TOM PRINCIPATO INTERVIEW
(Originally aired on January 27, 2011)
Known for his fiery Telecaster playing, Tom Principato is one of the East Coast’s leading roots-rock guitarists. With more than 15 solo albums and 40 years of touring under his belt, Principato has honed a distinctive sound that blends elements of jazz, R&B and blues in the tradition of Roy Buchanan — one of Principato's primary influences. Principato’s musical mentor was Danny Gatton and the two recorded a pair of live albums, as well as an amazing DVD called Blazing Telecasters. The latter features a burning set of guitar duets they taped in 1984 for Maryland Public Television and is essential viewing for all Tele freaks.
Principato’s 2010 album, A Part Of Me, brings his playing, singing, and writing skills into sharp focus. In our exclusive interview, Principato describes recording A Part Of Me and details how he got some of his great sounds. We'll hear selections from the album throughout the interview.