Scott Henderson Discussion

TopDog · Joined: 01 Apr 2013 Posts: 27

Scott,

I was so pleased to hear you guys talk about Mike Landau this last week on GW. He's a huge talent and I wish more people knew about him. I hope you get him on the podcast.

Scott Henderson · The Man Joined: 20 May 2004 Posts: 2135

In my opinion, Mike is the only living blues/ rock guitarist on the same level as Jeff Beck and Jimi Hendrix. I've seen him play stuff that can only be described as otherworldly. He's like Joe Zawinul in the way that every sound or texture he uses makes him play things which totally fit that sound - he has more control and finesse with his tone than anyone else I know, and he's one of the best phrasers ever.

We'd love to have him on the podcast, but I doubt if he'd do it. He'd probably assume it'll turn into a gear fest, and that's not something he likes talking about. His tone is so good that many people bother him about it instead of talking about his music as well.

TaeKwonDonut · Joined: 20 Apr 2015 Posts: 101

Do you like the last 2 Gadd records he did - I like the way the music unfolds, such a cool burn from those guys.. Jimmy Johnson is one guy that is never mentioned but is a great tasteful player. I've seen some live clips where Mike takes some longer solo's than on the record, really great. But I like the whole vibe of those records.

Scott Henderson · The Man Joined: 20 May 2004 Posts: 2135

I haven't heard them, but people have told me the music is rather "LA", so I haven't been that interested in checking it out. They also say that Mike is much more featured on his own albums. I'm sure there are great moments because all the musicians are great, but I've always had this mentality - if I don't like the songs, I'm not likely to hang around to see what else happens.

Red Suede · Joined: 12 Jul 2005 Posts: 56

Check out Eric Gales....... (And Ty Tabor of King's X).

blackstratblues · Joined: 25 Nov 2005 Posts: 34

Scott, your albums that Landau mixed sound great. Can you share some of the things you learned by watching him mix? Thanks!

Also, how badass are the Raging Honkies albums? Some of my favourite Landau playing on those records.

Scott Henderson · The Man Joined: 20 May 2004 Posts: 2135

Mike was mixing on his API board, so there wasn't much technical info I could carry away since I don't have one. I did learn that the API EQ blew away my shitty plug-ins, but I'm not sure that would still apply since my plug-ins have greatly improved since then. All the guitars on Vibe Station were EQ'd with plug-ins and I think they sound as good or better.

Mike likes to mix very soft - even the fan from the computer was bugging him so he moved it out of the room. He mixes all the high end stuff and puts the bass in last, which I'm told many engineers do. Every time I work with real engineers, I'm blown away by their knowledge of other instruments, especially bass and drums. I kinda know what it's supposed to sound like, but I have a hard time knowing whether to boost 5k or 7k on a cymbal. Mike is an expert on that kind of stuff, having done thousands of sessions and watching some of the best engineers in the business.

I learned more from working with Alan Hertz on Vibe Station since the project never left the computer in any way. No external gear, and the mix was done by simply bouncing to disk. Since we were working in Digital Performer, there was way more info I could take away from that session, since DP is the DAW I always work in.

We Are The Best Band is my favorite Honkies record - great tunes and amazing playing & tones!