Stalwarts Of Music with Aditya Veera: Recent Episodes
Stalwarts Of Music with Aditya Veera
Professionally, he’s a singer, podcaster, talk show host, and artist manager – however, Aditya Veera would rather be known as someone who ‘gives life back to music.’ Through his podcast - Aditya Veera interviews Grammy-award winning musical virtuosos from all over the globe, he’s trying to share the musical experiences of these maestros with the people of India and other parts of the world. With a strong listener base tuning in to his live interviews on Instagram and the radio (Big Fm Shillong & Aizawl), Aditya is on his way to being one of the first Indian music podcasters focusing exclusively on interacting with internationally-acclaimed award winning musicians of , with his unique interviewing style that brings out honest & insightful conversations. In just a year, he’s interviewed legends like the best-selling instrumental guitarist of all time Joe Satriani, American jazz and rock drummer Cindy Blackman Santana, R&B Hall of Fame inductee Phil Perry, American jazz keyboardist and four-time Grammy award winner Bob James, acclaimed American jazz guitarist ‘Captain Fingers’ Lee Ritenour, guitar extraordinaire and songwriter Doyle Bramhall II, the legendary Eric Martin from Mr Big, and many more.
In this episode of Stalwarts Of Music with Aditya Veera, Kavitha Jayaraman, a renowned vocalist, and Vainika discusses her multifaceted life as an artist, educator, and philanthropist.
The interview begins with an exploration of Kavitha's journey into social media. She discussed her initial reservations about self-promotion, rooted in the traditional training of Carnatic musicians to focus on the art itself rather than self-projection.
She delved into the historical roots of Carnatic music, distinguishing it from Hindustani music and emphasising the unique characteristics that have been preserved over centuries. She attributed the limited reach of Carnatic music in the past to the absence of mediums like radio, which now allows artists to showcase their music to a broader audience. She also acknowledged the role of contemporary musicians in adapting to modern trends while preserving the core principles of Carnatic music.
The interview shed light on Kavitha's efforts to promote inclusivity in Carnatic music. She shared her experiences of reintroducing the Veena to audiences in the U.S., where it was often confused with the sitar. Her initiatives included performing at unconventional venues and offering Veena lessons to enhance appreciation for this traditional instrument.
Kavitha, despite identifying as an atheist, expressed her view of music as a medium to connect with a higher power. She described how singing Kritis makes her feel a profound connection, akin to meditation.
Acknowledging the challenges in the Carnatic music industry, particularly for female Veena players, She shared her experiences. While she personally did not encounter discrimination, she acknowledged the need to address gender biases and ensure equal opportunities for all musicians.
She provided insights into different types of Veena, such as the Saraswathi Veena and the Rudra Veena, highlighting their construction materials and tonal characteristics. She also discussed the challenges of maintaining the Veena in different climates and expressed concerns about the diminishing art of crafting these traditional instruments.
Addressing the economic challenges faced by Carnatic musicians, Kavitha emphasised the importance of creating new opportunities and including Carnatic music in mainstream festivals. She advocated for supporting local artists and expressed concern about talented musicians turning to teaching due to a lack of recognition and opportunities.
She shared insights into the role of music festival curators, emphasising the need for a balance between preserving traditions and introducing new talent. She highlighted the importance of career management alongside talent development, drawing from her experiences at Berklee College of Music.
The interview touched upon Kavitha's foray into fusion music, where she explored genres like blues on the Veena. She explained how her classical training provided a solid foundation for experimenting with different genres. Additionally, her pursuit of a master's in music business at Berklee showcased her commitment to understanding industry trends and leveraging that knowledge for her career.
Kavitha's philanthropic initiatives through Kaladanam, an institution she founded, were discussed in detail. Her approach of providing free classes and encouraging students to contribute to NGOs demonstrated her commitment to Seva through Vidhya (Teach to Reach). She highlighted her efforts in raising funds for various social agencies, impacting the lives of special kids.
