David Kalmusky is a multi-platinum Nashville based record producer, guitarist / multi-instrumentalist, engineer, mixer, songwriter, who is noted for his work in the studio with Journey, Shawn Mendes, Keith Urban, Megan Trainor, Justin Bieber, John Oates, Tenille Townes, The Sisterhood, Vince Gill, and Many, Many others. David has recorded, mixed, produced, played guitar and mastered music for these artists David’s dad was a first-call session bass player, and David talks about what he learned mu...
Sep 26, 2018•1 hr 32 min•Ep. 328
Tim Quick is a New York City based guitarist and composer best known for his work on NBC's Jesus Christ Superstar Live Concert, as well as the Broadway Musical, School Of Rock, where he also serves as a substitute conductor. He just finished a summer tour playing guitar or The Bacon Brothers, and also played guitar for R&B/Disco legend Gloria Gaynor, including on her 2013 Grammy nominated album “We Will Survive”. His music has also been licensed and is regularly heard on dozens of popular te...
Sep 25, 2018•1 hr 31 min•Ep. 327
Ryan proves that you certainly don’t need to play country to be successful in Nashville. He’s played or toured with Megadeath, Chris Cornell, Gene Simmons, Jewel, Shooter Jennings, Gary Allan, Leann Rimes, Gretchen Wilson and more Ryan dives deep and pulls back the curtain on things like playing with Chris Cornell… the unexpected people who showed up at Shooter Jennings gigs… growing up with a father (Steve Wariner) who’s written 14 #1 hits… loads of geeking out on guitars and Gibson pickups… so...
Sep 24, 2018•2 hr 20 min•Ep. 326
Bob’s won 3 Grammy’s as one of the guitarists in Snarky Puppy. He’s also an in demand NYC session guitarist performing and recording with many artists including Bokanté, Michelle Willis, Cory Henry, Ghost-Note (Robert “Sput” Searight/Nate Werth), Lucy Woodward, Musiq Soulchild, Bilal, Banda Magda, Underground System, Jerry Granelli, Robben Ford, and others Bob explains how NOT getting into the colleges he wanted to attend, turned out to literally be the best thing that happened to him, musically...
Sep 21, 2018•1 hr 47 min•Ep. 325
Anson was playing in clubs around Dallas at age 14, and founded Anson Funderburgh and the Rockets, playing with blues harmonica and vocalist Sam Myers. During his career, he also played with Delbert McClinton, Boz Scaggs, Huey Lewis, Lee Roy Parnell, Hal Ketchum, & The Fabulous Thunderbirds Anson shared some great memories he made playing some of the blues festivals around the states… his experience hanging out with BB King… golf and his torn rotator cuff… the best (and worst) album he ever ...
Sep 20, 2018•1 hr 22 min•Ep. 324
Webb Wilder & The Beatnecks have been cranking out their own brand of roots, blues, rockabilly, Ameriana and Southern Rock and Roll, since 1985 - and they just released their 10th album, Powerful Stuff. Webb shares some cool stories, including a hilarious one about the title of his 1996 record, Acres of Suede… learning to finally get out of his own way and how to start enjoying who he is… developing his self-esteem through good times and bad… growing up in the deep south… his crush on Sharon...
Sep 19, 2018•1 hr 30 min•Ep. 323
Tim has been a Professor of guitar at Berklee College of Music since 2001, and has also released 3 CDs with his Tim Miller Trio. He has performed or recorded with Dweezil Zappa, Paul Motian, Randy Brecker, Mick Goodrick, Mike Stern, Ben Monder, Eddie Gomez, David Liebman, Mark Turner, George Duke, Gary Husband, Terri Lyne Carrington, & Antonio Sanchez, and others Tim shares some cool stories about connecting with Dweezil Zappa, Randy Brecker and Mick Goodrick… how and why he started his onli...
