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During my interview you start to understand just how badly Torn wanted to expand his knowledge of all music and just how deep his passion for creativity and individuality runs. Torn knows the rules of music well and has done an amazing job of breaking them. At one moment he’s using his trem bar to make swoopy, stuttering sounds and the next he is methodically practicing traditional oud scales. It sounds diverse, but it makes perfect sense when you hear his music.

David Torn spends much of his time scoring films and consulting with companies about music gear. The man has “ears” and knows innovative sounds. He was even a little concerned that his playing on this interview was not captured on a more professional format. So please be aware that I recorded his playing with the shotgun microphone on my Canon consumer camcorder. I do this on all my videos. Nothing fancy. but it gets the job done without much fuss and allows me to concentrate on other things.

Playing a prototype maple-neck gold D’Pergo strat-style guitar made from ancient swamp ash through a variety of vintage and modern effects amplified through two prototype Fryette amps he stood there like a sorcerer conjuring auditory daydreams and nightmares (often in the same musical phrase).

We may all be looking at the same picture, but some of us see it differently. David Torn is that kind of musician. Don’t just watch him play, listen to his thought process and philosophy about music-making. This guy is open-minded and unafraid to push the envelope. Prepare to be inspired.

This guy is not just playing pentatonic blues scales…who does he sound like? David Torn.

David Torn – Interview 1

Torn’s Los Angeles-area home studio showing effects rack, pedalboard, Fryette amps he is consulting on and more. Click on picture to enlarge.

The wizard’s work station. Click on picture to enlarge.

David Torn – Interview 2

One of Torn’s racks containing a looper and Lexicons used to create other-worldly tones. Click to enlarge.

David Torn – Interview 3
Demonstrating some of his unique approach to guitar on a prototype D’Pergo made of ancient swamp ash.

The newest amp from Fryette that David is consulting on. He had two and was comparing speakers with them. They sounded great clean or distorted.

David Torn – Interview 4

David Torn – Interview 5

Torn playing his Oud.

Find out more about Tim at www.TimMayGuitar.com

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)