In the concluding segment, Kavitha shared her ambitions for the future. She expressed a desire to create a global platform for Carnatic musicians, ensuring the accessibility and appreciation of classical music in an era dominated by short-format content.
This episode of Stalwarts Of Music with Aditya Veera, Season 2, features notable guests John Patitucci and Sheldon D'Silva. It begins with John discussing his recent projects, including performances at Birdland in NYC and scoring a film during the pandemic. The conversation explores John's multifaceted career in recording, composing, and teaching at Berklee College of Music.
Aditya guides the discussion towards John's early influences, highlighting the pivotal role of his grandfather and his introduction to the bass guitar. John recalls the impact of artists like Stevie Wonder, The Beatles, and jazz legends Art Blakey and Wayne Shorter on his musical journey.
They delve into Wayne Shorter's influence on improvisation and self-expression, shaping John's musical foundation. His approach to preserving tradition while adding his unique voice to music, rooted in classical bass studies, is central. John's spiritual journey in the Catholic Church and encounters with African-American cultural music are discussed, influencing his understanding of rhythm and expression.
The interview touches on John's discipline, humility, and continuous learning as a musician, addressing imposter syndrome and his unwavering passion for music. Insights into the Chick Corea Elektric Band reveal the camaraderie that shaped John's trajectory, emphasizing the transformative impact of such experiences.
John's views on rhythm, sound, and emotional expression through music add depth. His collaboration on the album Beams 2023 with Dan Costa is explored, highlighting his genuine connection to the music and the impact of collaborations.
The conversation takes an unexpected turn as John expresses excitement about a visit to India and reminisces about the times he collaborated with Zakir Hussain. Sheldon D'Silva, deeply influenced by John's work, joins the conversation, sharing his gratitude and admiration. Sheldon's journey from discovering John's music to evolving as a musician is highlighted, emphasizing the universal language of music.
Sheldon discusses maintaining proficiency in upright and electric bass, drawing on John's influence. They explore the challenges and necessity of mastering both instruments, acknowledging the distinct characteristics of each and the required skill sets.
The interview reflects on influential figures in John's life, experiences in the LA studio scene, and diverse musical influences. The conversation seamlessly transitions between John and Sheldon's musical journeys, discussing education in India, Chick Corea's intricate music, and the need for a comprehensive music education system.
They touch on contemporary bass playing trends, emphasizing the importance of unique sounds pioneered by bass legends compared to the current uniformity in sound. The discussion culminates in how life experiences shape musical expression, resonating with John's philosophy of embracing life's ups and downs to infuse depth into music.
The interview concludes with a warm atmosphere, expressing hopes for future collaborations between the bassists and highlighting music's power to transcend cultural boundaries and forge profound connections between individuals.
This episode of Stalwarts Of Music with Aditya Veera, Season 2, features the celebrated musician Bruce Cockburn as the guest. Bruce, a renowned Canadian singer-songwriter and guitarist, has earned global recognition throughout his extensive career, marked by numerous awards, including 13 Juno Awards. He holds a place in the Canadian Music Hall of Fame and the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame.
Aditya delves into Bruce's background, starting with his earliest musical influences shaped by exposure to classical, Broadway tunes, and pop music. However, the emergence of rock and roll in the late 1950s significantly impacted his musical preferences. In his teenage years, he explored classical music and self-studied jazz composition and musical theory.
The conversation navigates through various aspects of Bruce's life, including a remarkable encounter with Ali Farka Touré in Timbuktu, Mali, during a documentary shoot about desertification. Bruce vividly recalls a memorable, albeit linguistically limited, collaboration with Touré during a performance.
Bruce’s environmental activism, reflected in his music, becomes the focal point. He discusses the intention behind songs like To Keep the World We Know, addressing climate change and wildfires. His insights emphasize the emotional core of his songwriting, aiming to raise awareness and possibly serve as rallying cries for environmental concerns.
The interview progresses to discussions about global efforts to address environmental issues, emphasizing the complexity of balancing economic prosperity with sustainability. Bruce recognizes the reluctance of individuals to attribute human causes to climate change and underlines the importance of imagination and will in decision-making.
