12 QUESTIONS WITH "TOO SLIM" TIM LANGFORD
Can you give us a brief history of your
playing career?
I started Too Slim and the Taildraggers in 1986 and have been doing that ever since. I had a rockabilly punk band called The Studebakers and also played country music in The Hombres. Too Slim and the Taildraggers have been collaborating with the Spokane Jazz Orchestra over the past 10 years. It’s very exciting because they wrote charts for our music, which gives the songs a whole new dimension. I’ve been a member of the Love Ride Allstar Band which included Robbie Krieger (The Doors), Todd Smallwood (Mick Fleetwood Band), Rusty Anderson (Paul McCartney Band), Andrew Kastner (Jack Mack and the Heart Attack) and Les Falconer III (Keb’ Mo’ Band). My song The Fortune Teller is featured on the Born to Ride - Love Ride 24 CD... we’re in good company, it also features Jeff Healey (God rest his soul), Gregg Allman, Andy Summers, Brian Setzer, Randy Bachman, and Robby Krieger to name a few.
What inspired you to start playing guitar?
I saw ZZ Top live when I was about 13 and there was no turning back!
What was your first electric guitar?
My first electric guitar was some crazy looking Japanese model with a bunch of push buttons on it, I can’t recall the name, but I referred to it as the “Vegamatic”. I paid $50.00 for it. I had to save my allowance, mow lawns stuff like that to get the money to buy it. My Mom bought me a Strat after that. I think she figured I was pretty serious about it.
What are your top 5 favorite records?
• Allman Brothers – Live at the Fillmore
• ZZ Top - Tres Hombres
• Lynyrd Skynyrd – Second Helping
• Neil Young – Harvest
• George Harrison – All Things Must Pass
What was the proudest moment and/or performance
of your playing career?
I just sold out the Fox Theater in the town I grew up in (Spokane WA), and it was the night after Tony Bennet sold out the same venue. That made me feel pretty good! You could still feel Tony Bennet’s mojo in the house! There have been lots of good moments, I feel lucky I get to do what I want for a living.
How did you hear about Reverend?
Ad in Guitar Player Magazine.
What Reverend guitar(s) are you using?
I use a Warhawk HB and a Slingshot. I would like to add a Volcano to my collection. I used the Reverends extensively on The Fortune Teller. A great example of the awesome tone is on the tracks Big Guns and She Gives me Money. All the slide guitar tunes from The Fortune Teller are Reverends. The tone will curl your hair, or straighten it if it’s already curly!
What do you like about your Reverend guitar?
I love the tone and playability, and they look awesome as well! I get people asking me about them all the time at shows.
What amps and pedals do you currently use?
I use a Reverend 40/60 Hellhound Head with a 410 Cabinet. I don’t think there are too many of the 410 cabinets around. I love that amp! I am sad that Reverend discontinued the amplifier division. My pedalboard consists of a Reverend Drivetrain II overdrive pedal, a Carl Martin Tremovibe, Vox Wah, Boss Digital Delay, and tuner. I use a Samson Wireless. Start making those amps again.
Do you have any unusual hobbies, skills,
or pastimes you'd like to share with us?
I just love to hang out with my wife, kids, and dog… go to shows, write songs, record, and listen to music! I like to practice as well.
Do you have any advice for up and coming
players?
If you plan on going on tour, start saving your gas money now!!
Please tell us about any of your current
projects, tours, cds, etc. we should know about:
Our current CD, The Fortune Teller hit the stores internationally in March. We did a “Radiohead” like self release just selling it on our website and live shows initially, and actually have been charting on the Billboard Top Blues Album Chart as high as #9. We will be on the road in 2008 promoting The Fortune Teller across the US.
