The Guitar Channel

Anil Prasad's Innerviews: Music Without Borders - Extraordinary Conversations with Extraordinary Musicians

Featuring Joe Zawinul, John McLaughlin, Zakir Hussain, Jonas Hellborg, Bela Fleck and others.

BJORK, CHUCK D, ANI DIFRANCO, BELA FLECK, MCCOY TYNER, JOHN MCLAUGHLIN AND 18 OTHER LEGENDARY MUSICIANS REVEAL UNIQUE, IN-DEPTH INSIGHTS IN INNERVIEWS: MUSIC WITHOUT BORDERS BOOK - FOREWORD BY VICTOR WOOTEN

Twenty-four of the world's most renowned musicians share incredibly candid, in-depth thoughts on the joy and pain of the creative process, their careers and aspirations, conflicts and collaborations, and the realities of today's music business in Innerviews: Music Without Borders, the first book by acclaimed music journalist Anil Prasad.

Artists featured in the book include some of the greatest names in jazz, rock, world music, hip-hop, and electronica: Jon Anderson, Bjork, Bill Bruford, Martin Carthy, Stanley Clarke, Chuck D, Ani DiFranco, Bela Fleck, Michael Hedges, Jonas Hellborg, Zakir Hussain, Leo Kottke, Bill Laswell, John McLaughlin, Noa, David Sylvian, Tangerine Dream, David Torn, Ralph Towner, McCoy Tyner, Eberhard Weber, Chris Whitley, Victor Wooten, and Joe Zawinul. Wooten contributes a foreword to the book. Some of the evocative topics explored include:

• Bjork on the chaos of her creative process
• Stanley Clarke on saying no to Miles Davis
• Chuck D on what's wrong with hip-hop today
• Ani DiFranco on propelling democracy through music
• Bela Fleck on journeying to Africa to discover the roots of the banjo
• Bill Laswell on the drama of producing difficult artists
• John McLaughlin on turning the tables on the jazz police
• McCoy Tyner on the deification of John Coltrane
• Tangerine Dream on electronica transcending technology
• Joe Zawinul on inventing the original hip-hop beat

Prasad established Innerviews (www.innerviews.org), the Internet's first and longest-running music magazine, in 1994. He is celebrated for his special ability to get his subjects to confide and reflect in ways they rarely do with other interviewers.

"Anil Prasad is like a great musician," says Victor Wooten. "The way he expresses himself through his own art-his writing—causes readers to feel inspired, as if we've learned about ourselves, as well as the subject of the interview."

"Prasad does splendid interviews with an amazing mix of musicians in Innerviews: Music Without Borders," says Vijay Iyer. "He takes the artists' work seriously and meets it on its own terms, which is a sign of true generosity on his part."

"Innerviews is a remarkable read, full of illuminating facts and insights from some of the music world's most compelling characters. Recommended to serious music fans." --The Weekender Magazine

"Prasad has crafted a book to be proud of, and one jazz readers will immediately find a home for in their libraries. Highly recommended. It reveals what artists really care about, feel, and openly wish to share with fans." --JazzReview.com

"One of the great things about what Prasad does is that he's interested in all different types of music, so that jazz musicians mix it up with rock, folk, world, composition-oriented and other unclassifiable un-genres." --NPR Jazz

"Anil Prasad has a reputation among readers and artists for incisive and substantive journalism. Essential reading for thinking fans." --Guitar Player Magazine

"Prasad's in-depth interviews allow artists to be seen as vulnerable as they discuss the highs and the lows of being in the spotlight. Innerviews: Music Without Borders lives up to the hype." --Popyoularity

Grammy Winner Chad Smith (Red Hot Chili Peppers) And The Bombastic Meatbats Cook Up "More Meat" On Their Highly Anticipated Sophomore Album Release

PRESS RELEASE

Los Angeles, CA (September 14, 2010) - "Remember the good old days, when jazz-fusion wasn't all about showing off your chops, and was more about creating sweeping moods, and the importance of songwriting? Well, the Bombastic Meatbats certainly remember those days. Having obviously studied the classic early-to-mid '70s recordings of such fusion greats as Return to Forever and Jeff Beck, the group (which includes such members as Grammy winning Red Hot Chili Peppers/Chickenfoot drummer Chad Smith, guitarist Jeff Kollman, keyboardist Ed Roth, and bassist Kevin Chown), is back with their sophomore full-length album. Aptly titled, "More Meat," the album is jam packed follow-up to last year's critically acclaimed "Meet the Meatbats," and once more, is released by Warrior Records via Universal Music Distribution.

"'More Meat' is just that...it has much more music on the bone," quips Smith. "We stretched out more, the playing is more tighter, and there's a more improved recorded sound, haha!" "There is a new depth to the songs and the band has it's own vibe," adds Roth. "We have all played live together so much that the band has really found it's sound. Since so much of this group is interplay and listening, it was important that this time around when recording we were set up so that we could really hear ourselves and each other well. This contributed to some very strong performances."

