Jerry Cantrell’s Sonic Journey: How Jeff Beck’s Influence Shaped ‘I Want Blood’
In the past year, Jerry Cantrell showcased his exceptional talent for crafting riffs with his latest solo project, I Want Blood. Interestingly, for two tracks on the album, he drew inspiration from the legendary Jeff Beck, leading him to incorporate a unique and rare piece of equipment.
The album’s soundscapes are nothing short of stunning, with Cantrell’s beloved G&L Rampage electric guitar taking center stage. yet, it’s the unconventional textures that truly elevate the music. to achieve thes sounds, Cantrell revisited some classic gear while also experimenting with new favorites.
Exploring New Sounds
“This record features a lot of Cry baby and talk box effects,” Cantrell shared in a recent interview with Guitar world. “We really leaned into those elements. For tracks like Vilified and Throw Me a Line, we utilized two different types of talk boxes. One was the Dunlop model that I’ve relied on for years, which consists of a box on the floor with a tube leading up to the microphone.”
The recording took place at JHOC Studio in Pasadena, California, where Cantrell and co-producer Joe Barresi (known for his work with Tool, Queens of the Stone Age, and Melvins) sought additional inspiration from archival footage.
A Unique Discovery
“While experimenting with the talk boxes, Joe showed me a video of Jeff Beck using a kustom The Bag,” Cantrell recalled. “I had never seen that performance before, and it was incredibly expressive. Joe then mentioned,‘I have one of those; we should give it a shot!’ he quickly brought it out,and I believe that’s what you’re hearing on Vilified and Throw Me a Line.”
The Kustom The Bag,which debuted in the late 1960s and was famously used by artists like Peter Frampton and John Kay of Steppenwolf,resembles a quirky hybrid of a bagpipe and a talk box.It’s worn over the shoulder,with a tube connecting the bag to the musician’s mouth,producing distinctive wah and talk box sounds. Its rarity adds to its allure,as only a limited number were produced.
Collaborative Powerhouse
The album has been met with enthusiastic responses from fans, with Cantrell describing it as “some of my finest songwriting and performance.” The bass lines are delivered by rock heavyweights Duff McKagan (Guns N’ Roses) and Robert Trujillo (Metallica),while Faith No More’s Mike Bordin contributes on drums. This lineup essentially reunites the powerhouse trio behind Cantrell’s acclaimed 2002 double album, Degradation Trip.
Last year, Cantrell sparked some concern when he announced that his iconic G&L Rampage Blue Dress guitar had gone missing, only to later discover it had simply been misplaced. While it may have seemed like an overreaction, he later explained that he once lost an electric guitar gifted to him by Eddie Van Halen nearly two decades ago, which added context to his distress.
Additionally,Cantrell has voiced his opinions against amp modelers,admitting that tracking solos often involves a fair share of colorful language.
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