If progressive neo-classical is your cup of notes, then you're going to love Rusty Cooley. Cooley's music is instrumental guitar at its most challenging. Using inventive counterpoint and classically-tinged melodic ideas, Rusty has put together a demo that showcases his formidable technique and love of all things fast. From the MacAlpine-inspired melodies of 'War of the Angels', through the manic shred moments of 'The Butcher' to the post-Haji's Kitchen sounds of 'Hillbilly Militia', Rusty's demo is an excellent introduction to an amazing player. But how did he go about accumulating such an impressive musical knowledge? 'I took two months of private guitar lessons when I first started (aged 15) and that was about all I could take -- there were some pretty bad local instructors. So I decided to study on my own. I taught myself at first through the Metal Method series and Ted Greens books; also I own a lot of instructional videos. I studied music fundamentals and theory 1 in High School and college and whilst there I used to practice as many hours a day as I could -- but as we all know, the older you get the less time you have. I teach guitar six day a week and I still try to practice as much as I can -- though not as consistently as I used to. As for early influences, I was always into rock, metal, classical, jazz and fusion from an early age. I'm influenced by all styles and try to incorporate a little of everything.'
After attending the National Guitar Summer Workshop in Connecticut Rusty obtained his first teaching job in High School. His first real band was called Revolution which opened for headliners such as Badlands, Nitro and Every Mother's Nightmare. He next formed the band, Dominion, and in 1995 entered and won the Guitar Masters Series in Houston. Around this time Cooley began working on original instrumentals which, in his own words, 'represent my desire to record a totally over-the-top guitar instrumental release featuring state-of-the-art chops and strong melodic content.' Rusty was also selected as runner-up in the Jason Becker AIM Scholarship Search in 1996. He has also hosted 3 episodes of a local TV show called World Class Guitar Techniques, and in March 98 was invited to join Shrapnel act, Haji's Kitchen which, due to problems of relocation, he had to decline.
Rusty's music is typical of the post-Cacophony-style -- heavy, experimental and complex. At times he reminds me of players like Michael Romeo and Adrian English; but what does he think of the label of "neo-classical" being applied to his music? And does this particular idiom have a future as we move into the next century?
'I'm not even sure neo-classical is still alive,' says Cooley. 'I think the guys that play this stuff do it because they love it and don't really care about commercial success. I do what makes me happy. I love this stuff and I'll continue to play this way for as long as I enjoy doing it.'
What about favourite players?
'I think there many great players out there and I have talked shop with many of them at one time or another. I teach with Terry Syrek at NGSW -- he's an awesome guitar player. Nowadays I'm inspired by virtuoso violin and piano works. There are far too many name to list here however. The guitarists I like to listen to now include George Bellas, Shawn Lane, Allan Holdsworth -- anyone who's doing something crazy with the instrument.'
The 'shred' scene has come in for some heavy criticism from the press. Does Cooley mind being labelled a 'shredder'? 'I really don't think about it much,' relies Cooley. 'I just do what I do. I guess there's worse things one could be called. But I was doing this sort of stuff before it was called shred. Shred to me is the most extreme, cutting-edge, push-it-to-the-limits freakazoidal stuff out there and I love it, crave it, eat, sleep and breathe it.
'I try to push the music to the limits, try to break new ground. I'm not satisfied doing the same old thing. There's nothing memorable about that. I want to contribute to the guitar. Leave something behind people can learn from and build on. The possibilities are endless. You have to keep on pushing forward and that's just what I plan on doing.'
Rusty's demos have received favourable reviews on Guitar 9, Guitar 2001, for which he has also authored instructional columns. But what about future projects? 'I'm finishing a ten track instrumental CD that I plan on releasing later this year; then I'll be starting a prog/metal thing which will feature a vocalist. I just want to play for people who are looking for a little more than the norm.'
And here's some clips from his (RealAudio) tunes: War of the Angels and Hillbilly Militia
Email: scooley0224@earthlink.net
Matt's Playlist:
John Barry -- Across the Sea of Time (soundtrack)
John Barry -- Zulu: The Film Scores of John Barry
Rusty Cooley -- 97/98/99 Demos
Bernard Herrmann -- Souvenirs De Voyage/Echoes
Rachmaninov -- Piano Concerto No. 3/Prince Rostislav
Matt's Mind|Matt's Music|The Modern Guitarist
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