9-42

The one where we chat with a man about his axe(s).

We have talked to some truly impressive folks whilst making 9-42, and Ben Crowe is up there with the most truly impressive of the bunch. It's not just what he has done with Crimson Guitars (though that is very impressive) but the focus and dedication he brings to everything he touches.

His character, and more importantly his awareness of his own strengths and weaknesses, is the key to unlocking the myriad of projects he has brought success to.

For context we...

The one where Ant just happened to be in the same spot as Bassist Nick Beggs.

In so many ways Nick is an enigma. Even if it were possible to pin him down to a simple description or single genre, just the very act of trying would be to rob him of his quintessential essence. After all he is the link between Kajagoogoo and Steve Hackett, Howard Jones and Fish, and so many others.

He is a maverick and an innovator, wrapped in a blanket of infectious energy and endearing lunacy and we wouldn't want...

The one where we meet a charming man, who has a finger in many pies.

You can be forgiven for not recognising the name Tim Lobley, but we reckon you will be aware of many of the things he is involved with. As with many people in the music instrument industry, he arrived here largely by accident, and as an alternative to continuing with his proper job

It begins with a music shop, and a vision to build a boutique guitar outlet, and nearly twenty years on it has taken him on a journey that...

The one where we talk to a living, breathing example of everything just working itself out perfectly.

We have been very lucky on 9-42 that we have got to meet some really smashing people, right at the top of their game and as it turns out John Wines, aka The Old Grey Guitarist, fits neatly into that description.

This is a heart-warming story, full of joy, and proof that good things happen to good people. We aren't going to say anything more than that - just sit back and enjoy, because this is a belter.<...

The one where we both got to chat with Mike.

If you have been with since the start then you will know that we have talked to Grammy Award winning Producer & Engineer Mike Exeter before, in a pre-COVID world, and also in a cloakroom

For those of you that aren't aware, Mike has worked with the likes of Black Sabbath, Tony Iommi, Judas Priest, Cradle of Filth & UB40, and always has a story to tell about the people he has encountered in his thirty years in the music industry.

So when he invited...

The one where we find out a lot about merch.

There was never much doubt about what Rebecca wanted to do when she grew up. Playing and gigging from an early age, she performed her own material influenced by a wide range of artists.

And to be honest she has never looked back, even picking her degree course to fit in with her playing schedule.

We get into all of that and more, in a great conversation with Rebecca about all aspects of her musical journey.

Rebecca Website

9-42...

The one where we talk about how writing songs can resemble a visit to Yo Sushi!

One of the things that is so enjoyable about the people we chat to on 9-42, is the unique nature of a modern career in the music industry.

Take Craig, his first band Romeo's Daughter end up having their debut album produced by the legendary Mutt Lange, at a point in time when he was the hottest ticket in town. Not a bad start, particularly as the two of them then went onto to pen a platinum tune for...

The one where we were supposed to talk a little bit more about guitars.

If you are a West Bromwich Albion fan (as Jason is) then you are probably now doing a bit of a double-take, as you read the name of our most current 9-42 guest. Peter has near-legendary status both on and off the field for the Baggies, but that is just a scratch on the surface of his remarkable story.

Which is why when we found out that he would be attending the Guitar Show this year, we arranged a meet and...

The one where we found out why Blair never eats his tea at the table.

What can we say about Blair Dunlop, well lets start with the fact that neither of us knew a great deal about him before his appearance at The Guitar Show this year, other than he plays a bit, writes a bit, and sings songs.

All that changed as a result of two seismic events, a legendary set on the live stage on Sunday lunchtime at the show, and an equally legendary podcast session that pretty much covered everything from Christopher...

The one where we talked about Stetsons and Resonators.

You have probably been wondering where we have been for the last few weeks, and you know what that is a really good question. So good in fact that we decided we needed to ask it out loud.

Cue a mildly entertaining (if very predictable) story of plane rides and palm trees, bunk-beds and butterscotch, and plenty of other reasons why we have found ourselves episode light, and time-poor.

We will try harder, we promise.

9-42 is the podcast from the team...

The one where we drag Pete away from his birthday cake.

