This page lists the interviews I have been producing for The Banjo Studio. The site sells high quality, American made guitars and banjos from Deering and Collings. The interview series has proved to be amongst the most interesting I have done so far and is comprised of some stellar names in songwriting and the playing of string instruments. These links go to that site. They are also available on iTunes as with The Double Macguffin Podcast and Interviews with Notable New Orleans Musicians.
NB- all the podcasts for 4 different series of interviews are available for free on this site. It has been a voluminous amount of work for a decade. Consider making a donation if you have enjoyed the material. It really helps keep the project going.
EPISODE 1: RYAN CAVANAUGH- MODERN BANJO VIRTUOSO
In Episode 1 we spoke with modern banjo virtuoso Ryan Cavanaugh about his journey to becoming one of the most innovative banjoists in history.
To get directly to the podcast-
https://www.banjostudio.com/blogs/banjo-studio-podcast/banjo-studio-podcast-episode-1-ryan-cavanaugh
Ryan Cavanaugh
Episode 2: DANNY BARNES- SONGWRITER/BANJO PLAYER/Music experimentalist
Songwriter/banjoist Danny Barnes is always experimenting and trying to become a better musician. Host Jonathan Freilich talks with Danny on his path from traditional banjo styles to how he created his own sound. Danny recently released his Man On Fire album which is killer. This was produced by Dave Matthews and he is featured as a guest artist as well as Bill Frisell, John Paul Jones (bass and mandolin), and drummer Matt Chamberlain.
https://www.banjostudio.com/blogs/banjo-studio-podcast/banjo-studio-podcast-episode-2-danny-barnes
Danny Barnes
episode 3: Kurt Rosenwinkel-guitar
Banjo Studio says:
Kurt Rosenwinkel is one of the top jazz guitarists performing today. Kurt has been a Verve recording artist as a leader, has started his own record company Heartcore Records, and as a sideman has recorded with artists as diverse as Q-Tip, Eric Clapton, Gary Burton, Joshua Redman, Brian Blade, and many, many more.
Take a listen as host Jonathan Freilich talks to Kurt about his compositional method, how he learned to play guitar, what he is working on now, and more.
https://www.banjostudio.com/blogs/banjo-studio-podcast/banjo-studio-podcast-episode-3-kurt-rosenwinkel
episode 4: mary gauthier-songwriter
Banjo Studio says:
Mary Gauthier is one of the most articulate and poignant songwriters of our time. She grew up in southern Louisiana, moved to the Boston area where she started her singer/songwriter career and is now based in Nashville. Her most recent record, Rifles And Rosary Beads was nominated for a Grammy Award. This record consists of songs she co-wrote with U.S. military veterans and their families. Mary is currently working on a book about her life journey.
Host Jonathan Freilich talks with Mary about what brought her to a place of such clarity in her songwriting, what motivates her, and what she is currently working on.
The podcast is available here…
Mary Gauthier
episode 5: ketch secor-singer/songwriter/multi instrumentalist
Banjo Studio says:
In this episode, we talk with Ketch Secor, a founding member and frontman of the band Old Crow Medicine Show. Take a listen to stories of how the band came to be, what brought Ketch down this path. Host Jonathan Freilich talks with Ketch about a number of subjects including the effect the banjo had on Ketch's musical journey, how Old Crow Medicine Show got its start, the influence of African Americans in country and old-time music, and more.
The direct link to the episode.
Ketch Secor
EPisode 6: Alison Brown
Banjo Studio says:
This week we talk with master 5 string banjoist and Compass Records founder Alison Brown. Is this interview we talk with Alison about the development of the Deering Julia Belle banjo, how she made the jump from the business world to becoming a full time professional musician, how she balances being an artist and CFO of a successful record company, and much more.
