New England Music Corridor of Fame inductee Jon Butcher’s new album, Nuthin’ however Soul, is filled with classic soul, R&B-influenced rock and roll, and Hendrix-style psychedelia. There’s additionally some cultural relevance. However it’s Butcher’s thriller fuzz that really boggles the thoughts.

Nuthin’ however Soul is sort of a stroll down reminiscence lane.
I’m so gratified that it’s been acquired in addition to it has. It’s a tribute to the revolutionary music that opened my thoughts as a child – James Brown, Curtis Mayfield, Struggle, Sly and the Household Stone, and Graham Central Station – sounds that had a profound affect on me. It was a robust feeling again then, and it was necessary for me to discover a approach to categorical these issues in a approach that wasn’t so boxy. Speaking about issues which have social relevance is difficult. That’s why I like Sly Stone a lot. He was a revolutionary in presenting very complicated concepts.

Your guitar taking part in is a showcase of ’60s and ’70s rock and soul.
In the event you’re a guitar participant, there’s one thing on this document that can communicate to you. It’s what spoke to me after I was rising up.

You scrapped an album and began over. What occurred?
I completed 10 tracks and went by means of all of the stuff you do to complete a document. I walked into the studio with my engineer. We sat down and listened, and I stated, “This has bought to go.” He stated, “What do you imply?” I stated, “This isn’t what I need to say. This isn’t the place my coronary heart is.” Whenever you begin a document, it takes you locations you don’t anticipate. You understand that the place you began is just not the place you find yourself. That’s precisely what occurred.

I completed the document, thought it was nice, however then I assumed, “No. I’ve issues to say. The world is altering proper earlier than our eyes, and there’s no approach, as a author, I can ignore that.” If there’s fact in your artwork, there’s no approach you may keep away from it. One of the best music all the time is available in a time of nice upheaval, concern, and chaos. Sadly, these issues appear to make nice artwork.

I don’t need to knock anyone who’s doing conventional blues or jazz. Nobody digs that greater than me. However I had extra to precise. We’re residing in tough instances, and now’s the time for truthful voices regardless of how they manifest. Reality in music comes throughout and touches individuals.

What have been a few of the guitars you used?
I used the guitars I tour with, that are a ’63 Olympic White Stratocaster and my backup, a ’63 sunburst Strat. These have been in my palms for many years. One other I used loads was a ’53 Telecaster that I restored and is now the most effective Teles I’ve ever had. These three shaped the muse for Nothin’ however Soul.

How about amps?
I usually tour with a Marshall 100-watt plexi, however I’ve been cutting down. I’m utilizing a 50-watt plexi head and a 2×12 Marshall cab. For the document, I used a ’63 Princeton, a Vibrolux, and a ’90s tweed Blues Junior. I wouldn’t promote that Blues Junior for 10 grand! It’s the most effective amps I’ve ever heard, interval. I used it to play the “Star Spangled Banner” at Fenway Park in Boston. The sound is ideal. There are a few songs the place I’m plugging straight into it. The purity of that comes throughout.

What’s in your pedalboard?
The Univibe copy that I exploit is named the Midnight Vibe by R Weaver FX. I’ve owned each Univibe and that is the one which has adopted me by means of the years. R Weaver makes nice stuff, and the Midnight Vibe is great. I even have a Vox Clyde McCoy wah and a Landgraff Dynamic Overdrive for after I need to get saturated stuff. Then I’ve a silicon fuzzface. I don’t know who made it or the place I bought it – there’s no label inside or outdoors and I’ve had it for 10 years. I don’t bear in mind if somebody made it and gave it to me, however I’m petrified to lose it as a result of it’s the perfect fuzz I’ve ever had. I want I knew what it was so I may get one other one (laughs).

What’s subsequent?
I’m targeted on Nuthin’ however Soul and lining up U.S. and European dates for 2026. – Oscar Jordan

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