June 2019

After a lauded debut in 1978, Arlen Roth became a sought-after session player and composer. His new album features Telecaster gods Steve Cropper, Brad Paisley, Redd Volkaert, Steve Wariner, Brent Mason, Vince Gill, Albert Lee, Jack Pearson, Bill Kirchen, Johnny Hiland, Jerry Donahue, Joe Bonamassa, and other superstars gathered for an extraordinary project.

We pay homage to the late Dick Dale, then talk about new projects with Greg Martin, Nita Strauss, Dale Watson, Steve Earle, Scott Holiday, Steve Hackett, and D.J. Williams. We also tell the story of an ordinary guitar that made extraordinary music – the ’73 Strat used by Ed King to record “Sweet Home Alabama.” Our trademark instrument profiles include a look at the Cortez “Les Paul,” Silvertone’s Model 1433 amp, and we dig into the historically vital guitars made by Bacon & Day. As always, we’re ready with a new list of VG Approved Gear, and Hit List reviews of the best new music. It’s all in the June issue, available now!