1 - We don't know much about you. Tell us about your personal history and background?
After finishing school i studied guitar at the MGI in Cologne, afterwards i released two instrumental records "Keeping the Balance" and "Law of the Jungle", the album "Between" with Baby's in Black, a few other CDs and composed and produced two soundtracks for computer games which where a lot of fun, too. Also i've done some studio sessions. Of course my instrumental solo CDs are most important to me.
2 - When did you first pick up the Guitar?
Since age fifteen and i absolutely love it, so i practice like mad. From violin pieces to Les Wise licks.
3 - What motivated you to want to learn to play the guitar?
I loved everything about it, the way it sounds, feels, looks. I could express very personal feelings without actually revealing the details to everyone. You know the mood, feeling and atmosphere comes across but not everyone knows the song is about a certain holiday situation or something...
4 - Who are your main influences?
I loved the 80s, the golden years of guitar and shredding, so i'm influenced by the whole scene, but if i had to pick some i'd say: George Lynch, Vinnie Moore, Al di Meola, Jeff Beck, Steve Vai, Vito Bratta, Marty Friedman, Yngwie...
5 - Who is your favorite guitar player?
I can't name only one, but i guess it would be George, Vinnie or Tony MacAlpine.
6 - What projects are you currently working on?
Right now i'm doing a lot of studio work as well as some gigs and i'm writing a lot for my third solo record. Ah yes, i'm also teaching a lot.
7 - You have a new CD out titled "Law Of The Jungle". Could give us a run down on the music that is included on the release?
Well, the range of styles is quite big: from Fusion to Metal, but it's all very melodic with a lot of guitar playing. I'm simply not satisfied with playing just one style and i feel that i can express certain moods best with a certain style so i use 'em all. What differentiates "Law of the jungle from many other instrumental shred albums is that i don't "hide" the band: I give my drummer and bassist some space. They are incorporated into the composition. Because we are only a three piece band i want to make full use of every instrument. It's a bit more like Dream Theatre or Steve Morse. You can expect some odd times, shredding, progressive metal as well as acoustic guitars, Floyedish atmosphere and ballads, it's really a colorful mix just like a jungle...
8 - What does each track mean to you?
The tracks tell their story. They all have their own atmosphere and of course they are a lot of fun to play...
9 - Whats your favorite song from this album?
I'm most proud of the fifteen minute opus "No good deal", there's so much going on and i put a lot of time into writing it. It goes through different feelings and styles. It contains of theree parts. If you visit my page and GuitarNine you can get excepts of all three parts.
10 - Have you ever done a song or album that you wish you could go back in time and un-do? If so, which one, and why?
No. You write the music, record it and you want people to hear it. You have to work with the stuff you have at that time: The studio, your skills, the musicians and so on. Of course you could want to change something and improve it after finishing the record, but i don't like it when i hear people say "I'm not satisfied with how the album turned out". What they really want to say is "You should hear me when i'm in top form, we can be so much better than this".
11 - What kind of music do you enjoy listening to?
Progressive rock, Instrumental rock, Fusion, Pop - allmost everything. Of course i like the instruments to be played by musicians.
12 - What do you think about the new crop of talented Guitar player's that are currently out there making music?
I think there are fantastic new talents out there. I guess most ot them are on Guitarapalooza. It's so cool that there are still so many guys doing it for the satisfaction, honor and art.
13 - What are your thoughts on the state of instrumental guitar these days?
It will allways be there. It's so satisfying to play and for me there will allways be ground to explore.
14 - Where is the line between performer and musician for you?
In my opinion you should be both (especially in live performance). Maybe some crossover guys are sacrificing performance for music... I guess who writes and can improvise well is allways a musician.
15 - So what do you see happening right now in terms of guitar, and where do you see yourself in a few years?
Shredding comes back into fashion. Not as big as before but you will hear guitar solos on MTV again. I will continue to release instrumental records, play some workshops and tours. I will try to sell enough records to enable me to play live more often. Oh yeah, and some endorsements would be nice!.
16 - what will be next for Martin Behr?
I will enter the studio early next year to record the follow up of "Law of the jungle".
17 - When all is said and done, years from now, how would you want people to remember you?
As a versatile and exceptional guitar-virtuoso and composer with great technique, expressive tone and feeling. (you have asked for it - did anybody give a different answer?).
18 - Can we expect to see you in Mexico any time soon?
To be honest it doesn't look like it right now, but if i sell enough records to be able to afford it, i would love to visit Mexico!
19 - Is there anything else you would like to share with our readers that we have not asked or may have overlooked?
Yeah! Please visit my homepage and listen to my soundclips at www.martinbehr.de , I have to tell you how great it is to have the time to write my own music and play guitar all day. Thanks for reading this interview! Ciao cari amici!.
20 - Thanks for your time, we really appreciated it!, and we hope to see you soon, thank you very much!.
Jorge Miranda.