The loss of Eddie Van Halen has caused shockwaves that feel unprecedented, even for these times. Here, we explore how EVH forever altered the landscape of guitar and music through personal reflections by Alex, a conversation with Vernon Reid (Living Colour) & others, observations gleaned from transcribing and performing his work and a breakdown of some under appreciated components of Edward’s groundbreaking style.
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A visit to Retrofret, billed as “The world’s greatest vintage instrument store run by the world’s friendliest staff” (it’s hard to argue with either). An oasis of guitars in a discreet section of Brooklyn, Retrofret reopens in the days following the 2020 shutdown, allowing Alex to bring home an item he'd put a deposit on earlier in the year: A 1960 amplifier previously owned by a late, great artist (and longtime Retrofret customer). Includes some great stories courtesy of Retrofret staff, plus samples of trying out precious instruments. Plus Alex’s thoughts on vintage gear & culture and a rant about guitar brands shutting out their own founders.
An extensive jam session and conversation with Brooklyn based guitarist Nir Felder, whose resume includes jazz luminaries (Brad Mehldau, Jack DeJohnette), soul superstars (Erykah Badu, Chaka Khan), jam rock icons (Dave Mathews, John Mayer) and even celebrities (Dave Chapelle, Ben Platt). Despite owning several high-quality instruments, the guitar that comes through the most for Nir - no matter what the musical situation - is the very one on which he learned to play: A cost-effective, “Made in Mexico” Stratocaster.
At the tail end of the 60s, an unlikely meeting took place in Chicago between some prominent traditional blues artists and a chart-topping rock band from the UK. The results would reverberate for decades to come. A discussion on the importance of this session along with further insights into the impact of the late Peter Green.
A deep dive into the life and music of Peter Allen Greenbaum, better known as Peter Green, who passed away on July 25, 2020. Although best known for co-founding the first version of Fleetwood Mac, there is so much more. Featuring a virtual roundtable of experts on the gentle genius of guitar known as “Greenie,” plus a few surprises. Part 1 of 2.
Prasanna is a pioneer of performing Carnatic music on the guitar. He is also thoroughly knowledgable in rock, jazz, blues and other styles. Here in conversation with Alex, both verbal and musical, he breaks down his unique style and helps shine light on the inspirations behind it.
Read MoreDebut episode: A visit with Matt Uminov, guitar dealer and repairman who’s been a fixture of New York’s Greenwich Village since the late 1960s and whose regular clients include the likes of Eric Clapton and Pat Metheny. Hear his reaction to Alex’s two nightmare repair jobs, along with some wild stories (contains adult language).
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