Janek Gwizdala Podcast: Recent Episodes
Janek Gwizdala
The Janek Gwizdala Podcast. Audio and video podcasts taking a look at music and the music industry from a bass player's perspective. Podcasts include lessons, interviews, album features, and much more.
This episode deals with the loss of one of the worlds great musical institutions, and without doubt my favorite place to play of all time. I was fortunate to play there for almost two decades, encompassing hundreds of gigs and dozens of the worlds greatest jazz musicians.
Come see my NY trio with Nir Felder and Cliff Almond at The Bitter End on November 30th. My first band leader gig in NYC since 2019.
Money is always a hard topic to talk about when it comes to making a request for a fee as a band leader. But so many things go into informing that request that are rarely talked about. This episode deals with the long list of items I recently discussed with my new agent as we plan touring for my trio in 2023.
Tickets for my upcoming show in NYC with Nir Felder and Cliff Almond on November 30th 2022 ARE HERE
Having put out a new album this year that was exclusively available through my website until now, I'm considering what my timeline for releasing the music and the documentary film to the general public might now look like.
Join the conversation in the comments of the YouTube video I posted along with this episode.
The gap between what you feel you're doing and what you're really doing when you practice or play live can be huge. Find out where you are on that scale using some of the same techniques and methods I do to help my awareness and learning process.
This episode features content you can find in the LIVE ARCHIVE at Janek's Bass Studio.
For all other books, music, and learning material please visit our BOOKSTORE.
We're starting out on a trial basis, and have a few realistic short-term goals to increase the visibility of the new trio, my music as an artist, and the amount of touring I'm able to do with the trio as a band leader.
Please get involved in the conversation on my Telegram channel and give us as many country, city, venue, and festival suggestions as you possibly can. I know I've asked for that in the past, but this time we might actually be able to capitalize on some momentum I have right now plus the hands on deck that are able to facilitate offers and reaching out to venues for booking.
Make your suggestions HERE!
It's a working episode today with a look inside my process for working on music I need to know for touring that starts next week. I go over several of the pieces of music I'll need to have 100% dialed in just 5 days from now, and show you where I'm at in the process, and how I go about making sure I'm as prepared as possible.
The internet has changed the way we make, listen to, and store music as both fans and professional musicians. Today I talk about my latest solution in the plex server, with my windows machine storing my vast music collection on SSD's at home in the studio. We also get into the issue of artists taking some of our favorite music off of the major streaming platforms, and how we might buy that music, own the files, and self-custody them in 2022.
This is the company that built the machine I'm running my music library on: Steiger Dynamics
Do you have a question? Drop it in my Telegram channel
It's great to be home after a very successful tour with the new trio. This episode is a quick recap of the week's events, and looks forward to what lays ahead for the band in 2023.
I'm really happy to be able go get everything I need for this tour on a smaller pedalboard, and for it to all fit in a Pelican 1510 carryon. This wasn't always the plan, and in this episode I'll break down what led me to this specific set of pedals, as well as what I'm looking for in the future for my touring setup.
New Pedalboard Build Video
Tour Dates and tickets for the summer European tour:
August 22nd - London: Pizza Express Jazz Club
August 23rd - Manchester: Stoller Hall
August 24th - Monaco: La Note Bleue
August 25th - Helsinki: Metropolia AMK Klubi
August 26th - Viljandi: Rhythm Festival
Telegram Channel
From underwear to flight cases, there are a multitude of things to remember when it comes time to leave on your. With my trio tour fast approaching in just a few days, this process is very much at the forefront of my mind. I'm sharing all my experience of how I used to do, how I do it now, and exactly what gear I take on tour.
August 22nd - London: Pizza Express Jazz Club
August 23rd - Manchester: Stoller Hall
August 24th - Monaco: La Note Bleue
August 25th - Helsinki: Metropolia AMK Klubi
August 26th - Viljandi: Rhythm Festival
Telegram Channel
Things They Don't Tell You About Touring | The Road's Dirty Little Secrets
Let's bring some things into your musical orbit that you perhaps thought weren't on the menu quite yet, by making some minor adjustments to things you already know.
