It kind of makes sense to release an episode with Tom Quayle right after one with Jack Gardiner in this podcast series. After all, the latter guitarist calls Tom his "second father."
After every conversation in this series, I always need a moment to come back down to earth. With headphones on, it feels like we're diving into our own little microcosm together. I find myself in a sort of hyperfocus, and it amazes me every single time, in a positive way, how openly the guests are willing to share their life experiences.
Toward the end of the conversation with Tom, he mentioned the term "imposter syndrome." It’s something even a ridiculously skilled guitarist like Tom has had to deal with. Choosing to live as a musician is a bold decision. A choice that, alongside the excitement, comes with doubt, introspection, and other uncertainties. Tom openly talks about it.
He also shares stories about his guitar-obsessed family roots and how he mastered the legato technique that brought him global recognition. Tom reflects on his musical influences, the challenges of balancing performance with teaching, and how his love for improvisation shaped his approach to guitar playing.
Tom also provides insights into the influence of jazz theory and the subtleties of his personal sound. In this conversation, he reveals key moments from his career, including his discovery of Dream Theater, his time at jazz college, and the struggles he faced when writing albums. He also gives us a peek into his current obsession—analog synthesizers—and how this unexpected passion has influenced his creative journey.
Thanks again, Tom! It was an absolute pleasure to have this conversation with you. Enjoy the full interview, and don’t forget to subscribe! 😀