Rene Martinez - September 6, 1995

Rene Martinez
September 6, 1995

Below is the transcript from the BLUES CHAT I hosted featuring Rene Martinez last Wed., 9/6. This was Rene's second time as my guest....his first visit was 7/26... It's no secret I think the world of Rene, as well as all 'dem Texas boys, and I guess it's pretty obvious we were having a LOT of fun at this last show. [grin]

For reprint information, please contact me.
Thanks to America Online for allowing me to reprint it here for you. :)

Warmest Regards,

Beverly Howell, Host (and misplaced, VERY homesick Texan) :)
"Blues Chat" via America Online

OnlineHost: The auditorium consists of two major areas: the audience, where you are right now, and the stage, where the speakers appear. Text which you type onscreen shows only to those in your row, prefaced by the row number in parentheses, such as (2) if you are in row 2. To interact with the speaker, use the Interact icon on your screen.

OnlineHost: To send your question to the speaker, click on the Interact icon, then use the Ask a Question option.

OnlineHost: Good evening, everyone! My name is Beverly Howell, AKA, "BevBlues," and I'm your hostess tonight. "Blues Chat" is once again proud to present "Tech To The Stars" Rene Martinez in a encore appearance here in CenterStage, by popular demand!

OnlineHost: Rene is currently the Guitar Tech for Epic Recording Artist Jimmie Vaughan, and previously worked with brother Stevie Ray Vaughan for five years. Rene is also an accomplished classical and flamenco guitarist, and is featured on Jimmie's latest release, "Strange Pleasure."

OnlineHost: Rene has also toured with Edie Brickell, Foreigner, Billy Joel, Prince, Clint Black, Wynonna Judd, and the Moody Blues.

OnlineHost: Rene has graciously agreed to join us again tonight to answer more of your questions regarding his working and personal relationships with Stevie Ray, Jimmie, and the other artists referenced above.

OnlineHost: Rene is currently on tour with Jimmie, B.B. King, Etta James, Elvin Bishop, J. Geils, and Magic Dick as they perform at arenas across the country.

OnlineHost: The last time Rene joined us, we interfaced via telephone. Tonight is particularly special for me, as your host, because Rene is here with us in person.

OnlineHost: On behalf of the audience, and the "Blues Chat" staff, welcome, Rene!!

ReneM1234: Hi, ya'll.

BevBlues: Its great to have you back with us...ready for a few questions?

ReneM1234: Glad to be back. :::smile:::

ReneM1234: And I'm ready!

Question: How's the tour going? It must be hard work working all those arenas with that many other bands.

ReneM1234: The tour is going great, and yes it's hard...but the folks I'm working with... Etta, B.B., Jimmie, Elvin and J Geils, Magic...what a trip!

Question: What's the best that's happened on this tour? The worst?

ReneM1234: The best thing that's happened on this tour is meeting everybody; old records that I used to listen to and watching people actually perform them. The worst thing about it is that it's going to end too soon.

Question: Rene, thank you so much for joining us tonight. Tell me, are Jimmie and those unruly Austin Guys hard to work with?

ReneM1234: :::laughing:::

ReneM1234: :::laughing some more:::

BevBlues: I think we got our answer.

ReneM1234: :::smiling:::

Question: What are your job responsibilities on this tour, besides playing in "Flamenco Dancer?"

ReneM1234: I am the Production Manager, I am the Guitar Technician, I am the Psychiatrist...just to name a few.

Question: Are you providing tech support for all the bands on this tour, or just Jimmie?

ReneM1234: Just Jimmie.

Question: Do you still live in Dallas? 'Think you'll always live there? I've watched you at a couple of Jimmie's shows. You are the hardest working member of the band. Does that mean you get paid more than Jimmie? :::Grin:::

ReneM1234: Yes, I still live in Dallas, but I want to move...no, I am GOING to move...to Albuquerque. ...ah...I don't know what Jimmie makes.

Question: Mr. Martinez, I am very interested in becoming a guitar tech; I love guitars so much. Could you give me some words of advice on how to become as successful as you are? Did Stevie's amps have a lot of modifications or were they stock?

ReneM1234: Advice #1: never stop practicing what you love, believe in yourself over and over, trust in God, and pick yourself up when you fall down....AND

ReneM1234: ...watch for my instructional video. :::grin::: :::smile::: Stevie's amps were stock.

Question: Did you ever play any jokes on Stevie? Did Stevie play jokes on you? I've heard the two of you were very close. :::smile::: Have you considered writing a book about your years with Stevie?

ReneM1234: I never played jokes on Stevie. Did Stevie play jokes on me? Yes. :::smile::: He told me once that I wasn't doing a good job...but he couldn't keep a straight face while he was telling me that. Then, he gave me a raise. :::smile:::

BevBlues:

ReneM1234: I have considered writing a book about Stevie...too many great moments not to write down and share...but mainly for myself so that I can remember.

Question: When you are NOT working in music, what other hobbies/interests do you have?

ReneM1234: :::laughing::: W O M E N. Anybody available?