They then delve into the symbolic and emotional resonances within Bruce's music, particularly the song Colin Went Down to the Water, inspired by a friend’s tragic drowning incident in Maui. Bruce's creative process involves channeling emotional experiences into relatable songs.
The conversation then shifts to his song Pacing the Cage, rooted in mortality and aging, aiming to celebrate life despite the inevitability of mortality. They discuss his guitar style, influenced by blues musicians, and how arthritis is prompting him to reconsider the guitar parts in his songs.
Spiritual and existential themes within Bruce's music and his beliefs become the focus. He discusses his explorations of different spiritual paths, emphasizing the importance of personal relationships with the divine and transcending cultural limitations in spiritual expressions.
Aditya explores Bruce's hopes for his music's timeless quality and its potential to resonate with future generations, akin to the lasting impact of old blues musicians. Bruce addresses the sensitive political themes in his music and his belief in portraying his truths, even if they might be contentious.
The interview encompasses Bruce's experiences in diverse cultural settings worldwide, touching briefly on his limited visits to India. He also reflects on overcoming physical challenges and the influence of his comfortable upbringing on his perspective.
The final segment introduces a Rapid Fire round, providing insights into Bruce's preferences and thoughts, culminating with his essential qualities as a singer-songwriter and his humble wish to be remembered positively for his contributions to the art.
In essence, the interview presents Bruce Cockburn's multifaceted journey, emphasizing his musical evolution, environmental activism, spiritual explorations, and his resilient, authentic approach to life and art. His desire to leave a positive impact through his music and contributions is central throughout the conversation.
Ranjit Barot is a prominent figure in Indian commercial music and global jazz fusion, renowned as the musical director for A.R. Rahman's concerts and a respected drummer for Sir John McLaughlin’s Fourth Dimension. He recently performed at the Mahindra Percussion Festival, featuring esteemed artists like Arto Tunçboyaciyan.
Aditya discusses the origins of creativity, where genetics, environment, and karma play roles. Ranjit relates his upbringing, highlighting the karmic aspect and divine talent manifestation. He stresses maintaining an unobstructed channel for creative energy. They delve into childhood experiences in India shaping identity. Ranjit emphasises strong familial bonds, cultural richness, and his mother's influence, fostering his perspective and self-assurance. Aditya explores life's impact despite a sheltered upbringing.
Ranjit admits self-induced hardships channelled into music for growth. Teaching focuses on guiding students to uncover unique voices. Fostering originality is discussed. Ranjit believes time together infuses essence, preferring mental practice, meditation, music, and cooking. He expresses a love for composing, arranging, and staying connected to drums. Aditya questions if classical music's discipline hinders expression, but Ranjit disagrees, citing improvisation's essence and its liberating nature. Ranjit reflects on challenges amid the digital age's chatter and the impact of joining John McLaughlin's band. Mentoring by Zakir Hussain and John McLaughlin is valued for authenticity and support.
Ranjit embraced online learning during the pandemic, enhancing compositional skills. He explains musician selection as A.R. Rahman's musical director, focusing on musicianship, reliability, and ensemble harmony. Konnakol’s importance in Ranjit's Indian classical music understanding is highlighted. It deconstructs arrangements and influences his drumming style. Spiritual and philosophical perspectives in compositions are discussed, citing drummers like Virgil Donati and Dennis Chambers. Ranjit’s future aspirations include a 2024 trio project with Gary Husband. Ranjit's adaptability is attributed to his bicultural upbringing.
Aditya commends Ranjit's ease-infused work, rooted in his Indian upbringing. Parallels with like-minded artists Richard Bona and Gary Husband are drawn. Ranjit concludes by letting Aditya know that his experience being on Stalwarts Of Music was by far one of the most intelligent interviews he has done.