A tiny change (literally one note in a scale) can open up a whole new world of sounds, and I want to use this simple concept to highlight the fact that jazz is not elitist. It's a language.
Tour Dates and tickets for the summer European tour:
August 22nd - London: Pizza Express Jazz Club
August 23rd - Manchester: Stoller Hall
August 24th - Monaco: La Note Bleue
August 25th - Helsinki: Metropolia AMK Klubi
August 26th - Viljandi: Rhythm Festival
Telegram Channel
Thanks for all the great feedback on the last episode. I get to some of your questions and comments in this follow-up, and tell a few stories from the road as both a band leader and freelance musician.
Traveling as a musician can be one of the most stressful elements of our job. There are so many moving parts and things to consider, and quite often a lot of them are out of our control. This episode takes a look at how you can take maximum control over how you travel, and bring down the anxiety often associated with heading to the airport with a bunch of expensive gear, and not knowing when you're going to see it again.
Casey Neistat video referenced in today's episode
Tour Dates and tickets for the summer European tour:
August 22nd - London: Pizza Express Jazz Club
August 23rd - Manchester: Stoller Hall
August 24th - Monaco: La Note Bleue
August 25th - Helsinki: Metropolia AMK Klubi
August 26th - Viljandi: Rhythm Festival
Over the past few days I spoke at length to over a dozen friends who are way high up in the world of gear and endorsements both as players and company employees. I heard some great stories, some eye-opening numbers, and some solid advice that I get to share with you in this episode.
Don't forget tickets are now available for the first leg of my One Way Out world tour!
August 22nd - London: Pizza Express Jazz Club
August 23rd - Manchester: Stoller Hall
August 24th - Monaco: La Note Bleue
August 25th - Helsinki: Metropolia AMK Klubi
August 26th - Viljandi: Rhythm Festival
I'm almost certain 98% of people listening to this episode will have been walking the wrong way down a one-way street on this one for a while. Hopefully I can dispel some myths, give you good information, and help you understand how the world of gear and "endorsements" work, and how to make it work best for you.
Kenny Werner, master pianist and author of Effortless Mastery, has a fantastic concept that I've been using for years to create chord sequences. The hipness is only as successful as your ability to voice lead though, so it's a great way to improve a bunch of skills with just one simple concept. Root motion, chord quality, chord voicings and voice leading.
There is often an element of risk involved for the independent artist when it comes to touring. How much of a balance can you strike between door splits and guarantees? Do you have any well paid festivals to build your tour around? And what are you willing to personally risk to make it happen?
It sounds more daunting than it needs to be, and in today's episode we take a look at a ton of things that you can take into consideration when assessing what your risk tolerance is, and also how badly you want to make it happen.
There are hundreds of things that go into the touring process. From the booking of shows to the performances themselves, there is a chain of events that needs to happen to give you any chance of success. That check list can be super daunting, and in this episode I chip away at a few of the big keys needed to make your tour happen.
Being in Spain with my music and video crew was an absolute blast. I have a few rough bounce snippets to share with you in this episode, along with a bunch of stories from the sessions that are still super fresh in my mind.
The pre-order is still in full-swing at https://janekgwizdala.com/ and at the end of this episode I talk about some new bonuses we've added to some of the packages.
The stereo setup makes its first appearance on the podcast today. Albeit very low-key and definitely not dialed in. I thought it would be good to give you a look through the window of what is happening in the week leading up to the recording of the new album, what I'm working on every day, how the setup sounds, and what needs more work before I get on the plane. There are lots of emotions in play right now, and over the past couple of weeks I have journeyed through fear, joy, loathing, and ultimately overwhelming motivation to do the best I can do. It's always a journey, and sometimes you're lucky enough to have amazing fans along for the ride who remind you why you do what you do. Luckily the fear is in the rear-view mirror, and I'm deep in the creative and highly-motivated portion of the process which is the most exciting part.