Sep 18, 2018•1 hr 12 min•Ep. 322
Drummer, co-songwriter and co-lead singer of Night Ranger and the writer and singer of the multi-platinum hit “Sister Christian,” Kelly really has “been there and done that.” Night Ranger was a struggling local San Francisco band. After their first album started getting traction, Bill Graham began booking them for national acts like Judas Priest, Pat Benatar, Santana and the Doobie Brothers. Things were going great, when suddenly from out of nowhere, their record label closes. No more records in...
Sep 17, 2018•2 hr 16 min•Ep. 321
Wow, one of my favorite interviews because I listened to Zebra non-stop back in the early 80’s. SOO many cool stories in this one. Zebra got signed to a five album deal right out of the starting gate But Randy talks about the almost impossible series of events that had to happen for this to take place… the reality of what the music business is like and what’s expected of a band when they first get signed… VERY cool back stories to the band’s top hits Playing with Jorma Kaukonen and the Jefferson...
Sep 14, 2018•1 hr 25 min•Ep. 320
John was the first Certified Guitar Player Chet Atkins appointed. John’s written songs for and recorded with Chet, Jerry Reed, Lenny Breau, the Romero Family and James Galway… plus he had an international hit song recorded by Raffi and XUXA John shares loads of stories about working with, and being mentored by Chet Atkins, and the kindness and leadership he offered… growing up the son of a preacher, and the impact this had on him… and a great story how he gave up his original academic career as ...
Sep 13, 2018•2 hr 19 min•Ep. 319
Adrian has performed with Uli Jon Roth, Yngwie Malmsteen, Robben Ford, Mike Keneally, George Lynch, Warren DeMartini, and more… is a Guitar World Magazine columnist, Education Coordinator for Guitar Center Lessons, and the author of the book Progressive Guitar Warm-Ups and Exercises Adrian talks about going after what you want… how growing up in a financially stable home might have actually hurt him… a Reb Beach critique which changed the trajectory of his career… the advantage of learning to be...
Sep 12, 2018•1 hr 45 min•Ep. 318
Bill grew up playing clubs in Montgomery, Alabama… and quickly moved to playing sessions in Muscle Shoals. During his career he’s worked with Wayne Newton, Johnny Taylor, Roy Orbison, Mac McAnally, Dobie Gray, Huey Lewis & The News and more. He’s also been Paul Thorn’s lead guitarist for the last 30 years Bill opens up and talks about going through rehab and getting sober at a young age… dealing with both insecurity and overconfidence, and how it’s impacted his career and his life… The one t...
Sep 11, 2018•1 hr 33 min•Ep. 317
One of the hottest, up and coming guitar players, Jimmy plays with the Delvon Lamarr Organ Trio and he’s also the lead guitarist and music director for True Loves. Both bands are out of Seattle, and both are as groovy and funky as a greased porcupine in heat Jimmy talked about some deep shit here, including the incredibly difficult and stressful childhood he had. Frankly, how he managed to overcome it and be the incredibly kind, gentle and nice person he is today, is nothing shy of a miracle. He...
Sep 10, 2018•1 hr 52 min•Ep. 316
Tommy has been Billy Joel’s lead guitarist and musical director since 1990. He was also nominated for a Tony and a Grammy for his work with the Movin’ Out Broadway show and album. He’s also toured and recorded with Enrique Iglesias, Brian Setzer, Joan Jett, and Taylor Dayne. Tommy wrote and produced Mandy Moore’s hit, “It’s Gonna Be Love.” Tommy talks about getting the gig with Billy Joel, and his first show (no rehearsal!)... What happened early on in his career with Billy, when he kicked down ...
Sep 07, 2018•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 315
Most Emotional Interview I’ve EVER Done: One of the original members of the Austin music scene back in the early 1970’s Denny Freeman roomed with and played in bands with Stevie Ray Vaughan and Jimmie Vaughan. He was also part of the house band at Antone’s, and shared stories about backing up blues legends like Otis Rush, Albert Collins, Buddy Guy and Freddie King. He’s played on records with both Vaughan brothers co-written with Debbie Harry... recorded and toured with Bob Dylan… and has releas...
