Jake Kiszka’s unused Greta Van Fleet riffs continue in Mirador’s music | GuitarPlayer

Jake Kiszka, the guitarist for Greta Van Fleet, is known for creating electrifying guitar riffs that drive the band’s classic rock-style songs. However, not all of his riffs make it into the final Greta Van Fleet lineup. Before this can happen, they must pass the scrutiny of his brother Josh, who is the band’s lead vocalist. Despite not making the cut for Greta Van Fleet, some of Jake’s rejected riffs have found a new home with Mirador, a group he formed in 2024 with Chris Turpin from Ida Mae. Mirador is gearing up to release its debut album this fall, and one of the tracks, titled “Blood and Custard,” features a riff that didn’t quite fit with Greta Van Fleet’s sound.

In a recent interview with Guitar World, Jake Kiszka shared the inspiration behind the riff in “Blood and Custard.” He revealed that the riff was influenced by the blues classic “Mean Old World,” recorded by Derek and the Dominos. This blues tune, originally penned by legendary artist T-Bone Walker, has been covered by various artists over the years, with a notable rendition by Derek and the Dominos featuring Eric Clapton and Duane Allman on acoustic guitars in open G tuning. Kiszka explained that the riff for “Blood and Custard” had been sitting on the shelf for a while but found new life with Mirador, thanks to Chris Turpin’s enthusiasm for the slide guitar element.

The title “Blood and Custard” itself has an interesting origin, as it references the nickname given to Selmer Truvoice combos from the 1950s and early 1960s, which had a distinct dark red-and-cream color scheme. Jake Kiszka appreciates the guitar-centric details in the title, calling it a prime example of “guitar nerdism.” While the riff resonated with Turpin, it failed to capture the interest of Jake’s Greta Van Fleet bandmates, particularly his brother, Josh, who has a critical eye when it comes to guitar compositions.

Despite not making the final cut for Greta Van Fleet, Jake Kiszka’s rejected riffs have found a creative outlet with Mirador. The collaboration between Kiszka and Turpin allows them to explore different musical territories and incorporate elements that may not align with Greta Van Fleet’s signature sound. For Kiszka, the opportunity to work on projects outside of Greta Van Fleet provides a space for experimentation and expression that may not always fit within the band’s established framework.

In the realm of music, creativity knows no bounds, and artists like Jake Kiszka and Chris Turpin continue to push the boundaries of their musical endeavors through ventures like Mirador. As they prepare for the release of their debut album, fans can expect a fresh perspective on rock music that blends influences from various genres and eras. Mirador promises to deliver a unique listening experience that highlights the creative talents of Jake Kiszka, Chris Turpin, and their musical collaborators.