Jon Butcher featured in Vintage Guitar magazine
Nuthin’ but Soul, the latest album by Jon Butcher, an inductee of the New England Music Hall of Fame, showcases a blend of vintage soul, R&B-influenced rock and roll, and Hendrix-style psychedelia. This album not only pays homage to the revolutionary music that influenced Butcher but also carries a message of cultural relevance. However, it’s Butcher’s use of mystery fuzz that truly sets this album apart.
Taking a walk down memory lane, Butcher expresses his satisfaction with the album’s reception, attributing its success to the influence of iconic artists like James Brown, Curtis Mayfield, War, Sly and the Family Stone, and Graham Central Station. These artists profoundly impacted Butcher during his formative years, inspiring him to convey their essence in a more innovative and organic manner. By addressing socially significant themes, Butcher follows in the footsteps of revolutionary artists like Sly Stone, who adeptly presented complex ideas through their music.
For guitar enthusiasts, Butcher’s unique blend of ’60s and ’70s rock and soul is a true delight. His guitar work on this record reflects the same elements that resonated with him during his youth, showcasing a deep connection to the music that shaped his artistic journey.
Despite initially completing a full album, Butcher made the bold decision to start over. Recognizing that his heart wasn’t fully invested in the initial tracks, Butcher chose to scrap the album and pursue a new direction that aligned more closely with his values and beliefs. As an artist, Butcher acknowledges the importance of staying true to one’s principles, especially in times of social upheaval and change. He emphasizes the pivotal role that honesty and authenticity play in connecting with audiences and creating impactful music.
In terms of gear, Butcher relied on his trusted instruments, including a ’63 Olympic White Stratocaster, a ’63 sunburst Stratocaster, and a restored ’53 Telecaster, to lay down the foundation for Nuthin’ but Soul. His amplifier setup featured a blend of classic and modern equipment, such as a Marshall plexi head, a ’63 Princeton, a Vibrolux, and a ’90s tweed Blues Junior, each contributing to the album’s rich sonic palette.
Butcher’s pedalboard includes essential tools like the Midnight Vibe Univibe copy by R Weaver FX, a Vox Clyde McCoy wah, a Landgraff Dynamic Overdrive, and a mysterious silicon fuzzface that has remained a staple in his arsenal for over a decade. Despite the anonymity of this fuzz pedal, Butcher praises its unrivaled tone and performance, showcasing the importance of finding the right tools to achieve a desired sound.
Looking ahead, Butcher is focused on promoting Nuthin’ but Soul and planning upcoming tour dates for 2026 in the U.S. and Europe. With his commitment to authenticity and creative expression, Butcher continues to captivate audiences with his soulful blend of rock and roll music that pays tribute to the past while embracing the challenges of the present.