Full-baked notions

By Globe reporter Emily Burden

KNOWN for his great vocals and slick guitar playing, John McCarthy, aka JR, has become one of Guernsey’s finest talents. He is also one of its rarest showmen, being one of just a few people who can lend his voice to any genre and who has the guts (and inspiration) to use a power drill on his guitar during live performances.

His diversity as an artist and fearlessness in thinking outside the box were highlighted at Battle of the Bands 2006, when he and his band walked away with the title.

We take a look at his work here and get the lowdown on what lies ahead.

John is well known as the guitarist for local band The Bake, but over the past two years he has cultivated an individual identity, exploring more genres than anyone could ever have imagined, taking influences from the likes of Paul Gilbert, John Petrucci, Al di Meola, Frank Zappa, Steve Vai and Bradly Nowell of Sublime.

John started playing on a dusty old acoustic, which was missing strings, when he was 14.

‘It was really just a hobby to keep me out of trouble,’ he said. ‘I became dedicated pretty fast.

‘I think what really kicked off my interest was starting lessons with Steve McCarthy – not only did he teach me a lot about music theory, but he also catered for any inspirational needs.

‘He referred me to artists that he knew would influence me greatly – some of which I still love today.’

Not only did Steve introduce John to great artists that would inspire him, but he also gave him the chance to gain grades with the guitar.

‘Steve allowed me to take a grade five music exam,’ explained John.

‘It was a great opportunity for me. Guernsey needs more people like Steve – the guy built up an army of dedicated and cognizant players. Most of the greatest local young players I know took lessons with him.’

Not long after, John met with local bass player Louis Barnes. Together they started The Bake, alongside singer Jack Crisp and drummer Guy Christopher. The band quickly became popular, separating themselves from other bands as the only one to play so many different genres in one performance, giving them a wider audience. It pushed boundaries for John as a guitar player and was another musical turning point for him.

‘We’ve all got such widespread influences and I developed a lot of new musical interests through the guys,’ John said.

The band gained experience through constant gigging, with a varied set that included an assortment of songs from groups such as Sublime, Primus and Cypress Hill. John also started doing solo performances, playing mainly reggae-flavoured sets, which was a chance for him to develop his voice.

‘It gave me the freedom to function as an independent player if the need arises,’ he explained.

‘For me, it’s all been about the rush – I like to keep it unpredictable on stage, all the way from my largely improvised playing style to stage props and outfits.’

He is currently studying psychology and criminology at Portsmouth University and, with the rest of The Bake also currently studying, John predicts there isn’t much further for them to go as a band.

‘It’s been a good road,’ John said.

‘But I don’t feel we can go much further. However, I am planning on starting up a few projects, which includes a recording project this summer.

‘I plan to record some experimental material with a friend who studies production and hopefully combine my interests in guitar virtuosity with my love for an organic sound and groove.’

In the meantime, John wants to keep working on his musical style, absorb more influences and focus on writing originals.

‘My aim is to tilt my hat to any music, regardless of genre, that has inspired me as a person and as a musician, from the mind-bending technicality of progressive rock to the simple truth of funk and reggae.’

And for that, we tilt our hats to him.