The light at the end of the tunnel is getting brighter for sustainability as an artist, and in just the past four days of the pre-sale for my new album, my motivation has risen to levels I haven't had in over a decade. You, the fans, are to thank for that, and it has turned this project into the most exciting I've ever embarked on.
With streaming music services destroying what little chance of continuing to create art musicians like myself have, I'm saying goodbye to convention, and taking a different path.
I hope you're curious enough to join me on the journey. Whether you're a musician yourself, or a fan interested in more than just the music, this is going to be some kind of ride and I have no idea where it might end up.
We're taking a look at 4 of my favorite solo breaks of all time featuring Michael Brecker, Lee Morgan, Pat Metheny, and Nat Adderley. It's incredible how much these sounds and phrases have stuck with me throughout my career and informed what I do today, even if I don't write, play, or record in the style of any of these artists. It's all about time and sound informing nuance.
I also give an update on the pre-production progress for the new album, and report on yesterday's pedal test session at the rehearsal studio in Los Angeles.
Marketing guru Seth Godin gets us started with a quote from the "Behind the Brand" YouTube channel, and sends me down a path of working on the mental preparation needed to position yourself for success when you pursue something in music.
We talk documentary film, recording, dad life, touring, music school, and a ton more in today's slightly longer than normal episode.
It has been 18 years since Mystery to Me, my debut album, came out. Today I take a quick look back at the complete discography, tell stories about the sessions, and start to plot a course for what is to come in the future.
As mentioned in the show, you can join my new Telegram Channel to be a part of the conversation algorithm-free: https://t.me/janekgwizdala
The podcast is back after a one year hiatus, and it's all thanks to my recent uncoupling from social media. I've quieted the noise, brought my focus to where it needs to spend more time, and as a result have more time to be creative and produce these episodes for you. Aside from explaining a bit of my social media journey, I get into some new music, new pedals, and stereo imaging with my bass rig as I prepare to go to the studio in Spain next month and record my new trio.
As mentioned in the show, you can join my new Telegram Channel to be a part of the conversation algorithm-free: https://t.me/janekgwizdala
I'm working on ways to stay sharp at home while we don't have the option to be out playing gigs. Stamina will be a key element to the success of gigs once they return, and I have a couple of ideas towards the end of this episode that might help you.
Getting stage-ready for gigs again is going to take some time. But it's something I think we should be thinking about now, even though gigs might be 6-9 months away at least. I'm working with a drum loop and trying to dial in my time, and also working on articulation of solo pieces and making a melody sing.
Happy New Year! We're kicking off 2021 with some positive takes on the learning process, and what I think are the two most important things in my daily routine. I'm also giving you guys a quick listen to the new sounds of the current pedalboard setup which includes a new pedal this week: The Hungry Robot Moby Dick V2.
I don't normally take more than a day off at a time, but with the holiday season in full flow here, it ended up being 4 whole days this year!
I finally find a route back into working on music in this episode, and end up creating some really fun frameworks for practicing chords and melody reharmonizations.
I was trying to figure out what to play in today's episode, when I realized pressing record and documenting the process of where to start would be far more valuable than a preconceived idea.
It's so important not to let the nuance in your phrasing, your time, your sound, and your note choice get lost with technique. Technique typically overshadows subtlety, and we have to police ourselves on that as we develop our learning process.
There's no substitute for limiting your technical ability when it comes to composition. Being a a very average piano player, I can't get lost in licks and technical ability when it comes to writing, and am really forced to stay within the melody, the harmony, and the form of a song.
I'm getting into Bach's Violin Sonata No. 3 for my sight reading practice today, as well as taking some oboe technique phrases from Georges Gillet.
Sunday mid afternoon practice session, the new live album from 2011, and some thoughts about being a band leader, and what might be next.
Chelsea stops by the studio to say hi, I get into some new stuff with the latest addition to my pedalboard, the Mattoverse swell delay, and close out the episode with a little french gypsy jazz vocabulary.
I talk about a bunch of different stuff. But make sure you follow Roni Kaspi who is fast becoming my new favorite drummer. I jammed along to some of her playing on instagram in the episosde, so the least I can do is link you to her here: https://www.instagram.com/roniponi100/ One of the best young voices in music I've heard in over a decade.
