Pete Thorn

Pete Thorn - Guitar Nerd - 2011 - Audio & Video Labs, Inc./Pete Thorn

"Guitar Nerd" is virtuoso guitarist Pete Thorn’s first all instrumental guitar album which is an eclectic mix of dynamic rock and often complex melodic compositions. Pete said that his main objective in recording this album “was to make a great sounding instrumental rock guitar record, with no compromises artistically or stylistically. I didn’t worry about what is “cool” or “not cool.” I just played a bit of everything that I like to play! In short, “Guitar Nerd” is a true reflection of me - I am (and always will be) a guitar nerd!” The album was written and produced by Pete. Other artists appearing on Guitar Nerd include Jon Button (Roger Daltry, Robben Ford), Jorgen Carlsson (Gov’t Mule) on bass and Blair Sinta (Melissa Etheridge), Toss Panos (Michael Landau, Steve Lukather, John Scofield, Larry Carlton), and Dorian Crozier on drums. Pete has performed to millions of fans worldwide and his popular YouTube channel is full of great tips for aspiring guitarists. “Guitar Nerd” has been described as “Killer instrumental rock guitar for the 21st century.....”. Don’t ignore artists like Pete Thorn. Like so many great guitarists out there, he is “flying under the radar” and may never be heard on mainstream media. Similar to guitarists like Andy Timmons, Pete is a tremendous guitarist, but he lets the melody and the vibe of his music take precedence over the often monotonous and boring flashy guitar solos that so many guitarists get embroiled in. Watch out for future releases from this guy [All tracks @ 320 Kbps: File size = 82.3 Mb]

TRACKS

1. Revenge Of The Nerd 4:31
2. Perplexed 3:29
3. Into The Ether 3:57
4. Homage 3:09
5. Monster Movie 3:23
6. Velvet Fist 3:39
7. 10th Street 3:21
8. Paid By The Note 3:37
9. Promise 1:40
10. Big Mistake 5:08

All music composed by Pete Thorn

MUSICIANS

Pete Thorn - Guitar
Jon Button, Jorgen Carlsson, Steve Stevens - Bass
Blair Sinta, Dorian Crozier, Toss Panos - Drums

BIO

While prolific guitar sideman Pete Thorn may refer to himself as a “guitar nerd” – his resume proves he’s anything but. His effortless, dynamic playing have landed him onstage alongside such legendary artists as Don Henley, Chris Cornell and Melissa Etheridge among others -- and his debut solo CD Guitar Nerd garnered critical praise and landed on CD Baby’s top seling albums list. In his late teens, the ambitious Edmonton native packed up his guitars and moved South of the (Canadian) border to attend Los Angeles’ famed Musician’s Institute. After graduation, he joined the LA-based band Surreal McCoys who signed with Sony Music Japan. While Surreal McCoys didn’t last, it was Thorn’s experience working with the band’s lead singer Frank Simes (who also worked with Don Henley, Mick Jagger, Warren Zevon and Stevie Nicks among others) that allowed the talented newcomer to make valuable inroads in the Los Angeles music industry that would pay off long-term. In 1997, Thorn joined Sparkler (Giant Records) and also worked Ami, Kevin Gilbert, and Laura Harding. From 1999-2001, he toured extensively throughout the US, Canada and Europe with several different artists including: Adam Cohen (Columbia Records); Blinker the Star (Dreamworks Records) and Evan and Jaron (Columbia Records) before joining Pop/Rock outfit Snapdragon (Straightline/Atlantic) and releasing The Family Jewels. 2001 found Thorn touring with singer/songwriter John Ondrasik’s Five For Fighting (Aware Records) and the following year, he joined Canadian Alternative Rock band Forty Foot Echo whose self-titled debut album featured the singles “Brand New Day” which was featured in the Disney film Freaky Friday and “Save Me” which was a Top 10 Rock Radio hit in Canada. Adding even more credits to his resume, Thorn toured and recorded with Grammy™-winning, Columbia Records’ artist Robi Draco Rosa and in 2006 he toured with multi-platinum-selling singer/songwriter Jewel. In addition, he and wrote and recorded tracks with Punk Rock diva Courtney Love – of which, several songs ended up on the 2010 Hole album, Nobody’s Daughter. Next, the ultra-busy axman joined ex-Soundgarden/Audioslave vocalist Chris Cornell’s solo band and toured extensively in the US, Canada, Europe, Australia, and South America, in support of Carry On and Scream albums. After which, in 2009, he joined Eagles’ founder, Don Henley’s band. Presently, Thorn tours with Henley and singer/songwriter/activist Melissa Etheridge. Taking a break from sideman duties, in 2011, Thorn opted to step to the forefront and released his first solo album Guitar Nerd -- an instrumental guitar album with 10 tracks that showcase every sonic arrow in Thorn’s impressive quiver of guitar styles, sounds and techniques. On the lead track, “Revenge of the Nerd,” Thorn infuses the Blues/Rock song with a sonic smorgasbord of precise playing, hammering, Wah-wah pedal, distortion, fast-tapping and melodic lines full of shreddy goodness. While on “Into the Ether,” Thorn showcases a clean, straightforward Stratocaster sound that emphasizes his dynamic finger-picking, beautiful arpeggios, David Gilmour-esque glissandos and an atmospheric sound that can only be described as effortless. Thorn’s musical range further extends on tracks like “Monster Movie” which features Punk-tinged, gritty Rock guitar solos and riffs that bring out the air guitar player in all of us. Channeling his inner gear nerd, Thorn has taken to demonstrating guitar gear and accessories on his wildly popular Youtube channel which has so far garnered more than 3 million hits – proving there’s a lot of “guitar nerds” out there. But if a lifelong, unabashed passion for playing guitar in all its styles and permutations with some of the best artists in the world qualifies as “nerd” status…? Then Pete Thorn is, indeed, a fabulous guitar nerd. Peter endorses: Suhr Guitars and Amps, EVH gear, Taylor Guitars, Ernie Ball strings, Fractal Audio, Glab, Musicomlab and MXR/Dunlop © http://www.peterthorn.com/fr_home.cfm