I’ve met so many musicians over the years with limited abilities that were puffed up on ego trips. Then I meet Tim May and he is the antithesis of an egocentric player. He’s poised and confident and a really warm person. Let’s face it, the guy has nothing to prove, his accomplishments speak for themselves. I was in his him home for ten minutes and he made me feel like an old friend, not unlike Carl Verheyen did when I visited him. Of course, why wouldn’t I feel at home surrounded by all those great guitars and a passionate world-class player?

Tim played some great improvised jazz for me on a custom Gibson archtop through a vintage Benson amp. We proceeded to talk about studio work, playing with other musicians and his thoughts on music in general. He then told me about the Tim May Trio which has Abe Laboriel on bass and Bob Zimmitti on Drums and the new CD he has been working on.

In between chats he played some highly-melodic guitar with the kind of sophisticated chord soloing and single string runs that he does so well. There was nothing predictable or generic, just lush chords and evolved melody. It’s almost disturbing to think he can rock out too. Remember Michael J. Fox in Back to the Future when he jumps to his knees playing Chuck Berry riffs and then bursts into a metal-inspired solo? The actual playing was Tim May. I had a lot of fun during the interview. I hope you enjoy it half as much as I did.

-David Caris

Tim playing his 1980 Guild Artist Award

This is the first installment of the interview with Tim May

Here’s Tim doing some great improv playing

Tim in his family room surrounded by awards and vintage guitars. (Click to enlarge)