As with their debut, "More Meat" is an incredibly consistent listen from front to back, shifting gears from smooth jazz, funk, and rock - a recipe for some truly tasty modern fusion. As Kollman recalls, "We basically moved in to a small Venice studio and recorded over a three day weekend. DONE! Writing-wise, it was par for the course. I planted the seed on a few of the tunes at home and presented them to the Meatbats. Ed would throw in that brilliant bridge or a melody that I couldn't find. The Bats then performed quick surgery and turned it into magic...but much of the record was written by all as we jammed in the infamous Malibu Tiki room at Chad's house in Malibu. The origin of the songs are all a bit different. It could start with a drum groove, or a bass line, or a genius Ed 'the Wrench' Roth progression."

With provoked smiles, the band points out some specific standout tunes from the album's twelve-song track list: Roth: "'Greasy Louise' - it's so funky, you need to look in your shoe. 'Shilo's Forbidden City Blues' - who doesn't love a trip to the forbidden city, as long as it's sanitary. 'Shag' - the title says it all, go make some babies. 'Dr. Blotter & Miss Purple (Ride In The Echoplex) - take a trip, without the chemistry." Kollman: "There's a great vibe on 'Dr. Blotter.' The track sounds a bit like Wes Montgomery jamming an instrumental with the Doors (low rent 'Wes' that is...). It was a vibe we hadn't touched on before...Ed has some genius soundscape moments with the old Echoplex. That one is probably a good trip with some smoke and the phones. 'Shag,' our first Smooth AC single, is another one that I'm stoked about. This was one I presented to the band that got lost in the pile. Chad found it on his computer and we reworked it with Ed contributing a nice bridge. Chad swung the feel, which was originally straight and Kevin added a nice haunting bass line in the A section (good job, Kevin 'Bubbles' Chown!). That one has really got a thing."

With a release date of October 19th, and "Shag" being added to Smooth AC radio on September 27th, the Meatbats will celebrate the week of release with a live on-air performance on the syndicated KLOS Mark & Brian Show in Los Angeles. And despite all four of its member's schedules jam-packed with other projects for the foreseeable future, the Meatbats do have various tour dates forthcoming, including a pair of special shows not to be missed on November 19 (Friday) and November 20 (Saturday), where the lads will be doing their funky thing at New York City's famed venue, the Iridium Jazz Club. Only two albums into their career, the Meatbats are already leaving their mark on musicians around the world, as Kollman recently witnessed the proof. "There's already a Meatbat tribute band in Japan! They kindly mentioned to us that they were starting one...I haven't had a chance to check them out yet, but I think there's a female 'Wrench' in there. They asked me for a name...in an instant moment of inspiration, it came to me - King Tamas & the Spam Javelin. 'King Tamas,' as Chad has been referred to, is a bit crude and offensive when translated in Japanese, so the band abbreviated it to become, 'KT & the Spam Javelin'!"

With an overabundance of funk, rock, and fusion at their disposal, the Bombastic Meatbats will soon be offering another healthy helping of 'More Meat.' Or, as Mr. Roth summed up the group in exactly five words. "Sexy. Funky. Heavy. Forbidden Fun." We couldn't have said it better ourselves.

Chad Smith's Bombastic Meatbats Touring:

10/26/10 Los Angeles, CA-The Mark & Brian Morning Show / KLOS
10/26/10 Los Angeles, CA-The Baked Potato
10/30/10 Los Angeles, CA-The Mint
11/17/10 Baltimore, MD-Ottobar
11/18/10 Philadelphia, PA-Havana New Hope Club
11/19/10 New York, NY-Iridium Jazz Club
11/20/10 New York, NY-Iridium Jazz Club
11/21/10 Syracuse, NY-Monirae's
Additional Dates Being Added Weekly

Wayne Krantz to appear on Tony Palkovic's Radio Show tomorrow 9/14

Wayne Krantz will appear on Tony Palkovic's Radio Show on KSPC 88.7FM (Los Angeles area) on Tuesday 9/14/10 from 12PM - 2PM Pacific time. The show will also be rebroadcast on Wednesday 9/15/10 from 2AM - 4AM Pacific. To listen online, visit http://www.kspc.org.

The Chicago Guitar Festival Full Schedule Announced

Dot-to-Dot Management, the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and

the Serbian Cultural Arts Center of Chicago Present

The Chicago Guitar Festival

Thursday, October 7^th-Thursday, October 14^th

 

Chicago, IL - Dot-to-Dot Management, the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and the Serbian Cultural Arts Center of Chicago will present the groundbreaking Chicago Guitar Festival, a weeklong event bringing renowned classical and jazz guitarists from around the world to venues across Chicago, from Thursday October 7^th through Thursday, October 14h.  Featuring performances by artists as diverse as Pat Martino, Paul Galbraith and Badi Assad, the Festival was conceived by Chicagoans (and accomplished guitarists themselves) Andreas Kapsalis and Goran Ivanovic, who aim to enrich the pallet of the area's listening audiences.

 

"Some of the artists participating in the Festival are internationally-renowned, but little known in the States.  Goran and I were interested in changing that and decided to start by presenting the Festival in the city we both love. We hope to help bring these artists some well-deserved attention here and across the country," said Kapsalis, a self-taught guitarist who is also a talented film score composer.

