Tuesday September 2nd, 2003

Guitarist Marcus Wolf to back Thalia on Latin Grammy Awards

Marcus Wolf has one of the most sought-after gigs in the Latin world - playing guitar for Thalia, who's nominated for Best Female Pop Vocal Album for her self-titled release at this year's Latin Grammy Awards. Thalia will perform on show, which takes place Wednesday, Sept. 3 at 9 p.m. ET on CBS and is broadcast to over 100 countries. Known by his fans as "Wolf," he's a singer and songwriter based in New York City. His current album, Shallow Breath, was released on his own Occupancy 1 Records and was produced by Wolf and producer/engineer Robert Murphy.

Photo by John Mazlish

Wolf took a few minutes from his busy performance schedule to talk to Gibson.com.

Why Gibsons? What is it about the Les Paul model in particular?

I grew up seeing my music idols playing Gibsons, and I'm drawn to the aesthetic beauty and versatility of the Gibson instruments. Jimmy Page was a major influence in my early years of playing, which is probably the reason for my initial attraction to the Les Paul. The LP is the epitome of the rock & roll sound. I can't think of a better guitar to slam down an open E chord!

You've recently begun playing a CS-446 - what do you like about this model?

The 446 is a very versatile instrument. It has a solid spruce top that reminds me of my acoustic guitar, and it breathes and its tone opens up as you play it. This guitar sounds great in a jazz setting. I can get a real sweet tone if I roll off the tone on the rhythm pickup. The neck feels a lot like my 1960 Les Paul reissue. The 446 really rocks out when I crank up the preamp on my amp I absolutely love the feedback when I play in a rock setting. I can control it very easily. Another bonus is how light the guitar is!

What inspired you to start playing the guitar?

My original inspiration was friends who lived down the block. They were jamming in their garage and I came over and was just listening, thinking to myself "how great this is!" Shortly after I bought a guitar and started practicing 4 or 5 hours a day.

What advice can you give up-and-coming players?

Always stay true to yourself as a musician. Play music with honesty and integrity, not because you think you'll be cool if you play this or that way. Be open and listen to all genres of music. You never know when someone will say "Hey, can you play some Spanish classical guitar riffs over this hip hop tune?"

What is it like playing with the hottest Latina artist of the day?

I think it's a great opportunity to be immersed in the music business at that level. I've already met so many people and the gig is fun to play. There is a lot of guitar-driven tunes and I get a chance to open up on a few solos. That's always good!

How do you balance the self-promotion or business aspect of what you do compared with the artist side of the coin?

That subject is a constant learning process for me. The focus on the business side for me at this moment is networking and meeting new people. The more gigs I play, the more people know who I am. When I'm working so much as a sideman it's difficult to keep on top of the Marcus Wolf Band, but I make the money to pay for music production and marketing that I'll take care of on my down time. I try to have quiet time each day. It's really important to be grounded and centered so when I go out to work I can show up fully and play my best. I carry a journal everywhere I go, and I never know when a lyric will find its way to the page.

What's your idea of the perfect gig?

Playing music I love that might be challenging, or just something I absolutely adore, sharing that music with people who enjoy the moment. They take that moment home with them as a good memory. Have all that happen and get paid well.

Are you a guitar collector, or do you view the guitar more as a tool?

As I said in the first question, I love the aesthetic beauty of a guitar and I might have a collector's taste in the quality of an instrument. But, I definitely play the instruments I own. Tools all the way!

What was your first Gibson?

A cream colored Les Paul Custom.

What's next on the Occupancy 1 calendar?

A show at The Bitter End, September 9 in New York City. The Bitter End is my home base in New York.