Red Hot Chili Peppers guitarist John Frusciante recently joined an interview with Guitar World and recalled working with Johnny Marr on his solo album. Frusciante described Marr’s playing style as ‘unconventional.’
Besides being a successful guitarist for Red Hot Chili Peppers, John Frusciante has focused on his solo career. He has released eleven solo albums and seven EPs by embracing experimental rock, electronica, and ambient music in his works. The rocker also has had a chance to collaborate with other significant musicians in these works.
‘The Empyrean,’ released in 2009 as the guitarist’s eighth album, was among these solo works. The album gained a spot on the Billboard 200 in the United States and number seven on the Top Heatseekers. Frusciante collaborated with guest musicians, including his bandmate Flea, Josh Klinghoffer, and former The Smiths guitarist Johnny Marr.
In a recent interview, John Frusciante remembered he worked with Johnny Marr for this album. Frusciante stated that it was a delightful process to work with Marr. According to him, Marr followed a very distinctive and ‘unconventional’ path while creating a piece.
Red Hot Chili Peppers guitarist mentioned that it was a great experience to see Marr’s unique creating process closer. Frusciante also added that Marr was very moderate and unselfish, and there happened a natural connection between them throughout the recordings.
About working with Marr, John Frusciante explained in his words:
“It was really fun. I got to see how Johnny’s creative process worked on the guitar. He’s very unorthodox: in The Smiths’ stuff, the guitar is often a thing blending in with the band, but when you see the way Johnny comes up with things and the way he thinks through the instrument, it’s just totally unconventional. It was amazing to see that creative process at work fitting into the context of a pre-recorded piece of music.
He is an extremely nice person as well: mild-mannered, no ego there or anything like that. When we were doing the mix of that album, it wasn’t like normal. When you write down what’s on each track on the sticker that you put on the mixing console, you write rhythm guitar, lead guitar, whatever it is. But with him, it’s just’ Johnny Marr!'”
You can listen to ‘The Empyrean’ below.
