Against the Frets:
Giles Barratt

Kraków Music: Why the guitar? How did it all begin for you?

Giles Barratt: My friend’s older brother used to play it and I was amazed at the sound he could get out of it, also it was portable. I used to ask him for some tips on how to play 12 bar blues. I learnt to play The  Clash , Sex Pistol and Talking Head songs even though they were before my time. ( I still consider myself a punk).

KM: What is your favourite genre of music to play?

Giles: Hmmmm, there are two types of music ‘bad or good’ I try to play the latter. 

KM: Feeling or technique? Which is most important?

Giles: Well, your technique has to serve your soul/feeling, Wes Montgomery is the perfect example of someone who had an amazing outstanding technique which served his soulful vibe. Your ears are the most important, technique has to be able to do what you hear (easier said than done). The technique has to serve you not the other way.

What’s one of the songs you play (composed) that you’re most proud of?

I can’t listen to my old compositions anymore, my next ones will be better.

Giles Barratt live with the Jazz Organ Trio at The Gallery Bar Castle Carry, 07.10.2017

How was the learning experience for you? Do you recall any particular teaching, mentoring, advice?

Well, I am learning everyday. The more I learn the more I realise I will never stop learning, that is the beauty. I had a great teacher, Gary Philips, as a teenager. He really pushed me to learn jazz. He once told me: “to play jazz is a long journey.” He was absolutely right. I had some great teachers at Uni who really believed in me and put me in charge of the college jazz band. Whilst studying I was also playing at jazz gigs that the teachers organised. My advice is to find a teacher who believes in you and pushes you. 

What’s your most memorable moment on stage or your most memorable gig? Why?

Hmm, too many to pick one. I guess playing in Glastonbury festival with a hot jazz band on the jazz stage (in front of a big audience). Although, another one that stands out is playing in Warsaw’s Klub Basen as a guest musician playing with EABS supporting Bilal (that was a good night).

What’s your go-to guitar? What’s the one you usually play and feel most comfortable with?

I would be an archtop type guitar, I have a beautiful vintage Gibson es 175 which is my old friend. I also use a Ramirez classical type guitar great for latin music. 

What would you say is your best skill playing the guitar?

Hmmm, I am very critical and hard on myself (so I put a lot of effort into learning). People have told me I have my own sound which I guess is important. I can also be meticulous (good or bad) and spend hours on small details.

What can you say about inspiration? 

Without inspiration I wouldn’t be playing the guitar. 

What guitarist did you get a chance to see live that changed your life?

Ronny Jordan, Jim Mullin, John Etheridge (who I had the chance to play with).

Have you listened to any new music lately? Who? 

I recently listened to Pete Bernstein’s album ‘What Comes Next’ . 

A lot of people say the music today isn’t of the same standard – what do you think?

God knows! I think the level of playing in regards of chops and technique is very high, I just don’t think the scene is the same. The support isn’t there. There are many good bands out there playing on a grass roots level. There are millions of YouTube videos with very good players, however, I feel there is something missing. I think musicians have to be many things now like youtuber, instagamer, etc., which is detrimental to the focus and message of the music. There doesn’t seem to be any message be it political or social. That said there are some good bands out there on a smaller scale. It is a very difficult question.

Who or what is your dirty secret re music?

Say/play what you are feeling and learn music, not chords and scales. Use a metronome like a microscope.

John Etheridge

Ronny Jordan