The Master of the Telecaster: An Interview with Jim Weider

On a warm summer night, in an old textile mill by the river in Fall River Massachusetts, we happened on a show that promised to knock us off our chairs. The write up promised Jim Weider was a guitar virtuoso of proportions unsung by the public but well known in the industry. They mentioned that he was a former member of The Band, which had reached the pinnacle of its popularity in the late sixties. They can be heard every day on any "oldies" station in the country.

We climbed the stairs, paid a pittance for entrance and were treated to an amazing display of talent. They don't call him "a master of classic telecaster guitar" for nothing. At the half time break we went to the merchandise table where Mr. Weider himself stood waiting to sign anything and just engage the public.

A little research reveals a man who has been playing guitar since he was eleven years old. He was originally exposed to the music of The Band when he befriended one of the original members as a teenager. He became a member when The Band reformed in 1985 as their sole guitarist. When they dissolved in 2000 he moved on to new projects. In 2005 Jim collected a W.C. Handy award for co-writing "Have-a-little Faith", a hit for Mavis Staples (of the Staple Family Singers). His solo career with The Jim Weider Band has seen the release of three albums: Bigfoot (2000), Remedy (2003), and most recently Project Percolator (2005).

With a little luck and some e-mail I was able to get in contact with Mr. Weider and asked him the following questions:

What were your influences when you started?

Scotty Moore with Elvis! And Chuck Berry, and of course The Ventures, then the British Players.

Who have you been the most excited to work with in your career?

Scotty Moore and DJ Fontana, The Band, Dylan, Mavis Staples, Los Lobos - Its hard to say I've been very lucky.

Do you have a wish list of people you'd like to work with? If so who is at the top of the list?

No one really, I'm just enjoying my current band. It's the best group of musicians I've ever worked with on my music!

What was the hardest thing you ever learned to play?

In tune.

Who is coming up now that excites you?

I'm not sure; if it moves me then I like it.

What is currently in your CD player?

Live tracks of some new songs I'm writing

Of all the things you do, writing, producing, and performing what gives you the most satisfaction?

Playing live.

The Weight and Up On Cripple Creek are both played at least once a day on classic rock stations. If you could choose a song by The Band to be played at some point everyday for perpetuity would it be one of these or something else?

Remedy.

What is your favorite Jim Weider song?

Remedy

If you could choose one song off Percolator to go mainstream, which would you choose and why?

Flight, I think it has the right elements

How many guitars do you own? Which is your favorite? Why?

I have about 8 or so, my telecaster that I always play is my favorite.

And please. Just one, for my own personal edification: did you feel a little Elvis in the vibe when you played with D.J. Fontana?

Yes of course!