In an interview on Malcolm Gladwell's Broken Record podcast, "Captain" Kirk Douglas sat in the Roots' 30 Rock rehearsal room and listed his many guitar heroes. As the lead guitarist of the first band of hip-hop, Douglas drew inspiration from a lifetime of musical idols. Is it any wonder that one of the main drivers behind hip-hop's most famous band might have a worldview to match the act's varied and eclectic taste?
The Origin Story
It's clear to see that there's plenty that sparks the Captain's synapses. As a longstanding member of the Roots, Douglas brings not only an affinity for exciting guitarwork, but a precision and discipline that, according to the Captain himself, was taught. Douglas, brought up on the guitar heroism of Jimi Hendrix, Ace Frehley, Prince, and Johnny Marr, admits that it was his work with Questlove that made him wholly appreciate the value of rhythm and playing in the pocket.
The Secret Sauce
Douglas's versatility makes enough sense when you consider the tall musical orders he and the band are tasked with delivering. Following more than a decade of acclaimed hip-hop, Douglas and the Roots earned a regular gig as Jimmy Fallon's late night house band. Wherever the Captain's duties may call him, he brings with him an expertise on stages small and large for his brand of inspired, expressive, intuitive, and versatile guitar playing.
Our Call
To play with a band like the Roots is to inherit quite a bit of responsibility. Whether representing hip-hop guitarwork on a sweaty side stage or primetime, you would hope that Douglas believes himself to be cut out for the job. "Captain" Kirk Douglas is not shy about his heroes and how they brought him to where he is today, would it be inappropriate or a stretch to place him among that same pantheon? We don't think so.