Here’s one of the coolest guitar players I’ve ever heard. When I was learning to play I always sought out music that was guitar driven. I was looking for guys that had their sound, their style, their thing. That IT factor that very few musicians ever seem to obtain. I made a post today on a songwriters board about this very subject as someone had started a thread about guitar players who have their own sound.
The original thread starter was interested in guitar tones. While I agreed with what several posters to the thread had to say. I had to elaborate upon the concept of a guitar player’s sound. It’s much more than just the amp, the guitar and the pickups they use. At one point a few years back I probably would have been able to tell you what any guitar player I admired used for getting their sound. Times change. If I hear something I like and think it will fit into a sound I create, then I’ll find out.
Obviously listening to shredding guitar players or guitar players that shred is an acquired taste. For me I really have to hear something right off the bat for me to want to listen to it anymore when it comes to instrumental guitar music. It really has to have that IT factor or I’ll just move on. Despite the age of the CD that I found Michael Lee Firkins on, I still think it has that IT factor.
Michael has something about his playing that not only shows his mastery of the instrument but also shows his sense of humor. He also has a great sound, and the ability to keep the music listenable. I think he’s got a song sense for instrumental music that is on par with say someone like Joe Satriani. That’s why I’m surprised that Michael has become more of a household name.
In fact based upon the “official” website, I can’t even tell if he still plays music as it has nothing past mention of an album that was supposed to be released in 2004. I’m amazed that with all the accolades he got, that he didn’t pursue going the indie route on CD Baby and iTunes. It’s very sad indeed.
I really suggest searching out his CD’s if you can find them. There are some really amazing things there.