From Mahler to Sting, I'm taking a look at some of my favorite chord progressions and transcribing them to play on bass.
We're gearing up for the NAMM show here in Southern California, and answering your social media for musicians related questions!
Chelsea is back, and 2019 is in full effect. We're answering your questions, getting ready for the new year, and planning my next world tour starting late 2019.
Coffee drinkers, thanks for coming through big time on instagram today with a huge amount of questions. We to everything from Chris Thile to Tine Thing Helseth, Classical music, what a cover actually is, and a whole lot more. Thanks for being here in 2018, see you all in the new year!
With both me and Chelsea about to embark on a bunch of touring in 2019, we take a look at what it takes to stay motivated to practice, maintain a schedule off the road, and make sure we're happy doing what we do.
Chris is a legend, he's one of the nicest guys you could hope to meet, is a huge influence on me and my playing, and I'm proud to call him my friend. I stopped by Chris' place in Santa Monica and we got into everything from Bill Burr and Phil Rudd, to Alanis Morissette and the Foo Fighters.
So much going on in today's episode. Long one. Audiences, Artists, YouTube, and how it all works. Or doesn't...
The new book is out, and we break down the contents section by section, and give recommendations for learning jazz vocabulary. Plus, we get stuck into the latest questions from coffee drinkers all around the world.
Thank for your amazing questions from the last episode. We talk about our favorite and life-changing artists, transcription, the Vatican, the NAMM show, and what goes into deciding whether to release and album or not.
Questions started rolling in today during the taping of the episode, and we answered them as well as talking about ii-V-I's, depression, how to have a healthy life as a musician, and much more.
Chelsea is back from tour and we discuss Steve Jordan and Pino Palladino, Photoshop, Hype-Men, and a whole lot more...
The first notes of the day kick off today's episode so my warm-up routine goes under the microscope. Plus, towards the middle of the episode I discuss what was really on my mind in Episode 16's rant, and get into the realities of gear endorsements and the business side of the music industry.
What's wrong with the music business? Easy question, complex answer. But there is also a ring modulator pedal and a new chord voicing in this episode to take the edge off a little...
I threw on a bootleg of Kenny Garrett with Pat Metheny today to see if there was something that caught my ear to transcribe. It only took about 8 seconds before a great line came up, and that's how today's episode opens...
We get to a bunch of different things in today's episode. From playing in 9/8, to transcribing hi-hat parts, it will all improve your playing and your process.
So much fun to sit down and chat with my good friend Adam Dorn. He gives his unique perspective on bass, learning, sports, music, and a whole lot more.
Wasn't planning on uploading an episode this weekend, but the question of practice vs performance came up in my routine this morning. So I hit record and here it is!
Thanks for all the great questions via instagram today. This is a long one, and I tried to get to as many of them as I could. Also featured is a little Michael Brecker bootleg, and some playing on the new 4-String.
Inspired by the incredible Bobby Vega, (and his video on Bass The World's YouTube page playing with a pick) today's podcast takes a look not only at my new signature 4-string prototype from Mattisson Basses, but how to play that bass with a pick.
Chelsea makes her first appearance on the podcast both playing, and behind the mic. I'm in Denmark to catch one of her shows with Morgan James and Doug Wamble, and Doug makes a guest appearance to open today's show where we discuss everything from terrible pop lyrics to cajon's as furniture.
Live from the Mattisson Bass workshop in Kumla Sweden, I get to play the new signature 4-String bass for the first time, talk pedals with Morton Ehlers from Bass Buddha, and work on refining my line with Mattisson as we get ready to launch at Winter NAMM 2019.
Hello from Stockholm, Sweden! Nice dinner hang with Swedish bass master Henrik Linder tonight, and some live Q&A talking about everything from recording session rates to 5-string basses.
Live from London, England today. I stopped by my Buddy Jojo Mayer's show in Hoxton, hung with the cats, met some coffee drinkers and got some great audio from the show.
