Dean Parks – Guitar

WHEN AND WHERE WAS YOUR FIRST GIG?
It was playing lead guitar in a surf instrumental band in Burleson, Texas … at a Dairy Queen.

WHEN DID YOU START WORKING WITH JAMES?
The first time I worked with James, or at least his band, was the MusiCares Person Of The Year Tribute show in 2006. I was called in at the last minute to try to emulate his acoustic guitar parts for all the guest Artists singing JT songs in his honor. And all in the wrong keys. James only sang a couple songs at that show but in 2012 I joined the tour for a couple months playing electric guitar and pedal steel.

WHEN WAS YOUR FIRST TOUR?
That was with Sonny & Cher on their “comeback” tour in 1969. Which led to their TV show and actually led to my moving from Texas to Los Angeles. My first big studio gig in LA was on that show.

WHAT ONE SPECIAL ITEM DO YOU ALWAYS TAKE ON TOUR?
Guitar picks?

WHAT’S YOUR PRE-SHOW ROUTINE?
Eat, and get dressed.

WHY DO YOU ENJOY TOURING WITH JAMES?
The music first of all. And James is one of my guitar mentors. Listening to him was one of the ways I learned to play acoustic guitar. To have an inside-track view of his technique is a great thing. And the band is stellar. Plus the vibes are good.