Chewing the Gristle with Greg Koch

You might know Mr. Tackett as Little Feat's guitarist, but Fred's contributions to the musical world are simply staggering, with literally hundreds of sessions to his credit, on mandolin and trumpet, as well guitar. Bob Dylan, Bob Seger, Nicolette Larson, Barbara Streisand, Jimmy Webb, and countless others have called on Fred's musical services over his incredible career. Why? Because Fred is a monster player and genuine gentlemen to boot!  He gets into the gristle with Greg on today's episode.

1:34 - Fred’s signature ‘Texas Twister’ guitar lick
3:48 - Fred’s INSANE discography as a session guitar player, trumpet player, and mandolinist, and what it was like back in the heyday of session work
11:26 - How Fred’s gear changed over the years as a session player, and packing days to pack the bank
15:27 - Fred’s time with Little Feat - the how, the when, the where…
24:46 - Transitioning from the studio to the road…with Bob Dylan
34:51 - Fred’s rig while playing with Dylan
36:13 - From Bob Dylan to Bob Seger
37:05 - How session musicians most often get paid
39:42 - Little Feat’s ‘Let It Roll’ record, balancing the line between session and tour work, adjusting band members, a few of Fred’s favorite tunes, and guitars!
51:52 - Fred’s musical background growing up in Arkansas

Total Length: 68:03

Fishman
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.

If you follow all things guitar on Instagram, then you've likely been amazed by Nathaniel's virtuosity at some point. Often the face (and hands) in the Chicago Music Exchange videos, Nathaniel's playing is spectacular on seemingly any guitar, in any style.  Greg and Nathaniel have a lot in common, and they explore countless varieties of glorious gristle in this episode!

2:35 - Nathaniel’s unique sound, and how it developed
10:01 - Nathaniel’s career in soccer (football for those in the rest of the world) prior to guitar
11:57 - How Nathaniel got into guitar growing up in the UKr
17:07 - Eric Clapton, open tunings, records that changed our lives, the power of improvisation, and The Zep!
29:44 - A typical week as a working guitarist in Chicago
31:46 - Greg and Nathaniel’s upcoming show, and being considerate when sitting in with other guitar players
43:19 - The power of pause and rewind when learning from the greats, and having fun online
57:31 - You gotta embrace the filth, and being proud of your playing


Total Length: 71:08

Fishman
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.

As the guitarist on the Voice, extreme versatility is a requirement for Justin Derrico. What sets him apart from other guitarists is the passion, skill, and personal style he brings to whatever he is called on to play. Also, as Pink's main guitarist for years, he has his road credentials as well!  Greg and Justin break it all down in today's episode.

1:31 - What’s new with Justin - master classes with Fishman, playing guitar, and a whole lot of hanging out
3:33 - Jimi Hendrix. Nuff said.
7:22 - The blessings of the YouTube-verse, and the ability to deep dive into guitar wormholes 
13:28 - A catchup with Greg Koch, Wildwood, and Fishman
16:49 - Justin’s gig with P!nk and The Voice, and how his personal style carries through
30:00 - A day in the life working as a guitar player on The Voice
35:22 - What kind of gear does Justin play with on tour versus in the studio
51:54 - Self-accompaniment as a guitar player
59:08 - Les Pauls, Tele, pickups, and more!

Total Length: 67:20

Fishman
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.

A member of Johnny Winter's band and a frequent guest of Les Paul's, Milwaukee native and NYC resident Jon Paris has stories to tell! Greg and John get into the Gristle on today's episode.

1:59 - Growing up outside of Milwaukee, starting out as a drummer, the intriguing naturing of the early Beatles, and Jon’s band The Ox
16:19 - Jon’s chops playing the bass and harmonica
19:13 - Jon’s transition from The Ox to New York, and a bunch of fun stories
39:33 - Jon’s relationship with Johnny Winter, and floating around with friends and different bands in New York
55:38 - Getting the gig with Johnny Winter, hanging out with Les Paul, and so much more
86:39 - Some of Jon’s favorite guitar players, and GETTING LOUD


Total Length: 97:37

Fishman
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.

If you dig both guitars and YouTube, then you probably know Danish Pete. He's the first face you will see on the formidable YT channel of Andertons, which has long been ground zero for all things guitar-gear on the platform.  Pete's musical journey long precedes his time in front of the camera, and even crosses paths with Tom Jones! Greg and Pete get into the Gristle!

1:48 - Danish Pete ending up in Denmark - did the name proceed the man, or the man the name?
5:20 - The first time Pete picked up a guitar 
13:24 - Pete’s first foray into the professional arena playing with Tom Jones
23:52 - Pete’s choice to stay in the UK over time, and more Tom Jones foolery
37:19 - The connection with Andertons, and transitioning out of tour life
53:11 - Kids, babies, and keeping up professional communication, and making sure you cast a wide net as an entrepreneur
79:37 - The Importance of authenticity as a creative 

Total Length: 95:08

Fishman
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.

