Moods & Modes

In this episode, Alex finally gets the chance to sit down with Nite Bob, whose job titles include sound engineer, guitar tech, tour manager, and production manager, to name a few. His 45-year career in the music industry is legendary as are many of the artists he’s worked with, including Steely Dan, Aerosmith, Iggy Pop, Emerson Lake & Palmer, KISS, The New York Dolls, R.E.M., and many more.

Recorded over lunch at the Ear Inn, one of New York’s oldest pubs, Nite Bob shares stories from years of working closely with Steely Dan’s Walter Becker - his proclivity for purchasing guitars on a whim, even when advised otherwise; how he brought hard rock-worthy volume to Steely Dan shows, and thought nothing of switching equipment in the middle of a song. 

Nite Bob and Alex discuss buying guitars as a collector versus as a working musician, and Nite Bob tells Alex about that time he connected Rick Rubin and Run DMC to Aerosmith, which resulted in one of the most iconic collaborations in music history.

Moods & Modes is presented by Osiris Media. Hosted and Produced by Alex Skolnick. Osiris Production by Kirsten Cluthe and Matt Dwyer. Editing and mixing by Matt Dwyer. Music by Alex Skolnick. Artwork by Mark Dowd.

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In this episode, Alex visits Brooklyn Lutherie, the only woman-owned and operated guitar shop in New York City. While there to pick up his double SG, he chats with Mamie Minch, the shop’s co-founder, about the repair on his guitar and learns something new about it in the process. Alex, Mamie, and co-founder Chloe Swantner discuss what it was like to start a guitar repair business in what has traditionally been a very male-dominated field, and how Brooklyn Lutherie is changing the ratio. Mamie and Alex also discuss her musical career and her influences, which include two relatively unknown but fascinating female musicians, Connie Converse and Judee Sill. You’ll also hear a bit of Mamie’s music.

Mamie Minch is a longtime staple of New York City’s blues scene. She began playing guitar as a teenager in her bedroom listening to reissues of class country blues on repeat. She would try her hand at picking out the songs of legends like Mississippi John Hurt, Lightnin’ Hopkins, Memphis Minnie and Bessie Smith. She loved the steady thumb and percussive right hand of these blues players, but she also devoured lots of different styles of music, from soul to psychobilly and old time to punk rock.

When she’s not making music, Mamie spends her days as a guitar repair luthier at Brooklyn Lutherie, the shop she and her business partner, Chloe Swantner, opened in 2014. It remains one of the few women-owned and -operated shops around. She also teaches, writes articles about luthiery and guitar playing for She Shreds and Acoustic Guitar magazines, and runs the annual Ukulele Building Camp for Girls in Brooklyn, NY.

Moods & Modes is presented by Osiris Media. Hosted and Produced by Alex Skolnick. Osiris Production by Kirsten Cluthe and Matt Dwyer. Editing and mixing by Matt Dwyer. Music by Alex Skolnick. Artwork by Mark Dowd. If you like what you hear, please subscribe, rate, and review!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Alex continues the journey into the life of Les Paul, from his close relationship with Django Reinhardt to the time he performed for Eisenhower and Nixon at the White House and demonstrated the Les Paulverizer; his love-hate relationship with the SG, and so much more. You’ll hear a fantastic story about the time that Les went to see Eddie Van Halen perform, and the moving eulogy that Mahwah Mayor Jim Wysocki wrote for Les’s funeral.

Les Paul was best known as a skilled guitarist, and as one of the most important figures in the development of modern electric instruments and recording techniques. He was a pioneer in the development of the solid-body electric guitar (the Gibson Les Paul, which he helped design, is one of the most famous and enduring models), multitrack recording, and various reverb and echo effects.

From the episodes:

Les Paul in Mahwah Exhibit

Jim Wysocki

Benny Goodman, The Neurotic Guitarist 

Ron “Bumblefoot” Thal

Moods & Modes is presented by Osiris Media. Hosted and Produced by Alex Skolnick. Osiris Production by Kirsten Cluthe and Matt Dwyer. Editing and mixing by Matt Dwyer. Music by Alex Skolnick. Artwork by Mark Dowd. If you like what you hear, please subscribe, rate, and review!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Les Paul was an inventor, an award-winning musician, an innovator and a creative genius. In this episode, Alex pays tribute by taking us on a journey through the life of Les Paul - his music, his inventions, and the recent recovery of one of his missing Gibson Les Paul prototypes.