We have spoken to a lot of artists over the last three years or so of doing 9-42, but there aren't many who can say that they have been with their current band for over forty years. Pete was drafted into Marillion in 1982, just at the point where they were about to break through and become one of the most influential prog-rock outfits since.

We had a great chat about his early years in the band, the impact of mainstream chart success and how...

The one where we talked about the mechanics of surname pronunciation.

John Connearn was one of the highlights from the Live Stage at the Guitar Show last year, as you would expect his performance was flawless - but what really impressed was an assured and confident delivery that held the attention of the room without ever dropping a beat.

So it was a pleasure to be able to spend a little bit of time with him, and unpick his career path to this point. As you would expect Andertons is a big part of it...

The one where we talk to a picture of Irene Ketikidi.

This is a really interesting episode of 9-42, but not necessarily for the reason you maybe thinking.

It's not because Irene is a highly accomplished player, with both a considerable technical understanding and a passion for a number of musical style, though she does. It's not because she has gained acclaim for her composition and recorded work, though she has. And it's not because of her many years of performing live for a wide variety of bands, events and festivals, because you know what...

The one where Chantel invites us into her wardrobe.

If ever anybody knew what they wanted to do, and how they wanted their life to pan out, then that person is Chantel McGregor. You don't need to spend much time in her presence to realise that playing guitar, recording music and performing onstage was woven into her DNA.

We had a funny, fascinating and frank chat with Chantel which covered everything from her lockdown exploits, her love of themed backdrops and the determination she had to succeed both academically and professionally in music.

...

The one where we start Season 3 with some bloke from Barnsley.

I think it's fair to say that Andy Crowley is very focussed on what he does. Known to millions as Andy Guitar, he has achieved success by coming up with a teaching concept that makes sense - and then repeating the formula without getting distracted.

As you will hear it could all have been very different. Andy's journey could have taken him in a number of directions, but he has always trusted the inner voice that has guided him along the way.

...

9-42 is back for a third go at this podcasting malarkey. Take five to find out a bit more.

9-42 is the podcast from the team behind The Guitar Show UK, an annual event held in Birmingham and loved by guitarists young & old. You can keep up with news about the event by visiting the website or by following on your preferred platform Facebook Twitter Instagram

Jason also puts finger to keyboard to produce the Grace Notes newsletter which you can sign up to here

When he isn't faffing about with Jason, Ant...

The one where we count you down to this years Guitar Show which takes place this coming weekend.

Join us for a sneak peek of what's in store across both rooms and also on the Reverb Live Stage. Oh and don't forget we are at a new venue this year - you can find all the details by clicking here.

And if that wasn't enough you need to check out a new publication called Eleven Guitar Magazine which has just been launched. It really does look amazing and is chock-full of interesting and evergreen content...

The one where we chatted with the bass player from Thunder.

As Chris says himself there is very little he hasn't done in his time as a professional musician. Known to many because of his work in the aforementioned UK Rockers, he has had a varied career covering a number of musical genres, in a eclectic mix of locations.

And you know what, it makes for an entertaining chat. So if you want to know how to get from Chelmsford to Halesowen, via Welsh television, Then Jericho and an Eagles Tribute Band you are in...

The one where we talked all things acoustic with Rosie Heydenrych.

A passion for music, and an outlet for self-expression, is what brings a lot of people to the guitar, particularly in your late teens. In that respect what drew Rosie to the acoustic is not especially ground-breaking or unique.

What is somewhat unique though is the determination and drive to channel that passion into building some really fine instruments, that look and sound great. And that is exactly what Rosie has done with her brand, Turnstone Guitars.

We get the full story...

The one where we had to change our plans a bit.

Think of this as a bit of a festive bonus, like a little twinkly adornment for your tree, or an extra satsuma in your stocking.

So if you need a brief respite from the Christmas Day shenanigans, here is 25 minutes of 9-42 blather wrapped a few little updates and need-to-knows.

There is very little extra to add, other than to wish you a groovy Christmas and a hard-rocking New Year.

9-42 will be back in January.

The Guitar...

The one where Jared cut a lot of long stories short.

To call Jared a 'guitarist in the blues-rock tradition' would technically be fairly accurate, but also would do him a bit of a dis-service, there is a lot going on with both him and his music that pushes back against that kind of labelling.

