JOHN ROTH – WINGER’S SECRET WEAPON

  

…And the Winger story continues with a brief conversation. Guitar great John Roth has been handling guitar duties in the band since 1993, when he was asked to join forces with Kip Winger, Reb Beach, and Rod Morgenstein. Now he talks about his thoughts and impressions on Better Days Comin’, as well as songwriting, gear stuff, and many other things. Enjoy!

You've been playing in Winger for more than 2 decades. How do you feel, have you been involved more and more in the creative process over the years?

It's exciting to have become more and more involved in the songwriting with Winger over the years! It's always a blast to write songs with the band and to see how they evolve along the way.

You got your own moments on the previous records for sure. As far as this particular writing/recording process, which tunes wear your handprints the most?

So Long China and Storm in Me.

When you write for Winger, do you always pay attention to what Kip asked for, or enjoy your artistic freedom?

Both. Kip is a great guy to write songs with. He has a strong vision for where he wants a song to go, but at the same time is always open to hearing to all song ideas, riffs, arrangements, etc.

Guitar-wise, which new songs are you the most proud of?

All of them!

This time how did you share guitar duties with Reb in the studio?

All four members of Winger are so involved in other projects that it rarely allows us the luxury of being in the same room together for the recording of an album. We normally work with with Kip individually and work out who does what along the way.

What kind of gear did you use during the recording of Better Days Comin'? Do you still prefer those vintage Fenders and Gibsons?

For all of the rhythm guitar tracks I used my 1990 Gibson Les Paul Studio through a Mesa Dual Rectifier Roadster head into a 4x12 Marshall cabinet. For my solos and clean guitar tones I used a 2010 American Standard Fender Stratocaster HSS model with Dimarzio pickups.

You are a very versatile player, who could do chicken pickin' country stuff, blues, classic rock, but your pocket is also full of smokin' shred licks as well. How did you become an all-round player, and who are your biggest influences?

I guess my versatility just comes from years of playing in a lot of different bands, and from always having an open mind to experimenting with different styles. I have so many different influences, but if I had to name three, they would be Jimi Hendrix, Jeff Beck, and Billy Gibbons.

A few years ago you have taken over Dann Huff's position in Giant. I guess you had to fill some large shoes there...

There really is no taking over Dan's position, he is irreplaceable. I was honored to be the guitarist picked to play and be a part of the songwriting on Giant's "Promise Land.

Any plan for yet another Giant album together?

Not as of now, but I would love to do another Giant record!

Now you're in Starship as well. Could you please tell me something about this band as well?

Starship is a group of incredibly talented players featuring the iconic vocals of Micky Thomas as well as the beautiful voice of Stephanie Calvert! The band has a new record out called "Loveless Fascination" on Loud and Proud records. Go check it out!

www.wingertheband.com

www.johnroth.com

www.starshipcontrol.com