Allan Holdsworth: An interview (Atavachron 1994): Difference between revisions

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'''''Summary''': In this extensive interview, acclaimed musician Allan Holdsworth covers a diverse array of topics. He begins by discussing his unique approach to music, particularly his preference for instruments like horns over the acoustic guitar. Holdsworth briefly mentions his past collaborations with Jamie Muir and Alan Gowen and the impact of joining Tempest at Jon Hiseman's invitation. The conversation delves into his fascination with UFOs and his deep admiration for jazz saxophonist John Coltrane. Holdsworth expresses his reluctance to teach music at a formal educational level.
Allan Holdsworth, the celebrated musician, discusses various topics in an interview. He addresses his approach to the acoustic guitar, emphasizing his preference for other instruments, such as horns, over the acoustic guitar. Holdsworth briefly touches on his past collaborations with Jamie Muir and Alan Gowen but highlights the impact of Jon Hiseman's invitation to join Tempest. The interview also delves into Holdsworth's thoughts on UFOs, his admiration for John Coltrane, and his reluctance to teach music at a college or university level.


Holdsworth provides insights into his views on synthesizers and MIDI technology, explaining how they are tools for musicians to create music. He discusses his baritone guitars and how their development has influenced his recent work. The conversation also touches on the visual elements in his music and his reluctance to fit his compositions into a specific genre. Holdsworth's down-to-earth approach to music and his passion for exploring diverse musical avenues shine through in the interview.
Holdsworth provides insights into his perspectives on synthesizers and MIDI technology, emphasizing their roles as tools for musicians to create music. He delves into the development of his baritone guitars and their influence on his recent work. The interview explores the visual aspects of his music, and Holdsworth's reluctance to pigeonhole his compositions into a specific genre, reflecting his down-to-earth approach to music.


In this interview, Allan Holdsworth shares his thoughts on Frank Zappa and how he saw him as a self-made musical genius, comparing him to Clint Eastwood. He also mentions his personal interactions with Zappa and how he admired him as a musician and a person. Holdsworth talks about his influences, particularly guitarists like Django Reinhardt and Charlie Christian. He discusses his unique legato playing style and the importance of focusing on the music rather than technical details. The interview then shifts to a discussion about record companies and his disappointment with Restless Records, which owns his catalog. Holdsworth expresses frustration with how they handle album covers and promotional materials. The interview concludes with a humorous exchange about the concept of "wankers."
Holdsworth praises Frank Zappa, considering him a self-made musical genius and likening him to Clint Eastwood. He shares personal interactions with Zappa and his admiration for him as both a musician and a person. Holdsworth talks about his musical influences, with a focus on legendary guitarists like Django Reinhardt and Charlie Christian. He elaborates on his unique legato playing style and the significance of prioritizing the musical essence over technical intricacies.


In this interview, Allan Holdsworth expresses his displeasure with the recording process of the REH video and discusses the issues that arose during the recording. The main problem was that the drums were sub-grouped to the guitar track, making it impossible for him to properly mix the audio. He also touches on the idea of collaborating with high-profile artists like Sting and the importance of controlling the sound of his music. Additionally, he shares his thoughts on producing his own music and the challenges of working with other musicians on their projects, highlighting a recent negative experience where his guitar tracks were heavily processed without his consent. Holdsworth emphasizes the importance of having full control over the sound and creative process in his music.
The conversation shifts towards record companies, with Holdsworth expressing his frustration with Restless Records, which owns his catalog, specifically citing issues with album covers and promotional materials.


Holdsworth discusses his discontent with the recording process of the REH video, highlighting problems with audio mixing and his preference for retaining control over his music's sound. He touches on potential collaborations with renowned artists like Sting.


The interview concludes with Holdsworth discussing his evolving instruments, particularly baritone guitars and headless guitar designs. He believes these custom-tuned guitars can have broader appeal. He also expresses an interest in synthesizers and mentions a humorous English joke left unshared. Throughout the interview, Holdsworth's commitment to innovation and individuality in his music and instrument design shines brightly.''