Ariel Posen so much more than a guitar soloist

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This article was published 07/09/2023 (741 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Guitarist Ariel Posen is finally giving his songwriter side a turn in the spotlight.

The former Winnipegger, who calls Montreal home these days (in the rare moments when he’s not on tour), showcases a sometimes overlooked part of his musical toolbox on his latest album, Reasons Why, which comes out Friday.

He’s been recognized as one of the next generation of guitar heroes by music-industry heavyweights, including Rolling Stone and Guitar Player magazines, as well as guitarist John Mayer, who hired Posen to take part in a 2022 commercial for his signature guitar.

While the media attention has helped launch Posen’s solo recording career, which began with 2019’s How Long, he wanted his new record to focus on the entire musical package, rather than being pigeon-holed as someone who plays awesome guitar solos.

“I was fortunate to be invited to be a part of some of these YouTube (channels) that showcase a lot of equipment stuff, gear-related stuff, guitar-related stuff, and through that, a lot of work in that realm, which I’m not really doing anymore,” says Posen, who plays the Park Theatre on Sept. 29 as part of a 40-date worldwide tour that has taken him to Denmark, Germany and the Netherlands in August, followed by North American dates in the fall that wrap up in the middle of December.

He says he wrote 30 new songs during early days of the COVID-19 pandemic; Reasons Why features the 10 that fit together best.

The new tracks focus on self-awareness, relationships, mental health and time — he had lots of time on his hands when his concerts were cancelled in 2020 — and the result is a genre-less collection of tunes that blends roots, rock, blues, soul, pop and R&B.

“It took me a few months, but it was very likely the most creative burst I had, because I was able to be in a routine and consistent with the writing,” he says, speaking from Amsterdam in late August, when he had a rare day off during the European leg of his 2023 touring schedule.

“Writing feels a lot like exercising or going to the gym. The more you do it, the easier it gets and the better you get at it. It felt really good to write as much as possible.”

Among the highlights on Reasons Why is the track I Wish That We Never Met, which begins with catchy synths rather than Posen’s electric guitar, and includes regretful lyrics.

“I wish that we never met so that I don’t have to leave again / so that I don’t have to miss you again,” Posen sings on the track.

A fuzz-heavy tone and a sweet solo pairs well with his remorseful vocals in Broken But I’m Fine.

Posen’s guitar remains his trump card, and it’s landed him a spot at Crossroads Guitar Festival Sept. 23 in Los Angeles. The latest iteration of the six-string showcase hosted by Eric Clapton includes a long list of Rock and Roll Hall of Famers.

It’ll be Posen’s latest brush with 1960s legends. Earlier this year, he picked up gigs supporting legendary singer Tom Jones, which landed him concerts at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival and the Beacon Theater in New York.

He was familiar with Jones’s famous hits, such as It’s Not Unusual and What’s New Pussycat?, but Posen gained far more from the experience than learning the deep cuts and covers the Welsh legend sings in 2023.

“He had some amazing stories to tell when we got to hang out with him,” he says. “He’s singing his ass off. He’s 83 and he doesn’t need to be touring, but he loves to perform and loves to sing and that’s why he’s doing it.

“There’s a lot of other noise that goes on that makes these shows and tours happen, and if you can be at a point where you can only worry about (the) having-fun and singing-and-playing-shows part, it’s pretty darn fun.”

Alan.Small@winnipegfreepress.com

Twitter: @AlanDSmall