Fingerstyle Guitar Hangout Podcast with Adam Rafferty Adam Rafferty: Fingerstyle Guitarist, Composer and Touring Musician

Summary, Episode 21:







Richard started playing the guitar at age 5 and has never looked back. Focusing early on with the fingerstyle guitar of Chet Atkins and Jerry Reed, he began transcribing classical music, Jazz, the gypsy style of Django Reinhardt, bluegrass, ragtime and the blues to Sousa marches.





























Richard is a seasoned performer with thousands of performances worldwide to his credit – he’s performed in five continents – North and South America, Europe, Asia and Australia solo and alongside Tommy Emmanuel, Eric Clapton, Albert Lee, Dave Peacock, Martin Taylor, Brent Mason, Gary Brooker, Stuart Duncan, Bryan Sutton, Joe Brown, Ralph McTell and many others.









(Timestamps are for audio version of the podcast.)







* 01:34 Welcome Richard!* 02:33 Richard talks about Networking and Booking* 07:43 Air Travelling with guitars – cases and backup guitars* 18:35 Youtube and the entertainer video* 20:24 CDs, t-shirts and packing lightly* 22:53 troublesome touring stories – “going commando” and the beatles* 26:53 Early influences of richard – Bert Weedon’s Play in a Day book* 30:12 Learning songs correctly, listening more deeply and try to make your playing sound like the record * 37:50 Richard Smiths Version of Scott Joplins “The Entertainer”* 42:30 Having a musical homebase, your fist influence and how it affects everything you do – and the flexability of Antoine Boyer* 49:42 “The One Thing” The Importance of keeping focused on the thing that sets you apart from others, but also try out new things to srtech as a player* 59:07 The code of Spotify and how to get into playlists* 1:03:39 Music “The Streets of Laredo”* 1:06:36 The number one thing you would tell all young musicians to do differently – being honest with yourself and Big Jim Sullivan’s advice* 1:16:57 The time, the tone and the groove – and the metronome* 1:24:15 How technique influences the phrasing and the pocket* 1:31:28 Ending credits & podcast contact info







Richard’s Links:







* Richard’s Website: https://richardsmithmusic.com/* Richard on Facebook* Richard on Youtube











Richard Smith plays “The Entertainer”











Richard Smith plays “The Streets of Laredo”











“Richard Smith plays Jerry Reed’s classic tune “Struttin”

Summary, Episode 20:







Don Alder plays acoustic fingerstyle guitar with a passion that has quickly earned him a reputation as Vancouver’s “best kept little secret”. Don is a world-class fingerstyle guitarist with a “wow factor” that has let to multiple endorsement deals with major manufacturers and a collaboration with Greenfield guitars to produce a signature acoustic guitar- the “Don Alder G4” model.









Don currently resides in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. His unique style of playing incorporates fingerpicking with simultaneous percussion on the soundboard to create a wall of sound. He is often referred to as sounding like a four piece band. Don’s music is his own unique weave of deeply textured melody and story. Lyrical and compelling, his original songs are notes of exploration – some passionate and haunting, some hard-driven, others light and teasing. In quiet pieces or pushing right to the edge, Don’s phenomenal fingerstyle playing and rich voice captivate.





























“Alder can make a single instrument sound like a 4 piece band. The Guy’s like the acoustic Hendrix”. Picque News Magazine”









“Don is Canada’s secret fingerstyle weapon – it’s only a matter of time until everyone discovers this world class player. I am honored to have Don endorsing my guitars.”

World Class Luthier, Michael Greenfield







(Timestamps are for audio version of the podcast.)







* 2:44 Welcome Don Alder!* 4:20 Don’s earliest musical inspirations* 8:34 Don gets an electric guitar in his hands for the first time* 14:02 Don starts playing in bands* 15:52 Don and the bass player’s onstage gun prank goes wrong* 19:42 Don explains how he started playing solo acoustic guitar* 22:39 Music – Don plays his composition “Fingers Fingers Fingers”* 27:30 Don becomes a studio player* 37:01 Don’s musical, color, touch, and his personal approach to the guitar – how to learn how to play like yourself* 46:07 At a live performance people are looking for a journey, they want to walk home with an experience* 52:04 Don’s advice he would like to give to more guitar players – more heart, play music not just songs and technique* 53:35 A fellow guitarist seeking advice writes a song for Don Alder* 57:31 Don’s message to all musicians* 58:58 Don’s last message to everyone!* 1:00:03 Ending credits and podcast contact info* 1:03:01 Music – Don plays his composition “Haunting Me”







Don’s Links:







* https://www.donalder.com/* Don on Facebook* Don on Youtube* Don on Twitter

Summary, Episode 19:







In 1988, Don became the first Canadian to win the U.S. National Fingerpick Guitar Championship. He won again in 1996, still the only two-time winner of the competition.







