Eric Gales in interview: “I wanted this to be the ultimate tribute to my brother”

At 50, Eric Gales is more than ever one of the most inspired guitarists of his generation. Nicknamed “Raw Dawg,” this heir to blues and psychedelic rock has overcome many trials to impose his unique style: a left-handed guitarist playing with the strings upside down, a singer shaped by gospel, and a musician constantly seeking new adventures. On the occasion of the release of his tribute album to his late brother, Little Jimmy King, he looks back on his journey, his influences, the film Sinners and his projects. Discover an exceptional encounter with one of the leading artists of the new generation of blues.

🎙️ Eric Gales in interview

Eric, I had the chance to see you once, in Megève in 2019. Do you remember that concert where you were invited by the Supersonic Blues Machine with Billy Gibbons, Doyle Bramhall and the late Joe Louis Walker? By the way, wouldn’t that be a good place to see you play in France again?

I remember it very well! I love that place. I’ve played there several times, not just in 2019. It’s a beautiful region with wonderful people. I was very close to Stéphane, the main organizer. That festival is a truly special event, I’d love to return.

You just turned 50. It feels like you’ve always had a guitar in your hands. Is it true that you are what’s called a “false lefty,” playing with the strings upside down because of your brothers’ first lessons?

Yes and no. Actually, no one put the guitar in my hands. I grabbed it myself. But when my brothers saw that I was really getting into it, they started guiding me. Maybe, unconsciously, I imitated the way they held the instrument. In any case, that’s how it felt natural to me, and I never changed since.

Do you think it’s easier to play left-handed, for example to bend the strings harder?

Honestly, I don’t know. I can’t compare, since I’ve never played otherwise. For me, it’s not difficult at all, it just feels comfortable. It’s a somewhat “unorthodox” way of playing, but I don’t know any other way, and it suits me perfectly.

A man sitting alone among empty chairs in a dark hall, surrounded by fog. A beam of light illuminates the space, creating a mysterious atmosphere. — Photo: Jim Arbogast

You pay tribute to Jimi Hendrix, but do you have other main mentors on guitar? Would it be a problem if people compared you to Bernard Allison, for example?

Not at all. Bernard is a very good friend, and an incredible musician. I think our styles are different, but if someone feels I resemble him, that’s their opinion, and it doesn’t bother me.

“Music is contagious!”

Who inspired you the most at the beginning?

So many musicians! Stevie Ray Vaughan, Eric Johnson, Jeff Beck, Robin Trower, Frank Marino… The list is long. I grew up listening to all of them and I integrated a part of each into my playing. I’ve always been drawn to all styles: jazz, rock, funk, gospel, classical… Music is contagious! As soon as something caught my ear, I wanted to learn it and integrate it into my world.

And for singing? Did you listen to particular singers to work on your voice, or is it your natural way of singing so clearly?

It’s my natural way. A lot of it comes from the gospel upbringing I received in my childhood. I still draw a big part of my vocal approach from it today.

Today, you have 21 albums to your name, plus numerous collaborations with blues and rock stars like Eric Bibb, Beth Hart, Mike Zito, Joe Louis Walker, Walter Trout, Bernard Allison, Carlos Santana… You had the chance to record your first album in 1991, at only 17. How do you look back today on the young prodigy you were?

Well… I’m just a little older now, with some lessons learned along the way. I try to integrate all of that into my music and keep up with the new generation, which is amazing. There are extremely talented and inspiring guitarists today. It’s a pleasure to see how guitar playing and music have evolved. My goal is to stay fresh, relevant, and continue to give the best of myself.

About the film Sinners, released this spring: you composed several tracks of the soundtrack alongside Buddy Guy. How did that happen? What was your reaction when you found out this project could come true?

It all started with a call from the film’s music director. At first, the idea was for me to appear in the movie, but I was touring in Brazil with Joe Bonamassa during the shooting, so that wasn’t possible. However, he absolutely wanted me to take part in the soundtrack. It was a new experience for me. We worked together in the studio, not knowing if my music would actually be used. And, to my great surprise, about 95% of what I had recorded ended up in the film. It was very gratifying, especially to be featured alongside legends like Buddy Guy and Kingfish. Every time I talk about it, I get chills. I can’t wait to do that kind of thing again!

The film has been seen by many young people, who were expecting more of a horror movie. But isn’t the real main character the blues?

Yes, absolutely. Of course, there’s also the plot with the “evil” characters, but the music is at the heart of the film. And it’s very important that blues gets passed on to the new generations. Sinners really contributed to that.