DATE:  08/03/09

NAME: Gwyn Ashton

INSTRUMENT(s): Vocals/Guitar/Harmonica

CURRENT RELEASE: ‘Two-Man Blues Army’ (coming soon)

WEBSITE: www.gwynashton.com

1. Biggest Influence(s)?
When I was a 16 year old guitarist my first rock concert was Chuck Berry. I was really into 50s stuff then. I saw Buddy Holly's Chirping Crickets album cover and HAD to buy a Strat. I was a Beatlemaniac, loved Dennis Wilson's white Strat then got into Rory Gallagher, ZZ Top, Roy Buchanan, Johnny Winter, Hendrix, Jeff Beck, Bluesbreakers with Clapton. Didn't really dig Zep that much. Preferred the Yardbirds. They grew on me but to me Beck, not Page, was the man. More into the Stones and a bunch of Aussie bands you've probably never heard of. These days the electric rock thing doesn't do anything for me at all. I prefer a lot of acoustic players. I like Chris Whitley and songwriters with a bit more to say than the average rock thing. Steve Earl is so cool and, of course, Neil Young. After Spinal Tap came out I realised how close to the truth it was!

2. Favourite records/tracks old or new?
Rory Gallagher - Irish Tour '74
Beatles - Revolver
Chris Whitley - Dirt Floor
Freddie King's Greatest Hits
Fabulous Thunderbirds - Girls Go Wild
Jeff Beck - Blow By Blow
ZZ Top - Fandango (now remastered with bonus live stuff)
Bluesbreakers with Clapton

3. What would you be if not a musician?
Truck driver.

4. Career high point so far?
Touring with Quo for 15 nights, ending at Wembley. Touring with Johnny Winter.  

5. Perfect night off?   
Going to a gig in LA or Austin and then a good Thai curry, preferably at Toi Thai on Sunset Boulevard or any Mexican cantina.

6. Most recent CD in your CD player?  
Buddy Whittington

7. Favourite book/film?
Any 1950s Sci-Fi. The Blob. The Fly (Vincent Price)

8. Whiskey - Jack or Jim?
I don't drink.