Chewing the Gristle with Greg Koch

Tracii Guns of LA Guns joins Greg Koch for a refreshingly honest exploration of what makes rock and roll endure through decades of industry upheaval. Their conversation weaves through Tracii's musical awakening at age five—hearing Led Zeppelin's theremin breakdown in "Whole Lotta Love" from the backseat of a car—to building and maintaining LA Guns through countless lineup changes and industry shifts. With remarkable candor, Tracii takes us behind the scenes of his evolution as a guitarist, fr...

Greg Koch sits down with guitar virtuoso Dweezil Zappa for a fascinating deep dive into musical authenticity, technical mastery, and the challenge of preserving a legendary legacy. Their conversation reveals the extraordinary dedication required to perform Frank Zappa's intricate compositions, with Dweezil candidly sharing his 14-year journey to truly internalize his father's musical vocabulary. What begins as a discussion about guitar techniques evolves into profound insights about musical ...

There's something uniquely captivating about listening to two master musicians simply talk shop. When Nashville session legend Tom Bukovac (affectionately known as "Uncle Larry") sits down with Greg Koch for this episode of Chewing the Gristle, their conversation unfolds like a masterclass. Bukovac pulls back the curtain on the Nashville session scene with refreshing candor. "It doesn't matter if you're playing for a barely signed new artist or Paul McCartney," he explains. "A sideman gig is...

Tyler Bryant's musical journey embodies the purest essence of artistic dedication. From the moment he left his tiny Texas town of 1,700 people at age 17, armed with nothing but talent and determination, his singular focus has been creating authentic music that resonates. That unwavering commitment has evolved into a Grammy-winning career spanning performance, songwriting, and production. What strikes you immediately about Bryant is his refreshing perspective on success. Where once it meant p...

Guitar virtuoso Joe Bonamassa returns to Chewing the Gristle, bringing his characteristic wit and wisdom as he prepares for an ambitious European tour season. This conversation between two master guitarists reveals the realities of sustaining a music career with both artistic integrity and business savvy. Bonamassa takes us behind the scenes of his upcoming three-month European adventure, which includes solo performances, a Black Country Communion reunion after 14 years, and a special tribut...

Greg Koch welcomes YouTube guitar sensation and touring musician Ben Eller (Uncle Ben) to the Gristle fire for a conversation that meanders from lighthearted Waffle House tales to profound insights about musical authenticity. Ben shares how his guitar journey and popular YouTube channel were born from simple boredom - first as a homeschooled kid with time to kill, later as a guitar teacher with creative energy to burn. His candid "This is Why You Suck at Guitar" series emerged from the thoug...

What happens when two guitar virtuosos reunite after years apart? Greg Koch welcomes his former mentor Mike Irish to Chewing the Gristle for a masterclass in musical wisdom that spans far beyond technique. Mike Irish, who taught at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point when Greg was a student, shares his refreshingly inclusive teaching philosophy that embraced students' existing musical interests instead of forcing them into traditional jazz molds. "I really had no desire to make more Jo...

When blues powerhouse Albert Castiglia crossed paths with Bill Murray, neither could have predicted the musical partnership that would follow. In this captivating conversation with Greg Koch, Castiglia pulls back the curtain on how a Hollywood legend became his unexpected bandmate through a series of serendipitous connections that began with Murray's brother John. "If Bill Murray wants to play in your band, you let him in your band," Castiglia remarks with characteristic humor. But beneath t...

Dave Hill seamlessly blends virtuosic guitar playing with razor-sharp comedy, creating an entirely unique performance experience that defies categorization. In this captivating conversation with Greg Koch, Dave reveals the unexpected path that led him from his Cleveland roots as a rock musician to becoming a multifaceted comedian, author, and performer in New York City. The heart of Dave's artistic evolution came when he discovered audiences found genuine humor in his guitar prowess. "When I...

Seth Rosenbloom, the fiery young blues guitarist from Massachusetts, brings his wealth of musical knowledge and performing experience to the Chewing the Gristle podcast. What begins as a gear chat about Two Rock amplifiers quickly evolves into a fascinating exploration of musical authenticity and the hard realities of making a living as a performing musician. When Seth discovered his prized 1956 Stratocaster at Lark Street Music, it changed his entire perspective on the instrument. "It's not...

