10 Questions For Daryl Stuermer of Genesis

Originally from Milwaukee, guitarist Daryl Stuermer is most widely known for his work as touring guitarist for the legendary band Genesis, as well as the lead guitarist for Genesis front man Phil Collins' solo career. Stuermer has appeared on all ten of Collins' solo albums, including the multi-platinum selling Face Value, Hello, I Must Be Going and No Jacket Required. Stuermer has also worked with a variety of other artists over the years including jazz/fusion violinist Jean-Luc Ponty, Frank Zappa keyboardist George Duke, Joan Armatrading, and Earth, Wind & Fire’s Philip Bailey.

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Photos courtesy of Daryl Struemer

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Goldmine's Joe Milliken recently caught up with Mr. Stuermer as he prepared to tour the world with Genesis, whose "Turn It On Again" reunion tour marked the first time the band has played together in 15 years.

Joe Milliken: When did you first start playing guitar and who were your earliest musical influences?
Daryl Stuermer: I started playing guitar at 11 years old. My earliest influences were guitarists from the groups I was listening at the time like Elvis, The Beatles and The Ventures. My biggest influences on guitar were jazz guitarists Wes Montgomery, Joe Pass, George Benson, fusion guitarists John McLaughlin, Larry Coryell, and rock guitarists Jeff Beck, and Jimi Hendrix.

JM: What would you consider to be your first breakthrough moment as a musician?
DS: When I auditioned for violinist Jean-Luc Ponty. My three years with the violinist was a major influence on me as a guitarist. His compositions were very challenging on the guitar. Genesis has influenced me conceptually as a writer and guitarist in so many ways. Before Genesis I played with a more conventional guitar sound. Now the guitar sounds I play with Genesis have become part of me.

JM: In 1975 you landed a spot with jazz violinist Jean-Luc Ponty. How did that relationship come about?
DS: In 1975 some members of Frank Zappa’s band sat in with my band Sweetbottom in a nightclub in Milwaukee, Keyboardist George Duke liked my playing and recommended me to Ponty.

JM: You also recorded with the legendary keyboard player George Duke (of Frank Zappa fame) on two of his solo albums in the mid?70's. How did you first meet Duke and what can you remember about those recording sessions?
DS: His album "I Love The Blues, She Heard My Cry" was the first album I ever played on in 1975. I remember George as an easygoing person to work with. When I asked him what he wanted me to play he said, "play what you play". His concept and musicianship is amazing. He’s one of the best musicians I have ever played with. The session was easy and fast.

JM: After recording four albums with Ponty, you found your way to Genesis when your friend (and bassist) Alphonso Johnson, recommended you as a replacement for the departed Steve Hackett. Did you actually audition for the gig? What was your first meeting with the band like?
DS: In December 1977 I received a call from Genesis’ tour manager, and went to New York and auditioned with (Genesis guitarist) Mike Rutherford. I sat with Mike playing along with a cassette of four Genesis songs. I can remember playing "Down and Out", "Squonk" and "Dance On A Volcano". Afterwards he said, "I think you're the one!" A few weeks later I flew to England to rehearse for the And Then There Were Three tour.

JM: You would go on to work as Genesis' touring guitarist for many years, which had to be a life changing experience for you. Can you perhaps pick a tour or particular time period when you thought Genesis was peaking as a live band?
DS: Originally I thought the band peaked in 1992, but I think we are actually peaking now. I mean that seriously. For some reason this band is playing better than we ever have. Maybe it’s because we are so happy to be together again. I’m really not sure. All I know is that we are having a great time playing this tour.

JM: You are also involved in the current reunion tour, how do you think this go around might be different than past Genesis tours?
DS: In the past they have always pushed a new album. Although I know they are selling some box set reissues in 5.1 surround sound mixes, there really aren’t any new albums with new songs being sold at this time. This time we are just playing because it’s great to be together again. We’ve always had a good time playing together, but I think this one is particularly special. After all, it’s been 15 years since the last tour.

JM: You recently released your sixth solo album titled Go, which features several tracks from your first band Sweetbottom. What was the thought process behind these songs finally resurfacing?
DS: I’ve never had a studio recording of those three songs with Sweetbottom. They are songs that I have always played live with my band. It just was time to update them and put them on this album. They fit with the direction I was going in on this album.

JM: Your friend and legendary bassist Leland Sklar took part in the recording of Go , along with your other solo efforts through the years. How did you first meet Leland and tell us something you admire or enjoy about his talent?
DS: I first met Leland in London when we were recording Phil Collins No Jacket Required in 1984. First of all he is the funniest guy I know. Secondly he bass player. His playing is so fluid and musical and has personality too. He puts himself into whatever he plays. He’s also a very consistent player in a live performance. That’s a big asset when you’re touring for months and months.

JM: Name a musician whom you admire and would like to collaborate with?
DS: I can’t just name one. I would love to play with Sting, James Taylor, Bruce Hornsby, Steely Dan, and again with Peter Gabriel.