Guthrie Govan is a name synonymous with guitar virtuosity. Hailing from Essex, this exceptional six-stringer has carved a unique path in the diverse world of guitar music. From his early forays into rock and roll to his groundbreaking work in fusion and beyond, Govan’s career is a testament to his unparalleled talent and dedication to the instrument. This in-depth exploration delves into the multifaceted career of Guthrie Govan, drawing from a far-reaching interview that reveals the origins of his musical journey and the highlights of his remarkable exploits.
Early Musical Encounters and Guitar Origins
Govan’s connection with music wasn’t a sudden decision but rather an organic part of his upbringing. Growing up in a home filled with music, he absorbed his parents’ passion for their record collection. Music, for him, was as natural as language itself. He didn’t actively “choose” music; it was simply always there.
His father’s nylon string guitar became the catalyst for his own musical exploration. Witnessing his dad play Beatles songs sparked the realization that music was not just something to listen to, but something he could create himself. Learning basic chords from his father felt like the most natural progression. Remarkably, Govan began playing around the age of three, initially drawn to the simple yet impactful rock and roll classics of the 50s. These songs, with their I-IV-V chord progressions, offered achievable goals for a young aspiring guitar player and fueled his desire to build a repertoire.
From Pub Gigs to National Television: Guthrie Govan’s Formative Years
Govan’s first public performance occurred at the tender age of five. Invited to guest with his father’s workmates’ rock and roll band, he played Elvis Presley and Chuck Berry tunes. While his technical skills were undoubtedly nascent, the audience’s warm reception highlighted the communicative power of music. This early experience became a pivotal “lightbulb” moment, revealing live performance as an exchange of energy between performer and audience.
Further solidifying his early recognition as a prodigious guitar player, Govan appeared on UK national television at nine, performing Jimi Hendrix’s “Purple Haze” with his brother Seth on rhythm guitar. Despite these exciting opportunities, his prodigious talent sometimes set him apart from his peers. It wasn’t until his teenage years, when he connected with the local “metal” community, that he found musically kindred spirits.
University Jazz-Funk and Expanding Guitar Horizons
University marked a turning point where music transitioned from a passion to a more regular pursuit for Guthrie Govan. He found himself immersed in the world of jazz-funk, a genre that was gaining popularity in the UK during the early 90s. The “acid jazz” scene provided ample opportunities for gigs, particularly in university towns like Oxford, with its numerous colleges and venues.
These jazz-funk gigs exposed Govan to musical landscapes beyond the typical rock guitar framework. Trading solos with saxophone players broadened his musical vision and challenged him to apply his rock-honed technical skills in new contexts. This period prompted him to explore the versatility of his guitar playing and consider its application beyond the realm of rock virtuosity.
Joining Asia: A Melodic Rock Chapter
Towards the late 1990s, Guthrie Govan’s career path included transcribing for guitar magazines and teaching at the Academy of Contemporary Music (ACM) in Guildford. This connection to ACM indirectly led to his involvement with the band Asia. Mike Sturgis, head of the drum department at ACM and Asia’s drummer for their Aura album, recommended Govan as a versatile guitarist capable of filling in recording gaps when guest musicians faced scheduling conflicts.
Govan contributed to Asia albums like Aura and Silent Nation, records often cited as underrated gems in the band’s discography. While songwriting was primarily driven by John Payne and Geoff Downes, Govan injected his distinctive guitar identity into these projects. Initially approaching his role as a session musician, he gradually realized that his unique guitar “voice” was valued by the band. He brought a fresh and dynamic guitar presence to Asia’s melodic rock sound, contributing significantly to the sonic landscape of these albums.
Erotic Cakes: Guthrie Govan’s Solo Guitar Statement
Erotic Cakes, released in 2006, stands as a pivotal album in Guthrie Govan’s discography, showcasing his instrumental guitar prowess. This project was born from the encouragement of Paul Cornford of Cornford Amps. Cornford, recognizing Govan’s wealth of original instrumental guitar compositions, launched a record label specifically to release Erotic Cakes. He even facilitated the recording of guitar tracks at Richie Kotzen’s studio in Los Angeles.
