INSTRUMENTAL inquisition!
GT: What is it about guitar instrumentals that appeals?
KS: I grew up in the era of classic rock and roll instrumentals. The Shadows in the UK, The Ventures in America. Memphis by Lonnie Mack was a sensation to me in 1963 when I heard it. Also, The Yardbirds’ Got To Hurry in 65. Take Five was an earlier jazz hit that I learned to play. A lot of rock instrumentals took their influence from the jazz world, which was largely instrumental and groundbreaking in the previous years. A lot of the popular rock instrumental hits were based around guitar licks and I loved that. I still incorporate that kind of approach to many of the blues-rock songs I write. It gives the song an extra ‘hook’ apart from the lyrics.
GT: What can an instrumental tune provide a listener that a vocal song can’t?
KS: An instrumental is an abstract