Alex visits Mahwah, NJ with Benny Goodman, host of The Neurotic Guitarist, and musician Ron “Bumblefoot” Thal, where they meet Jim Wysocki, mayor of Mahwah and longtime friend of Les Paul. Jim - a former police officer who befriended Paul in the early 80s - invites the group into his home, containing a vault of items that Les left behind, including instruments, journals, hand-wound pickups, memorabilia and more. The group also visits the Les Paul exhibit at the Mahwah Museum, home to select vintage guitars, artifacts and musical relics of Les’s. Mayor Jim shares incredible stories about his time with Les Paul and helps identify Les’s long lost G5 prototype. Alex and Ron jam on Les’s personal guitars in the museum, some of which are available for visitors to play.

Les Paul was best known as a skilled guitarist, and as one of the most important figures in the development of modern electric instruments and recording techniques. He was a pioneer in the development of the solid-body electric guitar (the Gibson Les Paul, which he helped design, is one of the most famous and enduring models), multitrack recording, and various reverb and echo effects.

You can also see a video of their visit on The Neurotic Guitarist.

Moods & Modes is presented by Osiris Media. Hosted and Produced by Alex Skolnick. Osiris Production by Kirsten Cluthe and Matt Dwyer. Editing and mixing by Matt Dwyer. Music by Alex Skolnick. Artwork by Mark Dowd.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

At the tail end of the 60s, an unlikely meeting took place in Chicago between some prominent traditional blues artists and a chart-topping rock band from the UK. The results would reverberate for decades to come. In this episode, you’ll hear a discussion on the importance of this session along with further insights into the impact of the late, great Peter Green with guests Dave Rubin (author of Guitar Method) and Andy Aledort (Guitar Magazine).

Peter Green was a British blues rock guitarist and composer. As the founder of Fleetwood Mac, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1998. Green founded Fleetwood Mac in 1967 after a stint in John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers and quickly established the new band as a popular live act in addition to a successful recording act, before departing in 1970. Green’s songs, such as “Albatross”, “Black Magic Woman”, “Oh Well”, “The Green Manalishi (With the Two Prong Crown)” and “Man of the World”, appeared on singles charts, and have been adapted by a variety of musicians. Green was a major figure in the “second great epoch” of the British blues movement. Eric Clapton praised his guitar playing, and B.B. King commented, “He has the sweetest tone I ever heard; he was the only one who gave me the cold sweats.” His trademark sound included string bending, vibrato, and economy of style.In 2015, Rolling Stone ranked him at number 58 in its list of the “100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time”.

Moods & Modes is presented by Osiris Media. Hosted and Produced by Alex Skolnick. Osiris Production by Kirsten Cluthe and Matt Dwyer. Editing and mixing by Matt Dwyer. Music by Alex Skolnick. Artwork by Mark Dowd.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

While Alex is out on the road with Testament on the Bay Strikes Back Tour, we thought we’d take you on a journey back to the early days of Moods & Modes. This week, we’re featuring Episode 3: Peter Green, Remembered and Rediscovered.

A deep dive into the life and music of Peter Allen Greenbaum, better known as Peter Green, who passed away on July 25, 2020. Although best known for co-founding the first version of Fleetwood Mac, there is so much more to uncover. This episode features a roundtable of experts on the gentle genius of guitar known as “Greenie,” plus a few surprises. Alex is joined by Mike Zito, Dave Rubin, Andy Aledort; and, via shared podcast: Dean Delray & Kirk Hammett.

Peter Green was a British blues rock guitarist and composer. As the founder of Fleetwood Mac, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1998. Green founded Fleetwood Mac in 1967 after a stint in John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers and quickly established the new band as a popular live act in addition to a successful recording act, before departing in 1970. Green’s songs, such as “Albatross”, “Black Magic Woman”, “Oh Well”, “The Green Manalishi (With the Two Prong Crown)” and “Man of the World”, appeared on singles charts, and have been adapted by a variety of musicians. Green was a major figure in the “second great epoch” of the British blues movement. Eric Clapton praised his guitar playing, and B.B. King commented, “He has the sweetest tone I ever heard; he was the only one who gave me the cold sweats.” His trademark sound included string bending, vibrato, and economy of style.In 2015, Rolling Stone ranked him at number 58 in its list of the “100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time”. 

Stay tuned next week's Best Of episode Peter Green, Part 2.

Moods & Modes is presented by Osiris Media. Hosted and Produced by Alex Skolnick. Osiris Production by Kirsten Cluthe and Matt Dwyer. Editing and mixing by Matt Dwyer. Music by Alex Skolnick. Artwork by Mark Dowd.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

While Alex is out on the road with Testament on the Bay Strikes Back Tour, we thought we’d take you on a journey back to the early days of Moods & Modes. This week, we’re featuring Episode 2: Carnatic Crash Course with guest Guitar Prasanna.