In an intellectually stimulating conversation, Aditya Veera unravelled the captivating tale of MaMoGi and Lydian Nadhaswaram, a musical collective that merges East with West and explores the harmonious blend of diverse cultural backgrounds. Mark Hartsuch, the visionary composer, weaves intricate threads of Bebop, Jazz Fusion, and Progressive Rock into their musical fabric. He praises the brilliance of Mohini Dey and Gino Banks, whose exceptional talents elevate their compositions to new heights.The genesis of MaMoGi lies in their profound friendship, mutual admiration, and shared passion for exploration and creation. Each member brings their unique experiences and cultural heritage, creating a symphony of authenticity and innovation. They celebrate the organic and seamless collaboration that birthed the idea of creating an album together, a testament to their artistic kinship.Gino Banks, not just a masterful musician but also a dedicated educator, delves into the vision behind his music schools - Algorithm Drums and Nova School of Music. His hybrid curriculum, tailored to individual learning paces, sets his musical curriculum apart from conventional ones like the Berklee School of Music and Musicians Institute.Mohini Dey, with her illustrious collaborations across the globe, divulges her secret to persuading eminent artists to work with her - a focus on her music and a willingness to let opportunities come her way. Her authenticity shines through in a world where social media often distorts reality.The prodigious young musician, Lydian Nadhaswaram, whose mentorship by luminaries like A.R. Rahman and Illayaraja has propelled him to dazzling heights, humbly shares his journey of dedication to music. He reveals his love for Jazz, Hindustani, and Carnatic music, setting the stage for his innovative fusion project.Mark Hartsuch, Mohini Dey, and Gino Banks exemplify the perfect balance between structure and improvisation in their performances. They strive for perfection, delivering engaging, energetic shows that resonate deeply with their audience.As the interview unfolds, MaMoGi's intent as a collective becomes apparent - to inspire and enrich their audience's lives through a diverse musical experience. They aim to connect with their listeners on an emotional level, infusing joy and groove into every performance.The conversation delves into the personal and professional dynamics within the group, evoking a family-like atmosphere of mutual respect and encouragement. Effective communication and collaborative decision-making fuel their constant pursuit of musical excellence.Lydian's awe-inspiring talent, passion, and dedication shine through as he speaks about his musical journey, being mentored by A.R. Rahman and Illayaraja leaving a lasting impression on the interviewer and the readers alike.The interplay of spirituality and music surfaces as an underlying theme, as each musician expresses their unique connection to their art form, whether through faith, groundedness, or a genuine expression of their inner selves.In a crescendo of wisdom, the musicians envision a future where musical genres harmonize, transcending boundaries and forging a thriving, eclectic music industry. Their dreams of leaving behind a legacy of authentic, soul-stirring compositions reflect the depth of their artistic pursuits.As the interview concludes, the echoes of MaMoGi's harmonious melodies resonate through the minds of readers, leaving them enriched and inspired. Each member's distinctive insights and passion for their craft offer a timeless gift to the world of music, a symphony that will reverberate through generations to come.
In a captivating conversation, Aditya Veera, Mohini Dey, and Paul Gilbert take us on a mesmerising journey through Paul's musical odyssey. Growing up in a household filled with diverse genres, Paul's musical palette was enriched by iconic bands and timeless compositions. His uncle played a pivotal role, embodying the authentic rock feel that inspired Paul's artistic journey.
Paul dismisses the notion of having music in one's blood as a prerequisite for making or learning music, sharing the story of his friend who defied the odds and became a professional musician through passion and dedication. Reflecting on his creative process, Paul describes it as an internal calling—an innate need to express himself through music. Themes in his compositions emerge organically, inspired by personal experiences, emotions, or a desire to explore different styles.
Joined by Mohini, the trio's synergy ignites a spark of creativity and curiosity. Paul humorously shares his unusual piece of gear—liquid tape, applied to guitar picks for better grip. He reveals the impact of the appearance of his picks but emphasises the enhanced performance. Music constantly permeates Paul's thoughts, and he shares the enriching experience of developing the ability to hear music internally, shaping his every moment. He also expresses the importance of physical proximity to the drummer during live performances to feel the rhythm and create harmonious magic on stage.
