The Riff Raff with Shane Theriot

My guest today is Mr. Greg Phillinganes, one of the most recorded keyboardists (both session and touring) of all time. Originally from Detroit, at age 18 Greg's musical abilities were captured on a demo tape which ultimately landed him the gig with Stevie Wonder. This proved to be a life changing opportunity and Greg ended up playing on the iconic record Songs in the Key of Life (including the song Isn’t She Lovely and other classic tracks.)

From that point on it has been an amazing musical journey for Greg. His volume of work and recording credits are huge- to say he has worked with the best would be an understatement -just a few- Michael Jackson, (he played on Off the Wall, Thriller, Bad and classic Jackson 5 tracks as well, ) 3 out of 4 Beatles-  George Harrison, Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr, Eric Clapton, David Gilmour, Phil Collins, Mick Jagger, Toto, Herbie Hancock and many, many others. He has served as Music Director for many top artists including Michael Jackson, Quincy Jones, as well as TV shows -(Vibe), the Grammy Awards and so many others. 

I met got to know Greg in 2008 when we both worked with Boz Scaggs and hit it off immediately. We would frequent cigar bars, share songs and had a great time touring together. 

In this interview which was conducted in Aug of 2018 in Los Angeles at Greg’s house and then in his car (I tagged along to a chiropractors appt. so I could maximize time!), Greg tells all- SO many great stories. He also talks about what it was like that day in 1975 when he auditioned for Stevie Wonder and demonstrates the songs on his keyboard. I then ask him about M. Jackson, Clapton, Donald Fagen’s “The Nightfly” and much much more. This is one of my all time favorite episodes that I’ve ever done on Riff Raff- so I hope you will enjoy!

Recorded Aug. 2018, Los Angeles.

My guests today are Sammy Hagar and his longtime guitarist Vic Johnson. What really needs to be said about Sammy Hagar, one of the all time greats of rock and roll vocalists- From Montrose, Van Halen and his own solo career to everything in between he is one of the most identifiable voices ever, and even now at at age 70 he's still kicking ass. 

As a huge Van Halen fan myself (Edward Van Halen is the reason I play guitar today, he was such a big influence on me) it was great to sit with Sammy and talk about guitarists, songs, his new concept record (Space Between) with The Circle (with Vic Johnson, Jason Bonham and Mike Anthony.) We also talk about a few Van Halen stories, Montrose, what Sammy looks for in a guitarist and how Vic Johnson got the gig. Vic, a great guitarist in his own right also was a member of the Busboys and shared a couple great stories as well.

This interview took place at Sammy’s studio in Northern California in Aug. 2018.

My guest today is Mr. Johnny Neel. How do you describe Johnny Neel? Well he is easily one on the most brilliant musicians I’ve ever worked with- keyboardist, vocalist, songwriter, producer etc… 

Maybe start with one part Leon Russell, morph together with Ray Charles and add a dash of Thelonius Monk and a pinch of Art Tatum. Maybe a touch of Jaco’s basslines too. 

Johnny is best known for being a former member of the "Allman Brothers Band" after being recruited by Dickey Betts and Gregg Allman. I’ve been lucky enough to work with Johnny on lot's of projects as well as in his band and even on a few of his records including "Late Night Breakfast". He’s always had great players in his band including guitarists Brent Mason, Jack Pearson and Pat Bergeson. 

Johnny and myself were in a short lived jam band for a while called “The Grease Factor”  (named after my 2nd solo record) which also included Jeff Sipe (Apt 254Q) on drums, Count M Butu on percussion and Derek Jones and Neal Fountain on bass. We did one live record before calling it quits. We also did a short stint together with Blue Floyd (with Mat Abts on drums and Berry Oakley Jr. on bass guitar.) 

He's featured on 3 of my 4 solo records- (Hwy 90, Dirty Power and The Grease Factor) and you’ll hear a few clips in this podcast. 

Johnny has also played with Gov’t Mule, Blue Floyd, written songs for many country artists and TV/movie soundtracks. He operates his own studio called Straight Up Sound in Nashville, TN. 

This episode was recorded in Nashville at his studio on Jan. 30th 2018.

My guest today is Emily Hughes, filmmaker and also the daughter of the late guitar giant, Lenny Breau. 

In this interview Emily discusses her fathers legacy and her new film entitled "The Genius of Lenny Breau Remembered" as well as the first documentary she did back in 1999- "The Genius of Lenny Breau." 

I highly recommend watching both of these excellent documentaries to get a really unique insight to the life, music and struggles of Lenny Breau, one of the greatest innovators in jazz guitar IMO (post Wes Montgomery and pre Stanley Jordan.) I was also interested to hear that his murder case- (he was found dead in a rooftop swimming pool in 1984 at his apartment in Los Angeles) has recently been re -opened by the LAPD. Hopefully we get some answers into what happened and justice is finally served. 

In the interview I mention a lesson that New Orleans guitar great Phil DeGruy took back in the early-mid 1980's that someone posted to Soundcloud and Phil sent me a link to. You can find that here. 

Please check out Lennybreau.com for more info on the movie and everything else going on in the world of Lenny Breau.

Recorded via Skype New Orleans/Calgary July 2018

My guest today is Pat Bergeson. Pat is an amazing guitarist, a natural who is at ease with virtually any style. His credits include Lyle Lovett, Shelby Lynne, Suzy Bogguss, Butch Trucks and many, many more. As Pat will tell you though, the one that is probably the game changer for him is the phone call he got from Chet Atkins that changed his life and career. 

 Not only a great guitarist, Pat is also a ridiculously great harmonica player. He plays chromatic harp on a diatonic harp, not an easy feat…this enables him to convert his  knowledge of jazz harmony and killer guitar chops onto another instrument. You’ll hear this for yourself. Pat has his own solo records out to- check em out- the most recent one being “Hippy Dance”- you are listening to the title track right now. He also has plays duets with his wife, jazz singer Annie Sellick and they occasionally tour with Tommy Emmanuel. Catch em if you can you’ll love it. 

