Chewing the Gristle with Greg Koch

With over 2 million YouTube subscribers, Rick Beato is a brilliant musician, producer, and educator who is consistently creating the finest musical content there is to be found on the interwebs. Greg and Rick rap about Rick's own professional musical journey before YouTube, his time as a bassist and producer, the importance of improvisation, and how to find inspiration in general, all amongst other glorious and insightful tangents. Can you dig that?

An original Fabulous Superlative with Marty Stuart, Kenny is a Nashville touring vet, studio ace, and a general 6-string hellion on every possible level. In addition to Marty, Kenny can be heard on records by Sweethearts of the Rodeo, Patty Loveless, Rodney Crowell, Jim Lauderdale, Lucinda Williams, Joe Ely, Ray LaMontagne, Lana Del Rey, Eric Church, Emmylou Harris, Porter Wagoner, Alan Jackson, and Sugarland -  just to name a few!

2:25 - Catching up during COVID - what Kenny’s been up to
4:08 - For the love of Telecasters, Kenny’s early developmental years as a guitar player, and his personal guitar heroes
19:37 - Kenny’s first amp (a home build!), and a few of his early rigs
21:49 - The ‘Beano’ record, it’s glory, and how it was received by the world when it was first released
24:09 - Taking lessons from Bill Frisell
28:17 - Kenny’s decision to make guitar his full-time job
32:50 - Kenny’s developmental influences - those who really helped him identify his style and preferences
37:40 - Kenny’s transition out of Denver into the world of professional guitar - from New York to Chicago, and everywhere in between, and ultimately landing in Nashville
47:23 - Life as a session player vs a touring musician
58:28 - Kenny’s current rig, and rack gear vs. combo amps
63:38 - Nashville - the current scene, and Kenny’s place in it, and Jim Oblon!

Total Length: 76:05

Redd is Telecaster royalty. He played in Merle Haggard's band for many years after making a name for himself as a go-to Nashville studio guitar-slinger. Redd's own band held court at Austin's famed Continental Club for nearly 20 years, and his residency was not to be missed. Now residing in Virginia, Redd connects with Greg to talk about navigating bands, studios, scenes, and of course Telecasters.

1:51  - Redd’s transition from Austin to Virginia, why moving around the country keeps his playing fresh and inventive, the constant hustle of being a guitar player in a city like Nashville and Austin, and the benefits of moving to a small town
17:59 - The importance of relationships and friendships in the music industry, and the flip-side of running your own solo project
20:46 - Knowing when and how to use stylistic & improvisational freedom
24:54 - Life as a musician in Canada, its bustling music scene, and Redd’s transition to California where he coincidently linked up with steel guitar player Bobby Black
31:55 - LA and the funny unwritten law of subbing out your gig if another pays better without risk of getting fired
33:59- Redd and the Telecaster
37:30 - What kind of music Redd grew up listening to
46:20 - Redd’s go-to amps then and now

Total Length: 71:23

Jim Campilongo's name is synonymous with "Telecaster-master". He is often found on lists of the finest musicians to ever touch a Tele, and with good reason, as his playing both stretches and dismantles any perceived boundaries of the instrument. Greg and Jim engage in a musical discourse about Jim's own journey, and of course, they talk telecasters!

6:57 - Jim’s new record “Two Guitars” - a duet album with Luca Benedetti - and the fun story behind its inception
15:05 - Jim’s early life in San Francisco, his formative years as a guitar player, and what drew him to the Telecaster
23:45 - Joining his first group, learning the ropes of jazz and swing, and how to jam within an ensemble
32:44 - Jim’s transition into a solo guitar player
45:39 - Jim’s early rig: amps, pedals, and geetars!
57:59- New York, New York! Jim’s time in the Big Apple - how was it, and how is it (as a guitarist)?

Total Length: 74:20

Psychedelic blues provocateur JD Simo has spent his recent months at home with his new toddler and his new "Greasy Time" live stream! This lauded guitarist raps with Greg about everything from his own journey, gear, and his frequent co-conspirator Tommy Emmanuel.

1:49 - Adjusting to life at home with a new toddler, and the sobering effect of a fresh diaper
6:58 - JD’s transition to life at home after years of being on the road, setting up his home studio, and the birth of his live-stream series “Greasy Time”
15:25 - JDs new record and thoughts on releasing material during a pandemic
18:53 - JDs journey as a guitarist and player; from playing in the Don Kelley band, working as a session player, to signing record contracts
23:53 - Playing with Tommy Emmanuel, and balancing the challenge of playing solo, sitting in with great players, and finding your own personal voice
35:42- Passing music appreciation down to your kids, and when realizing there may actually be serious potential in their playing
43:18 - Guitars!  JD’s beloved 335, a few cool “Pawnshop” guitars, and a bunch of old goodies
69:12- Closing sentiments on food and delicious feasts

Total Length: 72:21 

Eric has won Blues Rock Artist of the Year for the last 2 years, but he has been a force in the Blues scene since he released his first solo record at 16. Greg and Eric catch up about Eric's unusual style of left-handed playing, and of course their mutual love of all things Jimi Hendrix!