Lighthearted moments arise as the trio shares their most embarrassing on-stage mishaps. Paul recounts an incident where a drill bit prop got entangled in his long hair during a guitar solo, turning an embarrassing mishap into a memorable experience. Mohini shares her own tales, including a wardrobe malfunction and a chewing gum mishap, showcasing her adaptability and ability to turn mishaps into impromptu performances.
Laughter, anecdotes, and playful camaraderie fill the room, humanising the world of music and emphasising its universal language. As the conversation concludes, Aditya, Paul, and Mohini express their gratitude for the opportunity to connect and share their experiences. Their laughter and genuine connections remind us that music transcends boundaries, bringing people together from different walks of life.
Gary Husband, a legendary musician, believes that personal qualities and values play an essential role in creating great music. He emphasises spontaneity and flows over strict notation and transcription, drawing inspiration from his surroundings and experiences to create unique compositions.
In a conversation with Aditya Veera, Gary stressed the importance of personal evolution and the ability to realise one's inspirations and imagination. He believes that music has the power to create subjective and blissful moments that transcend time and space, evoking a range of emotions in listeners.
When asked about the difference between virtuosity and genius, Gary humbly considers himself an eternal student, constantly striving to improve and create. He draws inspiration from various musicians and genres, incorporating their influences into his playing while maintaining his unique voice and sound.
Special guest Amyt Datta admired Gary's skills as a pianist and drummer and asked how he manages to excel at both. Gary explained that the two instruments are like two halves of one whole, and he has developed the physical ability to switch between them seamlessly. He internalises the rhythm until it becomes second nature, like muscle memory.
Gary's teachings are more philosophical and motivational than technical. He encourages aspiring musicians to find their own voice and sound while still drawing inspiration from their masters. He suggests drum transcriptions as an excellent way to develop one's rhythm and recommends using two metronomes to develop a good feel with other musicians.
In summary, Gary Husband's approach to music is one of constant evolution and inspiration, emphasising personal qualities and values as essential components of great music. His ability to switch between instruments and incorporate different influences into his playing is a testament to his dedication and hard work. His teachings are not only technical but also philosophical and motivational, inspiring musicians to find their own voice while drawing inspiration from others.
Catch David Paich, who is a multi-Grammy and Emmy Award-winning artist and is best known as a co-founder of the legendary band Toto, tuning in from Santa Barbara, California. He casts light on the things required for a potential singer-songwriter and emphasises the need for good melody at the top of his list. Further, he reveals that the key to success is constant practice and training.
Talking about the creative impulse, song inspirations can be drawn from the shower, while driving a car, or even while walking down the street. From talking about the importance of science and technology ( Quincy’s ideology) in music to the importance of the theme of love in the music business, this conversation takes a serious note when David Paich talks about the hardships he faced. The icing on the cake is when David speaks about coining Toto's "Hydra" album based on Leonard Cohen's work. Other interesting anecdotes from his time with Michael Jackson and Sir Paul McCartney are major highlights of this interview. David also puts forward the amazing thought that real beautiful songs require a beautiful melody, to begin with.
Do you ever wonder how important an artist is to this world? We cannot really define it in words, but Jojo Mayer is here to beautifully illustrate how artists open the door to a new understanding, pushing people towards a new future and facilitating discoveries. He broke out into the professional music space at the age of 18 by joining the Monty Alexander Group. He toured with several other groups that launched him onto the major jazz music scene. Jojo is also known to blend in so many different styles of music, ranging from jazz to drum and bass. His signature style is called "Jungle," which is a culmination of all of these influences. The inspiration and ideas behind Jojo Mayer's Nerve, the electronica trio, are brought to light in this podcast. It is about humans imitating the idiosyncrasies of machines.
Furthermore, he continues to share some insights about his upcoming project, which will be launched in Paris. Jojo discusses the impact of major obstacles such as climate change, global warming, and others, for which society must find solutions and adjust in order to achieve certain goals. These obstacles have a profound effect on the future of the way we live and the way we perceive art, life, and music as well.
