Rhonda Smith explains The Power of 3’s live-in-the-studio approach
Smith’s October 11 interview explains the trio’s recording approach and the story of her borrowed Gary Grainger bass.
Rhonda Smith has offered a closer look at how The Power of 3 made its debut album. In an October 11 Guitar World interview, the bassist describes recording together with Orianthi and Cindy Blackman Santana, with minimal overdubbing and Orianthi singing her lead vocals during the takes.
A borrowed bass that stayed
Smith also recalls borrowing Gary Grainger’s personal PRS four-string for a weekend and becoming attached to it. She calls that instrument “Tequila Sunrise.”
The useful takeaway for players is the working method: a trio building its basic performances together, rather than assuming every part was assembled separately.
The album around the session story
The band’s official store identifies Eddie Kramer as producer and Carlos Santana as a featured guest. Its ten-song tracklist includes “Taxi,” “Treat Me Like a Lady,” “No Time for Love” and “The World’s Alright.” The CD listing says pre-orders ship on or around December 11; that is a shipping estimate, not a guarantee of delivery.
The fresh news here is Smith’s explanation of the recording process, rather than a new album announcement. Read the full original interview for her account of the sessions and instrument.
Want to dig deeper into Orianthi’s guitars and gear? Read our full Orianthi guide.
AI-generated editorial illustration based on an archival reference photograph by Alex G via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0. New illustrated pose, lighting, background and layout by GuitarGangsters. This is an illustration, not a photograph of the reported event.
.jpg){kind=link}