Something on Snowy

NOW KNOWN AS the guitarist in Roger Waters’ immense touring juggernaut, Snowy White is actually a bit of an enigma, notching 20-odd solo albums worth of icy and spare blues playing that roils beneath wry reflections on life. His latest is called Something on Me and, well, the sound is steadfast if still stealth-like. Call it J. J. Cale meets Mark Knopfler meets Gerry Rafferty, but don’t call it Roger Waters. Don’t call it Thin Lizzy either, most definitely. And that’s a band we bring up because, in fact, Snowy’s fine work on 1980’s Chinatown and Renegade from the following year might be the actual records for which the 72-year-old guitarist is most famed. But yes, that band’s blustery hard rock and twin lead work are miles away from what White has been quietly crafting since his first solo album, White Flames, from back in 1983. Here’s a look at what makes Snowy tick, and most pertinently, where he’s at with this sly new record of his.

GOLDMINE: Congrats on this record. What did you want to do differently this time? What parts of your personality come out of this one versus Situation or Reunited?

SNOWY WHITE: I think I’m getting a bit more assured with what I do, and a bit more mellow and a bit more laid back. You know, I’ve never been one to push myself and try to be clever with guitar playing. Because I can’t, you know; I’m no good, I can’t do that. And I’ve always wanted to play mostly clean and simple stuff. And I think I’ve sort of nailed it, really, as time goes by. This album is just a progression of trying to make some nice guitar work.

GM: And what about lyrically? What is your lyrical world or the world view you’re trying to put forth on these records?

Yeah, mostly, my lyrics are because I feel I should put some words to some of the songs. (laughs) Because, you know, instrumental things, I quite like doing, but there are things I’d