Chewing the Gristle with Greg Koch

As the echo of guitar strings fades into memory, we sit down with the esteemed Andy Aledort, whose fingers have danced along fretboards in harmony with the legendary Dickey Betts. Our conversation takes you on a backstage tour of those hazy, adrenaline-fueled days and the poignant reflections on an era that shaped the very fabric of rock music. Andy's tales of camaraderie and the birth of his latest record spin a yarn of passion and perseverance, revealing the untold stories of life on the road and the creative fires that forge timeless music.

Strapping on a guitar is more than just playing notes; it's about infusing every chord with soulful authenticity, a lesson that Betts himself exemplified. Andy and Greg unravel this philosophy, musing on the magical alchemy of band dynamics and the unspoken language of music that resonates with the audience. The conversation resonates with the love musicians pour into their craft, akin to a chef's devotion to their cuisine, crafting a feast for the senses that lingers long after the last note has been played.

Gearheads, rejoice! Andy and Greg then venture into the hallowed realm of guitar gear and tone techniques, dissecting the sonic signatures that have become the hallmark of guitar greats. From the technical prowess of Hendrix to the soul-stirring slide of Duane Allman. Lace up your listening boots and prepare for a journey through the strings and stories that continue to echo through the halls of rock history.

Ever found yourself in stitches over a case of mistaken identity? I certainly have, and in this groove-packed episode, my friend Ken Haas from Reverend Guitars joins me to recount those laugh-out-loud moments. We're talking everything from Mick Fleetwood doppelgängers to the impact of Rick Vito’s undeniable charisma on Reverend's storied history. As we look back at our shared adventures, we also drop hints about the exciting collaborations that are brewing on the horizon. It's a harmony of humor and heart as we navigate the rich tapestry of the music industry together.

Strap in as we set the stage with tales from the buzzing corridors of the NAMM show, where the music community converges in a symphony of networking, product launches, and advocacy for music education. Ken and I get real about the highs and lows of industry events, including the joys of reuniting with old pals and the infamous 'NAMMthrax' that can follow. We share a candid reflection on the costs of participation, the rise of public guitar shows, and the fresh wave of young talent that’s striking a chord in the guitar world. This episode is an ode to the electric energy that fuels our passion for music and the connections that keep the industry pulsing.

Wrapping up, we tune into the nuances of musicians' gear habits, debating why one might hoard guitars but skimp on amps. From the nitty-gritty of touring logistics to the sonic shifts in concert formats, we explore the rhythms that shape a musician's life on and off the stage. Whether it's the raw power of a live guitar riff or the collaborative groove of my band, KMT, we celebrate the magic of musical connections and the timeless pull of the six-string. Prepare for an episode that strums the heartstrings and resonates with the soul of every music lover.

When Larry McCray's soulful voice and fiery guitar licks join the fray, you know you're in for an electrifying episode of Chewing the Gristle. Season 5 ignites with a homespun blend of stories and strums as Larry details his incredible shift from the assembly lines of GM to the main stages of blues music. We wander through the quirky streets of Smackover, Arkansas, Larry's own stomping grounds, and unearth its peculiar place in the annals of oil history. 

Strap in, gear enthusiasts, because we also crank up the conversation about the tools of our trade—guitars, amps, and the almighty pedalboard. From the early days of worship at the altar of a first beloved red-knobbed Fender Twin to the zenith of the Soldano amp roar, this journey of sound is one for the books. Discover the evolution of our live rigs and how the "Greg" Koch amp head and a trusty 2x12 cab bring my music to life. Plus, don't miss the scoop on the latest collaboration with Reverend Guitars and the insights gleaned from years of touring, including an upcoming escapade with the Allman Betts Band down under.

The episode wraps with a look at the bonds forged through music, like my kindred spirit connection with the Allman Brothers and the prodigious talent of Josh Smith. We navigate the twists of creating a new album during these pandemic times, a testament to the resilience and creativity of musicians like Reese Wyman and Travis Carlton. And it's not all stages and studios; we explore the unexpected, like an adventure in the world of Nickelodeon, and the familial joy of sharing the touring life with my son. It's a heartfelt nod to the unpredictable, yet rewarding, journey of a musician—packed with anecdotes, life lessons, and the unceasing thrill of chasing the next great gig.

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 oneself
8:05 - The glory and mystery of Robert Johnson
13:10 - One cannot deny the influential power of Eric Clapton
17:26 - Davy affiliation w/ Rory Gallagher, and similarities to Roy Buchanan
24:58 - Keeping busy in 2024, and the importance of having a solid, cohesive (sober?) band
34:59 - The importance of a great booking agent, a few words on opening bands, and what happens your band is loud AF
51:12 - Davy’s life as a performer
53:18 - The Telecaster, a few vintage guitars, and the real power of Rock ’n Roll

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 Brothers

22:02 - Turning pro and receiving support from his parents

24:42 - How to sing in a LOUD band

30:27 - Back to Georgia - the vibe, the music, the scene, and Jimmy’s time with Capricorn records

44:29 - Keeping your head above water when the skies turn dark

51:24 - Staying busy keeps you young

Total 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 road
16:00 - Formal guitar education - the ups, downs, and all-arounds
26:12 - 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 wars


Total Length: 58

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 equator
5:12 - Escaping Wisconsin to tour the world, and honoring the Blues greats through emotive expression
13:05 - Stephen’s upcoming plans for his band, and as a solo guitar-slinger
22:44 - The importance of a good rhythm section, the question of where to live as a professional musician, and road stories from around the world
33:28 - More road stories from around the world, and the magic of home
49:06 - Nick’s on-the-road gear, and the lure of guitar acquisition
57:16 - Nick’s main guitar cost how much??  And the question of loudness on stage.


Total Length: 77:15

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 guitar
8:49 - Toronzo’s path to forming a band, the road back to Hendrix, and unlocking the guitar
16:58 - Toronzo’s new record, signing with Alligator Records, and touring plans
21:45 - Famous Chicago blues clubs, and building a reputation as an artist
31:50 - What is Chicago blues, and the importance of writing music from the heart
40:21 - Working with a producer, and opening up your preferences to all sorts of music
49:19 - Following the influence of your favorite players


Total Length: 68:38

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 Bros
8:46 - 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 IT
24:36 - Other influential guitar players, slide or no slide, and interesting slide techniques
34:34 - More on slide technique
38:31 - Ear training, theory vs gristle, and the nuances of learning and exploration
53:46 - GEAR AND TONE
64:12 - Dylan online, the when, the where, the what


Total Length: 66:42

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 playing
10:50 - Growing up in New York, and Reggie’s jazz mentors throughout the years
19:31 - Playing and studying with guitar legend Dennis Sandole, and the importance of great teachers
34:51 - What drew Reggie to Los Angeles, how music connects people (even if they disagree), and the joy of jamming with Reggie Hamilton around the world
52:27 - Reggie’s time jamming with Michael Landau, and what Reggie has been up to recently
61:03 - Fodera Guitars, guitar hoarding, and family
72:22 - Goodbye — oh wait, let’s talk about tour and food!

Total Length: 86:30