I’m so glad Pat was in town and available the day I called him up to do this. He’s a great guy and fun hang and goes without saying an incredible guitar player. Throughout the interiew there are a few tunes we play together and you can hear Pat panned slightly right and myself on the left. 

Hope you enjoy!

Recorded at Pat's house, Nashville, TN Feb 2018

Pat's website for more info, shows etc... http://patbergeson.com/

My guest today is Mr. Audley Freed. As with most of my guests on Riff Raff it kinda goes without saying that Audley is a badass player and his credits most certainly back this up but if there was an also award for “most humble guitar player” Audley would most certainly win it hands down. Never one to brag or name drop, he is instead constantly downplaying his achievements but not in a false way at all, rather a genuinely modest way. You get the feeling that coming from a small town in North Carolina, Audley is grateful for the opportunities that he has had and never even thought he’d have the amazing career that he’s enjoyed but deserved. 

Hailing from humble roots in North Carolina and forming the band Cry of Love (which still has legions of faithful fans) to joining the Black Crowes (and recording the legendary Live at the Greek with Jimmy Page), to his current gig with Sheryl Crow, Audley has done just about every cool gig you can imagine- Peter Frampton, Joe Perry,  Dixie Chicks, Jakob Dylan, songwriting with Train, recording the debut record with Gavin DeGraw, jamming with the Allman Bros., and performing with other artists like Lucinda Williams, Bob Weir, and many others. 

I had the opportunity to play for a short time in a band called Blue Floyd with Audley and that’s where we really hit it off. If you know Audley like I know him you get the idea that he prefers to not too do many interviews or podcasts but he graciously agreed to sit with me and shoot the bull for a while. 

On a cold Feb day in Nashville I head over to Audley’s house and after he making us a couple of strong cups of coffee and looking through his killer vinyl collection we get down to business. In this interview you’ll hear about Audley’s beginnings, his guitar “mentor” (Ernie Johnson) that really opened his mind up to being a professional musician, the early years of Cry of Love and how he wrote the song "Peace Pipe" at a guitar shop in N.C. one day, how to play "Highway Jones", to auditioning and joining the Black Crowes, some amazing Jimmy Page stories, his current amp choices, advice for backing up singers, his influences and so much more. 

Recorded at Audley’s house, Nashville, TN.,  Feb. 2018

How do you land a gig with one of the icons of American music and keep it for 45 years? Ask todays guest- Mickey Raphael. Unless your name is Keith Richards,  I don’t know anyone who has had a gig for as long as he has, much less on harmonica. Mickey is one of the best harmonica players on the scene and has been a member of Willie Nelson’s band for over 4 decades. Besides all the great gigs with Willie, along the way he also recorded and performed with most of the greats- I’m talking about Neil Young, Leon Russell, Johnny Cash, Emmylou Harris, Paul Simon, Bob Dylan and it goes on and on. 

In the interview we discuss his early years, how he landed the gig with Willie Nelson, recording on legendary records such as “Red Headed Stranger”,  "Stardust" and "Teatro", how he got the gig with Willie, Miles Davis stories, a funny Willie/ Hells Angels story, his influences, session work, working with Daniel Lanois, solo records, some jamming here and there and much more. 

Recorded Jan. 2018  at Mickey’s home, Nashville TN.

Mickey's website   http://www.mickeyraphael.com/

Mickey's Solo record- "Hand to Mouth" 

                                                            ( L-R)  Andy Reiss, Harold Bradley, Shane Theriot

 My guest today is a now legendary figure in the history of Nashville and a member of the original “A”- team of session musicians. Mr. Harold Bradley. And, as one of the most recorded guitarists in history, if not the most (he has the session logs and union contracts to prove it) he played on thousands of recording sessions, but not just any old sessions, some of the most iconic and timeless songs of all time. I’m talking about songs like Patsy Cline’s “Crazy”, Roy Orbison’s “Only The Lonely”, and “Cryin’”, Tammy Wynette’s “Stand by your Man”, Loretta Lynn’s “Coal Miners Daughter” and so many, many others. 

And it’s not just country music that Harold lent his giant musical thumbprint to- how ‘bout Elvis Presley? Oh and remember Burl Ives “Have a Holly Jolly Christmas?” Of course you do. You hear it every time "Frosty the Snowman" comes on every year…That’s Harold. “The Battle of New Orleans” and that intro on banjo? Yep that’s Harold.  Brenda Lee’s “Jingle Bell Rock” and “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree?”…on and on…He also recorded 3 solo records “Misty Guitar”, “Guitar For Lover’s Only” and “Bossa Nova Goes to Nashville” that are still both musically jaw-dropping and stunning today some 50 years later. 

His brother, the legendary producer Owen Bradley, was one of the architects of country music and opened the first studio on what is now known as Music Row in Nashville. It’s all here folks in this interview- Harold, now 92 years young and with a memory as sharp as ever tells us the most amazing stories and recalls his legendary career. 

I first met Harold many years ago when we worked together with the great singer Slim Whitman -one of my first gigs when I moved to town. 

On the few shows we did together Harold taught me a few things that I still think about- showmanship, the importance of staying in tune, building up a collection of nice instruments and even switching up picks during the same song to get different tones. He made a real impact on a young cat back then. 

Even though I hadn’t spoken to him in years, I phoned him and he graciously agreed to meet me and set up a time to chat. I’m so thrilled to be able to have him on Riff Raff.  He is such a humble and kind person, always downplaying the impact he made and instead quick to share and give credit to the other musicians, many of whom have now passed on. 

