The Fuzz Universe title is inspired by Gilbert being so immersed in the world of guitar it made him realize that he lives in a "fuzz universe." "Every generation of guitar players has their own terminology for the rock guitar sound: Distortion, Overdrive, Gain, Crunch, Saturation, Drive, etc. For me, the word is 'fuzz.'"
"On Fuzz Universe, I think I've taken a giant step closer to the ultimate rock guitar sound and playing of my dreams. I've used many of my signature techniques from Racer X and Mr. Big, but twisted them into new chords, grooves, and emotions.
As always, my influences are diverse and not what you might expect from a 'heavy metal' artist. While I was writing the songs for Fuzz Universe, I was immersing myself in Bulgarian Female Choir music, Baroque lute and violin pieces, Johnny Cash songs about trains, cows, mules, and mining coal, the Bee Gees, and Ronnie James Dio. I mix all this into my head, and out came endless new ideas for my guitar to chew on.
"After several months of being locked in my writing room, I gathered my touring band together and headed to the studio. Jeff Bowders played drums. Craig Martini played bass. Emi Gilbert (my wife) played keyboards. And I bent the guitar strings until I couldn't play anymore.
"As usual, there are no dramatic stories here. No heroin overdoses, motorcycle accidents, celebrity divorces, or band-member boxing matches. The emotion, drama, and power are all in the music. That is the universe that I want to live in."
For more information click on paulgilbert.com.
