Chewing the Gristle with Greg Koch

Greg Koch

Welcome to Season 5! Listen in on Greg Koch's conversations with his guitar-hero friends. Every episode Greg unleashes his fiendish humor and unique perspective as "one of the most famous unknown guitar players in the world", asking his often-famous musical friends the questions that we all want to know the answers to! Each episode is brought to you by Fishman and Wildwood Guitars

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Strap in, gristle tribe, because our latest jam session with blues-rock maestro Davey Knowles is a deep dive into the soulful crossroads where British folk meets Americana. Hailing from the Isle of Man, Davey's heartfelt anecdotes reveal his journey to the heartland of Chicagoland's music scene, and the unvarnished joy of acoustic performances that followed his recent album drop. As we stoke the gristle campfire, you'll feel the vibrancy of English folk legends Bert Janch and Davy Graham through Knowles' strings, and understand why solo acoustic sets are as stirring to him as they are to audiences worldwide.Then, prepare for a detour down memory lane as we pay homage to the one and only Rory Gallagher. Davey and Greg share our personal connections to Rory's Celtic blues-rock, a sound that rattled thier own musical frameworks to the core. From the electric rush of touring with Rory's former comrades to the challenges of juggling the touring life with family responsibilities, we unearth the raw emotional tapestry that defines the musician's life. And for those who've ever wondered about the alchemy of bands, we dissect the irreplaceable magic that develops within groups who've weathered the road's trials together.Finally, we crank the amp to eleven as we trade tales of our most treasured axes — including Greg's '66 Telecaster that's more family heirloom than guitar — and reminisce about the raucous heyday of rock and roll attitude. From Hendrix's legendary coolness to the visceral thrill of loud, unapologetic concerts, we explore how the echoes of those live-wire performances still inform our music today. So join us, turn up the volume, and let every chord strike resonate with the storied past and vibrant present of rock, blues, and everything in between.1:33 - Life in Chicago, Davy’s new acoustic album, and the simplicity of performing by oneself8:05 - The glory and mystery of Robert Johnson13:10 - One cannot deny the influential power of Eric Clapton17:26 - Davy affiliation w/ Rory Gallagher, and similarities to Roy Buchanan24:58 - Keeping busy in 2024, and the importance of having a solid, cohesive (sober?) band34:59 - The importance of a great booking agent, a few words on opening bands, and what happens your band is loud AF51:12 - Davy’s life as a performer53:18 - The Telecaster, a few vintage guitars, and the real power of Rock ’n RollFishman Dedicated to helping musicians achieve the truest sound possible whenever they plug-in. Wildwood Guitars One of the world’s premier retailers of exceptional electric and acoustic guitars.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Episodes

Strap in, gristle tribe, because our latest jam session with blues-rock maestro Davey Knowles is a deep dive into the soulful crossroads where British folk meets Americana. Hailing from the Isle of Man, Davey's heartfelt anecdotes reveal his journey to the heartland of Chicagoland's music scene, and the unvarnished joy of acoustic performances that followed his recent album drop. As we stoke the gristle campfire, you'll feel the vibrancy of English folk legends Bert Janch and Davy Graham through Knowles' strings, and understand why solo acoustic sets are as stirring to him as they are to audiences worldwide.Then, prepare for a detour down memory lane as we pay homage to the one and only Rory Gallagher. Davey and Greg share our personal connections to Rory's Celtic blues-rock, a sound that rattled thier own musical frameworks to the core. From the electric rush of touring with Rory's former comrades to the challenges of juggling the touring life with family responsibilities, we unearth the raw emotional tapestry that defines the musician's life. And for those who've ever wondered about the alchemy of bands, we dissect the irreplaceable magic that develops within groups who've weathered the road's trials together.Finally, we crank the amp to eleven as we trade tales of our most treasured axes — including Greg's '66 Telecaster that's more family heirloom than guitar — and reminisce about the raucous heyday of rock and roll attitude. From Hendrix's legendary coolness to the visceral thrill of loud, unapologetic concerts, we explore how the echoes of those live-wire performances still inform our music today. So join us, turn up the volume, and let every chord strike resonate with the storied past and vibrant present of rock, blues, and everything in between.1:33 - Life in Chicago, Davy’s new acoustic album, and the simplicity of performing by oneself8:05 - The glory and mystery of Robert Johnson13:10 - One cannot deny the influential power of Eric Clapton17:26 - Davy affiliation w/ Rory Gallagher, and similarities to Roy Buchanan24:58 - Keeping busy in 2024, and the importance of having a solid, cohesive (sober?) band34:59 - The importance of a great booking agent, a few words on opening bands, and what happens your band is loud AF51:12 - Davy’s life as a performer53:18 - The Telecaster, a few vintage guitars, and the real power of Rock ’n RollFishman Dedicated to helping musicians achieve the truest sound possible whenever they plug-in. Wildwood Guitars One of the world’s premier retailers of exceptional electric and acoustic guitars.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Jimmy Hall is a vocalist, harpist, and saxophonist extraordinaire. He is known for his time with Wet Willie, Jeff Beck, the Dickey Betts band, Hank Williams Jr., and as a recent contributor to the Allman Betts Family Revival. Today the mighty Mr. Hall joins Greg to chew the gristle!2:46 - Jimmy’s upbringing, his draw to music, and the early years in Georgia with the Allman Brothers22:02 - Turning pro and receiving support from his parents24:42 - How to sing in a LOUD band30:27 - Back to Georgia - the vibe, the music, the scene, and Jimmy’s time with Capricorn records44:29 - Keeping your head above water when the skies turn dark51:24 - Staying busy keeps you youngTotal Length: 57:22

