Chewing the Gristle with Greg Koch Greg Koch

From YouTube to Bon Jovi, Phil X is known worldwide for his amazing guitar playing and larger-than-life persona! As one of the first YouTube guitar heroes, Phil was an internet influencer before that was even a thing. From his humble beginnings on the Fretted America website to filling the shoes of Richie Sambora to become Bon Jovi's main guitarist, Phil's story (and playing) is both incredible and inspiring!

1:48 - What’s Phil up to??
4:29 - From Canada to Los Angeles, and how the gospel of Phil X never changed
8:53 - Phil’s rise to fame through internet videos
13:26 - From stadiums to clubs, the continued trouble of COVID, and the new Phil X signature guitar
25:17 - Amps and pedals!  What is Phil rocking these days, and what does he bring with him when playing with Bon Jovi
34:31 - How to create your own sound while staying true to the iconic sound you hear in your head
39:54 - The ES-335, and delicious, delicious vintage gear

Total Length: 56:40
Fishman Dedicated to helping musicians achieve the truest sound possible whenever they plug-in. Wildwood Guitars One of the world’s premier retailers of exceptional electric and acoustic guitars.

A veteran of Glenn Hughes' band, the Alan Parsons Project, Chad Smith's Bombastic Meatbats, and his own Cosmosquad, Jeff Kollman is a guitarist of the highest order.  Greg and Jeff talk about his journey, his gear, and his musicianship in today's episode!

2:30 - Hail from Toledo, OH - we have the great and mighty Jeff Kollman!
4:30 - Jeff’s jazz playing, his influences, and the importance of good teachers
10:37 - Jeff’s move from Toledo to California, and the grueling life that Los Angeles can bring
15:30 - Getting tied in to the session-scene, and transitioning to life on the road
18:30 - Jeff’s gear over the years, and the mystery of vintage amps and guitars
25:45 - The integration of digital, and a few fun stories
35:02 - More stories of fun, hilarity, and rock savagery
40:51 - Does Jeff have any eyes on Nashville?
46:58 - Elliot Easton and The Cars, more gear talk, and the Jeff’s future touring plans
55:17 - Playing with The Alan Parsons Project, the tricky decisions surrounding self-distribution as an independent artist, and the new generation of guitar players and content creators


Total Length: 76:38
Fishman Dedicated to helping musicians achieve the truest sound possible whenever they plug-in. Wildwood Guitars One of the world’s premier retailers of exceptional electric and acoustic guitars.

You might know Mr. Tackett as Little Feat's guitarist, but Fred's contributions to the musical world are simply staggering, with literally hundreds of sessions to his credit, on mandolin and trumpet, as well guitar. Bob Dylan, Bob Seger, Nicolette Larson, Barbara Streisand, Jimmy Webb, and countless others have called on Fred's musical services over his incredible career. Why? Because Fred is a monster player and genuine gentlemen to boot!  He gets into the gristle with Greg on today's episode.

1:34 - Fred’s signature ‘Texas Twister’ guitar lick
3:48 - Fred’s INSANE discography as a session guitar player, trumpet player, and mandolinist, and what it was like back in the heyday of session work
11:26 - How Fred’s gear changed over the years as a session player, and packing days to pack the bank
15:27 - Fred’s time with Little Feat - the how, the when, the where…
24:46 - Transitioning from the studio to the road…with Bob Dylan
34:51 - Fred’s rig while playing with Dylan
36:13 - From Bob Dylan to Bob Seger
37:05 - How session musicians most often get paid
39:42 - Little Feat’s ‘Let It Roll’ record, balancing the line between session and tour work, adjusting band members, a few of Fred’s favorite tunes, and guitars!
51:52 - Fred’s musical background growing up in Arkansas

Total Length: 68:03
Fishman Dedicated to helping musicians achieve the truest sound possible whenever they plug-in. Wildwood Guitars One of the world’s premier retailers of exceptional electric and acoustic guitars.

If you follow all things guitar on Instagram, then you've likely been amazed by Nathaniel's virtuosity at some point. Often the face (and hands) in the Chicago Music Exchange videos, Nathaniel's playing is spectacular on seemingly any guitar, in any style.  Greg and Nathaniel have a lot in common, and they explore countless varieties of glorious gristle in this episode!

2:35 - Nathaniel’s unique sound, and how it developed
10:01 - Nathaniel’s career in soccer (football for those in the rest of the world) prior to guitar
11:57 - How Nathaniel got into guitar growing up in the UKr
17:07 - Eric Clapton, open tunings, records that changed our lives, the power of improvisation, and The Zep!
29:44 - A typical week as a working guitarist in Chicago
31:46 - Greg and Nathaniel’s upcoming show, and being considerate when sitting in with other guitar players
43:19 - The power of pause and rewind when learning from the greats, and having fun online
57:31 - You gotta embrace the filth, and being proud of your playing


Total Length: 71:08
Fishman Dedicated to helping musicians achieve the truest sound possible whenever they plug-in. Wildwood Guitars One of the world’s premier retailers of exceptional electric and acoustic guitars.

As the guitarist on the Voice, extreme versatility is a requirement for Justin Derrico. What sets him apart from other guitarists is the passion, skill, and personal style he brings to whatever he is called on to play. Also, as Pink's main guitarist for years, he has his road credentials as well!  Greg and Justin break it all down in today's episode.

1:31 - What’s new with Justin - master classes with Fishman, playing guitar, and a whole lot of hanging out
3:33 - Jimi Hendrix. Nuff said.
7:22 - The blessings of the YouTube-verse, and the ability to deep dive into guitar wormholes 
13:28 - A catchup with Greg Koch, Wildwood, and Fishman
16:49 - Justin’s gig with P!nk and The Voice, and how his personal style carries through
30:00 - A day in the life working as a guitar player on The Voice
35:22 - What kind of gear does Justin play with on tour versus in the studio
51:54 - Self-accompaniment as a guitar player
59:08 - Les Pauls, Tele, pickups, and more!

Total Length: 67:20
Fishman Dedicated to helping musicians achieve the truest sound possible whenever they plug-in. Wildwood Guitars One of the world’s premier retailers of exceptional electric and acoustic guitars.

A member of Johnny Winter's band and a frequent guest of Les Paul's, Milwaukee native and NYC resident Jon Paris has stories to tell! Greg and John get into the Gristle on today's episode.

1:59 - Growing up outside of Milwaukee, starting out as a drummer, the intriguing naturing of the early Beatles, and Jon’s band The Ox
16:19 - Jon’s chops playing the bass and harmonica
19:13 - Jon’s transition from The Ox to New York, and a bunch of fun stories
39:33 - Jon’s relationship with Johnny Winter, and floating around with friends and different bands in New York
55:38 - Getting the gig with Johnny Winter, hanging out with Les Paul, and so much more
86:39 - Some of Jon’s favorite guitar players, and GETTING LOUD


Total Length: 97:37
Fishman Dedicated to helping musicians achieve the truest sound possible whenever they plug-in. Wildwood Guitars One of the world’s premier retailers of exceptional electric and acoustic guitars.