Ahead of a set of shows in February and March supporting her new album, ‘The Call Of The Void,’ Nita Strauss joined a recent chat with Total Guitar. During the interview, she shared her thoughts about Jimmy Page’s music and claimed playing his solos as a modern guitarist would cause heavy criticism.
When the interviewer commented that Page was a fluid player when it came to time, she shared:
“For sure. I almost think if a modern player delivered a Jimmy Page solo, they’d get crucified. People would be saying the bends are out of key, or this note doesn’t fit in, or blah, blah, blah. But whatever he comes out with, Jimmy always makes it work.”
Detailing her views on the ex-Led Zeppelin member’s style, the guitarist went on:
“He’s showed us what we play doesn’t always have to be perfectly time-coded or on the grid, the bends can go a little sharp, the vibrato can be a little erratic, and that can work even better than perfectly executed and punched-in stuff. He’s organic and real… there’s all that feel in what he comes out with because he plays from the heart, not the head.”
Nita’s Favorite From Page’s Catalog
Strauss also revealed her favorite Jimmy Page riff. The guitarist, who took ‘actual guitar lessons‘ only after getting her gig with Alice Cooper’s band, mentioned playing this song during her audition:
“It’s hard to pick just one, but I guess there’s a reason why ‘Whole Lotta Love’ is the classic. Actually, if I remember correctly, they even asked me to play that song as part of my audition for the Alice Cooper band!”
Speaking of the opening track from 1969’s ‘Led Zeppelin II,’ she explained:
“It’s such a classic, straightforward riff that every guitarist can appreciate and play – it doesn’t matter if you’re a beginner or very advanced, you will be able to sit down and play that riff as well as really enjoy it.”
Strauss continued to talk about Page’s influence on other musicians by saying his ‘E blues magic’ in ‘Whole Lotta Love’ inspired many bands. She commented, ‘Let’s give credit where it’s due!’