Mike Zito has been a fixture of the American blues and roots scene for a long time, with 17 albums to his own name, along with ime spent in the Royal Southern Brotherhood and The Wheel. He's an incendiary guitar player, vocalist extraordinaire, true blues-cat, rock-n-roller, and an all-around cool dude! Greg and and Mike get into it all on this episode of gristle! 2:05 - What’s new with Mike - building up his record label, and the ups and downs of being on the road16:00 - Formal guitar education - the ups, downs, and all-arounds26:12 - Ear training - how important is it?30:19 - Meeting Danny Gatton, and the age-old debate over ‘What are The Blues’38:13 - Guitars, amps - gear, gear gear!50:15 - The changing musical landscape, and the loudness warsTotal Length: 58Fishman Dedicated to helping musicians achieve the truest sound possible whenever they plug-in. Wildwood Guitars One of the world’s premier retailers of exceptional electric and acoustic guitars.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Stephen Hull is a young Wisconsin native who has taken the international blues world by storm, and connected with Greg while on tour in Buenos Aires! Blues Blast magazine called him a "blues dynamo, capable of nailing just about any blues style, yet somehow projecting a distinct, personal voice." The talk road gear and everything else on this addition of Chewing the Gristle!2:24 - Touring Brazil, and enjoying the warmth of winter below the equator5:12 - Escaping Wisconsin to tour the world, and honoring the Blues greats through emotive expression13:05 - Stephen’s upcoming plans for his band, and as a solo guitar-slinger22:44 - The importance of a good rhythm section, the question of where to live as a professional musician, and road stories from around the world33:28 - More road stories from around the world, and the magic of home49:06 - Nick’s on-the-road gear, and the lure of guitar acquisition57:16 - Nick’s main guitar cost how much?? And the question of loudness on stage.Total Length: 77:15Fishman Dedicated to helping musicians achieve the truest sound possible whenever they plug-in. Wildwood Guitars One of the world’s premier retailers of exceptional electric and acoustic guitars.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Toronzo Cannon, hailing from Chicago IL, likes to do things The Chicago Way. He's an Alligator recording artist, bluesman extraordinaire, southpaw, and a cool cat! Mojo Magazine said Toronzo "rises to the front rank of Chicago bluesmen" and The Chicago Sun-Times said "The Bridgeport resident (and CTA bus driver) (is) one of Chicago’s new greats". Dig it as Greg and Toronzo get into the Gristle!1:58 - Who here is a huge Jimi Hendrix fan? And what drew Toronzo to wanting to music and playing guitar8:49 - Toronzo’s path to forming a band, the road back to Hendrix, and unlocking the guitar16:58 - Toronzo’s new record, signing with Alligator Records, and touring plans21:45 - Famous Chicago blues clubs, and building a reputation as an artist31:50 - What is Chicago blues, and the importance of writing music from the heart40:21 - Working with a producer, and opening up your preferences to all sorts of music49:19 - Following the influence of your favorite playersTotal Length: 68:38Fishman Dedicated to helping musicians achieve the truest sound possible whenever they plug-in. Wildwood Guitars One of the world’s premier retailers of exceptional electric and acoustic guitars.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Dylan Adams is a slide guitar player extraordinaire. Greg first discovered him as many of us have, on social media playing up a storm! Greg was taken away by his beautiful technique, tone, and touch. Dylan has made that heavy impression on many via his Instagram and YouTube accounts, and today Greg and Dylan catch up for a very slide-oriented Chewing the Gristle!3:03 - The resurgence of slide guitar, Dylan’s own unique voice, and The Allman Bros8:46 - What interested Dylan in slide guitar, and more Allman Bros!20:08 - The importance of making music for yourself, and hitting the road and just DOING IT24:36 - Other influential guitar players, slide or no slide, and interesting slide techniques34:34 - More on slide technique38:31 - Ear training, theory vs gristle, and the nuances of learning and exploration53:46 - GEAR AND TONE64:12 - Dylan online, the when, the where, the whatTotal Length: 66:42Fishman Dedicated to helping musicians achieve the truest sound possible whenever they plug-in. Wildwood Guitars One of the world’s premier retailers of exceptional electric and acoustic guitars.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Reggie Hamilton

