Interview with Taj Mahal

I recently had the opportunity to interview Taj Mahal for the Banjo Studio. For as much of an influence as his records have had on me, it was a very special moment.

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.

If you are interested in Taj’s life and work, the blues, music around the world, and/or the banjo, you will find it fascinating.

The interview is here…

Interview with David Immergluck for the Banjo Studio Podcast

I recently interviewed David Immergluck, the multi-instrumentalist dripping with personality who is quite notorious for his long membership in the Counting Crows, as well as Camper Van Beethoven, John Hiatt, and Monks of Doom. He also has an intriguing new project with Dave Alvin that you can find out about in the interview. It is really worth hearing.

The link is here…

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

Podcast: Interview with guitar giant, Steve Khan for Banjo Studio

I’m really happy to see this conversation I had with Steve Khan just posted. Really worth checking out if you are interested in music for the last 40 or so years. Without hesitation, if you have ever sat around trying to get around a guitar. And look at that ES-335- a favorite machine for some folks around here too.

The link to the podcast…

The 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."

The conversation was fascinating and enjoyable for me. You might also check out Steve’s website where he wrote about this any many other things too. Here is the link to STEVE KHAN’S SITE…

Steve Khan

Podcast: Interview with Rob McCoury for The Banjo Studio

The link to the cast is here…

Banjo Studio says:

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