2:17 - Eric’s excitement with the near completion of his new record
6:14 - How Eric derived his chordal style of playing, and developing his voice as a left-handed player
8:23 - Gospel music - the approach, the chords, the “moves”, and the soul behind it all
13:27 - Eric, the Experience Hendrix, and the influence of Jimi Hendrix
20:13 - Improvisation, and the deep well of inspiration and authenticity that can be found through it
23:47 - Eric’s hopes and plans for the future as a musician and player

Total Length: 32:48

From gigs with Michael Jackson to Jeff Beck, Jennifer Batten's technical prowess and unique musical signature have cemented her place as one of the world's most compelling guitarists. She breaks it all down with Greg, talking about her entire career!

6:07 - Jennifer’s decision to move from Los Angeles to Oregon
8:45 - The story of Jennifer’s first tour, and the glory of Elvis impersonators
11:55 - Jennifer’s early years - from growing up in New York to moving to Southern California, and the influence of her father’s obsession with jazz
23:43 - How Jennifer developed her two-handed tapping technique, and how she viewed her future while attending GIT during the era of early Fusion music.
32:58 - The road to getting the gig with Michael Jackson, playing on the “Bad” Tour
42:44 - Meeting with her idol Jeff Beck during the “Bad” Tour in the UK, and how they linked up to work together afterward
57:43 - What the future holds for Jennifer

Total Length: 64:32

Jeff talks guitars with Greg! You know him from Curb Your Enthusiasm, Arrested Development, and The Goldbergs, but did you also know that Jeff Garlin is a six-string aficionado? Jeff shares his hilarious perspective with Greg on all things guitars, comedy, and Covid in this gristle-filled hour of mirth and delight.

4:02 - Jeff’s thoughts on gigging during COVID, how it relates to him as a stand-up comedian, and his philosophy regarding his favorite guitars
11:38 - A day in the life of Jeff’s acting schedule on set
14:01 - Jeff’s guitar collection, including the new Fender 70th Anniversary Broadcaster
18:24 - Jeff’s new show with guitarist Jimmy Vivino on Gibson TV
21:31 - The Telecaster: one of the mightiest axes of all time
25:24 - Comedy, “cancel culture”, and professional authenticity
29:13 - When and how developed his obsession with the guitar, and who in Jeff’s entertainment circle is also secretly a guitar-nut
39:20 - The allure of creativity-enhancing substance as a guitar player, and sobriety
44:40 - Why does politics have to be such a sticky subject?  Just spread light and love!

Total Length: 61:04

You have heard Robbie McIntosh even if you don't know it. Maybe it was that perfect guitar solo on "Middle of the Road" by the Pretenders, or perhaps on a Paul McCartney record, or in the band at a John Mayer concert. Robbie has long been the secret touring/studio guitar-weapon of many of the world's finest, including Norah Jones, Mark Knopfler, Rod Stewart, Josh Groban, and Tori Amos. Today he talks guitars with Greg!

7:52 - Robbie’s time with Paul McCartney, and Greg’s personal excitement having been a long-time follower of Robbie’s career
17:11 - Robbie’s career - from playing with The Pretenders to John Mayer
26:35 - A shared affinity for resonator guitars
30:09 - Growing up in the UK, and Robbie’s earliest days as a guitar player - from jazz to blues and everything in between
42:26 - When your personal musical influences become your compatriots and peers
54:54- Gear! Favorite amps, guitars, and pedals.
56:42 - What is Robbie currently up to?

Total Length: 62:39aw

Playing 7-string guitars long before it was cool, Charlie Hunter is well known as a singular, powerful voice on the guitar. Hybrid guitars are his thing - he's known for improvising flawless bass and guitar lines simultaneously, all in the name of creating great music. Greg and Charlie talk about his early days, lessons with Joe Satriani, time with Michael Franti, and of course his gear!

4:12 - Charlie’s decision to move his family from New York / New Jersey down to North Carolina 
6:01 - Roaming around the country in a family school bus - on the road from an early age - and growing up in Berkeley, CA
9:42 - The Berkeley guitar scene, taking lessons from Joe Satriani, and Charlie’s early musical inspirations
19:13 - Charlie’s decision to pursue music in Paris, France
31:51 - Moving back to the US, joining up with longtime friend Michael Franti, and eventually starting his own group
46:54 - The realities of being a working musician
56:29 - Charlie’s new upcoming record
59:35 - Guitars!

Total Length: 68:57