Reggie Hamilton

Reggie is bass royalty in LA, where he has been a first-call session and touring bassist for many years. He has toured or recorded with Seal, Eros Ramazzotti, Babyface, Queen Latifah, Billy Childs, Christina Aguilera, Ricky Martin, Bette Midler, George Duke, Whitney Houston, Stanley Clarke, David Lynch, John Mellencamp, Warren Zevon, Mariah Carey, Tina Turner, Tiziano Ferro, Boyz II Men, Johnny Hallyday and many, many others. Greg and Reggie get into the Gristle!2:38 - Touring with Chris Bodie, and what it’s like to tour 250 days out of the year and having no idea what kind of gear you’ll be playing10:50 - Growing up in New York, and Reggie’s jazz mentors throughout the years19:31 - Playing and studying with guitar legend Dennis Sandole, and the importance of great teachers34:51 - What drew Reggie to Los Angeles, how music connects people (even if they disagree), and the joy of jamming with Reggie Hamilton around the world52:27 - Reggie’s time jamming with Michael Landau, and what Reggie has been up to recently61:03 - Fodera Guitars, guitar hoarding, and family72:22 - Goodbye — oh wait, let’s talk about tour and food!Total Length: 86:30Fishman Dedicated to helping musicians achieve the truest sound possible whenever they plug-in. Wildwood Guitars One of the world’s premier retailers of exceptional electric and acoustic guitars.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Chicago's Nick Moss has been recognized as one the great guitarists of his generation, garnering accolades from Buddy Guy and praise from Jambase, Relix, and Gratefulweb.com among many others. His recording career spans decades and his albums are staples at blues radio outlets worldwide and are now in rotation at stations with jam and rock formats. Greg and Nick catch up about his musical journey, life on the road, and his gear!1:27 - Hellos, catch-up, sharing the stage w/ the great Nick Moss, and the glory of Wisconsin’s Summer Fest7:21 - What drew Nick to the Blues, and how the guitar fell into his hands20:32 - Hitting the road with Buddy Scott, Jimmy Rogers, more, and making a living as a musician in Chicago31:45 - Life on the road with Nick Moss,and the importance of building your brand42:32 - The difference between self-released material vs record label deals51:23 - Nick’s current road rigTotal Length: 61:18

Eric Johnson can be found on anyone's list of the greatest electric guitar instrumentalists ever. His songs such as "Cliffs of Dover" (which won a Grammy) set the high bar for the genre, and have become all-time classics. Greg and Eric talk about G3, influences, tone, and gear on this Chewing the Gristle! 3:16 - Greg and Eric - the pleasure of sitting in together and jamming on stage, and Eric approach to performance throughout the years 7:13 - The upcoming G3 tour with Joe Satriani & Steve Vai, and a discourse on the almighty BB King11:30 - The tone is in the fingers, the absurdity of social media, the joy of playing guitar, Eric history with teachers and ear training, and how the skill set of a modern-day guitarist has changed21:03 - Eric’s tonal thoughts in preparing for his next record, and the idea of keeping things simple25:51 - The idea of being a trailblazer, and thoughts on Jeff Beck31:59 - Cream, Clapton, Beck, Hendrix, and how fame might affect the player49:48 - GEAR52:26 - What’s in Eric’s record player?58:01 - Different picking techniques, and the influential players behind themTotal Length: 66:35Fishman Dedicated to helping musicians achieve the truest sound possible whenever they plug-in. Wildwood Guitars One of the world’s premier retailers of exceptional electric and acoustic guitars.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