Indeed you don't need to spend any more than 49 minutes with him to get how consumed he is by both music, and the guitar. His passion is as honest, as it is infectious - as you will hear as he...

The one where Ant surprised everybody with his knowledge of Ableton...

According to Bass Guitar magazine Steve is 'Britains most innovative bass guitarist'. According to Steve he is a Bassist, Journalist and Academic. According to us he is a very fascinating, very passionate, very lovely bloke.

Over the course of the episode we (of course) delve into Steves career, but mainly through the prism of trying to establish what the hell it means to be a 'Solo Bass Player' and more importantly how do you turn it into a career. This brings us in turn...

The one where we scatted about all over the place with Doug Kauer.

Even though we chatted for well over an hour, it will take you no more than a few moments to realise that Doug is a real character. Firstly up is the fact that he bounds into the conversation with all the energy of Tigger, and all the breathless delivery of Jim Carrey. And secondly is that infectiousness of a man who doesn't take what he does too seriously, whilst absolutely taking what he does really, really seriously...

But we digress. Lets start...

The one where we learnt a load about buying & selling Vintage guitars.

I think it's fair to say we would all like to be making a living in the same way that Mike Long does. Mike formed ATB Guitars in 1998 and since then he has been half way around the world on the trail of the kind of guitars most of us can only dream of. To date nearly 5000 instruments have passed through his hands, and he has dealt with a great dollop of Rock Royalty along the way.

We had a fascinating chat, and...

The one where CEO Ken Haas tries to overcome his natural shyness.

Even though they are celebrating their 25th birthday this year, Reverend Guitars May still be a new one on you.

Born in Detroit and raised in Toledo the brand boasts a collection of unique designs and innovative features, and numbers Billy Corgan, Reeves Gabrels and Greg Koch amongst their signatories.

We had a great time chatting through the back story with Ken, and exploring what drives his undeniable enthusiasm for the guitar.

Reverand Guitars

Ken Instagram

The one where Jason has a crack at doing the Intro (and he makes a reasonable job of it...)

Before we even getting going, man has CJ done some stuff. The conversation about his career rips along at a fair old pace as there is literally so much to cram in.

CJ is probably best known as being one of the founding members of the Wildhearts, which he formed with Ginger in 1989, but we begin the story with his stint as Guitarist in Tattooed Love Boys.

As the conversation weaves around CJ's career...

The one where Guy kicked off a whole new season.

You might have been wondering why you hadn't been getting your regular fix of 9-42, well the truth is we had a little break over the summer which gave us time to recharge, regroup and plan a whole new second season.

And what a way to start, with guitarist and singer Guy Griffin. Guy is well known as a long term member of The Quireboys, as well as playing with Joe Elliott in the Down 'N' Outz and his own band Glimmer.

As...

The one where we finally got around to chatting about the music.

From the age of five Sophie knew that the guitar would play some part in her life. During her teens she established herself both on stage and in the studio, as well as a renowned guitar teacher.

Just prior to the pandemic she shifted her focus to the online world, amassing a huge following across Youtube, Facebook and TikTok. We picked up the story to understand the reasoning behind her career choices so far and what she has planned next.

Sophie...

The one where we talk chord positions & voicing.

If you have been to The Guitar Show over the last couple of years you will probably have seen Billy play, And if you have you will have been blown away, not just with the incredible ability but the richness and musicality of the arrangements of the songs he performs.

In 2016, he reached the grand final of ‘Guitar Star’ – a guitar based talent show open to all ages and genres for Sky Arts TV, which was broadcast in Europe, Australia and South America.

We had a real...

The one where Ant grabbed Danish Pete just as he got off stage.

Pete Honoré probably didn't realise to what extent his life would change when he accepted a job with Andertons in 2015. As a well regarded touring musician he has played with the likes of Tom Jones, Paloma Faith & Girls Aloud and never really expected to end up as Youtube personality & influencer.

Ant & Pete chat about his career path so far, what it's really like working with The Captain & Chappers, and how none of it was actually planned.

Pete Website

The one where (amongst other things) we chatted about what it was like having an ex-Police Man as your boss.