You’ll hear him mention the other original A team throughout this interview- Besides Harold, the other 11 people that made up the original A team were guitarists Hank Garland, Ray Edenton, and Grady Martin, steel guitarist Pete Drake, fiddler Tommy Jackson, harmonica player Charlie McCoy, bassist Bob Moore, pianist Hargus “Pig” Robbins, Floyd Cramer, piano, drummer Buddy Harman, and saxophonist Boots Randolph 

 My old friend Andy Reiss, a great guitatrist in his own right who plays with the Time Jumpers and also a close friend of Harold’s also joined us for this interview. 

Recorded at Nashville Musicians Union, Nashville Feb 2018

 OK so there is really no need to introduce Daryl Hall here. Everyone knows that he’s one of the greatest rock, R&B and pop singers ever and half of the most successful pop/rock duo of all time Daryl Hall and John Oates. He’s written some of the biggest hits of the last 30 years as well as the deeper cuts that perhaps not well as known but that are still as fresh and inventive both lyrically and musically as when they were first written. 

 But yeah I know, I know. How many people have the luxury of getting to sit with Daryl Hall at his house and pick his brain for an hour and a half, ask him to tell you stories, his approaches to songwriting, talk about influences and all kinds of info that only an “insider” may be privy to? (Dan Rather or Howard Stern maybe)? 

Anyway, the fact that Daryl is one of my current “bosses” gives me a slight advantage here. I’ve gotten to work side by side with Daryl for the past 4 years in all kinds of situations from the stage to studio to TV. 

Daryl was cool enough to sit with me and let me interview him a month or so back after we got done with a studio session one day. In this interview we talk about his approach to songwriting, the Philly sound and his influences, how he comes up with those unique chord changes that are a signature of his music, his partnership with John Oates, his great solo record Sacred Songs, and really funny never before heard stories about Miles Davis, Bob Dylan, his friend T- Bone, and much much more. We also go “behind the scenes” and discuss the Live From Daryl’s House TV show and how an episode is put together. Hope you enjoy- 

This interview took place at Daryl’s home in upstate NY- Jan 2018.

My guest this episode is Mr. Oz Noy. One of the most accomplished guitarists out there on the scene today, Oz has it all- amazing chops, vocabulary, technique, all delivered with touch, soul and tone. His 9 solo records capture all of this and, if that's not enough there's more; he uses the best rhythm sections in the world, surrounding himself with drummers including Dave Weckl, Keith Carlock, Anton Fig and bassists Will Lee, James Genus and Jimmy Haslip. As you'll hear in the podcast, touring all over the world with his own music isn't what he originally set out to do, but it's nice work if you can get it. He also has a nice resume of backing up artists in the studio and live such as Gavin Degraw, Richard Bona, Chris Botti,Harry Belafonte, Cyndi Lauper, Clay Aiken, Akiko Yano and more. He also has a new band that you'll hear about called Ozone Squeeze.

In this interview we'll discuss his early years in Tel Aviv, moving to NYC, putting together his first record (Oz Live) and how he rehearses the bands, pedals- (he'll talk about what his favorite most useful pedal is), his instructional videos for True Fire, current state of the blues in his opinion, influences and much, much more. Plus you get my usual doses of sarcasm and bad humor.

Oz Noy Website

Oz's signature pedal

Oz's Music on Amazon 

This interview was recorded in NYC at Oz's apt in Nov 2017

My guest today is Mr. Sonny Landreth. Sonny is a singer, songwriter and guitarist who is probably the most innovative slide guitar player ever. Just ask Eric Clapton, Mark Knopfler, Robben Ford and his many legions of guitar fans. I first got hip to Sonny when I got a copy of his record called Outward Bound, which is still one of my favorite records of his. He’s had a very long and successful career as a solo artist with many solo records to his name including the recent- “Recorded Live in Lafayette” which we talk about in this podcast. 

I’ve known Sonny for a while but in this interview I learn many things about his early years and it was a lot of fun to ask him all this stuff. We talk about his meeting Hendrix, early influences, how he got his Dumble amp, Clifton Chenier, getting the gig with John Hiatt, so much more….oh and he shares a lot of slide secrets in this one. Also there is a lot of playing and equipment chat for you gear nerds. 

I drove out to Lafayette, La about 2 hours west of New Orleans on a weekday and got stuck in traffic so I was a little late getting to the studio. I finally walk in to engineer Tony Daigle’s studio where Sonny records most of his records (and where I recorded the overdubs for my tune Mr. Ed with Sonny from my record Dirty Power. I plug into one of Tony’s Fender deluxes and Sonny is plugged into an old Fender Bassman and we let it rip.  

How does someone from Breaux Bridge, LA by way of Mississipi become the most original slide guitar player on the planet? Stay tuned and find out.

What is it about Texas and it's reputation for gunslingin' killer guitar players? You know the old cliche' "something in the water?", well, this certainly applies to the Lone Star State...think of the guitarists that have emerged from here- Stevie Ray and Jimmie Vaughn, Eric Johnson, Billy Gibbons, David Holt, Charlie Sexton, and newer cats like Carter Arrington- etc..but way up at the top of that list is my guest today- Mr. David Grissom. A veteran of the John Mellencamp band, Joe Ely, Storyville and the Dixie Chicks, he's also appeared on many records as a session player and songwriter. I've known David for a long time as you'll hear- we toured together for a few months in the late 90's with BB King when I was in the Neville Brothers and he was in Storyville.

In this interview we talk early days in Austin, string bending, influences, gear, Mellencamp, Lloyd Maines and steel guitar as an influence, Norman Blake, Ringo Starr, solo records etc...and much more. Couple of great little jams in here too!

On a nice day in Austin I got in an Uber from the hotel and headed over to David's studio where we did this interview. Hope you enjoy!

