Alex Skolnick:
I have a lots of time and respect for Alex Skolnick. I have a number of his CD's. So I must admit I don't actually align with Alex Skolnick's comments, but I guess over at guitar player he's preaching to the converted. I would also never be as rude to describe people who strive to be "all the can be" on guitar as "half-mad monkeys". If they are mad Monkeys... what does it make the fans of this genre? I've studied to Masters degree level, a number of the players I know have doctorates or are studying to become doctors. May be Alex is just moving in the wrong circles.
Most of the people I have met, during my gathering of guitar information from around the globe, are sensitive human beings, with all the same hopes and wishes that anyone else has during their journey through life. For the most part, these guys are not all ego, but they do devote a lot to their craft and no doubt defend that effort with rightful pride, in many cases. Indeed many have not had the privileged opportunities that Alex Skolnick has had. They live in tough places, in tough times, often times being the only bread winner for a family, working more than one job.
I think a far more controversial stance would be for Alex to speak up to defend the art of playing, after all Alex has made a living out of his not inconsiderable guitar skills. So is this a case of pot calling the kettle black? Has Alex fallen out of love with the art that made his name?... you decide
As an aside Google has over 6,700 pages returned when you search for the terms "Alex Skolnick" and Shred
There are several reasons for this. For one thing, I don’t relate to the so called "shred community." Shred community? Ok, maybe it’s just me, but I fail to find anything communal about a bunch of half-mad monkeys with whammy bars enviously eyeballing each other as they compete over who can play the fastest.
Here’s another thing: Shred has become a tiny subgenre in itself, one that has taken on the stigma of a musical ghetto. Just as urban ghettos represent disadvantaged areas of a city, the shred genre is a failing neighborhood of music, populated by sonically impoverished guitarists (and occasionally other instrumentalists as well), unwilling or unable to rise above the oppression of their own egos. And just like the in the real ghetto, their predicament is exploited by greedy corporations, with suburban music store chains and rock clothing outlets in place of liquor marts and check cashing facilities.
Yet there is an even bigger reason I cringe when I see my name or my music aligned with that of the "shred people." That reason is this: For the most part, their work has little or no connection to what I feel music is. To them, speed is their primary purpose, the sole reason their music exists. To me, speed is that pungent, strong spice, an effective and powerful ingredient to be used when appropriate—please take note of those last two words: "when appropriate." I’m going to say them once more: WHEN APPROPRIATE! read full post
I have a lots of time and respect for Alex Skolnick. I have a number of his CD's. So I must admit I don't actually align with Alex Skolnick's comments, but I guess over at guitar player he's preaching to the converted. I would also never be as rude to describe people who strive to be "all the can be" on guitar as "half-mad monkeys". If they are mad Monkeys... what does it make the fans of this genre? I've studied to Masters degree level, a number of the players I know have doctorates or are studying to become doctors. May be Alex is just moving in the wrong circles.
Most of the people I have met, during my gathering of guitar information from around the globe, are sensitive human beings, with all the same hopes and wishes that anyone else has during their journey through life. For the most part, these guys are not all ego, but they do devote a lot to their craft and no doubt defend that effort with rightful pride, in many cases. Indeed many have not had the privileged opportunities that Alex Skolnick has had. They live in tough places, in tough times, often times being the only bread winner for a family, working more than one job.
I think a far more controversial stance would be for Alex to speak up to defend the art of playing, after all Alex has made a living out of his not inconsiderable guitar skills. So is this a case of pot calling the kettle black? Has Alex fallen out of love with the art that made his name?... you decide
As an aside Google has over 6,700 pages returned when you search for the terms "Alex Skolnick" and Shred