Participate in this fascinating conversation in which Jojo Mayer advises musicians on how to bring out their individualities, his creative process, and his fascination with animals, particularly reptiles.
Having released her all-new EP, Elegy, Victoria Canal speaks about her first ever release under a major label, which is completely self-produced by her. Interestingly, she squeezed in time for this interview in the middle of shopping for her international tour. She is all set to play a run of international tours in Dublin, Paris, New York, Los Angeles, and more. Victoria describes her earliest musical memory as learning piano from her grandma during her summer vacations. Some of the most gratifying moments of her life were when she surrounded herself with people who made her discover things about herself and about the world. She emphasises the fact that every human needs a place to put their suffering in different forms, either through work or their relationships. It could show up in any form, either in the form of paintings or songs that let us channel it. She stands by the concept of having artist communities wherein fellow musicians mutually support each other and believe in the act of Karma and harnessing good vibes. Victoria speaks about meeting Stevie Wonder and her "Red Carpet" moment. Last but not least, she wants to be remembered as someone who meant a lot to a few people.
Richard Bona hails from the remotest part of Cameroon, from a village called Minta. His mother, grandfather, and great-uncles used to be musicians, keeping their African culture and traditions alive. At the age of 3, he discovered his love for music through the balaphone. His financial condition made him climb a tree and make his own instruments. He describes Minta’s environment, which made him do things as a sense of necessity that later developed into a long-lasting passion. During his teens, he left for Germany to study classical music and was in France for a bit of sessioning as a bassist. He didn’t find true purpose in being labelled as just a bassist, as he was an equally good singer and a better percussionist. His true homecoming occurred in New York, where he landed his first official job as musical director for the legendary Harry Belafonte. This particular association gave him great exposure to the music business, bagging his first record deal with Sony Music, and made him an organised musician by organising his messy guitar cables. Richard Bona was heavily influenced by the one and only Jaco Pastorius and is someone who prefers human emotion over technical virtuosity any day. He likes to add his own colour and originality to his artistic expression. He never wants to be number one for the simple reason that he hates going downhill and would like to remain a student of music. He also speaks about his entry into the Afro-Beat music space.
Listen in as Tanya Callaghan breaks the ice about her debut Whitesnake tour in her motherland (Ireland). She had fit in just right, finding her place in the Whitesnake legacy as the first-ever female musician to play in the band. She speaks about her first big break in her career while at L.A., which was with Maynard Keenan of Tool. It wasn’t a smooth sail for her when she started out, especially since the music industry is one that involves a lot of networking and building relationships, and it took her nearly 3 years to settle in. Post, in which she played with Dee Snider of Twisted Sister, Stephen Adler of Guns and Roses, and many more. She is also an equally passionate wildlife activist and runs a show along with Derrick from Sepultura that focuses on a plethora of topics, with plant-based food being one of their major focus areas. Some of her spiritual techniques involve meditation and yoga. She likes to make a statement on stage and appears to be a flamboyant musician who stands out. Tanya would like to be remembered for at least trying to make the planet a better place and opening people’s minds and hearts a little more.
Growing up in an environment where her mom and dad played music together prompted Malina to pick up her passion for the guitar. She took up an unorthodox style of playing the instrument, which worked wonders for her. She leads by example, inspiring people to lead better lives and connect more. Malina emphasises the authenticity of music that gets transcended over decades and platforms. Her firm drive and complacency strive to leave a lasting impact on people through her music.
UC San Diego is where it all started for Nathan East, under the mentorship of Bert Turetzky and Cecil Lytle. Nathan describes his mentors as not just musical colleagues; they were more like friends and family to him, helping nurture a very successful musical career. He also narrates the environment that he grew up in, which was essentially a huge family, where his brothers and sisters would get together and play music, and there was hardly a dull moment at home. Back in the day, there was a lot of Motown, Earth, Wind and Fire, and Beatles playing in the neighbourhood, and this is the spirit which he carries with him to this very day. His take on perfection is to let the heart sing and dictate over technical virtuosity, and it is quite blissful when the music can penetrate through one’s soul. He likes to believe that there is no prediction mechanism when it comes to reception by an audience. His musicality has evolved being associated with some of the industry greats for several decades now and Nathan puts in the same amount of energy into his musical process to this very day. Nathan has had quite a long association with “God Of Guitar” - Sir Eric Clapton, he speaks about meeting him on a couple of occasions before his debut collaboration with him on the album Behind the Sun. This particular brotherhood between Eric Clapton and Nathan East was written in the stars and is embarked in the history of Rock music.
