Pro File: Exclusive Interview with heavy-duty shredder, John Hahn. His background, his process, guitars, Influences and the new album, "Undiscovered World"
Interview with heavy-duty Shredder, John Hah about his latest album, "Undiscovered World".
Fantastic guitar centric album with so much emotion and virtuosity. A stunning record, more like a work of art. Not too over the top but technically amazing, not too cliched but able to draw real emotion from the humble electric guitar. The arrangement of guitar melodies and riffs will tingle and tickle the ears all the while blowing your mind.
John Hahn is excited to announce the completion and release of his new John Hahn instrumental release, “Undiscovered World” Featuring Carl Canedy on drums.
"Another impressive Cd from John Hahn. Progressive hard rock/metal melodic instrumentals with just the right amount of shred. Fans of earlier Dream Theater should appreciate the complexity of some of the tracks. A must for fans of guitar instrumentals."
~David T. Chastain – Guitarist, GM Leviathan Records
Early influences - John started developing his ear at an early age as his influences evolved drawing inspiration from “old school” guitar greats like, Ritchie Blackmore, Neil Schon, Michael Schenker and Steve Morse, and innovators like Eddie Van Halen, next wave players like George Lynch, Steve Vai and Joe Satriani who were blazing up the scene at the time. In later years, heavy influences included the likes of Paul Gilbert, Vinnie Moore, Greg Howe, John Petrucci, etc.
"Hey John, I bought the album on itunes, and I have to tell you that it’s absolutely amazing! The astounding technique, great song craft, and outstanding production make this album a joy and inspiration to listen to from front to back! Congratulations John Hahn!"
~Paul Lidel – Guitarist, Dirty Looks, Dangerous Toys, 99 Crimes
Live Playing Experience - John gained very valuable performing experience touring the US and Canada where the band headlined packed venues as well as supporting such national acts as Ted Nugent, Foghat, Night Ranger and Winger, playing an average of 4 nights per week for 8 years…THAT’S OVER 1600 SHOWS!
In his own words… “Over these many years through my musical journey - playing, touring (estimated over 1600 shows), writing and recording, I have had the pleasure of meeting and making friends with so many people and have shared a lifetime of incredible memories! Guitar is my passion, and this new release is a snapshot of where I am at this point in time as a player and writer. It is my hope that as my style evolves, current friends and fans will enjoy the material as well as introducing a new audience to my music. I feel as though I have captured my best writing and playing in this release. Please spread the word…for many, my music is still an “Undiscovered World”.”
Into the Spotlight - While John Hahn had the club scene abuzz with his guitar wizardry, it was Shrapnel Records head Mike Varney who catapulted John to the national spotlight when he was featured in Mike’s Spotlight column in Guitar Player Magazine. Additional notable national press would include John being featured in a “Guitar School Magazine” article where he was named as one of the “Next generation of guitar heroes”, “the Vai’s and Satriani’s of tomorrow”.
John Hahn “Out of the Shadows” - John’s instrumental debut release "Out of the Shadows" on Leviathan Records in the US, Zero Records (Japan), Killerwatt(Europe) shot him into the limelight gaining much international praise and recognition in such publications as Guitar World, Guitar School, Rip, Guitar Player and Guitar for the Practicing Musician.
John Hahn “Darkness Falls” - Energized to create another instrumental CD, John then turned back to his studio, composing musical pieces complete with solid foundation songs laden with his signature guitar work of melody, technique, emotion, dynamics, feel, flash and fury!
“John and I have been friends for a long time, I played drums on his first album and he played guitars on my “Headbanger” album. I’ve always loved his playing, but I also loved his writing. On this album (Undiscovered World) his playing has improved greatly which is hard to believe because he had very little room to improve. The song writing is just fantastic on this release. I love every cut, and it was an honor to contribute to this album.”
~Carl Canedy – Drummer, Producer, The Rods, Canedy
Canedy “Headbanger” - John's next musical endeavor again had him cross paths with The Rods drummer Carl Canedy who approached him to play guitars on Carl's solo project "Headbanger". On this release you can hear John's signature style throughout this very powerful offering. John covered all rhythm and lead guitars, bass on one track and on two occasions traded guitar solos with Trans-Siberian Orchestra's Chris Caffery!! In addition to Carl, John had the privilege of sharing sonic space with amazing vocalists including Mark Tornillo (Accept), Joe Comeau (Annihilator, Liege Lord and Overkill) and none other than the greatest metal voice of all time, Ronnie James Dio (vocal tracks pulled from previously recorded version of The Code)!
"A pleasant musical journey that does not tire even for a minute… His influences by guitarists like R.Blackmore, N.Schon, S.Morse, E.Van Halen, J.Satriani, S.Vai & J.Tafolla appear within his compositions. I choose tracks “Fuel Injection”, “Heaven’s Fury”, “Thrill Of The Chase” & “Close To The Edge”. Check this release… worth it!"
~ Harry Norumaniac - ALBUM REVIEWZ
