Category Archives: Artists

Neil Zaza by Lisa Sharken A consummate musician, Neil Zaza possesses both impeccable technique and a prodigious sense of melody, drawing frequent comparisons to legendary players such as Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, Jimi Hendrix and Jeff Beck. Though Zaza may be best known by other musicians — and perhaps a well-kept secret to some, his…

Groundwire: Jeremy Popoff of Lit by Lisa Sharken Lit emerged in Orange County, California back in 1990, building up a strong local following after years on the club scene. With its 1997 debut album, Tripping The Light Fantastic, Lit scored big at college radio and then landed a deal with RCA Records. The group’s subsequent…

Artist Spotlight: Frank Cavanaugh of Filter Meet Filter’s bassist, Frank Cavanugh. Cavanaugh recently spoke to me about his basses, gear and advice to players. Kellie Stoelting: Tell us about the basses you play and how they’re set up. Frank Cavanaugh: I play the Washburn M-13 bass. I met David Karon at Washburn and he convinced…

Artist Spotlight: Geno Lenardo of Filter Meet Filter guitarist and co-songwriter Geno Lenardo. Lenardo’s interest in music and playing guitar began in high school, when he was introduced to groups like U2, the Police, the Smiths, the Cure and Joy Division. He took guitar lessons, but had also studied piano in school and then went…

Dimebag Darrell: Reinventing the Steel with the SH-13 Dimebucker by Lisa Sharken Dimebag Darrell is a player who needs little introduction. Bred on classic rock and heavy metal, Dime analyzed the styles and tones of his favorite players, then forged his own signature style and sound with Pantera. Rather than to follow the trends set…

Groundwire: Warren Haynes by Lisa Sharken Warren Haynes is undoubtedly one of the hardest working musicians around. As a member of the Allman Brothers Band, Gov’t Mule, and Phil Lesh & Friends, Haynes has been regularly touring and recording at a rigorous pace. Though some might call him a workaholic, Haynes simply loves playing music!…

Artist Spotlight: Ben Harper by Lisa Sharken California native Ben Harper is undoubtedly one of the most innovative artists of today. Primarily an acoustic slide and lap steel player, Harper’s music encompasses a wide variety of styles outside of traditional blues and folk, and he is as talented a musician as he is a singer…

Greg Camp of Smash Mouth by Lisa Sharken Smash mouth made its mark in ’97 with “Walking On The Sun,” the retro-flavored chartbuster off the San Jose, California group’s debut disc, Fush You Mang. The hot streak continues with the success of its follow-up, Astro Lounge, and singles like “All Star,” “Can’t Get Enough Of…