Recorded Austin, TX Sept 2017

My guest today is Mr. Tommy Malone. You know there is just something about hearing someone from South Louisiana belt out a vocal or play a guitar solo- they just seem to have a certain "thing" to the way they phrase and deliver a line and my guest Tommy Malone certainly epitomizes that.  

Tommy is a New Orleans based singer/songwriter and guitarist who, in my opinion is criminally overlooked as one of the best of the New Orleans scene. (His brother Dave Malone is one of the founding members of another one of the great New Orleans party bands- The Radiators.) 

Tommy is probably best known as one of the founders and lead singer of The Subdudes, one of the best known bands to emerge out of the New Orleans scene in the late 1980’s early 1990’s. Using a unique instrumentation by replacing the traditional drum kit with percussion and tamborine, and oftentimes accordion along with guitar and bass, they created their own version of funky New Orleans flavored roots/rock with an acoustic edge. 

Having made 11 records with the Subdudes as well as 3 solo records- one of which I had the pleasure of working on called “Natural Born Days”- which we’ll talk about here. We also talk about Tiny Town, a short lived band that made one record that is one of my faves. 

In this interview, recorded on beautiful a fall-like day in early September at my home in New Orleans, Tommy tells me about his influences, guitars (and as usual when we hang out, we laugh like 5th graders and tell jokes, constantly goofing off.) Even though we do clown around a good bit in this one, there is some great info and for fans of Tommy and the Subdudes maybe a few stories you haven’t heard. Hope you like this one! 

Recorded- New Orleans Sept  2017

My guest today is Mr. Adam Levy. Finesse, feel, restraint and taste. That’s what I think of when I hear Adam play. Perhaps best known for being a member of Norah Jones band in the late 90’s/early 2000’s, Adam has also done other high profile gigs, among them playing with Tracy Chapman (remember “Gimme one reason to leave here?”- then you’ve heard Adam cause that’s him playing the guitar solo on that tune), he's also worked with Dan Hicks, Amos Lee and others. 

But it’s his own solo material that is the most inspiring to me. Not content with putting all his eggs into the often tempting and lucrative sideman basket, Adam has consistently put out many of his own solo records over the years. Starting with Buttermilk Channel  (what a great title) he kept on going- including "Get Your Glow On", "Washing Day", "Town and Country" and many others-  up to his latest release “Blueberry Blonde” (featuring drummer Jay Bellarose.) At present he has a stunning 16 solo records to his name. He was also the former Chair of Guitar Performance at Los Angeles College of Music. (CORRECTION- I said in the intro that he was currently at LACM but Adam stepped down not too long ago to focus on other projects.)

 And if that isn’t enough, Adam also posts the popular “Guitar Tips” mini lessons every week where he shares his knowledge in an informal but powerful youtube clip. 

In this interview Adam and play a few tunes and share a few stories including how he first started working with Norah Jones . He also talks about playing melodically, things he learned from listening to Jim Hall, his Gibson 335 that he’s had since he was a kid, studying with the legendary Jimmy Wyble, (Adam also studied with Ted Greene but we didn’t get to discuss that) and much more! 

I got up early the night after my crazy gig at the Staples center with Hall and Oates and took an Uber over to Adam’s friend Tyler’s studio in a section of Los Angeles known as Glassell Park. Formerly a converted garage, funky is the right word to describe it now, but a good, cool, hip funky. I liked the vibe- packed with cool gear. I plugged my old 330 into a vintage Fender Champ and Adam plugged his 335 into a converted Bell and Howell film projector/turned guitar amp.

For you audiophiles out there- throughout the show Adam's guitar is on the left side and I'm on the right side- You'll hear a tiny drop-out after Adam's solo but it goes away quick and I faded into my solo. Not bad for an early morning folks as this is done live. After one sip of Starbucks to get the energy flowing we turned the tape on…enjoy! (Correction- I mistakenly called the John McLaughlin record with the 3D cover- "Now you see it", it's not!!...it's "The Promise". I think on the inside cover of that CD is says "now you see it" and that's the confusion. Anywhooo....

Recorded in Los Angeles, CA- by Tyler Chester at Paperchaser Studio on Sept 15th, 2017.

My guest today is singer/songwriter/guitarist and my friend, Madeleine Peyroux. Known for her sultry, retro vocal style and phrasing, Madeleine is an internationally known jazz and blues artist having headlined some of the biggest jazz festivals around the world -from Europe to Japan- and all points in between. (As an on and off member of her band for the past 10 years, I got to play at a ton of them with her-  Hollywood Bowl, Hammersmith Apollo in London, The Beacon in NYC, North Sea Jazz Festival in Rotterdam, Netherlands and the list goes on………lots of great memories- 

Her biography is well known but I’ll briefly recap here- born in Athens, GA, then moved to NYC as a teenager, then to Paris where she began life as a street musician and spent most of her formative years developing her craft on the streets, even living homeless for a while. Fast forward to today 8 solo records later and still going strong, world tours, several soundtracks (and even a Docker’s commercial) which brings us to this fine August day in NYC. For me as a guitarist, having the great experience of working with Madeleine and touring all over the world means we’ve shared a lot of stages and traveled many miles together. Which also means stories- and laughs- and lots of them! 

On a nice hot day in August I took the subway over to her apt in Brooklyn. We chatted for a brief moment and then just turned the mics on and let it roll. What you hear is what you get- windows open for fresh air so you’ll hear the kids playing in the park across the street!      

In this interview we talk about the use of space in music- (how less is more), early influences, busking on the streets of Paris, guitars, writing songs with Bill Wyman, Walter Becker, crazy true stories from the road and much more! 

 Ok, follow me walking up the stairs and into Madi's apt. I sit down and she picks up her beloved Martin guitar and we spend a minute trying to figure out what to play. Eventually we figure it out….Hope you enjoy!

