The one where Jason nattered to Chris, whilst Ant went out for Tapas.

Of course that hadn't been the plan, but what with one thing (Ants birthdays having been during lockdown) and another (Chris leaving his mobile upstairs) it was left to Jason to pose the questions.

And what an entertaining & informative chat it turned out to be. So settle down we a family size bag of potato-based snacks and let Chris tell you about his new album, blagging his way on tour with Ugly Kid Joe, buying the perfect 335 in lockdown and the two bands he will probably never leave, The Sisters of Mercy & Eureka Machines.

P.S Check out his biog - it's probably one of the best we have ever read.

Chris Biog

Chris Website

Episode 37 Playlist

9-42 Instagram

9-42 Twitter

9-42 Facebook

9-42 Youtube

9-42 Website

ashortstories Facebook

The one where we chatted to Ginger, his manager Jane & his dog Maggie.

Ginger is a guitarist, singer and songwriter and boy has he packed a lot into his musical career. He is perhaps best known for his work with The Wildhearts, but he has been involved in a plethora of other projects and is prodigious in musical output.

We started off talking about his new band, Ginger & the Sinners before chatting about his love of Kiss, how he took control of his career and guitars finished in Leopard Skin.

Ginger Website

Episode 36 PLaylist

9-42 Instagram

9-42 Twitter

9-42 Facebook

9-42 Youtube

9-42 Website

ashortstories Facebook

The one where we chatted to Neil Ivison, because Neil is Ivison Guitars.

It starts with Status Quo, and that is about as good a place to start as any. Neil guides us through his early career as a Guitar Tech, a journey that took him from one end of the rock'n'roll hierarchy to the other.

But when home-life beckoned it was the purchase of his dream guitar that would be the unlikely catalyst to a new career.

Ivison Guitars

Episode 35 Playlist

9-42 Instagram

9-42 Twitter

9-42 Facebook

9-42 Youtube

9-42 Website

ashortstories Facebook

The one where we talk about hand-crafted guitars from China.

You could be forgiven for thinking that was a typing error, but its not and Eastman is a unique brand producing hand-crafted instruments in its workshop in China.

We have a enlightening chat with Pepijn t'Hart, about his journey leading the Mandolin & Guitar division, the ethos of the company and what lies ahead for the brand.

And in a 9-42 exclusive we even get a sneak peek of their new solid-body. Heck.

Episode 34 Playlist

Eastman Guitars

Bourgeois Guitars

9-42 Instagram

9-42 Twitter

9-42 Facebook

9-42 Youtube

9-42 Website

ashortstories Facebook

The one where we talk to Doug Sparkes of Auden Guitars

It’s been quite a ride for Doug, not only is he the driving force behind Auden Guitars, but he has also taken ownership of another classic UK guitar brand in Gordon Smith.

We had a great chat with Doug, as he took us through his guitar backstory and the clear ethos that underpins both of these cherished brands.

Episode 33 Playlist

Auden Website

Gordan Smith Website

9-42 Instagram

9-42 Twitter

9-42 Facebook

9-42 Youtube

9-42 Website

ashortstories Facebook

The one where we talked football & rockabilly with Darrel Higham.

It's a bit difficult to know where to start when describing Darrel. As a guitarist he has played in numerous bands, with the likes of Shakin’ Stevens & Imelda May. Worked on sessions for artists such as Chrissie Hynde & Robert Plant and appeared in the West End (and on tour) playing Eddie Cochran.

He is a Gretsch endorsee and helped Peavey design their first ever semi-acoustic guitar, the Rockingham.

Oh, and he was born in Bedford and supports Sunderland football club.

All of which probably accounts for the fact we had plenty to talk about.

Darrel Website

Episode 32 Playlist

9-42 Instagram

9-42 Twitter

9-42 Facebook

9-42 Youtube

9-42 Website

ashortstories Facebook

The one where Jason chatted to Paul Stanley.

Yes, you did read that correctly, the Paul Stanley. Being a lifelong Kiss fan you can only imagine what it's been like since the possibility of talking to Paul was first mooted.

Bless him, Jason did his best not to sound too much of a fanboy, and asked Paul about his new band Soul Station. The project explores Pauls love of R'n'B and Soul music and the album 'Now & Then' is released on the 19th March.

Now & Then - Documentary

Paul Stanley & Soul Station Website

Episode 31 Playlist

9-42 Instagram

9-42 Twitter

9-42 Facebook

9-42 Youtube

9-42 Website

ashortstories Facebook

The one where we stayed up late. to talk to Misha, stateside.

It's also the one that could have gone on for hours as we had a whale of a time verbally-riffing with the Periphery guitarist about all manner of stuff, including Cricket, QAnon & Top Gear.

We do find time to talk about Signature Guitars, working with Tim @ Bareknuckle Pickups and the less than fun parts of recording a Solo record.

It's been a few weeks since this episode was recorded, but listening back this week you can't help but be struck by what a top bloke Misha is, and a pleasure to chat to.

Periphery Website

Misha Facebook

Episode 30 Playlist

9-42 Instagram

9-42 Twitter

9-42 Facebook

9-42 Youtube

9-42 Website

ashortstories Facebook

The one where we got up early to talk to Tim Mills of Bare Knuckle Pickups.

Now we could easily have chatted to Tim about his back story as a Session Player and his ten years (plus) as part of the Elkie Brooks band. But that (as they say) was just the start of it.

When the time came to leave the touring life behind, Tim spotted an opportunity to revolutionise the way Pickups were designed, marketed and sold to make it easier for Guitarists to capture the sound in their heads.

It's a fascinating journey and a testament to the work and passion of Tim and his team.

Bare Knuckle Pickups Website

Episode 29 Playlist

9-42 Instagram

9-42 Twitter

9-42 Facebook

9-42 Youtube

9-42 Website

ashortstories Facebook

The one where we zoomed with Aziz Ibrahim.

Talk about a career that's impossible to pigeon-hole. Aziz is a genuine one-off, not only because of the way he plays but also because of the variety of genres he has worked within over the last thirty-odd years.

Every chapter of his story reveals another twist, another artist or band he has played with, or another landmark album he has played on.

And yet, as he told us during a very entertaining recording session, he is still moving forward and pushing the boundaries of his craft.

Aziz Facebook

Aziz Website

Episode 28 Playlist

9-42 Instagram

9-42 Twitter

9-42 Facebook

9-42 Youtube

9-42 Website

ashortstories Facebook