I read in an interview once that you do NOT practice scales and all that fun stuff and that you make up your own "voicings". I find this very inspiring. so any tips on how you approach a solo? thanks

Often I will listen to the chord progression that I am about to solo over without playing along and without thinking to seriously hum a melody along with the music. Then I base my solo (loosely) around the melody that I hummed. Give it a try.