One of the world's best acoustic guitarists (just ask Total Guitar and Music Radar), Mike Dawes has made fans globally with his exciting and inviting brand of fingerstyle, percussive guitar. He first gained prominence on YouTube with millions of views for solo arrangements such as Metallica's "One", Gotye's "Someone That I Used to Know", Van Halen's "Jump", his own tune "The Impossible" and others. He has gone on to team up with players like Tommy Emmanuel, Periphery, Nick Johnston, Plini and more for collaborative, worldwide tours and videos. Greg and Mike took a break from both of their busy touring schedules for this episode of Gristle! 3:49 - Growing up Guildford8:33 - The exhaustion only kicks in when the touring stops, days off13:13 - Doing everything yourself vs hiring out control of your career, and the importance of touring / building an audience23:58 - The Music Industry in a post-COVID world25:04 - Ben Lacy, creative fingerstyle, and Mike’s own virtuosic chops 32:18 - How Mike works on timing as a solo player37:44 - What inspired Mike to originally pick up the guitar42:39 - The passing of the late, great EVH, and surviving COVID lockdown (mentally and fiscally)49:50 - The digital age, guitar, AI, and how everything moves forward64:14 - Being true to oneself as an artist and performerTotal Length: 76:30

Tom Quayle is an extraordinary musician, improviser, composer, cat,instruction-app entrepreneur, and six-string visionary hailing from Leeds in the UK. A master of legato playing, he has played all over the world giving him acclaim that means he can count Dweezil Zappa, John Petrucci, Brett Garsed, Greg Howe, Andy Timmons, and Tim Miller amongst his many fans. Greg and Tom get into the transatlantic gristle! 3:02 - The latest and greatest from Tom, from video courses, new apps, and lots of guitar9:07 - Tom’s definition of a “legato” style of playing the guitar, and a few greats to help inspire your ear18:17 - The importance of alternate picking, and honing in your own personal style of picking30:30 - Tom’s formal guitar education36:03 - The importance of a good teacher, and the influence of how music in the family shapes us as players52:46 - Players who creatively combine jazz and other styles of guitar60:10 - Buc-ee’s and tacosTotal Length: 65:32

The mighty Johnny Hiland astounds with his telecaster manipulations and chicken-pickin'-fricassee par excellence. Known far and wide for his blazingly fast and tasty playing, Johnny is a guitar veteran of the Don Kelley Band (a Nashville institution where other veterans such as Guthrie Trapp, Brent Mason, JD Simo, and more got their start), and he's also played on records for artists such as Ricky Skaggs, Toby Keith, Hank Williams III, and Randy Travis, just to name a few. He was signed to Steve Vai's Favored Nations label in 2004, and he's been ripping it up ever since. Johnny tells Greg his story as they get into the gear and the gristle!2:12 - Thumbpickin’ (and how Johnny’s thumb is acting up)6:05 - The birth of MTV and being able to SEE how people played guitar, and the importance of the pick, and noiseless pickups12:40 - Johnny’s first real guitar and rig, and the glory of T and S style guitars22:27 - The influence of early chicken pickin players, B-Benders, and The Byrds27:55 - The Rockabilly Revival, Danny Gatton, and Roy Buchanan37:23 - Johnny’s decision to drop out of school and move to Nashville, and growing up an absolute fiend for the guitar47:02 - Johnny’s move from Nashville to Virginia, and knowing its never too late to make a good living as a musicianTotal Length: 67:21

Duane is an incredible guitarist and songwriter, who has forged an impressive musical career by any standard. The son of The Allman Brothers Band's legendary guitarist Dickey Betts (who named him after Duane Allman), he has readily filled those large shoes with aplomb, appearing for years with his father, and also with bands like Dawes, Jamtown (Donovan Frankenreiter, G. Love, and Cody Dickinson), Whitestarr, The Allman Betts Band, and his own projects, such as Duane Betts & The Pistoleers. Greg and Duane get into the gear and gristle! 2:16 - Greg playing with Duane and the Allman Family Revival, and digging in to Duane’s playing7:05 - Growing up a Betts, Duane’s early musical taste, and his pull to the guitar12:50 - What it was like having vintage Gibsons lying around the house, and Duane’s decision to go into music professionally18:05 - Splitting time between the Allman Family Revival and Duane’s solo material, and Duane’s upbringing as a young Floridian 26:42 - Gear, gear, more gear, and TONE!43:36 - Stage volume - then and now50:43 - Talking about The Blues and other musicians, father and son, and some tour talkTotal Length: 60:12Fishman Dedicated to helping musicians achieve the truest sound possible whenever they plug-in. Wildwood Guitars One of the world’s premier retailers of exceptional electric and acoustic guitars.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Luther Dickinson

