ARTICOLI D'INTERESSE LARRY CARLTON :::: www.SLANG MUSIC.com - Agenzia di produzione e promozione artistica, specializzata nella musica americana, Blues, Rock, Soul, R'n'B

East is meeting west on a new album.
Hugely famous Japanese guitarist Tak Matsumoto collaborated with American virtuoso Larry Carlton on a new album, Take Your Pick, due June 10 in the U.S. and June 2 in Japan.
The release isn't just a mix of cultures, but a mix of styles.
Carlton is best-known for his work as a jazz-fusion musician and Matsumoto's claim to fame is his role in hard-rocking Japanese sensation B'z. However, both are Gibson players, each with his own signature model (an ES-335 for Carlton, a Les Paul for Matsumoto).

We caught up with both guitarists to chat about Take Your Pick.
Look for the interview with Carlton soon on Gibson.com. Matsumoto recently discussed the collaboration, the guitarists who first inspired him and if he thinks Asian musicians will have a larger impact on American music in the future.

How long have you known Larry Carlton?
I was 17 years old when I listened to Larry's album for the first time

What gave you and Larry the idea to collaborate?
Larry approached me in 2007 by introduction from Gibson.

Did you write the tracks on Take Your Pick together?
Basically, we wrote the tracks separately and figured things out in the studio. To begin with, we did pre-production in Tokyo. We spent three days and worked up four songs together. That was an amazing time!

How would you describe the music on Take Your Pick?
It's totally different from others I had created. This is Larry and Tak music!

What do you like about his playing style? How does it differ from yours?
I was very impressed by the warm tone of the 335 and heavily influenced by his intellectual phrasing and technique.

You've worked with a number of great artists - from Larry to Chad Smith, Steve Vai to Jack Blades. Is there anyone you'd really like to collaborate with in the future?
I'll keep going to play music same as always, so I'll definitely have many more chances to play together with someone great in the future as well.

Do you have a first love, as far as musical genres go?
Basically, it is hard rock for me.

Who first inspired you to pick up the guitar?
Ritchie Blackmore and Michael Schenker.

Why is the Les Paul your go-to guitar? Why does it fit well with your music?
My first guitar was a Les Paul model (not Gibson). I don't know why... I just play it the best.

Gibson has released a couple Tak Matsumoto Signature Les Paul models over the past 10 years. Do you have a favorite?
I love both of my Les Paul models, of course. I'm very proud my models released from Gibson.

What guitars are you gravitating towards these days?
My DC [Les Paul DC Custom] is the best guitar in the world for me!

Can you run through your performing set-up, from strings to amps?
The set-up is altered by the setlist from year to year, but what I've been using lately on the stage is: Ernie Ball electric strings, KORG volume pedal, BUDDA wah, DigiTech Whammy, Maxson Flanger, and some other compact effects built by my guitar techs, like chorus, overdrive, booster and fixed wah. The amp head is also made by them, used with a Diamond Amplification speaker cabinet.

Does Larry's use of the ES-335 make you want to work with more semi-hollow bodied guitars?
No, I don't. He is the master of 335!

You've been busy with B'z lately - releasing Magic last year and touring this year. What is next for the band?
We have nothing to change. We'll just keep on writing cool songs and playing live.

Do you expect Asian artists to become a bigger phenomenon in Europe and America in the coming years?
Yes, of course I do. I think it will happen naturally.

Do you have any recommendations for guitarists who are just starting out?
Don't think! Feel!

Bryan Wawzenek