 

"Everybody knows Chicago for its great blues tradition, but we also have some astounding classical and world guitarists here and we want to turn more people on to their work.  We're so excited to be presenting the Festival and hope it's the first of many," added Ivanovic, the winner of several international classical competitions and a former student at Salzburg's Mozarteum.

 

A complete schedule of Chicago Guitar Festival concerts follows:

 

Thursday, October 7th:

• 8:00 PM Pat Martino at Jazz Showcase $20
• 8:00 PM The Andreas Kapsalis & Goran Ivanovic Guitar Duo at Mayne Stage $15

 

Friday, October 8th:

• 12:15 PM Renato Anesi at Chicago Cultural Center lobby FREE
• 8:00 PM Pat Martino at Jazz Showcase $25
• 8:00 PM Paul Galbraith at Wicker Park Arts Center $15 in advance / $20 at the door
• 9:00 PM Tim Sparks at Magnus $7
• 8:00 PM Renato Anesi with The Andreas Kapsalis & Goran Ivanovic Guitar Duo at Acorn Theater

 

Saturday, October 9th:

• 8:00 PM Pat Martino atJazz Showcase$25
• 8:00 PMTim Sparks at Acorn Theater
• 9:00 PM Badi Assad with Paulinho Garcia at Logan Square Auditorium $15 in advance / $20 at the door

 

Sunday, October 10th:

• 3:00 PM Denis Azabagic at Preston Bradley Hall FREE
• 8:00 PM Pat Martino at Jazz Showcase $20

 

Monday, October 11th:

• 9:00 PM Tim Sparks with Nicholas Barron at Martyrs' $10

 

Tuesday, October 12th:

• 12:00 PM Gyan Riley at Chicago Gultural Center lobby FREE
• 9:00 PM A Tribute to American Roots Pedal Steel and Guitar Music featuring Brian Wilkieand John McLean with Gyan Riley at Martyrs' $10

 

Wednesday, October 13th:

• 8:00 PM Adam Del Monte at Old Town School of Folk Music

 

Thursday, October 14^th:

• 6:00 PM Adam Del Monte Masters Class at Old Town School of Folk Music

 

The Chicago Guitar Festival is generously supported by D'Addario Strings, Danche Guitars, Godin Guitars, Yelp.com. Do312.com, Chicago Acoustic Underground, QSolve and Sound Culture.  For more information about the Chicago Guitar Festival, please visit www.chicagoguitarfest.com/ or http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/pages/Chicago-Guitar-Festival/322138321059?ref=ts.

Eric Johnson Interview for MusicRadar

Check out the new interview with Eric Johnson over at MusicRadar. Johnson discusses his upcoming 'Guitar Masters' acoustic tour, and his soon-to-be-released album Up Close.

MusicRadar: Eric Johnson talks about the Guitar Masters tour

Lee Ritenour Performance and Interview for NPR

Lee Ritenour appeared on the Jazz24 radio program at NPR station KPLU recently for an in-studio performance and interview. Follow the link below to hear the entire session via NPR's website.

NPR Favorite Sessions - Lee Ritenour: A Half-Century Of Jazz Guitar

Michael Landau Interview for Southeastern Guitar and Amp Show

The Southeastern Guitar and Amp Show website has a new interview up with Michael Landau. The SEGAS will take place on Sept 25th and 26th in Raleigh NC. As part of the festivities, Landau will perform at Raleigh's Lincoln Theatre on Sept 25th.

SEGAS: Michael Landau Interview

See Also:
The Guitar Channel Interview: Michael Landau (2010)

Scott Kinsey Group European Tour Dates with Scott Henderson

The Scott Kinsey Group will be playing the following European tour dates this October. The killer lineup includes Scott Henderson on guitar, Matt Garrison on bass, Karim Ziad on drums, and Kinsey on keys.

October 8th 2010  Stockholm - Fasching
October 9th 2010  Goetheborg - Nefertiti Jazz Club
October 10th 2010  Prague - Lucerna Music Club
October 11th 2010  Ostrava - Parnic Club
October 13th 2010  Innsbruck - Treibhaus

More Krantz, Patitucci and Almond Videos from The Iridium

More footage of Wayne Krantz, John Patitucci and Cliff Almond at the Iridium in NYC this past weekend.

9/5/10

9/4/10

Shane Theriot Interview for Strat-O-Blogster

JP over at Strat-O-Blogster has a great interview up with New Orleans-based guitarist Shane Theriot. Among other topics, Theriot discusses the gear he used on his latest album Dirty Power.

Strat-O-Blogster Interview: Shane Theriot

Video: Wayne Krantz, John Patitucci, Cliff Almond - "Rushdie" Live at the Iridium 9/4/10

Wayne Krantz, John Patitucci and Cliff Almond playing Krantz's "Rushdie" at the Iridium in NYC on 9/4/10.

Jeff Richman Videos for Xotic Guitars & Effects

Jeff Richman demos some of his guitars and Xotic effects, and talks about his latest album Like That. All 5 videos are in the embedded playlist above.

See Also:
Interview: Jeff Richman (2010)