Luther Dickinson

North Mississippi Allstars' frontman Luther Dickinson is a great guitar player, musician, and human being! Greg and Luther talk about their recent appearance together with the Allman Family Revival, his influences, Luther and Cody's famous father, producer Jim Dickinson, 80s rock, slide guitar, and all kinds of other fun gristle. Dig it!2:25 - Luther’s time touring with the Allman Betts band, how he linked up with The Revival, and growing up an old (music) soul11:17 - Growing up with a musically iconic father, distinguishing the differences between styles of play over the years, and integrating different influences21:25 - Luther’s transition from Memphis to Nashville, Luther’s work as a producer, and Luther’s favorite guitars28:32 - Guitar fever33:22 - The Grateful Dead, Led Zeppelin, and the legacy of improvisation44:19 - 1984 - the year of Van Halen, Purple Rain, Greg’s wet toe into Hair Metal, and missing out on quality greatness over the years54:04 - Derek Trucks, Sonny Landreth, and a thick conversation on slide guitar70:44 - The inspiration of ‘the random element’ of playing guitar, and grooving on the upbeats78:27 - The last days of Hendrix, and the favorite songs to play on guitarTotal Length: 96:10Fishman Dedicated to helping musicians achieve the truest sound possible whenever they plug-in. Wildwood Guitars One of the world’s premier retailers of exceptional electric and acoustic guitars.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Johnny Stachela

Johnny Stachela

Johnny Stachela is the firey slide guitar player from the Duane Betts Band, The Allman Betts Band, The Allman Family Revival, and many other renowned projects, all the while sporting his SG into his Fender Super Reverb and causing mayhem. Today they talk about the Allman Brothers, Dickie Betts, gear, and gristle!2:17 - Playing with Duane Betts, and how Johnny fell in to playing with the Allman Family Revival, and early influences8:08 - Growing up a young bluesman in high school14:07 - When the SG takes hold of Johnny, and how to avoid guitar hoarding20:50 - The early days of the Fender Super Reverb (the amp world’s best-kept secret), and the pains of inflation28:41 - Playing in different tunings, hanging with the old guard of the Allman Brothers band, and vintage guitars36:16 - Dickie’s signature sound, how he achieved it, and the intricacies of different Allman Brothers parts47:33 - The Allman Family Revival set list, Johnny’s 2023 calendar, and the complexities of record deals52:12 - Johnny’s thoughts on the “music game” in 2022Total Length: 57:37Fishman Dedicated to helping musicians achieve the truest sound possible whenever they plug-in. Wildwood Guitars One of the world’s premier retailers of exceptional electric and acoustic guitars.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

An astonishing axeman of the highest order, Jimmy has been revered throughout the jam-band world and beyond for decades. He's a founding member of Col. Bruce Hampton's Aquarium Rescue Unit, the longtime lead guitarist for Widespread Panic, duo partner of John McLaughlin, and he's been a member of formidable bands like Jazz Is Dead, The Allman Brothers Band, Project Z, Derek Trucks Band, Phil Lesh and Friends, the Other Ones and The Dead. If that wasn't enough he also has several great solo albums to his name! Greg and Jimmy get into his story and of course, the gear! 2:14 - Greg’s early exposure to Jimmy, falling in love with him and his playing, and Jimmy’s early exposure to music10:06 - Music school, the power of good teaching, and the mysteries of Jazz20:53 - Learning parts and playing with The Dixie Dregs29:28 - Playing with Col. Bruce Hampton39:23 - The evolution of Jimmy continues - recording with Col. Bruce Hampton, Widespread Panic, and more45:15 - Gear talk!58:05 - Jimmy’s current rig, the importance of having an overdrive box on hand, and the nuance of understanding proper amplificationTotal Length: 73:21Fishman Dedicated to helping musicians achieve the truest sound possible whenever they plug-in. Wildwood Guitars One of the world’s premier retailers of exceptional electric and acoustic guitars.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

