7 Questions with Jake Cinninger from Umphrey’s McGee

In: 7 Questions| Twitter

23 Sep 2009

Jake_Umphreys_NewOur next participant in the 7 Questions project is one of my favorite guitarists on the “jamband” scene.  Jake Cinninger is currently the guitarist in jamband via prog rock outfit Umphrey’s McGee.  They tour A LOT, so make sure to check out a show next time they are around.

An interesting side project for Jake has been OHMPHREY which pairs him up for an improv heavy album with Chris Poland (OHM, Megadeth).

Describe your first experience playing music.

The first real memory I have is when I was about four years I played with Tommy Shaw, from Styx.  He was living in my hometown of Niles, MI and my parents were friends with him.  There was a party at my parent’s place and Tommy was playing Beatles by the campfire and I dragged my whole drum set out from my bedroom and joined in.

What has been your most significant musical experience?

I have had a lot of significant experiences, but just this last summer, two late night shows at Rothbury Music Festival.  As far as the eye could see were little heads and Umphrey’s never sounded so tight and proud.  I remember walking off the stage at 5AM feeling like we had connected better than ever, it was great.
What was the best advice you pursuing a career in music you were ever given?

To create something new, you have to fall on your face once in awhile, get up, scape off the bad bits, and go back to the drawing board.  Great songs are like great stories, you need more than one draft.

What is your favorite sound?

My dog does a mean John Coltrane impersonation, she sounds just like a sax when she is happy to see me, it is my favorite sound.

Name some of your biggest non-musical influences.

My parents and wife, the rest really are musical.

What is the most memorable concert you ever attended?

Todd Rundgren’s Adventures in Utopia Tour 1980 in South Bend, IN.
Put your iPod on shuffle and list the first 5 songs that appear.
She’s got Balls, AC/DC
Great King Rat, Queen
Nobody’s Fault but Mine, Led Zeppelin
Brand New Morning, Bob Seger
Burnin’ For You, Blue Oyster Cult.

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  • thirdstone
    Very nice interview with Jake Cinninger, though I wish it had been alot longer. I love Umphery's Mcgee songs Front Porch, trenchtown Rock, and Andy's Last Beer. My favorite is their led zep medley, but that should be one of my favorite songs since I am a huge led zep fan. I am going to be checking out other interviews you have done, I am hoping to come across a Jimmy Page one, he is my favorite guitarist. By the way, I also play guitar, but I have a long way still to go.
  • Corey S
    i've listened to the rothbury sets and they're def. kick ass....
    but Allgood was much better in my humble opinion, trust me, you connected with the crowd.
    can't wait to see you guys in Cleveland and Pittsburgh!
  • XxUncleWallyxX
    THANK YOU FOR SHEDDING LIGHT ON JACO! Definately one of my FAVORITE guitarists. I feel a fusion of John McLaughlin and Jeff Beck in his playing. Your thoughts?
  • Alex
    Other than the fact that this was a poorly written article, I'd say it is a pretty well-written article. At least check the grammar - for Jaco at least.
  • cool ipod question with interesting output... blue oyster cult?!!? YEA BABY YEA! NICE.
  • emmy2211
    their rothbury set was SICKKKKKK!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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About Jason Shadrick

I am a guitarist, writer and teacher living in Connecticut. During the day I work for the National Guitar Workshop as Director of Marketing and Artist Relations.

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