The album featured material spanning Govan’s musical journey, with songs like “Waves” and “Ner Ner” originating from his late teens. “Wonderful Slippery Thing” was based on his entry for the 1993 Guitarist of the Year competition. Erotic Cakes is a vibrant display of Govan’s eclectic guitar style, blending technical brilliance with melodic sensibility and solidifying his reputation as a leading instrumental guitar player.
The Aristocrats: Jazz-Fusion and Spontaneous Musicality
Guthrie Govan’s foray into jazz-fusion with The Aristocrats alongside Bryan Beller and Marco Minnemann has yielded exceptional musical results. While the band playfully acknowledges jazz-fusion influences, they identify their sound more accurately as “rock-fusion.” This distinction emphasizes their heavier, rock-oriented trio dynamic while celebrating their improvisational spirit.
The formation of The Aristocrats was serendipitous. Originally, Greg Howe was slated to perform with Beller and Minnemann at the 2011 Bass Bash. When Howe had to withdraw, Govan, who was attending NAMM, was recommended as a last-minute replacement. Their impromptu performance revealed an immediate and powerful musical chemistry. Despite minimal rehearsal, they experienced “telepathic” musical connections, prompting them to form The Aristocrats and explore this unique synergy further.
Evolving Sound and Future Explorations with The Aristocrats
The Aristocrats have continuously evolved since their inception. Their latest album, You Know What… ?, exemplifies their expanding musical explorations. Initially unsure of their band identity, they’ve grown bolder in their writing, fearlessly incorporating diverse genres while maintaining their core “Aristocrats” sound. Their songwriting process has become more intuitive, informed by years of playing together and a deep understanding of each other’s musical inclinations.
Remaining steadfast in their democratic approach, The Aristocrats value equal contribution in all aspects, from business decisions to songwriting. Recognizing the vital role of their live performances, they prioritize creating music that translates powerfully to the stage. With a new trio album in the works and extensive touring plans, The Aristocrats remain a central focus for Guthrie Govan, showcasing his improvisational guitar skills in a dynamic band setting.
Collaborations with Jason Becker and Jordan Rudess
Guthrie Govan’s collaborative spirit extends to projects with guitar legend Jason Becker and Dream Theater keyboardist Jordan Rudess. His contributions to Jordan Rudess’s albums, Explorations and Wired for Madness, came through a connection with Marco Minnemann. Rudess, appreciating Govan’s guitar style, invited him to add his unique touch to tracks like “Off the Ground.”
Contributing to Jason Becker’s Triumphant Hearts album was a deeply emotional experience. Govan felt the weight of honoring Becker’s legacy and ensuring his guitar contribution lived up to the track’s potential. He was profoundly moved by Becker’s musicianship and resilience, and his solo on the album became a heartfelt tribute. The Triumphant Hearts project, featuring a host of renowned guitar players, exemplified a collective effort to celebrate Jason Becker’s enduring musical spirit.
Guthrie Govan: Identifying with Spontaneity and Real-Time Interaction
When considering the vast array of genres he’s traversed, Guthrie Govan emphasizes his affinity for musical settings that prioritize spontaneity and real-time interaction. He likens this preference to preferring a conversation over a prepared speech. His guitar playing thrives in environments where he can improvise, respond to fellow musicians, and explore uncharted musical territories.
What’s Next for Guthrie Govan?
Looking ahead, Guthrie Govan’s schedule remains packed with diverse projects. Alongside ongoing Aristocrats activities, including album recording and touring, he continues his touring commitments with Hans Zimmer’s live band. His studio work extends to contributing guitar elements to movie scores, a field he has been increasingly involved in. While details of specific film projects remain under wraps, it’s clear that Guthrie Govan’s exceptional guitar talents are sought after across various musical landscapes, ensuring his continued presence as a leading and innovative guitar player.
– Andrew Daly (@vwmusicrocks) is the Editor-in-Chief for www.vwmusicrocks.com and may be reached at [email protected]
