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13 QUESTION METHOD: PAUL MEHLING
 Paul Mehling is the venerable leader of the Hot Club of San Francisco, the longest-running and most cohesive gypsy-jazz band. Dubbed "the Godfather of gypsy-jazz in the US" by PBS for his contributions to the current wave of interest in the music of Django Reinhardt with innumerable appearances around the world and his four instructional DVDs providing insight into the guitar technique behind gypsy jazz. In 21 years, with 12 CDs to their name, the Hot Club of San Francisco still finds inspiration from their motto "What Would Django Do"? (if he were still alive) WWDD?
1. Which was the first record you bought with your own money?
It was either Dan Hicks & the Hot Licks’ Where’s the Money or some import by Django Reinhardt.
2. Which was the last record you bought with your own money?
Alec Wilder, Neurotic Goldfish, by the Manhattan Chamber Orchestra. Quite cool.
3. What was the first solo you learned from a record — and can you still play it?
“Georgia on My Mind” by Django. Yes, still play it. It gets better.
4. Which recording of your own (or as a sideman) are you most proud of, and why?
All of em! Seriously. Probably our recording that you produced—Postcards from Gypsyland. It is a huge work.
5. Whats the difference between playing live and playing in a studio?
Playing live really can be exciting with a good crowd and synergy between them and us. We’ve captured this on two live records, and hope to do third this year!
6. Whats the difference between a good gig and a bad gig?
Karma. Seriously, it’s when the music just doesn’t seem to flow or when there’s no connection between what we offer and what the listeners get. Blame the sound crew when that happens. Trust me, it’s them.
7. Whats the difference between a good guitar and a bad guitar?
How it makes you feel and sound. A good guitar sounds like you.
8. You play electric and acoustic. Do you approach the two differently?
Yes—acoustic I try to play loud, and on the electric I try to have a gentle touch. Law of opposites.
9. Do you sound more like yourself on acoustic or electric?
Acoustic for sure, but it’s apples and elephants.
10. Do you sound like yourself on other peoples guitars?
Sure—but it’s like dancing in their shoes. You can do it, but is it art?
11. Which living artist would you like to collaborate with, and why?
Bireli Lagrene. Adam Levy. Actually, anybody who’s willing. I’m kinda open, as long as they swing.
12. Which dead artist (music, or other arts) would you like to have collaborated with, and why?
Duh. Django for sure. I’d carry his guitar, or whatever he needed. Just being around people like that is enough. I’d love to have played in Benny Goodman’s Sextet. Joe Venuti, Stuff Smith, Spirits of Rhythm, or Cats and the Fiddle [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SEQ9Sz0UCl8]. Wow.
13. Whats your latest project about?
Can’t discuss details—classified—but it’ll be a Hot Club of France thing with commercial appeal—not J-Lo Reinhardt, nor Lady Gadjo.
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