Sep 06, 2018•2 hr 41 min•Ep. 314
How to start your life over: In spite of having to start over professionally twice and personally once more… and dealing with an unknown medical illness for the last 10 years, Rob Garland is one of the most positive and optimistic people you’ll ever meet. Originally from England, Rob’s opened for BB King, Chuck Berry and Booker T… is currently a teacher at Musician’s Institute… is one of the most popular True Fire instructors… and regularly plays out with his fusion band, Eclectic Trio and his j...
Sep 05, 2018•2 hr 53 min•Ep. 313
Mike just released his 7th solo album, Wayward Troubadour, and what a journey it’s been for him. Mike and his wife Amy literally live on a sailboat off the coast of Virginia and he was kind enough to share tons of cool stories about the musical and life adventures he’s had, all over the world Mike talks about his mom’s inspirational influence on his life and on his music… a great story about how a decision he made led him to believe he was out of the music business, when in reality, it turned th...
Sep 04, 2018•1 hr 47 min•Ep. 312
Besides performing in the American Idol house band, Tonight Show band (as a sub) and other television shows, Errol has toured or performed with Janet Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Beyonce, Christina Aguilera, Phillip Phillips, Dave Chappelle, Lalah Hathaway, and many more over the past 20 years A committed family man, Errol talks about how his career got started and making the commitment to move to L.A… a funny story about his audition with Stevie Wonder… Dave Chappelle’s juke joints… being kind and h...
Sep 03, 2018•1 hr 11 min•Ep. 311
With over a BILLION views on YOuTube, Marty Schwartz is the most popular guitar teacher online. But his road to success was far from easy. Marty had to basically restart his business from zero, and what he did in 2 ½ years is a lesson in how to make a comeback Marty also opened up about what prompted him to start teaching online in the first place… his childhood and his parents divorce… the songs featured in his most popular videos… his biggest influences, musically and personally… favorite part...
Aug 31, 2018•1 hr 57 min•Ep. 310
Johnny’s recorded with producer Eddie Kramer (Hendrix, Zeppelin), and opened for Robbie Krieger, Dickey Betts and Mike Campbell. 1 year ago, Johnny was still maintaining a full time job, while playing music close to full-time. Today, he is only performing and writing music literally all over the world, with two of the hottest guitarist acts in music today, Duane Betts and Devon Allman. Johnny shares a great story about meeting Robbie Krieger, Matt Abts and Jorgen Carlsson from Gov’t Mule… differ...
Aug 30, 2018•1 hr 29 min•Ep. 309
Luca Benedetti has been performing in a wide variety of Roots, Jazz, Country, and Americana-inspired projects since moving to NYC in 1996. His most recent collaborations include performances, production and recordings with Jim Campilongo, Martha Redbone, Speeding West, Honeyfingers, Tubby, The Brooklyn Boogaloo Blowout, Erik Deutsch, Jon Cowherd, Zephaniah & The 18 Wheelers, The Dang-it Bobbys, Jason Loughlin & The String Gliders, Kelli Scarr & North of Amarillo, The National Reserve...
Aug 29, 2018•2 hr 21 min
Currently on tour with Ziggy Marley, Adam’s worked with Glen Campbell, Shakira, Iggy Pop, Dido, Lissie, Enrique Iglesias, Alejandro Sanz, The Spam Allstars, and Vida Blue, a band made of Adam, Page McConnell, Oteil Burbridge,and Russell Batiste Adam started playing later than most, but believed in himself enough to say “Yes” to everything, and he managed to play all the time as a result. Some really cool stories about working with Glen Campbell, Iggy Pop, Ziggy Marley… self-loathing and not givi...
Aug 28, 2018•2 hr 1 min•Ep. 307
The lead singer of the Saturday Night Live band since 1991, Christine is also the leader of Christine Ohlman & Rebel Montez (6 CD’s & a DVD). Christine’s played with Ian Hunter, Brian Wilson, Sting, Nona Hendryx, My Morning Jacket’s Jim James, Ronnie Spector, Sonny Landreth, Taj Majal, Lucinda Williams, and many others. And she shares stories about working with GE Smith, Lou Reed, Elvis Costello, Nick Lowe, Bruce Springsteen, Steve Miller, Mac Rebennack (Dr. John), Bonnie Bramlett and To...
