Here is another installment from my interview last week with ace studio guitarist Tim May. Get some more insight into what goes on behind the scenes in the world of the first-call studio musician and how that has changed over the years.

This third interview segment deals with what guitars Tim May owns and plays. He also details how he acquired a vintage Epiphone once owned by jazz great Howard Roberts. Tim also talks to David Caris about his new CD which features Abe Laboriel and Bob Zimmitti. I heard the pre-release version of this and it is definitely worth getting. There is some great composing and performances on it.

Tim and I were talking about how songs seem to pour out of certain instruments. Then he spoke about the creative process and had some very inspiring things to say that every guitarist should hear.

Tim playing an Epiphone once owned by the late, great guitarist/educator Howard Roberts (click to enlarge)

A closer view of the front. By the way, this axe has been tweaked by John Carruthers and “plays like butta” with great articulate tone.

The bookmatched maple back of the Guild Artist Award. Sweet. Now stop drooling!

A late 30′s Gibson Tim bought at Sam Ash. Funny story: the clerk said it was real old…probably from the 70′s. What does that make me? I guess I am an antique too.

-David Caris

The back and sides of Howard Roberts personal Epiphone is walnut. (click to enlarge)

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)