A while back I was on the phone with a sales colleague of mine from one of the music stores located in Florida. He was explaining to me a funny situation that just happed there. Knowing that I am a fellow member of the graduating class of the “big hair- shred guitar school’ (of the late 80’s), he knew I would get a kick out of his story. He went on to say that while glancing around the store, he notice a guy hanging out browsing through the magazine rack. The guy looked familiar, a bit older then himself.  After a second and then a third glance he said under his breath, “could it be?” ” Yes it was!”  Another look confirmed it was the master shredder himself ‘Y, Malmsteen.   Y.  influenced   a generation of hot pickers with is trade mark ultra fast ‘sweep picking’ style’.   Fluid & fast he was the envy of every flashy guitarist and ofcourse customer of that era, I mean his blazing arpeggios and lighting fast solos are to this day still remarkable. (even if you are not into his personal style of music) Come to think of it,    he now resides in Florida.   What was really funny about the story was that the magazine that Malmsteen was checking out had printed in bold letters smack across the front cover ‘SPEED METAL” IS DEAD!

Another truly inspiring guitarist from that era was Steve Via.  The “Guitar players guitarist!”  Some of the impressive musicians that Steve has worked with include The Ohio Express, Frank Zappa, Alcatrazz, David Lee Roth and Whitesnake among others.   As fate would have it, the very same day I spoke to my friend in Florida about Y. Steve Via himself strolls into my store.  He  asks in his rather laid back style for a small practice amp to use in his hotel room. He explained  to me he was in town working on a ‘Zappa tribute’ project. I was of course trying my best to keep my cool while still attempting to connect with one of the legends shred. After all, I nearly wore out my fingers trying to learn his multi platinum world famous solos!  After a couple of one-word answers from him, I was deperately thinking of something in common between us.   I finally remembered he himself designed the ‘JEM’ Steve Via model for the Ibanez Guitar Company. Knowing I  had just finished working on an exclusive Fender strat “thin line” design for the Sam Ash music   store chain.  I casually pointed out my guitar design to him and he said to me, “Ya know what?”  “I designed a guitar also!”

“Bingo”, I said to my self!  After ‘bonding’ with the spiritual Mr. Via, he asked me if it would be possible to try a new multi effect unit that had just arrived. ‘Sure anything you want Steve” I eagerly replied to my new friend.  At that moment I thought to my self, here is a chance of a lifetime to watch one of the ‘great ones’ right here in front of me!  I set him up in the back of the store  and hand him one of his signature Ibanez guitars that he designed.  As I watched him ‘noodle’ around on the fret board. I had a startling assessment.  I was amazed at the level of direct concentration Steve Via had while he played .  Even though the store was loud and bustling with customers, He had this level of focus that I immediately picked up on.  I mean if there was a fire in the store or if Pamela Anderson walked by in a bikini, he would have had to be tapped on the shoulder to acknowledge.   I then thought for a moment when I pick up the guitar in the store to demo an amp. As I begin to play, I am always distracted by 2 or 3 bystanders asking mindless questions, or an announcement over the stores PA system, “Steve’ pick up line two”.  Ofcourse being a 48th street lifer, I always have to have my eye out for the usual shoplifters!  After all was said and done, a few thoughts came to mind:

1. Never get into bad practice habits and totally concentrate and focus on what you are playing.
2. Master as many styles of music as you can or you might be the one reading a magazine with a frown on your face one day!