Recorded Brooklyn, NY  Aug 2017

My guest today is Mr. Avi Bortnick. In a world filled with shredding guitar players who can play a gazillion notes and play over every chord change known to man, and teenage girls playing Van Halen's "Eruption", it’s refreshing to hear a player like Avi who can make a crowd groove with simple but effectively placed rhythm part. Although perhaps he is best known for being a member of John Scofield’s innovative Uberjam band, (in which he plays an important and crucial role- triggering samples, holding down rhythm parts and creating cool sounds), he also has his own bands- Shitty Shitty Jam Band and the Avi B. Three. Avi also has a unique take on guitar effects and is constantly working to create new sounds with loops and blending effects not found in your average guitar pedals as you'll hear in this episode. 

(We get didn’t talk about it in the interview but Avi has also designed apps for guitar and music including the Time Guru metronome and Echo Pitch multi-delay as well as others- that I will link to below.)

In this interview we talk about rhythm guitar, his early influences, working with John Scofield, how he creates those unique effects by combining the traditional guitar effects with the modern laptop sounds. We also jam over a few little impromptu chord vamps. 

This interview was recorded at Avi’s apt in Chinatown, NYC on Aug 16th, 2017.

Avi's Music

"Clean Slate"

LINKS to Avi's Apps-

Time Guru metronome 

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/time-guru-metronome/id421929034?mt=8 

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/time-guru-metronome-for-ipad/id1065287026?mt=8 

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.adambellard.timeguru&hl=en 

Echo Pitch multi-delay pitch shifter 

https://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewSoftware?id=1180443904&mt=8 

VoxBeat voice-to-drums+multi-track looper 

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/voxbeat-beatbox+multi-track/id1009030008?mt=8

My guest today is Mr. Jon Herington. Currently the guitarist for Steely Dan, Jon has long been one of NYC’s top tier musicians and first call cats. His resume boasts many credits, (including Boz Scaggs, Michael Brecker, Bill Evans, Bette Midler, Madeleine Peyroux and many others,) but the mainstay of his workload is the coveted guitar chair with Steely Dan, a gig he has held since 1999.

As you'll hear, Jon and I have been friends for a while and it was great to catch up and have some laughs. You may say “wow if someone had to go in and sub for Jon those would be some huge shoes to fill” and yes you would be correct 'cause I’ve had to do it!- not just once, but twice. Jon was gracious enough back in 2007 or 2008 (can’t remember) to recommend me for the Boz Scaggs gig while he was out with Steely Dan and then also to Madeleine Peyroux. I kept both those chairs "warm" for a quite a few years while he moved in and out of Steely Dan tours which resulted quite a bit of work for me for 3-4 years. 

In this little hang I ask Jon about his early years, Jack McDuff, what his first break was in NYC, his first solo record- The Complete Rhyming Dictionary, (now retitled "Pulse and Cadence", Broadway gigs, how he landed the gig with Steely Dan, what it’s like to play with those guys and much more. He also shows me his approach to soloing over the quick chord changes to the classic tune Black Friday and we jam on the tune. We also talk about his current Jon Herington Band and his new transcription of chord melodies. Lot’s of nuggets of career advice in this one for you younger musicians!

                               Recorded SoHo NYC, Aug 2017

                                                                                           Brent Mason, Shane Theriot, Jon Herington

John's website- http://www.jonherington.com/

My guest today is Mark Egan. Mark is a world renowned bassist, composer and bandleader who has recorded and performed with many of the greats in the world of music.  He was an original member of the Pat Metheny group, the first incarnation of the band which produced such classic records as American Garage. Mark has also recorded many of his own projects and solo records; perhaps the best known of these being the band Elements, with drummer Danny Gottlieb, with whom he shares a close musical relationship with to this day. 

In this interview Mark tells me about his early days at the University of Miami, the transition from trumpet to bass, studying and playing with Jaco Pastorius, getting his first fretless bass from Jaco, his early gigs in NY, joining the Pat Metheny group, David Sanborn and many others. I also ask him about his gigs with Sting, Gil Evans, Duran Duran, and get this- Bill Cosby- (he actually made a great record called Where you Lay Your Head- check it out!). We also do a few total improv jams and you get to hear Mark's flowing fretless lines that have graced so many recordings.

I had the pleasure of recording with Mark for an upcoming project a few months ago and it was great fun. He’s worked with a who’s who in the world of guitar- Metheny, Pat Martino, Scofield, John Abercrombie, John McLaughlin, and the list keeps going…. 

Anyway, I took the train up from Manhattan to Mark’s studio in Connecticut, and missed the connection…oops! Not to worry, I finally get to Mark’s beautiful home and studio and we are off and running. 

It’s my pleasure to bring you this episode of the Riff Raff with one of the world's greatest bassists, Mark Egan. Hope you enjoy!

(Interview recorded June 2017 at Mark's studio in CT.)    

                                        (Pic below taken at Vancouver Jazz Festival- Pat Martino, Shane Theriot, Mark Egan (2004)

My guest today is Mr. Zachary Richard.  Songwriter, performer, poet, activist.  Zachary is like a "Cajun- renaissance" man, who has never ceased promoting and educating others about the French identity of South Louisiana and his Cajun heritage. Beginning his career in the early 1970’s up to now- with almost 25 albums to his name, Grammy nominations, 3 volumes of poetry and even children's books, he remains a prolific and passionate artist. (And as you’ll hear Zachary has had some great guitarists and musicians in his bands, among them Sonny Landreth and Bill Dillon.) 

As you'll hear in this interview, Zachary is also a very soulful singer, and puts his heart into all his lyrics and song ideas.

In this episode, Zachary discusses songwriting, his Cajun heritage, guitars, and we also play a few songs together. This episode of the Riff Raff was recorded in the front parlor of my home in New Orleans, LA on a beautiful day on June 4, 2017.