Paul Carrack hails from an industrial city (Sheffield United ). He grew up in a working-class family with a lot of ups and downs, twists and turns. His humble beginnings taught him qualities such as resilience, determination, and the need to work hard. He is someone who believes in the genetics of musical gifts being passed on by his parents and was quite determined to develop that. Paul describes how difficult it is to maintain one’s voice. He quotes, "It can be wonderfully satisfying when your voice is in good form." He also shares some fascinating anecdotes, such as his contribution to The Eagles, being recognised by The Buddy Holly Foundation. Above all, he wants to be remembered as a good father by his children.
Marco’s reputation as an extraordinarily talented drummer and composer has led him to perform with legends like Paul Gilbert, Eddie Johnson, Steven Wilson, The Buddy Rich Big Band and many more. Listen in as he talks about his recently-formed duo McStine & Minnemann alongside collaborator Randy McStine, the highly-anticipated release of his solo album, as well as new music from supergroup The Aristocrats. He also shares his insights on the ‘shelf-life’ of good music, cross-cultural influences, his future in the industry and about making sure music remains ‘progressive’.
One-time Grammy-winning bassist Oteil Burbridge lives up to the literal translation of his name—as a true ‘explorer’ of all things music. Aside from sharing the stage with blues, jazz and rock legends like Eric Clapton, Carlos Santana, Buddy Guy, and many more, he has also won the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award as the longest-running bassist of the rock group The Allman Brothers Band. In this episode, he talks about his family, touring with the band, a special connection to India, and finding spirituality through the simplest practices—mentorship and love. He also gives a sneak peek into his musical ventures with Dead & Company while taking us through what it’s like teaching music with the Oteil Method and his music education app, the Ozone.
Prolific jazz-fusion and rock guitarist Guthrie Govan - also known for his collaborations with the bands The Aristocrats, GPS, The Young Punx, and very recently, two-time Oscar-winner Hans Zimmer - never had a game plan for his musical career. As a self-taught guitarist with the ability to play any song by ear, he always felt that music came naturally to him — it was the language he was born to speak. He talks about his early experiences transcribing for guitar magazines and teaching music, then discovering Indian Classical Music through Pandit Debashish Bhattacharya, and how he turned his ‘inner voice’ from being a distraction to his trusted guide throughout his musical journey.
As a bassist and composer, Bryan Beller has had an illustrious musical career, not just for being part of rock/fusion super-trio The Aristocrats, but as a solo artist as well. Catch up with Bryan as he talks about working alongside fellow musicians and mentors like Joe Satriani, John Petrucci, Guthrie Govan, Mike Keneally, and many more—on featuring albums and world stages. He also shares touring anecdotes, stories from playing in India, insights on modern music, his journey mastering the bass, and the qualities he upholds as a musician, music educator and writer.
Eric Johnson speaks about having an early sensibility toward music from the age of three. Even after accomplishing several milestones in his rather illustrious career, he still calls himself a student of music with an endless learning spree. He speaks about enjoying the simple pleasures of music, right from travelling in a truck-playing music to doing it at any given place. Eric happens to be a highly disciplined individual whose spiritual beliefs aim at connecting to something very sublime and feels connected to a higher frequency. He describes the concept of religion as ‘beautiful things’ expounded upon by man. His affinity towards Indian music can be seen in his groundbreaking collaboration with Amit Chatterjee on the album Venus of Isle. His message for the people listening to this interview would be, "You are not what you do, you are who you are, and you do what you do."