Marty Friedman
...by John Di Saia

The name here is nothing strange to the followers of hard rock
guitar. Even prior to his union with Megadeth, he had pushed the
metallic speed pedal forward on Shrapnel records as early as 1981
(for those who remember U.S. Metal). He proceeded through a dual
guitar outfit with Jason Becker called Cacophony and a solo
album, all firmly metallic in construct. So, Marty has released a
new solo record on Shrapnel Scenes; we all know what's going to
be on it. Right?

NOPE! Right from the producer (New Age artist Kitaro), this one
is different. So, why would someone who has finally "made it" in
the hard rock arena, do such as irrational thing? These questions
(and others) were broached in a recent discussion.

Marty explains that he has "done alot of aggressive playing" and 
has an outlet for his aggressive side, playing in Megadeth.
Scenes was an opportunity to express some other feelings rather
than marking "a conscious direction change." He happened upon
Kitaro through a translator he met in Japan. Having admired
Kitaro's music for some time, the two collaborated on the first
half of the album. The other half was co-produced with Shrapnel's
in house producer Steve Fontano. The result is instrumental and
with a definite New Age character. There are many moody and airy
moments and a noticeable lack of fretburning, which may dismay
some of Friedman's fans. For Marty, it seems that writing music
is an exploration in the new and different. 

He will not willingly focus on particular influences, although
the concept of a solo fitting into a song came up. He appreciates
the efforts of players such as Elliot Easton (Cars) and Neil
Geraldo (Pat Benatar) for their consideration of the song when
playing the solo. Uli Roth (former Scorpions) also served to
influence the young Friedman to study the music of other cultures
(particularly Asian and Indian). When he first started playing
"exciting lead guitar stuff" of many sorts was his focus.
Currently, he listens to a diverse array of music at home. He
would not specify any particular bands as favorites on the home
stereo. When he has just been on tour he may take a hiatus from
listening to music for a few weeks. Writing and playing are more
easily done on the road where he explains the atmosphere is more
charged. Marty admits that he plays more on the road and after a
short rest at home misses the intensity of touring.

Hardcore metal fans need not fret. (Leave that to Friedman)
Megadeth although still on their "Countdown to Extinction" tour
has recorded a tune for the upcoming Arnold Schwarzeneggar flick
"The Last Action Hero." The song was recorded in (of all places)
a studio in Scottsdale, Arizona and is currently undergoing its
final mixing manipulations.

Friedman does not consider himself seriously in the "Guitar Hero"
category. He has a "hard time" thinking of himself in this light,
as he feels it indicates that the height of his career has been
reached. The axemeister feels that he is still learning and
wishes that he had time to take lessons. For similar reasons,
consideration for a tour on Scenes has not been given. Marty is
pleased with the new record and has written material towards
another New Age type effort. Finding the time to record it with
the current Megadeth touring schedule is another story
altogether.