You've seen Val MacCallum on stage with Jackson Browne, Vonda Shepard, Sheryl Crow, Lucinda Williams, Bonnie Raitt, Loretta Lynn, and others, and you've heard his studio work on countless other records! Greg and Val get into the gristle and the gear!2:50 - Val’s recent tour with Jackson Browne, and Val’s early work with some Milwaukee legends9:06 - Playing professionally with players of different leveled proficiency (say that 3x fast), and different dynamics that exist15:12 - Surprising yourself 16:49 - Val’s Firebird (and a sampling of other treats)18:50 - Guitar talk27:43 - Home improvements for guitar storage, and recording guitar31:10 - Recording professionally (in Val’s experience)33:11 - Pedals and amps and lots of drool56:42 - The subtle truths of getting work, and a few experiences along the wayTotal Length: 67:06Fishman Dedicated to helping musicians achieve the truest sound possible whenever they plug-in. Wildwood Guitars One of the world’s premier retailers of exceptional electric and acoustic guitars.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Devon Allman has established himself as a band leader, writer, and guitarist who is proudly carrying the torch for his famous bloodline while also bringing those roots into a new era with a new perspective. Greg gets into Devon's musical journey, his many projects, and of course his family and the musical congress therein!3:45 - The subtle intricacies of the Allman Brothers, ingesting material to fully understand the math, and bringing guitars on tour8:57 - Growing up an Allman, and finding your way12:19 - Honeytribe, and Devon’s dive into writing his own music15:18 - Integrating blues and jazz into improvisation, and playing with Dan Toler26:40 - St. Louis, Corpus Christi, and the family ties that bind31:34 - Was the Almighty Gregg Allman supportive of his son pursuing music?37:41 - The internet, the Golden Age of Learning, the drawbacks of social media, and carrying on the legacy51:49 - Greg growing up an Allman Brothers freak, and his attempt to convert the jam band generation62:45 - Discovering Deep Purple, the Police, and a few great books to inspireTotal Length: 74:10Fishman Dedicated to helping musicians achieve the truest sound possible whenever they plug-in. Wildwood Guitars One of the world’s premier retailers of exceptional electric and acoustic guitars.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Jon Gomm is an acoustic guitar player extraordinaire and singer-songwriter of doom and destruction, along with playing a pretty wicked drum set on his guitar as well! Greg and Jon cover a lot of gristle in this episode!2:00 - That time Jon watched Greg at a clinic, and then played adjacent each out in Germany4:47 - A typical week for Jon - touring, playing, writing, and the like11:09 - Jon's touring rig15:14 - Jon's unique playing style, when different techniques were introduced, and B-Benders18:32 - Influences, and striking out on his own23:27 - Music degrees, the hordes of money they help you accumulate, and early gigs31:37 - A typical set when Jon performs33:16 - Being a showman on stage34:34 - Different tunings, and those mistakes that live on YouTube forever38:45 - Developing friendships through the love of music, and the modern influx of music education and technicality46:11 - What's Jon been listening to recently48:27 - What's coming down the road for Jon, and thoughts on physical pressings56:36 - The pressure of the modern music industry ($$$)Total Length: 65:44Fishman Dedicated to helping musicians achieve the truest sound possible whenever they plug-in. Wildwood Guitars One of the world’s premier retailers of exceptional electric and acoustic guitars.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Can you imagine playing with Frank Zappa on your first gig as a young man? That's what Mike Keneally did! He's gone on to record and tour with the likes of Steve Vai, Joe Satriani, Beer for Dolphins, and all kinds of various complex musician luminaries. Greg and Mike get into the grease on this episode of Gristle!5:54 - What’s coming down the road for Mike: a solo band, the Zappa band, and ProgJect10:39 - Honoring the creative ideas that have been sitting on the shelf 20:10 - The interesting considerations you fail to see until you have 3 or more different projects under different names, and understanding the metrics23:18 - Frank Zappa: his improv style, his roots, and everything in between36:46 - Looking back on Frank’s work, and stepping into his band as a young professional39:17 - What Mike does to maintain his complex repertoire49:27 - Loving and respecting the music in order to keep things fresh and fun59:01 - Paul Gilbert’s Great Guitar EscapeTotal Length: 65:09Fishman Dedicated to helping musicians achieve the truest sound possible whenever they plug-in. Wildwood Guitars One of the world’s premier retailers of exceptional electric and acoustic guitars.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.