Spotlight: The Messthetics

Those familiar with Anthony Pirog from his work with the duo Janel and Anthony or from his solo record, Palo Colorado Dream, might be surprised by the pugnacious shredding he evidences in his new band, The Messthetics. They shouldn’t be, though. If you lie down with punks you wake up with aggro, and joining Pirog in the band is the former Fugazi rhythm section of Joe Lally and drummer Brendan Canty. The Messthetics also let’s Pirog channel his inner Sonny Sharrock, which combined with his mastery of effects makes for one of the most exciting modern guitar records so far this year.

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Moog Model 15 Modular Is Now An iOS App

Not exactly guitar oriented, but I get the feeling that a good proportion of Guitar Moderne readers are interested in synthesizers—and the Moog Model 15 Modular iOS App looks like a great one.  Also, it is controllable by external controllers, which could easily include the MIDI Guitar app. Mostly, I just love the meta-ness of vintage modular technology from the Sixties being replaced by keyboard synths in the Seventies, regaining popularity in hardware form in the last couple of years, and now being available as the most modern of technologies: an app.

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Spotlight: Anthony Pirog

When a guitarist incorporates American roots music, like blues and country, into an improvisational and/or jazz context, Bill Frisell is the elephant in the room. Anthony Pirog makes no bones about the fact that Frisell is a major influence, but deriving equal inspiration from the likes of Danny Gatton and Nels Cline has led Pirog to develop his own take on the music. After achieving some notoriety in the duo Janel and Anthony, Palo Colorado Dream, recorded with Michael Formanek on bass and Ches Smith) on drums marks Pirog’s debut as a solo artist. It also marks his entry into the growing pantheon of modern guitar heroes.

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Spotlight: Oleg Shpudeiko

 

I discovered Oleg Shpudeiko a/k/a Heinali through Miguel Copon’s terrific site, Prepared Guitar. Shpudeiko is a Ukrainian guitarist and composer who does amazing soundscapes with minimal gear. Here he describes the gear and his evolution as a musician and composer for Guitar Moderne.

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