Aug 27, 2018•1 hr 11 min•Ep. 306
Tomo Fujita grew up in Kyoto, Japan, and at age 19 won a full scholarship to attend Berklee. Only problem was he didn’t speak a word of English. He came to America and through sheer hustle and determination, things all seemed to work out. He wound up becoming a member of the faculty at Berklee, and has taught some famous students, such as Eric Krasno, Adam Smirnoff, and John Mayer. Tomo has also performed with some major artists, including Will Lee, Steve Gadd, Bernard Purdie, Steve Jordan, Susa...
Aug 24, 2018•2 hr 2 min•Ep. 305
Brian Lucey is a guitarist who became an internationally successful mastering engineer. He’s mastered 7 Grammy-winning albums or singles, and 4 Billboard number ones hits with Liam Gallagher, Shania Twain, Royal Blood, The Greatest Showman Soundtrack, and has worked on projects by artists like Depeche Mode, The Black Keys, Marilyn Manson, Lucinda Williams, David Lynch/Ringo Starr, Ani DiFranco, Doyle Bramhall II, Cage The Elephant, Dr. John, Arctic Monkeys, Spanish Gold, loads of others A bright...
Aug 23, 2018•1 hr 54 min•Ep. 304
Erik is a long-established touring and session player in Nashville, who is currently making a name for himself in production and songwriting. He produced Ty Herndon’s Grammy nominated record, “House on Fire” and wrote 11 of the 12 songs on the record, as well. He’s also toured with Jake Owens, Sara Evans, Thompson Square, Sugarland, Tanya Tucker, Wynonna and others Erik has had a number of side hustles over his career, and they have allowed him to become a successful real estate investor. He sha...
Aug 22, 2018•1 hr 49 min•Ep. 303
Most people know Will as one of the founding members of the Hellecasters, but he was also a session player with artists like Michael Nesmith, Thomas Dolby, Joe Walsh, Carlene Carter, Steve Earle and Tom Jones. His songs have appeared on TV shows such as Oprah, the Tonight Show, and the NBA Basketball Championships. Will was injured during the Vietnam war and once he came home, he took is attended college, and then took his GI Bill funds and purchased a $5,000 and he did two things: he went to co...
Aug 21, 2018•1 hr 47 min•Ep. 302
Producer, sideman, session player and top online instructor, Corey shares his journey through music and all the side hustles he’s had along the way. He also talks about growing up in a blue collar household and some of the challenges this presented… valuable lessons he’s learned which contributed to his own personal growth and development… a tip for players on the kind of guitar stuff you should be learning… vegan food, marriage, divorce, and more. Very cool interview with a well-spoken and intr...
Aug 20, 2018•1 hr 50 min•Ep. 301
The quintessential side man, Anto’s played with Moving Hearts, Paul Brady, Clannad, Leo Sayer, Chris Rea, The Corrs, Genesis, Mike and the Mechanics, Rory Gallagher, Brian May, Peter Gabriel, Annie Lennox, Nick Mason… opening for the Rolling Stones, working with producers Mutt Lange (there’s even a Shania Twain story) & T Bone Burnett. He’s also played for the Pope in Rome, the Clintons in the White House, and The Queen's Jubilee concert at Buckingham Palace with every great rock star imagin...
Aug 17, 2018•2 hr 7 min•Ep. 300
Paul began his career touring on the road with the 1982 rock sensation Aldo Nova. Since then, he’s written multiple hits and toured with Winger, Alice Cooper, Steve Perry, Cinderella, John Waite, Tommy Shaw and more. Paul also has a successful career licensing his music to television and movies, which he discussed during this conversation Paul also shares some cool stories about how he connected with Alice Cooper, Tommy Shaw, and Cinderella… getting started in music and how Country Joe McDonald ...
Aug 16, 2018•1 hr 21 min•Ep. 299