Don has toured regularly since 1989, across Canada, the USA, a dozen European countries, Japan, Taiwan, China, Australia, Russia and India.



























He has played live and on recording with U.S. guitarist Andy McKee, Canadian singer/guitarist Brooke Miller, Canadian guitarist Calum Graham, & Toronto bassist Jordan O’Connor. Don composes scores for television, radio and film, and does production and recording engineering for a variety of other musicians.







He’s released numerous CDs and DVDs for the Candy Rat Record label, including his new album, A Million Brazilian Civilians, on CD and see-through orange vinyl.







(Timestamps are for audio version of the podcast.)







* 2:49 Welcome Don!* 3:52 Don’s earliest musical influences.* 6:50 Don as a composer first, guitarist second.* 8:40 Discovering Leo Kottke’s approach…music with humor.* 9:20 Exposure to modern composers Steve Reich, Xenakis, John Adams.* 10:40 Don talks about composing for film & TV.* 15:44 We discuss alternate tunings and why Don Does uses them.* 22:33 Why composes away from the guitar.* 24:04 Music – Don plays his composition – “A Million Brazilian Civilians.”* 27:33 Don’s relationship to classical guitar.* 31:04 I ask Don about his live sound setup.* 32:50 Keep it simple…we talk pickups, pedals and other guitar nitty gritty.* 34:53 Don tells his “pedalboard on the highway” mishap story.* 39:46 What are Don’s hobbies outside music?* 41:25 His best advice for musicians.* 44:47 The guitar tablature “trap.”* 50:22 Ending credits & podcast contact info.* 53:14 Music – Don plays his composition – “Seven Seven Four.”







Don’s Links:







* https://donrossonline.com/* Don on Facebook* Don on Youtube* Don on Twitter* Don’s band project is called “Don Ross – Louder Than Usual”











Don Ross plays his original composition “Seven Seven Four”











Don Ross plays his original composition “A Million Brazilian Civilians“











“Don Ross – Louder Than Usual” plays “Groovy Sunflowers”

Summary, Episode 18:

Jim Nichols has an unusual approach to the guitar – he uses a thumb pick and fingers to play everything from Chet Atkins style to modern jazz.

He served as master instructor for the Jamey Aebersold Jazz Workshops, Stanford Jazz Workshops and held clinics on both jazz and Atkins style for the Chet Atkins Appreciation Society national convention in Nashville.



In addition to an acoustic duo CD with Australian guitarist Tommy Emmanuel, and a duo CD with fingerstyle guitarist Richard Smith, Jim and his wife Morning, have 5 CDs to their credit.

Jim’s solo CD, “Jazz and Country” was chosen by Guitar Player Magazine as a “pick of the year” for ’96 and in 2001, he was featured in Fingerstyle Guitar Magazine and Acoustic Guitar Magazine.



Show Notes:

In this episode, Jim and I talk about how he started playing guitar, his inspirations, and his approach to blending Chet Atkins fingerstyle and jazz guitar.

(Time stamps are for audio version of the podcast.)



* 2:08 Welcome Jim!

* 3:47 Jim talks about record companies & touring.

* 4:40 How Jim began playing music & uke.

* 6:08 Jim gets his first guitar.

* 6:54 Jim discovers Duane Eddys version of “Trambone” by Chet Atkins.

* 7:45 Flatpicks never again! Jim discovers the thumb pick and learns Chet stuff.

* 14:17 Jim discusses how Wes & Buddy Montgomery were not music readers.

* 19:41 How Jim got the jazz influence – his parents.

* 23:08 The benefits of learning from Chet’s recordings.

* 23:36 Another influence – Howard Roberts.

* 25:48 Jim’s approach to technique & using the thumbpick.

* 26:41 Jim talks about his guitar collection.

* 29:03 Music track from the “Jazz & Country” Album – “Freightliner Blues”

* 32:23 Gear chat – his versatile guitars that can cover several styles.

* 35:41 Traveling with guitars; Jim’s take & tips for flying.