How I prep for the road, traveling with my bass, how I deal with tour logistics, Jet Lag, and how I travel in Business class year-round.
A new composition comes to life in real time, and I dig into some tracks that changed my life as a bass player.
Soaking up and transcribing some music from Jaco Pastorius, Brian Blade, Pat Metheny, Michael Brecker, Tigran Hamasyan, Terence Blanchard, Weather Report and Woody Shaw. Going deep inside the listening, learning, and developing process.
Playing outside the harmony, creating new practice techniques, and a few rants on touring as a band leader.
Good morning Coffee Drinkers! How about some audio for those sessions on the treadmill, long flights, or subway ride to work...? Chelsea is on tour, I'm working on melodic minor shapes, analysis of a Ruslan Sirota solo from a Bob Reynolds show at the spud, rants about Spotify, and a whole lot more...
Today's guest is my great friend and world class drummer and mix engineer Celso Alberti. We've been working together since the late 90's and I learnt so much from him early on in my career that I am forever grateful for. He has some amazing stories and knowledge to impart in this interview. Enjoy!
Not only is John a long time friend of mine but he's one of my favorite bass players in the world. He's also recorded, mixed and mastered several of my solo albums and is a long time collaborator with Jojo Mayer in the band Nerve. From his days as front of house engineer with John Patitucci to owning the Bunker Studios in Brooklyn, this interview is packed full of great insight and information for musicians of all walks of life.
I sat down with my good friend and mainstay of the NYC studio drumming culture Steve Wolf for an extended and very informative interview.
Rob Bailey is one of my musical heroes and someone I'm proud to call not just a friend but also a mentor through my early years living in New York City and finding my way as a musician. He not only introduced me to Zeppelin (way late in my life!) but taught me what it was to be a professional musician. From ad Jingles to Aerosmith, he's literally done it all. Have a listen to what goes into a successful life long career as a guitar player, singer, composer and musician.
I sit down in NYC with my long time friend, bandmate and fellow magic enthusiast (I learned everything I know from him!) Jojo Mayer. He was fresh off the road from a tour of the UK with his band NERVE and had a lot of great insight to give when it came to our discussion about the music business, drums, the internet and host of other things.
It's not often that I get to meet any heroes of mine, let alone sit down with them in New York City for a one on one interview. This is the most action packed 35mins of my podcasting history to date and I hope you enjoy "that time I met Seth Godin for the first time..."
Make sure you check out the youtube video I reference in today's episode. It's a great preview of three techniques that are essential to the chords and reharm course. And the best part is, it's all free! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7V-Hs5jV3aI
I sit down with Animals As Leaders guitarist Tosin Abasi for an in-depth interview and jam session. We talk about everything from touring to fitness, gear to composition and just about everything in between. As well as playing a little together and trading musical ideas.
A unique story of someone at the height of their career in the music business working as a drummer, recording engineer and mixing engineer with the likes of Sting, Sheryl Crow, Bon Jovi, Rod Stewart, Santana, Kelly Clarkson and the list goes on... who starts over from scratch in a completely new field, becoming just as much a guru of this new found love for health, nutrition, hydration and well being. The information in this podcast could change your life as a musician. It has done for me and allows me to operate at a much higher level whether it's performing live, recording in the studio or composing original music for my own albums.
I got to sit down and chat with one of my best friends and long time musical companions Bob Reynolds today. We talk about everything from working for RedBull to touring with John Mayer and playing wedding gigs in NYC to recording live with Snarky Puppy. The pressures of playing on live TV, how to be best prepared for any kind of performance and what its been like transitioning from East to West coasts. Check Bob out and follow him at bobreynoldsmusic.com.
Inspired by a Blind Willie Johnson track titled Dark was the night cold was the ground, I picked up a brass slide for the first time ever and used it on my bass. This podcast is the result of what happened...
We're back! It's been four years since our last episode, but we're back and stronger than ever. I'm really excited to be doing this again and I can't wait to bring you a ton of new features as we get back up and running and in the groove again over the next few weeks.