                                                                                                                                                     (photo by Shiho Theriot)

LINKS 

Zachary Richard- Live at Montreal Jazz Festival- (with David Torkanowsky, keys, Yolanda Robinson, BGV, Paul Picard, percussion, Shane Theriot, guitars.)

Zachary's music on Amazon Store

Zachary's music on I- Tunes

NPR interview with Zachary- click here

Zachary's Poetry- click here

Click here for A little guitar solo with Zack- 

Although he grew up in a small town just south of London, England, spend some time listening to Jon Cleary and you will swear he is the result of some sort of super-engineering experiment that sought to combine the absolute best of New Orleans/Funk/ Soul music into one performer- it’s in his DNA- from the way he plays to the subtle ways it permeates his native English accent. In addition to being a pianist and guitarist of impeccable taste and feel, he is also a gifted vocalist. 

Cleary, who has 8 solo records to date, recently won a Grammy last year for Go Go Juice, (a record I had the pleasure of being a part of). He was also a member of Bonnie Raitt’s band for 10 years - (she once referred to him the “9th Wonder of the World”. ) 

 He frequently plays at the world famous Maple Leaf Bar, a place that he has had a connection with since the early 80’s, as well as touring all over the world with his band. In this interview we discuss piano, guitar styles, his early years and passion finally making it to New Orleans, James Booker stories, Bonnie Raitt, what makes the New Orleans sound unique to other styles, and much much more. We do a fair bit of playing in this one too. 

This interview took place at Jon’s home/studio in New Orleans, LA on June 2nd, 2017.

My guest today is Mr. Will Lee. What can you say about Will that hasn’t already been said? He’s one of the most recorded bassists ever-     He hit the ground running in NYC after landing the gig with Dreams at age 18 and hasn’t looked back appearing on well over 1000 records. He’s also a very talented singer and sang on many jingles that you probably didn’t even realize he was on. 

And even if you haven’t heard Will on records (which I’m sure is simply not possible) you’ve undoubtedly seen him in your living room night after night as a member of the "World's Most Dangerous Band" on Late Night David Letterman Show, a gig he held for a stunning 30 years. Will is a very positive and forward thinking person, his enthusiasm for music and his love of the Beatles is fully evident (as you’ll hear). 

In this interview I ask Will a lot of questions which he provides some great and oftentimes amusing answers to- The scene in NYC then and now, Steve Gadd, Hiram Bullock, Beatles, groove demonstrations, Jaco, Steely Dan and much, much more- oh and we do quite a bit of jamming at the end!! I've included a little bonus outtake at the very end where Will gives an example of how a top LA musician (David Garfield) was able to create his own scene and how any musician can do the same.

Hope you enjoy!

(This interview took place at Will's Manhattan studio, April 2017.)


 

My guest today is Mr. John Leventhal. John is a guitarist, songwriter and producer, having won 5 Grammys  and 16 nominations for records he has produced. (I may be incorrect about this, it might actually be more…) 

 As usual on the Riff Raff, I have “selfish” ulterior motives and tend to interview people who were influential to me as a guitarist/producer and John is at the top of that list. He was a big influence on the way I approach working with singers and in the studio. His uncoventional approachs to folk, country and rock/pop genres is hard to pin down and that’s exactly why I like his sound so much. 

John is married to Roseanne Cash,  an amazing singer/songwriter and the daughter of country legend Johnny Cash. (For this interview I get to play one of Johnny Cash’s guitars!) 

In this interview we discuss guitars, producing, working with singers, songwriting, alternate tunings, his early career, “letting go” of preconceived ideas, the importance of good time, and much more. We also do quite a bit of playing and you get to hear John do his thing. There is some really great gems at the end so if you are a fan of John's we were really just getting going....

This interview took place on a snowy day at John’s studio in New York City, March 2017.

Today’s guest is Mr. Warren DeMartini. Warren is best known as being the badass guitar gunslinger in one of the most prolific and massively successful of the 80’s bands- that would be Ratt. 

If you’ve been listening to Riff Raff for a while you’ll know that everyone on the show was an influence or even hero of mine and Warren is no certainly no exception- he had a huge impact on my own playing and style. 

I had been wanting to get Warren on the podcast for a while but I knew that he doesn’t like to do interviews but then after I told him about Riff Raff he said he would love to do it. Now the only problem was is that I was only in LA for 3 days and we kept running out of time. The day before I left LA Warren calls and says “hey I got an idea- what if I drive you around and you can interview me and I’ll take you to all the sites and places that made up the history of Ratt and the early years?” 

 He was really into it and he said- “this is gonna be cool- the story of Round and Round riding around the various landmark sites- it’s never been done before!” (Hey this is an interview that Eddie Trunk would be proud of haha) 

So for sure this is a really different episode of Riff Raff- you’ll have to excuse some of the car noise and traffic sounds but for Ratt fans there is a goldmine of great stories in this episode and even if you aren’t a fan, you’ll still love the stories! 

Warren drives me to his old apartment known as “Ratt mansion West” where a few of the members of Ratt lived and many of the hits were written, the theatre where Ratt was signed, how Round and Round came about and we talk amps, guitars, a great story about Uli Roth, the early years of Ratt and the scene in LA in the 80’s, snakeskin guitars and so much more. (I’d like to thank my friend Jack Miele at Music Shed Studio for helping clean up the audio and reduce the car noise.) 

OK- I’m stepping out of the lobby of the  Roosevelt Hotel on Hollywood Blvd and Warren has just pulled up in his car…I’m pushing record- step in with us, sit back and enjoy!

My guest today is Mr. Dweezil Zappa. I first met Dweezil a few years back at the Crown of the Continent Guitar Festival- an amazingly beautiful locale next to Glacier Lake in Bigfork, Montana where we were both teaching and performing. We hit it off and did a lot of jamming and trading ideas together in between our classes. Fast forward to this year and we’re at it again, teaching a weeklong master class together to a small group of students. 

