The Canterbury Tale Of Shred: DUDLEY ROSS!
Thu, 06/03/2008 - by Rory Sullivan
Today's Elevenses Throws Eleven Quick Questions At 'The Canterbury Tale Of Shred' Dudley Ross!
Dudley has had over ten years of playing and composing experience, which has included performing and composing for TV, cinema, working in musicals (Chess, Grease, Wizard of Oz to name a few), touring with numerous bands and doing sessions for many acts and producers.
Dudley is currently working/performing with Waterhorse, THE Gr8 EIGHT (with Simon Foster of the Flying Pickets) and his own band DRG. As well as performing and composing Dudley teaches on the degree course at Christchurch University and at Yamaha Music School, Canterbury.
So what’s your drink of choice at 11am in the morning?
Well, today I’m afraid it’s not very rock’n’roll, it was some quality water! Tea and coffee are DISGUSTING, so if it’s not water it may be an OJ or if I feel like really treating myself I might have a hot chocolate...
Which song/album really made you want to play guitar?
Passion and Warfare by Mr.Vai. Amazing playing, composing and something new jumped out at me every listen and still does!
Who’s the world’s greatest guitarist?
God, no, not god though I’m sure if he plays he’s very good! This is hard as I’m very fickle, but I suppose right now it’s Jeff Beck. The guy is in complete control of his instrument and he gets tones that make my eyes water, in a good way of course. He’s got the ‘GGGGRRRRR’ factor, where he grabs a piece of music by the balls and plays the hell of out it, got to love that!
Who’s the world’s most underrated guitarist?
There are so many!! Keith More is one guy I came across him a few years ago, I got his album (Guitar Stories?) it’s awesome! Never really hear much about him these days but he certainly can play.
So what are you up to at the moment?
Currently writing for my next album, which is out in spring 2008! Also getting to grips with my new and beautiful Vigier Surfreter. I’m loving the sonic possibilities with a fretless guitar, it’s opening many a musical door.
What was the last gig you went to (as a member of the audience)?
Who would be in your dream line-up?
Larry Carlton, my first time and it won’t be my last! He was a great entertainer, made me laugh then nearly made me cry with his awesome licks. Make a point of going to see him if you haven’t seen him yet!
Dennis Chambers drums
Jaco Pastorious on bass
and Frank Zappa and Jimi Hendrix helping me out on guitar!
How many guitars do your own and which one is ‘your precious’?
It changes everyday! I got some lovely Vigier guitars and recently got a beautiful acoustic from Alistair Atkin, a real beauty! But I suppose ‘my precious’ is my 1966 Gibson 335, it’s unbelievable! It plays and sounds so so good. I picked it up to have a little play in a shop because I chuckled at the price, thinking I could never afford or justify the price so I’d try it while I could. As soon as I played the first note, we were in love. But the price stopped my day dreaming and I put her down and went home. But, it was that good I couldn’t stop thinking I may of missed a real great instrument. So the next day I phoned the shop and made myself very poor, worth it though.
What’s the last great album that you bought (or were given)?
'The Way Up' by the Pat Metheny Group. Production, playing, composition, it’s all there. I saw it performed live as well, wow!
Do you suffer from stage fright?
No! I love being up there, bring it on!!!
So what’s your drink of choice at 11pm in the evening?
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