E. James Stevens is a Tucson native who has played the guitar since he was 9. He teaches guitar at the Allegro School of Music and for the Symphony Women's Association. For the last 10 years, he has fronted local alt-rockers Muddy Bug, who have a new album due out in December. A Halloween nerd and a new father, Stevens is especially excited to share the holiday this year with his son, Jack, for the first time.
What was the first concert you ever saw?
Weird Al opening for the Monkees at the Tucson Convention Center. I was 8.
What are you listening to these days?
Stephen Malkmus and the Jicks' new album, Mirror Traffic, is in heavy rotation. I'm also getting seriously into satellite radio.
What was the first album you owned?
My first guitar teacher gave me a copy of John Williams' Spanish Guitar Favourites. The first album I bought myself was (U2's) Achtung Baby.
What artist, genre or musical trend does everyone seem to love, but you just don't get?
The 90 percent of alt acts who are devoid of humor. Radiohead is a good example. Super dramatic; no fun stuff.
What musical act, current or defunct, would you most like to see perform live?
Mississippi John Hurt.
Musically speaking, what is your favorite guilty pleasure?
I love T. Rex/Marc Bolan stuff, but I only feel guilty when I sing along in the weird goat voice.
What song would you like to have played at your funeral?
Glenn Miller's rendition of "Tuxedo Junction."
What band or artist changed your life, and how?
Well, as much as I'm sure more-famous artists have inspired me, they all pale in comparison to the few great guitar instructors I've had over the last 23 years.
Figurative gun to your head, what is your favorite album of all time?
It probably has to be a Beatles album. You might have to figuratively shoot me before I could decide on which. Revolver! No, you just got me thinking about guns.