I consider Dweezil to be a musician of the highest level who is constantly striving for perfection and originality. I’ve always thought he was a great guitarist- I had his solo record Confessions in the early 90’s and listened to it over and over. Frank Zappa was a big influence on me, and although he left a huge set of shoes to fill, I feel Dweezil has not only continued to carry on the legacy of his fathers music, but also leave his own footprint as one of the great guitar voices of our time. His many solo records and projects have proven this. 

Dweezil has probably done hundreds of interviews but this was probably a different kind of interview for him in that I just let him go- two guitar players who grew up sharing the same influences, just talking shop. 

It wasn’t my intention to talk so much about Eddie Van Halen, Frank Zappa stories, 80’s shred guitar, and not as much about Dweezil’s amazing band, his own projects and current tour- Cease and Desist tour- it’s just that well…you’ll hear! 

Great stories, growing up with the guitar legends in the 80’s,the challenges of playing the “Black Page” on guitar, some fun jamming at the end and you’ll hear about how I won a “Wiggy” amp in a guitar contest that Dweezil was a judge in 12 years ago before we met….( it was 12 years ago Dweezil- I checked!) funny- and an insight into what it was like growing up Zappa. We could have easily went another hour but just ran out of time! Enjoy! 

Interview took place in Big Fork, Montana- Sept 2016 

(Special thanks to Joe Guzzo for use of his quiet cabin to do this interview and Dennis Webster from Yamaha for use of the amps! Photos by Shiho Theriot)

My guest today is Mr. Kirk Covington. 

You know, out of all the musicians that I can think of, there aren’t many that are as freakishly talented as Kirk. I mean I know guys can play a little of this and that on drums and keys, guitar , that kind of thing. But Kirk plays at such a ridiculously high level on drums, keys and vocals that it’s kinda not fair!….. One of my favorite bands and a huge influence on my own playing was the band Tribal Tech with Scott Henderson on guitar. Kirk was a member of Tribal Tech for many years and manned the kit on many of their best records. He also worked with legends like Joe Zawinul, Alan Holdsworth, his own band Capt. Kirk, and was a member of the band Volto with Tool drummer Danny Carey. 

Kirk has a larger than life personality and he is always laughing and joking. I always enjoy playing and getting to hang with him. I thought he would be a no- brainer for a guest on Riff Raff and he proved me right. In this episode we talk about his North Texas State training, his influences, how Elvis helps him play a funky groove, Bobby Caldwell and Captain Beyond, odd meter grooves, Tribal Tech stories, some great Allan Holdsworth stories and much much more. I think you’ll love this one even if you aren’t a drummer!

My guest today is guitarist, vocalist and composer Leni Stern. Leni is someone I consider to be a good friend, as we’ve known each other for 16 years.  She’s one of the most inspiring musicians I happen to know and  - her contagious laugh and positive energy is something I never get tired of being around. Although she is married to guitarist Mike Stern (check out my 4th podcast)- Leni has her own distinctive voice on the guitar and an unmistakable touch and tone. She has won the Gibson Guitar  Best Female jazz guitarist award 5 years straight and has continued to push forward with each of her records and bands. 

In the interview you’ll hear how she left a successful career in her native city of Munich, Germany to come to the US and slowly build her reputation as one of New York City's finest. Now, some 20 plus records later, she talks about her new record, (Darkar Suite) what it was like studying and being in a band with Bill Frisell, the difficulties and advantages of being a female guitarist in a male dominated world, what it’s like being married to one of the most famous jazz guitarists in the world- Mike Stern, how she composes melodies etc…. and we play some ngoni and guitar duos too… Click here for Leni's Website

My guest today is Mr. Johnny Vidacovich- 

In a town that is filled with great drummers, all with their own unique style and approach, Johnny Vidacovich easily qualifies as an institution in the New Orleans music scene. His career spans 5 decades and he’s played with a who’s who of New orleans music royalty- Danny Barker, Professor Longhair, James Booker, Johnny Adams,  Astral Project, and many many others- as well as those from outside of New Orleans who have relied on Johnny’s signature street beat grooves - John Scofield, Joe Sample, Charlie Hunter and the list goes on and on. 

He has also taught many students including Brian Blade and Stanton Moore. 

Johnny is such a great person to chat with, and as you can hear in the interview he is highly animated and super passionate about life and music. He frequently gets up to dance or move his body in a certain way to illustrate a point. He is a highly musical drummer and one of my favorites- a real poet on the drums. 

As you’ll hear in the interview, I first met Johnny when I moved back to New Orleans. We went on to work together here and there throughout the years recording and doing some gigs from time to time….one highlight I remember is getting to do a gig with both Johnny AND Idris Mohammed- that was fun! If you like the music in this podcast check out Johnny's solo works- Mystery Street, Banks Street, Vidacovich and my solo record The Grease Factor.

In the interview Johnny talks about singing what you play, phrasing, the music scene in  1950’s and 60’s New orleans, we go over some traditional New Orleans grooves together, his poetry, love of Paul Motian (sorry for mispronouncing his name over and over !), play a few tunes, how colors relate to sound and music and much more. 

Hidden behind one of the more unique and quirky personalities that is Johnny Vidacovich is a treasure trove of wisdom learned from a lifetime of playing and teaching. 

This interview took place at Johnny’s house in the Mid City section of New orleans, LA in Feb of 2016. 

                                                                                                                              I hope you enjoy!

My guest today is Mike Stern. 

Mike is one of my favorite guitarists and has been since I first got interested in jazz as a teenager. Mike cut his teeth playing in blues and rock bands like Blood Sweat and Tears before joining the Miles Davis Band in the early 80’s. His career with Miles, Steps Ahead, and also with The Brecker Brothers and Jaco Pastorious is widely documented. His solo career has produced 16 solo records and numerous Grammy nominations. 