* 38:17 All about Jim’s duo record with Tommy Emmanuel – “Chet Lag” (a.k.a. “Happy Hour”)

* 43:35 Jim’s Kirk Sand Guitar – a birthday present from his wife, vocalist Morning Nichols.

* 45:22 “Jazz & Country” his solo CD as a reaction to being a sideman and a dedication to Chet Atkins.

* 52:53 Current projects, gigs, guitar camps.

* 57:53 Jim’s best advice to musicians – listen attentively.

* 1:04:45 Jim reminds us about CAAS in Nashville in July (Chet Atkins Appreciation Society)



Jims’s Links:



* Visit Jim and Morning Nichols’s web site at https://www.jimandmorningnichols.com

* Jim & Morning on Facebook



Jim Nichols plays “Freightliner Blues”



Jim Nichols plays “Like Someone In Love”



Jim Nichols plays “They Can’t Take That Away From Me”

Summary, Episode 17:

Over the past 25 years, Michael Fix has released fifteen albums, together with several DVD’s, songbooks, singles and EPs, tours internationally each year, and has established himself as one of Australia’s finest guitarists and composers, writing evocative music for television, film and documentaries.



He’s won numerous awards for his music, and is a Maton guitar endorsee (with his own signature model guitar), his guitar workshops are in high demand all over Australia and internationally.

As a record producer working from his own studio in Brisbane, he is in great demand. He’s toured and recorded with a diverse range of artists, and regularly appears at festivals and concerts throughout the world.



Show Notes:

In this episode Michael and I talk about his philosophy, his approach to guitar, technique, stage sound and more.

(Time stamps are for audio version of the podcast.)



* 3:20 How Michael got started with guitar

* 6:21 Motivation from real life lessons

* 7:41 His advice – find a teacher who inspires

* 8:12 Danger of Youtube “only” learning

* 17:53 Listening to Chet, Jerry & Merle records with Tommy Emmanuel

* 19:18 Music Track: Tangalooma Sunset

* 22:10 Michael talks about his technical approach

* 28:21 Michael tour – the Acoustic Guitar Spectacular

* 32:20 His life as a composer & producer for film, music libraries and more

* 46:26 Michael talks about Maton Guitars & hios signature model

* 53:22 I ask Michael about his live sound setup

* 55:46 Michael’s best advice for musicians

* 1:04:19 Michael’s Austrian (EU) Summer Workshop (Aug 2019)

* 1:08:22 Music Track: Coppertown Blues



Michael’s Links:



* https://www.michaelfix.com/

* Michael on Facebook

* Michael on Youtube

* Michael on Twitter



Michael plays “Tangalooma Susnset”



Michael plays “Coppertown Blues”



Michael plays “Spaces (Without You)”



Michael’s Upcoming Austrian Workshop

Summary, Episode 16:

Andrea Valeri is defined as the “Prince of the Acoustic guitar” and is now a veteran of many of the biggest stages around the globe. He’s toured from Australia to New Zealand, from Russia to Canada, from Europe to the African continent.



At eighteen Andrea was awarded the title of “Italian musical excellence.” He has already released 6 solo albums, the most recent Mediterraneo “(2016).

Veteran Guitarists are calling him a rising “Star of the guitar world.” Just listen to his music to find out why…



Show Notes:

In this episode Andrea and I talk about his earliest musical inspirations, his current Euro Orchestra Project, his “Tuscany Guitar Camp” and more…enjoy!

(Time stamps are for audio version of the podcast.)



* 3:13 Guitar was a happy accident

* 4:05 Andrea’s “missing finger”

* 5:11 How he got inspiration from TV show themes

* 7:27 Influences: Mark Knopfler, Paco De Lucia, Tommy Emmanuel & Michael Fix

* 14:09 His Euro Orchestra Project

* 17:07 New CD with Orchestra

* 21:00 How Andrea comes up with musical ideas

* 23:30 His musical dedication to Nicolas Tesla

* 28:53 Listen to Andrea play “With my Fathers Eyes” from his CD “Mediterraneo”

* 32:22 Andrea’s “Tuscany Guitar Camp”

* 45:56 His film music writing projects

* 47:10 Other hobbies & interests – archaeology, history, geology, Ancient Greece

* 52:14 Andrea’s best advice to musicians…



Andreas’s Links:



* https://www.andreavaleri.com/

* Andrea on Facebook

* Andrea on Youtube

* Andrea on Instagram



Andrea valeri plays “With My Father’s Eyes”



Andrea valeri plays “Mediterraneo”