Interview with songwriter, producer, Joe Henry, for Banjo Studio

It was a privilege to speak with with, Joe Henry. His work covers a lot of ground. The accomplishment is quite staggering. Through all that though, he has very lucid and articulate awareness of the work and the subjects and fields in which he is involved. He is also very philosophically engaging which makes for a great and special interview. He speaks a lot about music, producing, poetry, songwriting, literature, and other things too. Enjoy!

The Banjo Studio says:

Joe Henry is a prolific songwriter, guitarist, producer, and author. He has won multiple Grammy awards, has 15 studio albums under his own name, and has produced countless artist’s recordings. His production credits include Elvis Costello, Allen Toussaint, Rhiannon Giddens, Aarron Neville, Soloman Burke, and many, many more. 

This is a fascinating interview with one of the great creative forces in American music of our time. Listen to Joe Henry go into depth about his songwriting process, production process, and more. If you’re a fan of music of any kind you will enjoy and learn from this interview.

THE INTERVIEW IS HERE…

Interview with guitarist Adam Levy for The Banjo Studio

I recently had the opportunity to interview the great guitarist/songwriter, Adam Levy. Folks have described this one as inspiring. You may too. Adam’s record output is filled with greats and worth checking over at his band camp page.

THE INTERVIEW>>>

Banjo Studio says:

Guitarist Adam Levy (Norah Jones, Tracey Chapman) is known for his tone and taste. Adam talks with host Jonathan Freilich about his concept on the guitar, how he looks at the guitar from a more compositional/pianistic approach as oppose to a cliche guitar licks approach, his studies with Ted Greene, his current online guitar lessons course, and more.

Adam is an in demand sideman, songwriter, bandleader, guitar journalist, and guitar educator. Take a listen, you'll be sure to learn something that will improve your own playing.

Interview appearance on It's New Orleans radio show

The "It's New Orleans" radio show had me on to talk for their Happy Hour Show, which is a weekly live recorded show at The Wayfare restaurant on Freret.  It was an entertaining hour.  I even sang a song- very rare to put my voice on the air.

The talk was interesting.  The other interviewees were artist and storyteller, Marie Lovejoy, musician, Andrew Duhon, and film-maker Russell Blanchard.  Interesting conversation ensued.

Check out the show here...

Dave Capello interview podcast is fixed

Apologies to anyone trying in vain for a year to pick up the first two parts of the Dave Capello interview on itunes.  That is now fixed.

check it here...

Interview with Tim Green

Tim Green is one of the most interesting saxophonists that you can hear in New Orleans.  Occasionally he travels, but most of his career has been within the city.  Over the years he has played with many of the greats that people associate most with the city- Walter "Wolfman" Washington, Irma Thomas, Cyrille Neville, Mem Shannon, Herlin Riley and many legendary others. In fact, he is one of the greats, but he plays a unique role by very particular design and musical conviction. 

His affection goes out most to original, creative, music projects.  He is interested in so much music and, has brought himself to a place where he can insert very creative ideas in almost any context without breaking the balance or excitement of a piece of music or its setting.  He was a large figure in many explorational bands from, Gulfstream and the Stick Band in the 80's, to Michael Ray, Naked On The Floor, and James Singleton, Dennis Gonzalez, and others like  Fred Wesley in the 90's.  In fact, he was a huge supporter of my own musical developments and projects and I think there are many things in life on which we see eye to eye and this really is something, speaking as a grateful collaborator, that Tim is able to show just by playing- support!

Tim has a very deep linguistic or conversationalist playing style that really has its best place on stages for live audiences.  Where the musical "moment" happens is where he strives to be and his best work is there.  For that reason, you won't find records under his name.  One day perhaps someone will be brave enough to release some of the extensive collection of recordings he keeps of his involvements in truly epic improvisational moments.

Tim's genius and where it resides really emerge in this relaxed, and probably pretty rare, interview. 

Happy Talk with songwriter Luke Allen.

A conversation with Luke Allen of the Happy Talk Band is now up on the interviews page.  Luke is a very honest fellow with a dark songwriting style and a band that delivers the picture.  It speaks to a large number of folks in New Orleans.  The discussion is fairly informal and took place at Markey's Bar on July 9th.

The Rex Gregory interview audio has been improved

Apologies to any listeners who had trouble hearing the Rex Gregory interview because of poor audio.  Patrick McCurry who was a resident of New Orleans and is enthusiastic about the content of some of the interviews has kindly taken the time to bump up the sound quality on those.  Take a fresh listen...

Conclusion of interview with composer, Dr. James P. Walsh

   Composer/bassist-Dr. James "Jimbo" Walsh sat for a second interview to get further biographically and a little deeper into current ideas.  Parts 1-5 are now up here...

(If you are a local New Orleanian you may also know him as Jimbo, bassist with Davis Rogan and Washboard Rodeo. Or as the the guitar player with The Other Planets. Or as the conductor of the Naked Orchestra. Or as director of the New Orleans New Music Ensemble.)

Complete audio interview with Rex Gregory posted

Yep! sections 3 and 4 of an extensive interview with woodwind player and composer, Rex Gregory are up here...

All interviews are available as a podcast through the itunes store. 

There is an RSS button below for the podcast page from this site on the right side of this page.

Rex Gregory interview pt.2 is up.

Part 2 of the interview with reedman, Rex Gregory is up.  He's got some things on his mind.  Check it out here...

Podcast also available here...