Paul Gilbert

nterviewing Paul Gilbert is a bit like trying to catch Tigger, midbounce. But with Gilbert it’s the guitar that he’s wired to. Instrument in hand, his fingers are never far from the wizardry he’s honed since the 80s with Racer X, Mr. Big, G3, on 16 solo albums, from a busy teaching career and more. “I’m very well-suited for the apocalypse!” the now 54-year-old declares cheerfully as he reflects on a stay-at-home year, in which his online guitar school has thrived. He also played and recorded all the instruments for his new album, , a joyous cocktail of from-the-heart melody and jaw-dropping guitar playing, and glide-off-the-tongue titles such as and .