Happy birthday to Pearl Jam guitarist Stone Gossard, the six-string-slinger behind the guitar lick that kicks off “Alive” (one of the most recognizable intro licks in rock and roll!) on Pearl Jam’s “Ten” album. Gossard has about a half dozen other musical projects under his belt - some in the past and others still going strong. Here are my favorite songs from three of my favorite Stone Gossard projects outside of Pearl Jam.
Mother Love Bone - “Chloe Dancer / Crown of Thorns”
A precursor to Pearl Jam, Mother Love Bone set the benchmark for what became known as “the Seattle sound.” I don’t know what might have become of Mother Love Bone had singer Andrew Wood not died. Pearl Jam may never have formed and the Pearl Jam/Soundgarden tribute collaboration Temple Of The Dog certainly would not have.
Brad - “Waters Deep”
Brad is just fun.
Green River - “Unwind”
Gossard formed Green River with Steve Turner and Mark Arm (who would both go on to form Mudhoney), Bruce Fairweather (who would go on to form Mother Love Bone with Jeff Ament and Gossard), and Alex Vincent. Green River called it quits in 1988 and tried for a reunion in 2008.