 I like to think of Mike's playing like equal parts NYC sophistication and part “cobra” guitar player -  he can bend your ear with the hippest be-bop lines played with flawless right hand technique or seduce you with that big piano sound he dials up (with that ancient Yamaha SPX 90) and then without warning he’ll stomp on his distortion pedal and slay you with screaming rock licks, building solo after solo up to an intensity like few guitarists can. 

This interview took place at Mike Stern’s apt in NYC  Feb 2016. 

In this casual interview Mike talks about many topics including -

the importance of good time, what he learned from Miles Davis, singing what you play, some cool sax licks Michael Brecker showed him,what it was like playing with his good friend the late Jaco Pastorius- and of course lots of funny stories! 

Mike is an inspiring guy to be around- he is always practicing and still hungry to learn after many years or playing. Even though he's at the top of his game he is a humble cat and it’s not beneath him to stop you to learn a lick or idea-  He’s also a pretty hilarious guy as you'll hear- Enjoy! 

MIKE STERN WEBSITE

Mike Stern and Shane Theriot NYC 2016

My guest today is Mr. George Porter Jr. George is best known for being the bassist for the “architects of funk” - The Meters, the funkiest band to ever come out of New Orleans and, for that matter, anywhere. His basslines get under your skin and won’t let go. Along with Zigaboo Modeliste on drums, Art Neville on keys and Leo Nocentelli on guitar, The Meters invented a type of funk that has been widely copied (and sampled) for many years now. 

The day this interview took place I was back in New Orleans recording on a couple of projects, and we just happened to be on one session together. I’ve known George for years and I mentioned how I started this podcast and wanted to interview him while I was in town for a few days. Knowing I was short on time, George graciously suggested that we do it that night after the session. 

In the interview I ask George about his influences, what he looks for in a drummer, trivial questions on various Meters folklore, why Paul McCartney said George was his favorite bass player, Allen Toussaint sessions, the proper way to play “Cissy Strut”, unison guitar/bass lines,etc…OH…and we play a lot of stuff together. Hope you enjoy. 

Recorded at the Parlor Studio, New Orleans, LA - Feb 2016.

On a session-
L to R- Shane Theriot (guitar), George Porter Jr. (bass), Johnny Vidacovich (drums) and Sonny Landreth (slide guitar)

John Scofield or “Sco” as he is also known really needs no introduction. He’s one of the most recognizable voices in modern jazz guitar, and he’s played with everyone from Chet Baker, George Duke, Miles Davis and Herbie Hancock and the list goes on and on…..His solo records (of which there are many) showcase his diversity and willingness to take chances with different groups all while continuing to push new boundaries in jazz guitar. 

I had first met John in Europe backstage a few years back, but we didn’t really get to be friends until I moved to NY last year and we found out we were neighbors. I can honestly say John is one of the greats so when I told him about this interview and he was really into doing it I was really excited. So thanks John. We get together and play every so often and he even gave me a Ibanez Scofield model as a birthday gift last year.….anyway, enough talking…..let’s get into this interview. I ask him some things that I always wished other guitarists would have asked in interviews like “what are you thinking about when you play?” or "where did that crazy over the neck thing you do come from"? We also talk about Jaco Pastorius, Miles Davis, his use of the "Rat" distortion pedal, what he thinks about while phrasing and soloing over “Protocol”, and much more- (and oh yeah- we jam a little too..) This interview took place in Jan 2016 at my home in NY. (Special thanks to Jack Miele at Music Shed Studios for massive help on editing on this one and Ali and Brad at True Fire for creative opinions)

Hey everyone, welcome to my new podcast- The Riff-Raff with Shane Theriot.
 

The Riff -Raff started as an idea I had a few years ago just to sit and chat with my friends whom I consider to be inspirational to me in some way- whether it be as a musician, artist or whatever the case may be…. over the years as a working musician I’ve been lucky to work with many amazing people and musicians and would like to share some of their stories with you. 

Who am I? I’m a professional musician.  I like stories…. Luckily I get to work with some of the best in the business and they happen to have great stories. Anyway, I wanted to put these little anecdotes and insights into a format for people to enjoy…it’s fun. (Some people like to garden, or take photos, or collect magnets for the fridge..etc..)…Me? I like to get these stories down for all to enjoy!

So this is a podcast about the creative process and yes, being a guitar player we do occasionally talk shop, gear etc…but I’m not going to limit it to that as I get this thing going. Oh yeah,,, and we jam a bit too! 

I’ve got some other great musicians coming up in the next month or so…John Scofield, Mike Stern, George Porter Jr. (from the Meters) and Johnny Vidacovich, Leni Stern and many others......so if you like this one- much more to come!!

 FIRST UP ON THE LIST- Mr. John Oates

 

I decided to get The Riff-Raff off the ground right where I stood at that moment… which was on the road with Daryl Hall and John Oates- John Oates as you probably know already if you are listening to this…..is one half of the legendary duo Daryl Hall and John Oates- the biggest selling pop duo in history and a recent rock and roll hall of famer. He’s done way more interviews in his life than I can imagine so he’s a natural at it -and really easy to talk to. John is a great guitar player, something that I feel he doesn’t get enough credit for… I met John after I got a call to play on his solo record Good Road to Follow which I strongly suggest you check out. I was also lucky enough to get to work on his live DVD called Another Good Road that you may have seen on Palladia or VH1- which is a really great showcase of John’s songwriting and guitar playing abilities…. John is one of the good guys in the music biz and has become a close friend in the past 2 years. 

 this interview took place inside John’s room at the Historic Hotel Bethlehem in Bethlehem PA. In it we talk Hall and Oates, inspiration, how he comes up with song ideas, guitars, pedals and some great stories from the road (wait til you hear about the giant star!) and yes, we even jam on a little ditty called Maneater. It’s my first interview and I hope you enjoy it-