In episode 2, Alex welcomes musician Prasanna, a pioneer in performing Carnatic music on the guitar. In conversation with Alex, Prasanna breaks down his unique style and the musical inspirations behind it, which include Blackmore, Coltrane, and Steely Dan, to name a few. Because he’s also an educator, Prasanna demonstrates some of the techniques he uses and explains the musical vocabulary behind the music he performs. This episode was recorded in person and you’ll hear Prasanna and Alex play some music throughout the episode.

A pioneer in performing Carnatic music on the guitar—as well as skilled in playing and composing in genres such as jazz, progressive rock, and world fusion music—Prasanna graduated magna cum laude from Berklee in 1999. An entrepreneurial visionary in the business of creative music and education, Prasanna was voted among the top 50 creative Indians by Open Magazine. Prasanna, who holds a degree in engineering from Indian Institute of Technology, worked as a software engineer before coming to Berklee to pursue music.

Stay tuned for upcoming Best Of episodes, including a tribute to Peter Green (of Fleetwood Mac) Part 1 (5/24) and Part 2 (5/31).

Moods & Modes is presented by Osiris Media. Hosted and Produced by Alex Skolnick. Osiris Production by Kirsten Cluthe and Brad Stratton. Editing and mixing by Matt Dwyer. Music by Alex Skolnick. Artwork by Mark Dowd.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

While Alex is out on the road with Testament and the Bay Strikes Back Tour, we thought we’d take you on a journey back to the early days of Moods & Modes. This week, we begin with the vey first episode, which was released in July 2020.

Alex visits Matt Umanov of Matt Umanov Guitars, a legendary guitar shop in New York City. Matt is a guitar dealer and repairman who’s been a fixture in Greenwich Village since the late 1960s and whose regular clients include the likes of Eric Clapton and Pat Metheny. Matt shares some great stories about some of his most notable customers, including an unlikely connection between Pat Metheny and J. Geils, and the two discuss the nightmare repair job that has brought Alex to the shop.

Stay tuned for upcoming Best Of episodes, including Carnatic Crash Course with guest Guitar Prasanna (5/17), and a tribute to Peter Green (of Fleetwood Mac) Part 1 (5/24) and Part 2 (5/31).

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Brooklyn-based musician Max ZT has been called the “Hendrix of Hammered Dulcimer” and is widely regarded as one of the instrument’s most prolific and innovative performers. In this episode, he joins Alex to explain the origin and design of the instrument, which he describes as the predecessor to the piano, and demystifies how to play it with some detailed examples. Max tells Alex about discovering the instrument at an early age, and the two discuss the importance of being present and judgment-free when playing. You’ll also hear clips from the jam session that happened during the recording.

Taking his roots from Irish and American folk music, Max has transplanted his compositional techniques to both Senegal, where he studied the Mandinko technique with the Cissoko griot family, and to India, where he received the prestigious American Institute of Indian Studies Fellowship grant to study under the world-renowned santoor master Pandit Shivkumar Sharma. His fresh perspective and bold experimentalism have been the backbone to beautiful, complex, and genuine compositions, while his unorthodox playing style has been a pioneering force in revolutionizing dulcimer techniques.

Max ZT and his band House of Waters have been called “One of the most original bands on the planet,” by NY Music Daily, and have shared the stage with some of the most influential international musical leaders of the century including Pt. Ravi Shankar, Tinariwen, Jon Bon Jovi, Jimmy Cliff, Bela Fleck, Karsh Kale, Snarky Puppy, and more. 

Max’s debut solo album Daybreak will be released on April 8. 

Moods & Modes is presented by Osiris Media. Hosted and Produced by Alex Skolnick. Osiris Production by Kirsten Cluthe and Brad Stratton. Editing and mixing by Tom Sullivan and Justin Thomas. Music by Alex Skolnick. Artwork by Mark Dowd.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Alex answers listener questions on the very first #AskAlex episode. The questions gathered from fans over the last few weeks range from what inspires him musically to how he comes up with his solos - “write it or wing it?”, as one fan asked; which guitar he would take to a desert island, what spicy foods are on his list, and more. It’s a fun, revealing episode that will bring you closer to the artist himself.

This is the first in a series of #AskAlex episodes, so feel free to ask a question on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram for a future episode. (just be sure to use the #)

Moods & Modes is presented by Osiris Media. Hosted and Produced by Alex Skolnick. Osiris Production by Kirsten Cluthe and Brad Stratton. Editing and mixing by Justin Thomas (Revoice Media). Music by Alex Skolnick. Artwork by Mark Dowd.

Visit SunsetLakeCBD.com and use the promo code MODES for 20% off premium CBD products.

Visit www.musicmasterscollective.org/modes to learn more about unique music summer camps and events.

