PAUL NELSON: PIECING TOGETHER A KILLER CAREER By Brian Coles Paul Nelson isn't some '80s metal guitarist burnout. Quite opposite, he's a growing success story already filled with a diverse and eyebrow raising resume. Whether it be tearing it up with Liege Lord back in the day, getting offers from the likes of Dio, Steelheart, Slaughter and countless others to writing music for the much hyped XFL last year, he's still got more on the table. He recently laid down tracks for Uriah Heep and Savatage tribute albums and did a Liege Lord reunion last year. He also contributed to the Warmth in the Wilderness Jason Becker tribute album. But, alas, he's got his own music too! He's about to release an a new album called Look as well! Nelson talks with Electricbasement.com about these projects and more! Paul, thanks for doing this. You've just appeared on the Jason Becker tribute disc. Tell us how you got involved in it... My management was in touch with Lion Records (www.lionmusic.com) in Finland a few weeks before the albums release and they were very interested in me becoming involved, so I immediately began searching for a song and set up recording time at the Carriage House studios on the East coast. You did the song "Blue," and amazingly I might add. Why did you choose that track? Or was it chosen for you? Thanks for the kind words! I actually chose that song and was lucky that it was available it really fit with my style and I knew it would allow me to be very expressive guitar wise. All the proceeds from the album go to the Becker family to help with Jason's fight against ALS and I'm very glad I was able to contribute. You might best be known for your Liege Lord days, but you have quite a resume that includes many styles of music. You still shred, but you do more than that. What percentage of the time do you find yourself playing metal as opposed to other styles? It depends on the situation one day I'm rehearsing for a Liege Lord reunion and it's metal then the next day I'm recording rock guitar tracks for the WWF's XFL (yes, that was me) then R+B parts for a European shampoo commercial it's all mixed up but I wouldn't have it any other way. I understand Schenker was a big influence on you, yet so were many blues based and non-metal guitarists like Johnny Winter, BB King etc. Which kind of playing do you enjoy most nowadays? Like I said, - all of it! As a guitarist I have studied to become a total musician and that means being able to adapt to and appreciate all of what music has to offer. I will say that Metal is my first love then blues and Fusion. Also, which do you find more challenging, playing for feel or the technical approach? First on the list for any guitarist is the pursuit of technical skills then feel works itself in. Being proficient on ones instrument allows the freedom of full expression without restraints the challenge is the perfect blend of both. On any given day either one can challenge you. I know Liege Lord had a resurgence / reunion recently. Was that a one time thing or will we see more from the band? You must be talking about our reunion show at the Wacken festival in Germany that was great Joe (vocalist for Annihilator) and I had a blast and the fan were very responsive we've had many offers to do more shows and are talking it over as we speak. I read you were given offers to join the likes of Dio, Anthrax, Steelheart and a slew of others in the late 80s. First of all, that shows the flexibility in your playing. Were you surprised at some of those offers? Yes, of course, back then, my reputation as a guitar player was starting to get me noticed in the industry. Offers to join other bands were becoming more frequent. My dedication to the band remained solid, although I will admit, that there were a few offers that I did weaken to, and upon hearing this list, anyone would have done the same there were the ones you mentioned Dio, Anthrax, and House of Lords, Icon, Slaughter, as well as an offer to join Steel Heart a week after their deal with MCA while I was still in the studio (recording "Master Control") It's funny I just talked to Mike (Matijevic Steel Heart) he called me to tell me he was the vocal voice over of Mark Wahlberg in the new movie "Rock Star". Do you regret not taking any of the offers? Hey it's a crap shoot. Hell, I just got a call from T-Bone Wolk to audition for Hall and Oats along with Reb Beach. It's funny you just never know for Dio I was 2nd on the list but he still recommended me for other things which worked out just as well. No regrets. Okay, here's your chance to tell us everything your up to now! I just finished recording the guitar tracks for the 2 songs for Century Media Record's tribute albums to Savatage and Uriah Heep due out this February...oh yea and there is my web site www.paulnelsonguitar.com and my solo album "LOOK" which is out now plus a new endorsement deal with ernieball strings as well as an appearance on a Vol. ll regarding the Jason tribute and much much more.