What does it take to become a musical chameleon who commands respect across diverse genres? Daniel Kimbro delivers a masterclass in musical versatility on this episode of Chewing the Gristle. From his beginnings in a family folk band called Mountain Soul to his current status as bassist for Jerry Douglas and session player on Eric Clapton records, Daniel shares the winding path that shaped his musical identity. With disarming honesty, he reveals how growing up surrounded by Stanley Brothers,...

Ever wondered how blues rock guitar maestro Jeff McErlain from Brooklyn, New York, balances the dual life of performing and teaching? Join us on a soulful journey as we chat with Jeff about his thriving career, his popular teaching platform jmguitarlessons.com, and his engaging YouTube content. You'll get a glimpse into the camaraderie and shared stories that highlight our musical lives' unique challenges and joys, from the practicalities of touring to the ever-present dilemma of choosing the...

What if your musical idols became your mentors? In our latest episode, we sit down with the extraordinary guitarist Allen Hinds to uncover the stories behind his transformative journey from the Southern rock roots of Minnesota and Alabama to the creative hub of Los Angeles. Allen Hinds shares how iconic bands like the Allman Brothers and Cream shaped his musical identity, while also reflecting on the rich and diverse influences of the South. Listen as he recounts his humbling yet pivotal expe...

Ever wondered what it feels like to tour the world with some of the biggest names in music? Join us as we catch up with the incomparable Jeff Kollman, who brings his electrifying stories from the road and insights into his latest record. From working with Alan Parsons and the Bombastic Meatbats to his own band, Cosmosquad, Jeff's journey through the musical landscape is nothing short of extraordinary. Plus, we dive into his regular performances in Japan and his daughter's new adventures study...

What if you could capture the essence of legendary live performances while maintaining your distinct sound? Join us in this episode of Chewing the Gristle as we sit down with the iconic Carl Verheyen. From memorable gigs across Italy, London, and the renowned NAMM show to Carl's innovative touring strategies, our conversation is full of captivating stories and practical insights. Gearheads, this one's for you! We explore the nitty-gritty of achieving that perfect guitar tone, with Carl shari...

What happens when a young Brazilian guitarist, inspired by ACDC, stumbles upon blues legend John Lee Hooker through a stroke of radio interference? Join us as Art Menezes takes us through his incredible musical journey, from the vibrant streets of Fortaleza to the bustling blues hubs of Los Angeles and Chicago. Art recounts his self-taught beginnings, pivotal career moments, and the cultural backdrop that shaped his unique sound. It's a story of passion and perseverance, guaranteed to resonat...

Get ready for an unforgettable ride as we catch up with Texas blues rock legend Van Wilks, right here on Chewing the Gristle. From the sweltering Austin heat, Van shares captivating tales from his vibrant musical journey, including the moment he first saw the Beatles on Ed Sullivan in Lubbock. You'll hear all about his memorable performance at the Dallas International Guitar Show and the rich musical tapestry of his early years, influenced by his uncles' country swing bands and the dynamic Te...

What if you could experience the essence of a city's musical heartbeat and the stories of those who keep it alive? Join us for the season premiere of Chewing the Gristle, where we sit down with the ever-versatile Joe Mass. From his mastery in jazz, fusion, and rock, to his unique role as a Neil Young tribute artist, Joe's journey is nothing short of fascinating. He shares vivid tales of recording under the legendary Bootsy Collins' label and memorable collaborations with artists like Jimmy Ha...

What happens when a passion for blues guitar, a serendipitous encounter, and a love for cold pizza collide? You get the legendary Buddy Whittington! Join us for an unforgettable conversation with the Texas blues guitar powerhouse and former member of John Mayall's Blues Breakers. Buddy shares the incredible story of how he landed a 15-year gig with the Blues Breakers, his unique morning rituals, and his humorous attempts to stay healthy. We also dive into his admiration for guitar legends lik...

What if you could blend traditional blues with inventive hooks to create a sound that captivates audiences? Join us on "Chewing the Gristle" as we welcome back the legendary slide guitar virtuoso Rick Vito to explore this very question. Rick takes us inside his creative haven in Tennessee, where he crafts his latest masterpiece "Cadillac Man" surrounded by iconic instruments, including Peter Green's Armstrong archtop and a nearly century-old National Triolian. Our conversation with Ric...