Rufus was in Paris when we spoke, just finishing rehearsals for a six month stint on the road with Sting, his first major road-trip since lockdown. We talked about what he had been doing to keep himself busy, making music with his sister, and his new single & Ep.

And of course we also delved into how you manage to get into Sting's touring band and what it is really like being on stage with a...

The one where we both got a bit over-excited about Tom's house.

The main reason we wanted to get Tom onto 9-42 was to talk about his new EP, finally recorded and finished during lockdown, and due out this week. And we did indeed talk about that quite a bit, but even before that point, it got a little out of hand.

We won't give any more away, other than to say we had a very entertaining hour in Tom's company and we are big fans of his playing, his life choices and his sense...

The one that got all eighties-tastic.

Well this was a blast. When he isn't messing about with Metal Detectors (and playing in far too many bands to keep track of) Rich will normally be creating content for his Youtube channel 'Session Heroes'.

Rich has been fascinated with this community of behind-the-scenes guitar virtuosos for quite a while, and has been producing content on the subject for about five years. This if course is perfect for Ant & Jason as it allows them to bang on about the eighties and look over the discographies of players such...

The one where Jason had a very intellectual chat with the guitarist from Sleeper.

Jon completed his PhD in 2018, and over the last few years has been working on expanding his thesis into a book. The result is Dylan, Lennon, Marx & God which was published late in 2021.

In this extended chat Jon talks Jason through his academic journey, how it has been influenced by both his childhood years in Sheffield and then by his university life in Manchester in the last eighties. Along the way they touch on living in LA, working with KD Lang...

The one where stayed up late whilst Frank sorted his internet connection.

Frank Bello has been the Bassist with Anthrax since the early days, joining just after the release of the bands first album. Other than a short stint with band Helmet, he has been an ever present with Anthrax contributing extensively as a songwriter.

We had a very open and honest chat with Frank, and he spoke with great candour about some of the difficult experiences he has worked his way through. But at the same time it's an uplifting conversation that is full...

The one where we begin at the beginning and go right through to the end with Chris Woods.

Chris is a fingerstyle guitarist known for incorporating alternate tuning, tapping and guitar percussion. He talks us through the development of his playing style, and how it opened the door to an early start as an in-demand product demonstrator for some of the biggest brands in the guitar world.

Never one to stand still, his career has moved at pace to include publishing a number of "how to play" guides with Hal Leonard, collaborative partnerships with bodies...

"The one where we talk about starting a new band in your forties. Jussi Ylikoski is a guitarist, songwriter & producer working out of his native Finland. He is also known by the name Big Pharma, and has spent much of the last couple of decades as guitarist in the band Disco Ensemble.

We spent a very enjoyable hour in early December chatting to Jussi about how he got started in the music business, and what drove him to go back to basics with new band Moon Shot.

Many thanks as always to Focusrite for their...

The one where we literally couldn't get a word in with Rhino.

Well it had a fairly unorthodox start, a whirlwind middle and an update on Brentford FC at the end. As you would expect we jumped at the opportunity to spend some time with the bass player of Status Quo, but I don't think either of us expected it to be quite as full-on as it turned out.

Rhino is an absolute legend of a musician, and a total sweetheart of a human being you scarcely pauses for breath as he bombards you with...

The one where we discussed footwear with Paul Sayer.

Paul Sayer is best known as a founding member of the British band The Temperance Movement, an honest and hard-rocking outfit that wear their rock'n'roll influences with pride.

Pauls talks us through his back story, including his early career as a session player, learning from one of the masters (Ray Davies), life on the road and what the future holds as he embarks on a tour with James Blunt.

The Temperance Movement

Paul Twitter

9-42 Instagram

9-42 Twitter<...

The one where we learned about the various basements of Patrick Eggle.

If you had any interest in guitars through the 1990's then you will be aware of the impact that Patrick Eggle guitars had, when models such as the Berlin and the New York were launched. Players such as Rory Gallagher, Tony Iommi, Brian May and Midge Ure were early devotees and the brand amassed both commercial and critical success.

Pat takes us through his fascinating back story including the dramatic rise in the nineties, turning his back on the original incarnation of the...