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A member of the New York Philharmonic’s first violin section since 2001, Yulia Ziskel, who holds The Friends and Patrons Chair, has established herself as a highly acclaimed solo, chamber, and orchestral musician. She has been praised by The Strad Magazine for “the sweetness of her sound.” This week, she joins Alex to discuss her upbringing in Russia, the evolution of her career, and the intersection of classical, rock, and metal. The two discuss classical pieces that have been translated into modern music, and Ziskel shares some musical influences that may surprise you.

Born in St. Petersburg, Russia, Yulia Ziskel began her musical training on the violin and piano at the age of four. She made her solo debut at age seven at the St. Petersburg Philharmonic Hall and at age twelve was a soloist with St. Petersburg Chamber Orchestra. As a teenager she toured extensively, appearing in solo recitals throughout Russia, Germany, Finland, Poland, and the United States. In 1994 Ms. Ziskel’s family immigrated to the United States, where she completed her bachelor of music degree at Indiana University and later received her master’s degree from The Juilliard School. 

Listen to music from the episode here.

Moods & Modes is presented by Osiris Media. Hosted and Produced by Alex Skolnick. Osiris Production by Kirsten Cluthe and Brad Stratton. Editing and mixing by Justin Thomas (Revoice Media). Music by Alex Skolnick. Artwork by Mark Dowd. If you like what you hear, please share, rate, review & subscribe!

Visit SunsetLakeCBD.com and use the promo code MODES for 20% off premium CBD products.

Visit www.musicmasterscollective.org/modes to learn more about unique music summer camps and events.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Moods & Modes, Alex takes you behind the scenes of the making of “B.I.G L.I.E”, a tune from his rap duo HU$H MONEY that deals with the events of January 6, 2021. Alex explains how the song came together and shares some of the reaction he’s gotten so far - including some political pushback - and offers perspective on why making a political statement now is very different than it's been in the past. In the second half of the episode, he welcomes his rap duo partner Kimmy G. and video director Frankie Fulleda, who discuss their roles in the making of both the song and the video, the latter of which is currently enjoying some serious buzz around the web.

Hu$h Money is a rap duo featuring Alex Skolnick (Skoly-D) and Kimmy G. “B.I.G. L.I.E” is a take on the events that took place on January 6, 2021.  

Directed by Frankie Fulleda, the “B.I.G. L.I.E.” video was shot “guérilla style” in July 2021 at the Fox News HQ, Times Square and Washington Square Park. “B.I.G L.I.E.” is as much a tribute to New York, it’s resilience and ever present wackiness, as it is a takedown of nationwide right-wing echo chambers. In a t-shirt emblazoned with the oversized logo of the influential Run-DMC, Skoly skewers Fox News, election denialism and insurrection revisionism. The video also features comic J-Hype (Jonathan Hyppolite) and Karl Lake, best known as “Robot Guy” from Chappelle’s Show.

Moods & Modes is presented by Osiris Media. Hosted and Produced by Alex Skolnick. Osiris Production by Kirsten Cluthe and Brad Stratton. Editing and mixing by Justin Thomas (Revoice Media). Music by Alex Skolnick. Artwork by Mark Dowd.

Visit SunsetLakeCBD.com and use the promo code MODES for 20% off premium CBD products.

Visit www.musicmasterscollective.org/modes to learn more about unique music summer camps and events.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the final episode of 2021, Alex welcomes guitarist David Becker to talk about working with the legendary jazz guitarist Joe Diorio. David tells Alex about attending the Guitar Institute of Technology, where he first met Joe when he was a student, and shares stories of recording and 

touring with Joe over the years. The two discuss Joe’s book, Intervallic Designs, and the influence he had on guitarists like Pat Metheny.

David Becker is a Grammy and Emmy nominated guitarist, composer, and producer. For more than three decades, he has continued to define himself as one of the best and most unique voices in jazz and contemporary music. He has led the critically acclaimed DAVID BECKER TRIBUNE for over 20 years, performing for a worldwide audience.

Joe Diorio is a jazz guitarist who has performed with Sonny Stitt, Eddie Harris, Ira Sullivan, Stan Getz, Pat Metheny, Horace Silver, Anita O'Day, and Freddie Hubbard. In recent years, he has recorded with performers such as Robben Ford, Gary Willis, David Becker and Mick Goodrick. He taught at the University of Southern California and was one of the first instructors at the Guitar Institute of Technology. 

Moods & Modes is presented by Osiris Media. Hosted and Produced by Alex Skolnick. Osiris Production by Kirsten Cluthe and Brad Stratton. Editing and mixing by Justin Thomas (Revoice Media). Music by Alex Skolnick. Artwork by Mark Dowd.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Alex welcomes Grammy nominated musician Divinity Roxx to Moods & Modes. Divinity tells Alex about her transition to writing music for kids and the intention behind the songwriting, and why it's important to introduce children to a high level of music early on. The two discuss her introduction to bass while at UC Berkeley, getting her first tour with bass legend Victor Wooten, and playing in Beyoncé’s all female band.