BevBlues: :::GRIN:::

ReneM1234: :::Laughing:::

Question: Rene, I've read that you had to glue the tips of Stevie's fingers back on after a show. Do you have any stories about that?

ReneM1234: Yes, I have stories. Stevie used some very heavy gauged strings that he would cut his fingers after many nights of playing. I used super glue to mend his fingers and parts of my skin (grafting)...to mend (his fingers) I could go on and on...

Question: In the "Remembering Stevie Ray" Blues Chat a couple of weeks ago, Reese and Chris said that "Life Without You" was a special tune to Stevie. I was wondering if you knew anything about that tune?

ReneM1234: Yes. This song is about my friend Charley Wirz, who died in 1985; a special friend to Stevie and many other people.

Question: Rene, how many times did you have to change the strings on Stevie's guitar during a show?

ReneM1234: Once.

Question: Rene, of all the artists you've worked with, who is your favorite?

ReneM1234: My favorite artist was Stevie Ray Vaughan.

Question: SRV had a great natural sound. Were his Strat's stock?

ReneM1234: Yes.

Question: I LOVE YOUR PLAYING!!! How did you get into flamenco? What is your favorite song to play?

ReneM1234: Thank you. I got into Flamenco when I was 10 years old and I love to play "Alegrias."

Question: Have you spent much time with B.B.? Is he as friendly as he appears to be?

ReneM1234: No, I haven't spent a lot of time (with B.B.), but he is very friendly if you approach him to talk to him.

Question: Rene, do most of the players still use tube amps live or have they gone solid state?

ReneM1234: Yes, most still use tube amps...very rarely do they use solid state...except for B.B.

Question: What is a typical day? Do you try to keep a daily routine, working out, etc.?

ReneM1234: Yes, a typical day:..I give my entire self to a greater power than me. I feed myself, I do 100 sit-ups. I watch what I eat and drink lots of water. And have the best time there is in this world. And that's how I live everyday. :::smile:::

Question: What do you think of Nathan Cavaleri?

ReneM1234: I think he needs to keep doing what he's doing and pay attention to all us "ol' folks."

Question: Do you build guitars as well as repair them?

ReneM1234: Yes.

Question: Were the Dumble amps his (Stevie's) main choice or did he ever use any Vox amplifiers?

ReneM1234: Yes, Dumble were his main amps.

Question: Rene, I know this is hard question for you to answer, but if you had to pick one fond memory of Stevie, what would it be?

ReneM1234: Yes, if I could have a sec...

ReneM1234: The fondest memory I have is when I made the comment to Stevie that someone said I have a very angry look on my face all the time. Stevie replied, "You do not have an angry look on your face, but a very proud look."

Question: How many stage hands do you employ to help with the shows on tour?

ReneM1234: It varies.

Question: Where is the famous SRV Strat now and what did you think of it as a player and tech?

ReneM1234: The SRV Strat is with the family.

ReneM1234: I think it was the most phenomenal, never-dying, work horse, I have ever seen.

Question: What are the better guitars on the market?

ReneM1234: The old ones :::laughing:::

Question: Rene, when you changed strings, did you use new ones, or pre-stretched ones?

ReneM1234: I use new ones.

Question: Did SRV use "Texas Specials" pickups?

ReneM1234: Yes, BUT only for a very very short time.

Question: What did you think about Albert Collins?

ReneM1234: He was a great player...a great man.

Question: I've heard nothing but good things about Charlie Wirz. Do you have any special comments about him?

ReneM1234: Just remember the good things...

Question: Who are some of the other artists you enjoy working with?

ReneM1234: Clint Black, Mick Jones of Foreigner, Moody Blues.

Question: What's the best thing to say to some of these greats when you first meet them? Once I gushed so bad, I'm sure I looked really goofy.

ReneM1234: Just greet them with a "hi" and ask them if they want a Coke. :::laughing:::

Question: Blues seems to be on the rise in popularity! Any thoughts as to why?

ReneM1234: People are finally starting to appreciate good music.

Question: Rene, I just finished listening to you play on Jimmie Vaughan's "Flamenco Dancer". Niles Rodgers produced the "Strange Pleasure" CD....How was your experience with him as a producer?

ReneM1234: Niles is a great guy and a great producer. He knows just what to put in a song.

BevBlues: We only have time for one more question...whew, has this evening flown by!!!

Question: Ok, Rene, you "came to her casa", now are you gonna farucca for her?

ReneM1234: 'Soinently :::nyuk nyuk nyuk::: :::laughing:::

BevBlues: One moment please, the Blues Chat staff just totally lost it...(office in hysterics)

BevBlues: (trying hard to regain professional decorum...failing miserably...)

BevBlues: Thank you all for joining us tonight, and a very special thanks to our very special guest, RENE MARTINEZ!

ReneM1234: Thanks for having me on again, Bev. Let's farucca again soon...:::smiling:::

BevBlues:

ReneM1234: :::Blues Chat Staff rolling on the floor, laughing:::

BevBlues: Good night everyone.....

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