IC: Legend has it that you recorded all 60 minutes of your original Hot Licks instructional video in just one hour. Is there any shred of truth to this rumor?

Vinman: Yes, this is absolutely true… it wasn't by choice though. It was all the time that was left that day because another artist went over his designated time. I had a train to catch, so I had to just run through it. I was pretty well rehearsed actually, which really helped. There was one edit in the entire video, because I messed something up at like 50 minutes into it and had to pick it up from there. So basically the whole video was just two pieces!

IC: How is progress coming along on your next instrumental album?

Vinman: I’m close to being finished. Van Romaine (of the Steve Morse Band) played drums and John 'JD' Deservio (of Black Label Society) was on bass. All guitars are almost finished. I just need to do some keyboards and then mix it. But there’s no title yet.

IC: Any chance we’ll see a solo tour or some clinics to promote it?

Vinman: Yes... I think so. No definite plans yet though. It's too early to tell.

IC: How is the upcoming album different from your previous solo releases?

Vinman: I just chose some different notes this time! [Laughs] I don’t know… it’s hard to say! New songs. It's always hard for me to analyze my own stuff.

IC: Since this is an instrumental guitar site, who are your biggest guitar-influences, and which instrumental albums are your favorites?

Vinman: Jeff Beck, Robin Trower, Hendrix, Van Halen, Larry Carlton, Al DiMeola, Santana and many more. Some of my favorite albums are “Trower Live” (1976), Jeff Beck’s “Wired”, most of Jimi's stuff, Larry Carlton's “Room 335”, “Van Halen 1” and “Fair Warning”, DiMeola's “Casino”, etc…

IC: Early on in your career you were sometimes labeled an “Yngwie-clone” by misinformed critics. All of that nonsense aside, was Malmsteen or any other neo-classical guitarists an influence on you at the time?

Vinman: I always thought he was great at what he did. Lots of passion in his playing. When I first heard him I could tell that we had a lot of the same influences. I was into Blackmore but there weren't really any neo-classical guitarists at the time. I think the genre sort of formed by players being inspired by guys like Blackmore, Al DiMeola, Uli Roth and classical composers.

 

IC: What led to your first release, “Mind’s Eye” in ’87? How did you catch your first big break?

Vinman: I did a record with a California metal band called Vicious Rumors, and it was released on Shrapnel Records. After that I began planning to do my first solo album with Shrapnel, and that's pretty much how the “Mind's Eye” CD came about.

IC: In your mind, what’s one of the greatest highlights of your solo career? Which album are you most proud of?

Vinman: I honestly can't think of one particular thing… There are many things great that have happened! I am really fortunate to be able to do what I love. I like all of my records for different reasons and I hate them all for different reasons, too! [Laughs]

IC: Aside from the new album, what’s next for Vinnie Moore? How about a follow up to the ‘80s Pepsi commercial?

Vinman: Yeah, maybe Diet Coke this time. I’ve been a member of UFO for about four years now. We have two records out and we’ve been touring a lot. In fact, I’m headed to Europe next week for another tour. Hope to see you all there!

IC: Thanks again for the interview, Vinnie!

Vinman: Thanks, and God bless.

 

 

 

 

 

 

www.myspace.com/vinniemoore

 

... and don't forget to buy the "Vinnie Moore Collection: The Shrapnel Years"!