Divinity Roxx has earned the reputation of irrefutable front-woman of her own genre-busting musical journey. After touring with Victor Wooten for five years, she became the bass player and Assistant Musical Director for Beyoncé. Divinity has appeared on countless television shows and she is the current bass player in the Black Girls Rock! Orchestra which airs on BET and has played with such artists as Jay-Z, Nona Hendryx, Will.I.Am, Erykah Badu, Patti Labelle, Ledisi, and Gladys Knight. 

Despite her appearances with so many legendary and iconic figures, it is in her solo performance that Divinity shines brightest. She combines virtuosic bass playing with an eclectic mash-up of hip-hop, rock and funk that she calls ‘Alternative Soul’. Her passion for composition combined with her lyrical prowess and electrifying stage presence captivates audiences worldwide. She is currently performing, teaching, and writing multiple projects including a new album, a stage play, and a children’s book and music series. 

Her latest album, “Ready Set Go!” is a collection of upbeat tracks with positive messages specifically designed for young children but equally appealing to adults. The lyrics of two songs are being released as books by Scholastic, the global children’s publishing company, with illustrations by NaShantá Fletcher.

Moods & Modes is presented by Osiris Media. Hosted and Produced by Alex Skolnick. Osiris Production by Kirsten Cluthe and Brad Stratton. Editing and mixing by Justin Thomas (Revoice Media). Music by Alex Skolnick. Artwork by Mark Dowd. If you like what you hear, please subscribe, rate and review!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

FORQ is a harder-edge fusion band that Alex describes as ‘Snarky Puppy adjacent’, due to its relationship to one of the founding members, Michael League. Keyboardist Henry Hey formed the band with League in the early 2010s and on this episode, Henry joins Alex along with FORQ guitarist Chris McQueen to talk about their innovative new album “Four (Remixt)”. Henry and Chris explain the creative process behind the album, which is a reimagining of their album “Four”. The band invited producers and musicians, including Alex, to remix the original tracks from the album and the results are wonderfully eclectic. The trio also talk about the differences of playing in FORQ and Snarky Puppy, and the musical curiosity that keeps their music fresh.

You can hear Alex’s remix “Duck People (No Fly List)” here.

FORQ is an instrumental quartet with a dynamic sound and a penchant for sonic exploration. The group is composed of world-class improvisers, but it is their unusually memorable, genre-blending songs that leave the most lasting impression. Originally founded by keyboardist Henry Hey (David Bowie, Empire of the Sun, Jeff "Tain" Watts) and bassist Michael League (Grammy-winning leader of Snarky Puppy), Forq is now joined by guitarist Chris McQueen (Snarky Puppy, Bokanté), drummer Jason "JT" Thomas (Roy Hargrove’s RH Factor, Marcus Miller, Snarky Puppy, Mark Lettieri Trio) and bassist Kevin Scott (Wayne Krantz, Jimmy Herring, Col. Bruce Hampton). They have toured across the US and Europe and performed at international festivals including the North Sea Jazz festival and GroundUP Festival in Miami Beach.

Moods & Modes is presented by Osiris Media. Hosted and Produced by Alex Skolnick. Osiris Production by Kirsten Cluthe and Brad Stratton. Editing and mixing by Justin Thomas (Revoice Media). Music by Alex Skolnick. Artwork by Mark Dowd. To discover more podcasts that help you connect more deeply to the music you love, check out osirispod.com. If you like what you hear, please give us a rate and review on Apple Podcasts. 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In part 2 of Alex’s conversation with Pat Metheny, the two discuss some of Metheny’s unconventional work, his association with musicians like Jaco Pastorius and Joni Mitchell, the evolution of his synthesizer sound, and why he thinks in visual terms. Pat shares his daily routine, what he does to keep learning after each gig, and explains the natural curiosity that keeps him going. 

Unlike almost any other modern musician, Pat Metheny remains uniquely unpredictable. His versatility is nearly without peer on any instrument. Metheny has won countless awards, including three gold records for Still Life (Talking), Letter from Home, and Secret Story. He has been nominated for 37 Grammy awards and is the winner of 20; he has also been nominated in 13 different Grammy categories, winning in 10 of them. His new album, SIDE-EYE NYC (V1.IV), an exciting, vibrant and energized new platform for Metheny, is available now.

You can read the blog post that Alex references in the episode - "Art Imitating Music" - here, and listen to music from the episode on Spotify.

Moods & Modes is presented by Osiris Media. Hosted and Produced by Alex Skolnick. Osiris Production by Kirsten Cluthe and Brad Stratton. Editing and mixing by Justin Thomas (Revoice Media). Music by Alex Skolnick. Artwork by Mark Dowd.

