Interview by Robert Cavuoto
Paul Gilbert is set to unleash his latest instrumental masterpiece, The Dio Album, to the world on April 7th via Mascot Label Group!
A guitar virtuoso best known for his masterful fretwork in the chart-topping hard rock band Mr. Big and high-octane trailblazers Racer X was in his car when he saw something that made his heart start beating faster. This was not a high-value item of interest or even particularly rare, simply a baseball cap with the word “Dio” emblazoned across the front. Sometimes, even for the biggest of guitar legends, the little things hit us in the most profound ways.
The human voices don’t come much more magical than Ronnie James Dio. He was a man who brought a sense of classical finesse to loud and heavy music, ultimately laying down the blueprint for generations of rock singers to come. From that moment, Paul took on the arduous task of recreating his favorite songs sung by Ronnie James Dio across Rainbow, Black Sabbath, and Dio. Instead of having a singer or keyboardist assist with this project, he imitated Ronnie’s vocal tenancy using his guitar savvy. The nuances you hear on the 13 tracks, like “Holy Diver,” “Long Live Rock and Roll,” and “Stargazer,” are meticulously done to perfection on his release using the guitar. After one listen, you will be astonished at how he was able to take on this feat! To pre-order The Dio Album, please click here: https://lnk.to/PaulGilbert
© Sam Gehrke
In my interview with Paul, he shares the guitar techniques he used to recreate Ronnie’s voice, what it was like to record songs written by his guitar heroes Tony Iommi, Ritchie Blackmore, and Vivian Campbell, the excitement around the Mr. Big reunion, and when the band can expect to tour the US! Be sure to listen to their discussion, and please follow My Global Mind on Facebook, Twitter, Spotify, and subscribe to their YouTube channel.
On 7th April 2023, Paul Gilbert will be releasing an album celebrating one of heavy metal’s greatest icons when he releases The Dio Album via Music Theories Recordings/Mascot Label Group. To get a taster check out Gilbert’s mesmeric take on “Holy Diver” here: https://youtu.be/su06ibXGvVQ
It was pure chance that led Paul Gilbert to recording the music heard on latest release The Dio Album. The American guitar virtuoso, best known for his masterful fretwork in chart-topping hard rockers Mr. Big and high-octane trailblazers Racer X – as well as numerous solo records – was in his car when he saw something that made his heart start beating faster in a moment of unexpected, unadulterated joy. This was not a high value item of interest or even particularly rare, simply a baseball cap with the word ‘Dio’ emblazoned across the front. Sometimes, even for the biggest of guitar legends, it’s the little things that hit us in the most profound ways.
On his drive home, a plan was being formulated. Why not capture all of that raw energy and excitement on an album devoted to Ronnie James Dio’s most celebrated tracks – spanning across his career from Rainbow to Black Sabbath and the singer’s own solo endeavours? Gilbert is no stranger to instrumental music, but an entire album dedicated to replicating well established and world-famous vocal melodies on his trusty six-string genuinely felt like new territory. This was already shaping up to be a challenge that he would truly relish.
© Sam Gehrke
The Dio Album Tracklist
1. Neon Knights
2. Kill The King
3. Stand Up And Shout
4. Country Girl
5. Man On The Silver Mountain
6. Holy Diver
7. Heaven And Hell
8. Long Live Rock ‘N’ Roll
9. Lady Evil
10. Don’t Talk To Strangers
11. Starstruck
12. The Last In Line
Release Date
7 April 2023
Available formats
LP
CD
Digital
Paul Gilbert Online:
instagram.com/paulgilbert_official facebook.com/paulgilbertmusic/ twitter.com/PaulGilbertRock
youtube.com/user/paulvsgodzilla
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