Jon Langford was a founding member of The Mekons, a band formed by art students at The University of Leeds. After moving from Newport, Wales to Chicago, Illinois in the early ’90s, Jon formed The Waco Brothers, a country-punk group. In addition to playing music in many bands, he works as a producer on many records. Jon also writes books, has a comic strip, and creates a lot of artwork. It was great to talk with one of my favorite musicians and artists, Jon Langford. Many thanks to This American ...
Jul 08, 2022•35 min•Season 2Ep. 5
Steve Scariano was in high school when magazines like Circus , Creem , Phonograph and Rolling Stone were not only publishing articles on guitar gods and rock ’n roll frontmen, but offering record reviews of bands one might not hear on most FM stations of that era. Steve loved reading about and discovering new music, and before long, he was playing bass for bands in and around St. Louis and Champaign. Record albums are still very much a part of his life. He’s surrounded by thousands of them in hi...
Jun 17, 2022•49 min•Season 2Ep. 4
Larry McCray spent his early years on an Arkansas farm, the second youngest of nine siblings. His older sister Clara introduced Larry to the guitar and to the music of the three Kings of the blues—B.B., Freddie and Albert. Virgin Records subsidiary label, Point Blank signed Larry as its first artist. And over the past three decades of nonstop touring and recording, Larry has shared the stage with B.B. King, Buddy Guy, Albert King, Johnny Winter, Keb Mo, and Kenny Wayne Shepherd. His new album, B...
Jun 03, 2022•30 min•Season 2Ep. 3
Michael Goldberg’s new book: “Wicked Game: The True Story of Guitarist James Calvin Wilsey” goes deep into the life of a brilliant but doomed unsung genius who we lost too soon. Jimmy wasn’t just a great and unique guitarist, but a music pioneer. Michael met Jimmy Wilsey in 1982 at a Silvertone gig and a few years later interviewed him in 1987. Not long after that, they became friends. His book tells the story of a charming, incredibly talented guy who ultimately succumbed to the dark side of ad...
May 20, 2022•47 min•Season 2Ep. 2
I had a great conversation with Jimmy - at his rehearsal space! Surrounded by some fine guitars, we talked about his early bands, the tribute bands he’s been with, his gig at Killer Vintage and more. He loves his audience and his audience loves him. Photo ©Jen Gray https://www.facebook.com/jimmy.griffin.56 Save on certified Pre-Owned iPhones, Androids, AirPods, Macs, Smartwatches, accessories, and more at Plug Tech. – http://plug.tech/DJFEY Find or Sell Guitars and Gear at Reverb Find great deal...
May 06, 2022•48 min•Season 2Ep. 1
Multi-instrumentalist. Guitar virtuoso. Sonic innovator. Two-time Grammy nominee. All of these describe Tim Reynolds, who founded the electric power trio TR3, and of course plays lead guitar with The Dave Matthews Band. I caught up with Tim and we discussed our high school years, playing guitar, playing to audiences large and small. And Tim even offers his thoughts on the universe. For more info on Tim Reynolds and TR3, visit timreynolds.com Photo by René Huemer Save on certified Pre-Owned iPhon...
Feb 11, 2022•59 min•Season 1Ep. 10
Andy Conrad is a multi-instrumentalist who has released a total of 14 albums since 2003. All guitars, all instruments, all vocals and harmonies – every detail is provided by Andy. An incredibly prolific and continually creative artist, he writes, arranges, mixes and produces his albums all in the basement of his home in Webster Groves, Missouri. You’ll no doubt notice on these albums that his name is listed as Andy Conrad?, with a question mark. Why? Find out in this episode of Frets. Stay tuned...
Feb 04, 2022•35 min•Season 1Ep. 9
Born and raised in Nashville, Florence lives in North Carolina with her husband, drummer Will Rigby and their daughter Georgie. In addition to being a singer-songwriter, Florence has authored several books, is professor of American Literature at UNC-Chapel Hill and serves on the board of the Bob Dylan Institute. That’s a busy schedule. But Florence carved out some time to talk about it all. Find out more at florencedoremusic.com Photo by Marie Killen A new album, Highways and Rocketships is comi...
