamers to develop a extra genuine blues really feel?
My recommendation, although simply mentioned, is to develop your personal voice and play from the guts. Being your self might be an amalgam of your influences, which is definitely true is in my case. Don’t fear about errors. And focus at the least as a lot in your proper/choosing hand as you do on the left/fretting hand. Nearly all of the groove and really feel is coming from there. Once more, simply mentioned.

Did you ever meet any of the blues greats?
I’ve met Hubert Sumlin, Pinetop Perkins, Eddie Kirkland, and youthful guys like Joe Louis Walker – who’s an important mentor – and Rick Estrin amongst others.

Did any provide you with any recommendation?
I can’t provide you with an actual quote, however the feeling you get from all these guys is, “Be your self and don’t attempt to copy anybody.” Don’t know for those who’d name it “recommendation” precisely, however I carry the phrases Hubert mentioned to me proper after I got here off stage: “I don’t must inform you nothin’. You bought it – soul!” He was probably the most supportive and inspiring human you can think about. – Pete Prown

This text initially appeared in VG’s July 2025 situation. All copyrights are by the writer and Classic Guitar journal. Unauthorized replication or use is strictly prohibited.