In this episode, Nick Millevoi and Jason Shadrick dig deep into the work of Jazzmaster-master Nels Cline—best known for his brain-melting work with Wilco. They get into what makes Cline’s sound so unmistakable, from his obsession with the Jazzmaster to his pedalboard that could double as a small spaceship, as well as his ability to draw from an extremely wide range of influences.
But Nels Cline isn’t just Wilco’s lead guitarist (a chair he’s held for two decades)—he’s created his own musical universe. The hosts take you on a whirlwind tour of his wild discography, including the Nels Cline Singers’ Instrumentals as well as his never-ending list of collaborations (we’re starting to suspect he’s cloned himself to pull it all off). And then there’s “Impossible Germany”—one of the greatest rock guitar solos on this century.
Nick and Jason can’t stop raving about how Cline’s magic really shines when he’s playing with others, making him not just a guitar hero but the ultimate team player. One minute, he’s shredding like a beast, next he’s creating sonic explosions, and then he’s pulling on your heartstrings. You’ll be leaving this episode with some homework!
The legendary Alice in Chains axeman gives us a look at his updated solo touring setup.
Jerry Cantrell’s forthcoming solo record, I Want Blood, is a return to beastly form for the legendary grunge guitarist. Featuring spots from Metallica bassist Robert Trujillo and Faith No More drummer Mike Bordin—two old friends who played on Cantrell’s 2002 solo release, Degradation Trip—along with Duff McKagan and more, it’s a glorious, riff-filled reunion.
Ahead of the record’s release, PG’s Perry Bean caught up with Cantrell for an updated rundown of his current touring rig. Watch the whole Rig Rundown to catch all the details, and hear some special stories about how late Alice in Chains vocalist Layne Staley encouraged Cantrell’s singing.
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The G&L Rampage has been one of Cantrell’s top choices for decades, and he brings his vintage, well-used, and colorfully decorated iterations on the road along with his newer signature models. G&L announced earlier this year that they were reviving the Rampage—thanks largely to Cantrell’s impact.
Feel the Champagne
This Gibson Flying V finished in champagne sparkle is another of Cantrell’s go-to stage axes.
Amp in the Box
Cantrell tours with this rack amplifier setup, which features a Fryette Two/Ninety/Two Stereo Power Amp, a Fryette LX II Stereo Power Amp, and a Bogner Fish All Tube Preamp.
Rack 'Em Up
Save for his signature MXR Jerry Cantrell Firefly Talk Box and his Dunlop Jerry Cantrell Firefly Cry Baby Wah which stay at his feet, Cantrell keeps his pedals in a rack configuration, including a handful of MXR Smart Gates, MXR Timmy, Strymon Ola, MXR Six Band EQ, MXR Ten Band EQ, Barber Electronics Direct Drive, Boss DD-500, MXR EVH Flanger, Boss CE-5, MXR Poly Blue Octave, Ibanez TS808HW, MXR Reverb, Line 6 MM4 Modulation Modeler, and MXR Talk Box. A Custom Audio Electronics RS-T MIDI Foot Controller, manned by Cantrell’s tech, handles the behind-the-scenes switching.
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Peterson StroboStomp Mini Pedal Tuner
The StroboStomp Mini delivers the unmatched 0.1 cent tuning accuracy of all authentic Peterson Strobe Tuners in a mini pedal tuner format. We designed StroboStomp Mini around the most requested features from our customers: a mini form factor, and top mounted jacks. |