To discover more podcasts that help you connect more deeply to the music you love, check out osirispod.com. If you like what you hear, please give us a rate and review on Apple Podcasts. 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Pat Metheny, one of the most critically acclaimed jazz musicians in the world, joins Alex to talk about his exceptional career, the enormous range of his playing style, and the idea of music without boundaries. The two discuss the different guitars that Metheny has played over the years, how he found his sound by rejecting the impulse to follow in the musical footsteps of Wes Montgomery, and why the ever-changing versions of Pat Metheny are really just part of the whole. Part one of a two-part episode. 

Unlike almost any other modern musician, Pat Metheny remains uniquely unpredictable. HIs versatility is nearly without peer on any instrument. Over the years, he has performed with artists as diverse as Steve Reich to Ornette Coleman to Herbie Hancock to Jim Hall to Milton Nascimento to David Bowie. Metheny has won countless awards, including three gold records for Still Life (Talking), Letter from Home, and Secret Story. He has been nominated for 37 Grammy awards and is the winner of 20. He has also been nominated in 13 different Grammy award categories, winning in 10 of them. HIs new album, SIDE-EYE NYC (V1.IV), an exciting, vibrant and energized new platform for Metheny, is available now.

Moods & Modes is presented by Osiris Media. Hosted and Produced by Alex Skolnick. Osiris Production by Kirsten Cluthe and Brad Stratton. Editing and mixing by Justin Thomas (Revoice Media). Music by Alex Skolnick. Artwork by Mark Dowd.

To discover more podcasts that help you connect more deeply to the music you love, check out osirispod.com. If you like what you hear, please give us a rate and review on Apple Podcasts. 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Alex examines songs that exhibit nearly identical musical qualities. He dives deep on classic songs, comparing “Waiting on the World to Change” to “People Get Ready,” “Comfortably Numb” to “Here Comes the Flood,” “Always Somewhere” to “Simple Man” and many others, explaining the elements in the songwriting that were 'borrowed' from other songs. A few examples will definitely surprise you.

Throughout the episode, Alex provides musical analysis to compare and contrast the songs, and discusses several of the most controversial musical legal battles over 'who wrote it first', such as “Stairway to Heaven” versus Spirit’s “Taurus” and George Harrison’s “My Sweet Lord” duking it out against The Chiffons’ “He’s So Fine”.

Moods & Modes is presented by Osiris Media. Hosted and Produced by Alex Skolnick. Osiris Production by Kirsten Cluthe and Brad Stratton. Editing and mixing by Justin Thomas (Revoice Media). Production Assistance by Matt Bavuso. Music by Alex Skolnick. Artwork by Mark Dowd. To discover more podcasts that help you connect more deeply to the music you love, check out osirispod.com. Please rate and review us on Apple Podcasts.

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In this episode of Moods & Modes, Alex pays tribute to legendary guitarist Leslie West. Leslie is known as the founding member and co-lead vocalist for the groundbreaking hard rock band Mountain. Mountain is often credited as one of the bands that helped influence the development of heavy metal music, and Leslie West’s guitar playing was a massive and oftentimes overlooked influence on guitar players who came after him. Alex discusses how Leslie’s picking attack and natural technique produced smooth, roaring tones without the use of any effects or electronic assistance. You’ll also hear Alex explain West’s profound influence on bands that came after Mountain such as AC/DC and Kiss, and how Leslie’s song “Long Red” left a significant mark on hip hop through songs like “99 Problems” by Jay-Z and “Barry Bonds” by Kanye West. Special guest Brad Tolinski joins Alex to shed light on Leslie’s unconventional amplifier setup and playing style, and you’ll even hear riveting archival interviews with Leslie West himself, including segments where he talks about jamming with Jimi Hendrix, taking LSD for the first Cream concert he saw, and his Sunn Amplifiers PA rig.

Leslie West was an American rock guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter best known as a founding member and co-lead vocalist of the hard rock band Mountain. He also produced two studio albums and a live release with Cream bassist Jack Bruce under the name West, Bruce and Laing. West released a number of solo albums and was highly respected for his guitar work.

Moods & Modes is presented by Osiris Media. Hosted and Produced by Alex Skolnick. Osiris Production by Kirsten Cluthe and Brad Stratton. Editing and mixing by Justin Thomas (Revoice Media). Production Assistance by Matt Bavuso. Music by Alex Skolnick. Artwork by Mark Dowd. To discover more podcasts that help you connect more deeply to the music you love, check out osirispod.com. Please rate and review us on Apple Podcasts. 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Alex welcomes Michael League, one of the most accomplished musicians of the last two decades. Michael is best known as the founder, bandleader, and bassist for the New York-based instrumental group Snarky Puppy, and in this conversation you’ll hear him tell Alex about the band’s genesis and musical evolution. Michael tells Alex about Snarky Puppy’s “no power chord” rule, how necessity led to him taking on the role of producer, and why it’s crucial to never “quit failing.” Towards the end of the conversation, Michael tells Alex about improvements to his creative and personal life that he’s enjoyed since moving to Spain, and shares equally important stories of success and failure.