Bernard Allison's blues lineage is direct, as the son of Luther Allison he grew up around the greats (Muddy Waters, Hound Dog Taylor, Albert King), and early in his career as part of Koko Taylor's band, he shared stages with even more (Johnny Winter,  Stevie Ray Vaughan).  Greg and Bernard talk about what it was like being brought up in that environment as a guitarist, and then, of course, they talk gear!

3:01 - Bernard’s new record, and recording during the pandemic
9:45 - Getting acquainted with Bernard’s dad, guitar legend Luther Allison
12:46 - What drew Bernard to the guitar?  Was his father an inspiration?  And what it means to stay authentic as a player
17:13 - What it was like exist in the realm of old school Blues greats, and the different generation of Blues players
23:10 - Being self-taught, integrating influences to become the guitar player he is today, and who the heck is this SRV guy??
40:36 - Albert King, and where did he get his licks?
48:59 - How Bernard ended up in Minneapolis, and his time spent living in France
59:03 - Wireless guitar systems
62:31 - Blade Guitars by Gary Levinson

Total Length: 69:39

Fishman
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.

We have here a special and riveting conversation here, friends, with the one and only Phillip Sayce.  Welsh born and Canadian raised, Phillip has been blessing our ears with fine musicality for years.  From Melissa Etheridge and Jeff Healey, to the southern bad boy Uncle Kracker, Phillip is no stranger to rock!

2:16 - Emerging from COVID - what’s it look like, how do we do this?
12:04 - Amazing guitar players from Canada, and the blessing of hunkering down for the winter
14:37 - Hooking up and playing with Jeff Healey, and being careful in the snow
25:16 - Phillip’s signature sound and its evolution
39:30 - The story behind Phillip’s glorious ’63 Stratocasters
44:53 - Tone woods — the hype is real, but does it matter?
50:11 - How influences affect our personal sound, and the power of passion in getting better

Total Length: 67:20

Fishman
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.

Doug's stunning playing with the Edgar Winter group has won him fans the world over. Greg and Mr. Rappoport talk amps, pedals, organs, pickups, and many other flavors of delicious gristle!

3:17 - From the UK to LA - Doug’s youthful journey as a young guitar legend
13:44 - Influential country rock and blues players, and the creativity of Hendrix at the core of both players
24:29 - Doug’s time with Edgar Winter - the how, the why, the what
30:34 - Manipulating Marshall amps, pedals, and everything in between to achieve THE TONE 
34:20 - The glory of Friedman and Koch amps
41:10 - Jam Pedals
43:13 - Going on the road with a Hammond organ, and the conception of the Koch Marshall Trio
51:39 - More guitar influences, and the evolution of guitar playing over the years
68:05 - The challenge and reward of mastering the sweet sound of single-coil pickups


Total Length: 82:27

Fishman
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.

AJ's melodic and inspired steel guitar playing has brought the sound of the Sacred Steel tradition to a whole new audience.  AJ was raised within that heritage, as his great uncle Willie Eason and his grandfather Henry Nelson were the founders of the style. Now, with fans like Tosin Abasi supporting and sharing his music the world over on Instagram and YouTube, AJ Ghent is bringing peace through music everywhere he can be heard!

1:25 - The Sacred Steel guitar method, AJ’s own personal style, and his live album
6:20 - Growing up in a family of Sacred Steel players within the Church, and the genesis of the style
12:47 - The technical prowess that goes into Sacred Steel playing, and AJ’s transition from lap steel to electric guitar
20:20 - AJ’s Abasi Lareda w/ Fluence pickups, and his go-to amps
24:37 - Living in Atlanta, hanging with Col. Bruce Hampton, and the fear of flying
36:35 - The COVs, how AJ has been getting through, and playing his part in bringing peace through music
59:25 - AJ’s ear for vocal melodies, and the importance of ‘singing’


Total Length: 67:48

Fishman
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.

Angela's YouTube lesson series receives thousands of views each week, and you may have seen her as part of Jennifer Batten's Guitar Symposiums or caught one of her videos at Norman's Rare Guitars. Greg and Angela talk about all kinds of excellent gristle on today's episode!

1:19 - The term “influencer’, what it means to Angela, and the interesting confluence of the internet and music-making
5:10 - Angela’s time at UCLA, and what inspired her to pick up the guitar
12:37 - The glory of Muddy Waters
17:08 - “But why do you need so many guitars…?”
20:30 - Single-coils vs humbuckers vs Wordle
28:56 - Revenue sharing on YouTube and what it’s like to be a content creator
35:31 - Angela’s deep dive into J.J. Cale and David Gilmour
39:52 - Angela’s live rig
46:09 - A day in the life, and future plans
57:52 - The death of legendary amp manufacturer Howard Dumble



Total Length: 69:17

Fishman
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.