Alison Brown
Episode 7: chris “critter” eldridge
Banjo studio says…
Chris "Critter" Eldridge is a master of the dreadnought guitar and is the guitarist & sings with Punch Brothers, Live From Here, Julian Lage, and more. This is a great interview and host Jonathan Freilich talks with Chris about compositional form of the Punch Brothers tunes, Chris' training with legendary guitarist Tony Rice, how to get the best live sound and recorded sound for an acoustic guitar, and more!
Chris Eldridge
episode 8: rob mccoury
Banjo studio wrote:
Host Jonathan Freilich talks with 5 string banjoist Rob McCoury of the Del McCoury Band and the Travelin' McCourys. Jonathan talks with Rob about what he is currently working on, how he is getting on during the Covid lockdown, what it was like growing up around the music of his father Del McCoury, and who his influences are.
Rob McCoury
episode 9: riley baugus
In this episode, we talk with master old time Appalachian musician and banjo builder Riley Baugus. Riley plays in the Round Peak style which comes from the area of Surry County, North Carolina. Host Jonathan Freilich talks with Riley about the Round Peak style, what is old time music, his musical path, and more. Riley has recorded with Robert Plant, Willie Nelson, Allison Kraus, and more. He also sang on the Academy Award Nominated soundtrack for the movie Cold Mountain.
Riley plays and sings a few tunes! Take a listen!
Riley Baugus
episode 10: Valerie June
Banjo studio says:
This week we talk with the mesmerizing singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist (guitar, banjo, ukulele) Valerie June. Valerie hails from Tennessee and has a unique sound that blends blues, country, and Appalachia. She has an amazingly effervescent, positive spirit and this comes across in her music. Host Jonathan Freilich talks about her influences, her songwriting process, and more.
This is a fantastic interview. Take a listen. Valerie also performs a song for us on the banjo!
Valerie June
episode 11: Steve Khan
Banjo studio says:
In this episode, we talk with the legendary jazz guitarist Steve Khan. Steve has had an extensive recording career as a solo artist, one that encompasses some 30 albums as a leader - from 1977's "TIGHTROPE" to 2019's "PATCHWORK." Perhaps beginning with his groundbreaking group, Eyewitness , he has devoted himself to creating a place for the guitar as a principal melodic voice in Latin jazz. In a recent cover story, Steve was referred to as "The Voice of the Guitar In Latin Jazz."
Steve Khan
Episode 12: Adam Levy
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.
Adam Levy
Episode 13: joe henry
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.
Joe Henry
episode 14: jens kruger
The Banjo Studio says:
Jens Kruger of the Kruger Brothers is a modern master of the 5 string banjo who is taking the instrument to places it has never been. Born in Switzerland and now living in North Carolina, Jens' music bridges American folk music and European classical music styles. He has composed for a full symphony orchestra as well as a number of string quartets and more.
In this interview, we dig deep into his compositional techniques, style, and more. Enjoy!
Jens Kruger
Episode 15: DAVID IMMERGLUCK
The Banjo Studio Says:
“David Immergluck is an American multi-instrumentalist who is best known as a guitarist in the alternative rock bands Counting Crows, Camper Van Beethoven and the Monks of Doom, as well as for his tenure with American singer-songwriter John Hiatt. A versatile musician, Immerglück plays mandolin, pedal steel guitar, bass, slide guitar, electric sitar, keyboards, and sings.”
David Immergluck
Episode 16: David Grier
The Banjo Studio says:
David Grier is one of the greatest flatpicking guitarists of all time. Listen to his reflections on Tony Rice's influence, the direction of bluegrass today, his own influences, and more.
Episode 17: Taj Mahal
The Banjo Studio says:
Taj Mahal has been one of my favorite musicians since I was a teenager. We were very honored that Taj would take time to speak with us. Initially slated for a short 15-20 minute interview, Taj had a good time speaking with the Banjo Studio Podcast host, Jonathan Freilich, and spoke with him for over an hour!
Listen as Taj talks about his beginnings, how he got started playing the banjo, his approach to the banjo and the way he tunes it, and much more.
If you aren't familiar with Taj Mahal, now is the time to start checking out his very deep catalog of recordings.