Michael League is a 4-time Grammy® Award-winning, 5-time nominated producer and musician based out of Catalonia, Spain. He is the creator and bandleader of instrumental music ensemble Snarky Puppy and world music group Bokanté, founder of the record label and music curation source GroundUP Music, and artistic director of the GroundUP Music Festival. Snarky Puppy has amassed three Grammy Awards over the last 8 years, an incredible feat for a jazz-based instrumental group in the modern musical climate. He has worked with a wide range of legendary artists including David Crosby, Erykah Badu, and Joe Walsh, and continues to push musical boundaries through the endless number of projects that he is a part of. 

Michael’s new album, So Many Me is available now and you can hear music from the episode on Spotify.

Moods & Modes is presented by Osiris Media. Hosted and Produced by Alex Skolnick. Osiris Production by Kirsten Cluthe and Brad Stratton. Editing and mixing by Justin Thomas (Revoice Media). Production Assistance by Matt Bavuso. Music by Alex Skolnick. Artwork by Mark Dowd.To discover more podcasts that help you connect more deeply to the music you love, check out osirispod.com. Please rate and review us on Apple Podcasts. 

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In this episode, Alex welcomes bass legend Percy Jones to the podcast. Best known for his work with jazz fusion ensemble Brand X, Percy tells Alex about the evolution of the band, including the period of time when Phil Collins was the drummer. The two discuss the incredible London music scene in the 60's and early 70's, Percy tells Alex how he ended up playing the fretless bass, and shares stories about Brian Eno’s unconventional creative process (and Alex makes a connection between Phil Collins and Brian Eno’s infamous Oblique Strategy cards). Percy Jones is a bass guitar legend, known for his solo work and collaborations with Brand X, Brian Eno, Suzanne Vega and many others. His most recent projects include PAKT and Box Of Noise. Alex performs with Percy on PAKT, available for pre-order here.  

Check out the episode playlist on Spotify.

Moods & Modes is presented by Osiris Media. Hosted and Produced by Alex Skolnick. Osiris Production by Kirsten Cluthe and Brad Stratton. Editing and mixing by Justin Thomas (Revoice Media). Music by Alex Skolnick. Artwork by Mark Dowd. Please give us a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. 

To discover more podcasts that help you connect more deeply to the music you love, check out osirispod.com.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rez Abbasi is an accomplished jazz guitarist and composer known for his ability to fuse traditional Pakistani and Indian classical music with modern jazz. In this episode, he discusses his eclectic guitar style, the diverse musical projects he’s contributed to, and the inspiration for his 2020 release, Django-shift, a collection of songs inspired by the music of Django Reinhardt. Rez tells Alex about some of the music he rediscovered during the pandemic (like the band Foreigner) and the projects he’s thinking of working on next. 

Rez Abbasi has explored nearly every style of music imaginable over the course of his career, having released 15 solo albums and contributing to a number of others. He’s been voted #1 Rising-Star Guitarist in the 2013 DownBeat Critics Poll and subsequently placed in the “Top-Ten Guitarists” alongside luminaries Bill Frisell and Pat Metheny, guitarist and composer Rez Abbasi is one of the most original voices on the current scene.

Moods & Modes is presented by Osiris Media. Hosted and Produced by Alex Skolnick. Osiris Production by Kirsten Cluthe and Brad Stratton. Editing and mixing by Brad Stratton. Music by Alex Skolnick. Artwork by Mark Dowd.

To discover more podcasts that help you connect more deeply to the music you love, check out osirispod.com. If you like what you hear, please give us a rate and review on Apple Podcasts

To learn more about unique music workshops you can join this summer with Music Masters Collective, visit www.musicmasterscollective.org/modes

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Arielle is a guitarist, singer, and guitar builder who has risen to prominence in the rock community for her soulful, uninhibited guitar playing and songwriting. Disregarding industry norms, Arielle has forged her own path and as a result, has performed with a stunning list of legendary acts including Brian May, Gregg Allman, CeeLo Green, Eric Johnson, and many others. In this episode, Arielle discusses her diverse musical influences, how she learned to find her voice as a songwriter, and the friendship with Brian May that led to their collaboration on the BMG Arielle guitar. The two discuss her passion for building her own instruments, and Arielle tells Alex about her commitment to replacing the wood that she uses for her guitars by planting trees. Arielle’s album Analog Girl In A Digital World will be released on May 7.

