Fusion Virtuoso: TODD GRUBBS!

Thu, 03/04/2008 - by Rory Sullivan

Today's Elevenses Throws Eleven Quick Questions At 'Fusion Virtuoso' Todd Grubbs!

Todd Grubbs is an internationally respected rock guitarist/composer from Tampa, Florida. His music has been released worldwide and has received critical acclaim as well as commercial success.

Todd's current CD "Time, Space and the Electric" (2008) is a perfect example of a culmination of years of experiences, experimentation and passion that has brought Todd to where he is today.

So what’s your drink of choice at 11am in the morning?

Black coffee but I am rarely up that early. I have a really weird schedule I do a lot of recording and mixing very late.

Which song/album really made you want to play guitar?

Kiss Alive 2, I was a big Kiss fan as a kid. I started with a tennis racket but then progressed to a Hondo II les paul copy.

Who’s your favourite guitarist ‘at the moment’?

Chris Poland, The Ohm CDs are fanatastic! I was lucky enough to get him to record a solo on my new CD Time Space and The Electric.

Who’s the world’s most underrated guitarist?

Oz Noy - If Hendrix, Jaco and Jeff Beck had a baby he would probably sound like Oz...

So what are you up to at the moment?

I am Working on 'Toddities Vol 2' and rehearsing for Todd Grubbs Group gigs as well as doing shows with my Jam band '3 Green Windows'. Over the next couple of years I plan to really focus on playing live. I will be filming a DVD this summer and a live CD.

What was the last gig you went to (as a member of the audience)?

Who would be in your dream line-up?

Pat Metheny (Trio) Amazing! If I was not married with children I would follow this tour around the country. I love his big band shows but there is nothing like guitar bass and drums.

Drums - Antonio Sanches

Bass - Jaco

Keys - Derek Sherianian.

Although I feel very fortunate to be working with Jeff Henry, Alan Tatum and Tony Arnone!

How many guitars do your own and which one is ‘your precious’?

Over 20. My favorite is a prefactory PRS CE 24 with an 88 neck and a 91 body.

What’s the last great album that you bought (or were given)?

OHM, Amino Acid Flash Back.

Do you suffer from stage fright?

The only thing that makes me nervous on stage are issues relating to gear or sound, such as bad monitor mixes or amps blowing up. If I am rehearsed and the equiptment is working playing live is a pure joy.