Jan 27, 2022•39 min•Season 1Ep. 8
In the second episode featuring D. Clinton Thompson, you get to hear him mimic the Boxcar Willie train whistle sound, offer some Lou-isms (Donnie says he uses them every day) and discuss some recent work with The Domino Kings. Oh, and one of Donnie’s cats chimes in. Many thanks to Nick Sibley for permission to use “Sour Snow” and to Ben Vaughn for the use of “Don’t Spill Ketchup on My Toast Bread”. Need an original song or jingle? Contact Nick Sibley at nicksibleymusic.com Looking for another gr...
Jan 21, 2022•28 min•Season 1Ep. 7
A guitar player’s guitar player. A “riff archivist”. D. Clinton Thompson has been a guitar hero of mine since the first time I saw him play onstage. His mastery of guitar, combined with an obvious great sense of humor, complements his unique vocal style. I really think you’ll enjoy this fascinating, often hilarious discussion with Donnie about his early days, crossing paths with Lou Whitney, and the many bands and artists that he’s contributed his incredible talents to. Photo by Lin Wilson Save ...
Jan 14, 2022•53 min•Season 1Ep. 6
John played with many bands in and around St. Louis, became an integral part of The Bottle Rockets and is currently with Son Volt on lead guitar. We had a great discussion about his early days, going stir crazy during lockdown, and where things are now. On Friday, January 14, Son Volt begin a tour of the states. Information on tour dates is available at son volt.net Photo by Tim Gebauer Save on certified Pre-Owned iPhones, Androids, AirPods, Macs, Smartwatches, accessories, and more at Plug Tech...
Jan 07, 2022•38 min•Season 1Ep. 5
Joe V. McMahan called in from Nashville, where he lives and works as a guitarist, record producer and engineer. We talk about horse breeding, psychics, Billy Bob Thornton, film scores, our love for Nino Rota (La Strada, The Godfather) and much more. We also find out what the “V” stands for. Stay tuned. https://www.joevmcmahan.com Photo courtesy of Dave Elmore Save on certified Pre-Owned iPhones, Androids, AirPods, Macs, Smartwatches, accessories, and more at Plug Tech. – http://plug.tech/DJFEY S...
Dec 31, 2021•43 min•Season 1Ep. 4
I continue my discussion with Eric. We talk about Steve Earle & the Dukes, chambered guitars, Glen Campbell, Eric’s studio Cowboy Technical Services in Brooklyn, his legendary bar Lakeside Lounge in New York and…lunch. Check out more about Eric and his music at www.ericambel.com Save on certified Pre-Owned iPhones, Androids, AirPods, Macs, Smartwatches, accessories, and more at Plug Tech. – http://plug.tech/DJFEY Save on Certified Pre-Owned Electronics Plug has great prices on refurbished el...
Dec 22, 2021•28 min•Season 1Ep. 3
The veteran singer/guitarist/songwriter/producer — known to his friends, associates and bandmates as Roscoe — has spent the past three and a half decades building a powerful body of raw, personally charged music that’s earned him a far-reaching reputation as a rock ‘n’ roll original, while keeping him busy in his parallel careers as producer, sideman and collaborator. Find out more about Eric at ericambel.com Opening track – “Wasting My Time” by Sarah Borges sarahborges.com Save on certified Pre...
Dec 15, 2021•59 min•Season 1Ep. 2
Craig Straubinger was founder, lead guitarist and singer of The Trip Daddys, a band who’s had a loyal following for many years. They had a great sound, a great look and definitely made their mark in the music community. Craig’s new band The Blue Sparks play, in their words, “American Music, our own hodgepodge of early rock ’n’ roll, electric blues, and rockabilly influences.” Save on certified Pre-Owned iPhones, Androids, AirPods, Macs, Smartwatches, accessories, and more at Plug Tech. – http://...
Dec 04, 2021•29 min•Season 1Ep. 1