Moods & Modes is presented by Osiris Media. Hosted and Produced by Alex Skolnick. Osiris Production by Kirsten Cluthe and Brad Stratton. Editing and mixing by Brad Stratton. Music by Alex Skolnick. Artwork by Mark Dowd.

To discover more podcasts that help you connect more deeply to the music you love, check out osirispod.com. If you like what you hear, please give us a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Peter Frampton is among the most celebrated guitarists in rock history. His 1976 album, Frampton Comes Alive!, remains one of the top-selling live records of all time and produced a handful of hit singles that remain in rotation. In this episode, he joins Alex to talk about his exceptional career, from his early days with Humble Pie to his success as a solo artist and the making of his upcoming release, Frampton Forgets The Words. Peter tells Alex about growing up with David Bowie, his reluctance to be a lead vocalist, and the two geek out over Peter’s signature guitar gadget, the talk box. 

Frampton has collaborated with such legends as George Harrison, David Bowie, Jerry Lee Lewis, Bill Wyman, and Ringo Starr, among many others. In 2007 he won the Grammy Award for Best Pop Instrumental Album for Fingerprints, and in 2014 he was inducted into the Musicians Hall of Fame. His memoir, Do You Feel Like I Do, was published in 2020.

Moods & Modes is presented by Osiris Media. Hosted and Produced by Alex Skolnick. Osiris Production by Kirsten Cluthe and Brad Stratton. Editing and mixing by Brad Stratton. Music by Alex Skolnick. Artwork by Mark Dowd.

To discover more podcasts that help you connect more deeply to the music you love, check out osirispod.com. If you like what you hear, please give us a ratand review on Apple Podcasts. 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Alex pays tribute to Chick Corea. It’s a journey through the life of the great musician, from his early days in New York, debut as a band leader and first album, to the musicians and cultural movements he inspired. Corea’s ability to reinvent himself musically is showcased throughout, as Alex explores the different recordings and performances that make up his iconic career - with a few surprises along the way. 

A DownBeat Hall of Famer and NEA Jazz Master, 23-time Grammy winner, and keyboard virtuoso, Chick Corea attained living legend status after five decades of unparalleled creativity and an artistic output that is simply staggering. He is the fourth-most-nominated artist in the history of the Grammys, with 65 nominations. From straight ahead to avant-garde, bebop to fusion, children's songs to chamber music, along with some far-reaching forays into symphonic works, Chick Corea was one of the most beloved and decorated jazz artists in history.

You can hear full versions of the music played during this episode on Spotify. If you like what you hear, please rate and review us on Apple Podcasts. 

Moods & Modes is brought to you by Osiris Media. Hosted and Produced by Alex Skolnick. Osiris Production by Kirsten Cluthe and Brad Stratton. Editing, Mixing, and by Brad Stratton. Music by Alex Skolnick.

To discover more podcasts that help you connect more deeply to the music you love, check out osirispod.com.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In part two of the series with Rodrigo y Gabriela, the tables are turned as Rod y Gab interview Alex. They dig into Alex’s musical history, beginning with early influences like The Beatles and KISS, and his immersion into the Bay Area metal scene that ultimately led him to Testament. The trio discuss thrash vs glam metal, the Al Dimeola-inspired acoustic track on the 1990 album Souls of Black, what success looks like for a musician, and why it’s important to super-serve your most ardent fans. Alex explains the story behind his album Planetary Coalition, which features Rodrigo y Gabriela, and why sometimes becoming a great player happens by accident. 

In the episode, you’ll hear the trio perform the Dave Brubeck song “Take Five” and “Playa La Ropa” from Planetary Coalition.

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In part one of two episodes with Rodrigo y Gabriela, Alex is in Mexico with the duo during the recording of their album 11:11 in 2009. Alex captured the conversation as they shared food and wine overlooking Zihuatanejo Bay, after a day of recording. The trio discuss their influences, like Paco de Lucia and Strunz & Farah, and the diverse musical taste that comes with being a metalhead. Rod y Gab recount their early days, when they lived in Ireland and busked their way through Europe, and explain how they’ve been able to maintain their integrity throughout their career. During the conversation, Alex takes you through a few of their early recordings and you’ll hear his performance in the track “Atman” at the end of the episode.

Moods & Modes is brought to you by Osiris Media. Hosted and Produced by Alex Skolnick. Osiris Production by Kirsten Cluthe, Brad Stratton, and Adam Caplan. Editing, Mixing, and by Brad Stratton.  

If you like what you hear, please give us a review on Apple Podcasts. 

To discover more podcasts that help you connect more deeply to the music you love, check out osirispod.com.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Presented by Osiris Media

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Presented by Osiris Media

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.