The details
Who: Jamie Rickett (with The SuperCats)
When: 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Saturday
Where: Key West Bar, 2286 SR A1A, Indian Harbour Beach
Admission: Free
Call: 321-773-1577
On the Web: www.myspace.com/jamierickettmusic
Melbourne-based guitarist Jamie Rickett is a pleasant anomaly on the musical landscape of Brevard County. Not only is she one of only a handful of female lead guitarists on the Space Coast, but she also is an accomplished composer, pianist and a Berklee College of Music graduate.
Rickett will take the stage on Saturday at the Key West Bar in Indian Harbour Beach with classic rock cover band The SuperCats. Playing everything from Jimi Hendrix to Carlos Santana to Van Halen, Rickett has earned her reputation as one of the best guitarists on the music scene.
I spoke with Rickett about “Jedi guitar,” sitting in with local bands and her musical background. So let’s Shake, Rattle & Know: Jamie Rickett.
SRK: What is the reaction like when people realize you are a legitimate, female lead guitarist and not a novelty act?
Rickett: People are surprised. That’s always the reaction I get. But then people see I can really play. People are very positive, and I think the audience appreciates it. Sometimes, it’s other musicians who give me a hard time, but I have a lot of great Brevard County fans who keep me going, and they know I am there to please them. I am there to uplift people and bring a little escapism to their lives.
SRK: Why do you think there are not more female lead guitarists?
Rickett: When I was growing up, there were none. The band Hart came along and really inspired me greatly, and there are starting to be more (female guitarists) now. It’s great to be able to pick up an issue of Guitar Player magazine and see so many females featured now. I started out on piano and went to guitar because of Jimi Hendrix. He showed people through his music there was something more to life,and he was there to bring joy through his music. Although people may think of me as a guitar player, I am really more of a composer than anything else these days.
SRK: You have referred to your style as “Jedi guitar.” What do you mean by that?
Rickett: I guess it really has nothing to do with “Star Wars” per say. It’s a way of getting out of the way of your conscious mind and letting it happen. It is going outside of your mind and body and letting your higher self play through. You know, “in the zone,” so to speak. It’s more of an abstract, inside feeling. People who come to the show pick up on exactly what I mean, and it’s hard to describe here. For me, it’s almost like meditation and letting the music just happen.
SRK: In addition to your own music, you sit in with several bands around the county. How are you able to slip in and out of projects so easily without losing focus?
Rickett: I would say it’s because I live and breathe music 24/7. I have met so many good musicians in this town who have given me a chance to play with them. I couldn’t sit and play just one style of music all the time or I would become bored with it.
SRK: You started playing piano at 5 and electric guitar at only 9 years old. What drew you to music at such a young age?
Rickett: It’s hard to remember what it was. I received a toy piano when I was only 1½. I don’t remember it, of course, but saw pictures. I was told I played that thing with perfect technique.
If you have an artist/band you’d like to recommend for review, contact Nunez at www.myspace.com/shakerattleandknow or fantasyforecaster2005@yahoo.
