13
QUESTION METHOD: MARK GOLDENBERG
Mark
Goldenberg has played on records
for a myriad of artists, including Bonnie
Raitt, Linda Ronstadt, Eels, Natalie
Imbruglia, Chris Isaak, Waylon Jennings,
Willie Nelson, Peter Frampton, and, yes
William Shatner. He has been lead guitarist
for Jackson Browne since 1994. He is
also a songwriter whose works have been
recorded by Linda Ronstadt, Chicago,
the Pointer Sisters, Natalie Imbruglia,
Eels, Chris Botti, and, yes Olivia Newton
John.
Mark has just finished his first CD
of solo finger-style guitar music.
Somewhere between Michael Hedges and
Joe Pass, between Egberto Gismonti
and Erik Satie, Mark’s trying
to create music that’s both evocative
and reflective, that will appeal to
both guitarists and non-guitarists
alike.
1.
Which was the first record you bought with your
own money?
Ramsey Lewis “Hang on Sloopy.” I meant
to buy the McCoys version.
2.
Which was the last record you bought with your
own money?
Tin Hat Trio’ Book of Silk.
3.
What was the first solo you learned from a record
— and can you still play it?
"Day Tripper" by the Beatles. I think I can.
4.
Which recording of your own (or as a sideman) are
you most proud of, and why?
My solo CD, because I actually finished it, after threatening
to for so long.
5.
What's the difference between playing live and
playing in a studio?
Playing live is the ultimate musical experience, because
one has an opportunity to connect with an audience
and one's fellow musicians. Playing in the studio is
rewarding in a different way. If one is lucky to be
on a band date, the chance to make good music as part
of an ensemble can be really uplifting. Plus, studios
usually smell better than gigs.
6.
What's the difference between a good gig and a
bad gig?
Catering.
7.
What's the difference between a good guitar and
a bad guitar?
A. Never buy a guitar with blood on it.
B. There are no bad guitars, just bad guitarists.
C. Guitars don't kill people, guitarists kill people.
8.
You play electric and acoustic. Do you approach
the two differently?
From a sonic and textural point of view, I look at
them quite differently. But musically, I play the same
three riffs on anything I get my hands on.
9.
Do you sound more like yourself on acoustic or
electric?
I'm into the archtop these days, and that's a bit of
both worlds.
10.
Do you sound like yourself on other people's guitars?
Yes, unfortunately! In the 1980s I played with Peter
Frampton. On one occasion he let me play through his
rig. The result? I still sounded like a fat kid from
Chicago.
11.
Which living artist (music, or other arts) would
you like to collaborate with?
Mônica Salmaso from Brazil, because I love her
voice. I'd like to score a Wim Wenders movie.
12.
What dead artist (music, or other arts) would you
like to have collaborated with?
Miles Davis, or J.S. Bach. It's a tie!
13.
What's your latest project about?
I'm trying to get my solo guitar CD heard, and am starting
to think about the next one.
Web site: http://www.markgoldenberg.com/
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