This week on Gig Gab, dive into the fascinating journey of Kirk Hamilton, a saxophonist turned podcaster, who brings a wealth of musical insight to the table. Starting as a student at the University of Miami’s Jazz Program, Kirk’s path led him from songwriting and guitar playing to forming the Square Tape Band in San Francisco. His passion for teaching blossomed at The Urban School, eventually steering him into the world of video game blogging and a full-time role at Kotaku. Kirk shares how this eclectic background culminated in launching his podcast, Strong Songs, where he dissects musical pieces with the same enthusiasm he once brought to the teaching his students…and everything else Kirk has ever done!

As the episode unfolds, Kirk and Dave delve into memorable Strong Songs episodes, exploring the emotional depth of Toto’s “Africa” and the complexities of the “Rosanna” drum shuffle. They also touch on the possibility of a Strong Songs live band, and the trio of skills every musician should hone: teaching, learning, and performing. The discussion wraps up with a fun comparison of Led Zeppelin’s “Fool In The Rain” and Genesis’ “Misunderstanding,” underscoring how the history of music connects everything to everything else. Remember, whether you’re teaching, learning, or performing, the key is to Always Be Performing!

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