Fingerstyle Guitar Hangout Podcast with Adam Rafferty

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" Never Miss an Episode - Subscribe NOW!

Summary, Episode 15: Stephan Bormann is a guitarist with extreme openness and versatility. With a strong foundation in jazz, he adds creative fun and unique sounds to the music that he plays and helps shape projects with his individual style. His love of the music of America, Scandinavia, Africa and Brazil make him a world traveler on the guitar, versatile in many styles and familiar with the various facets of the instrument. He’s the author of the well-loved definitive guitar arranging bible entitled “Solo Guitar Book” and teaching guitar at the Hochschule für Musik in Dresden since 1994, where he is a professor of guitar jazz,rock, and pop. Show Notes: In this episode Stephan and I talk about his musical roots in Communist (DDR) East Germany, his book "Solo Guitar Book", his 16 string resonator guitar, and more....enjoy! (Time stamps are for audio version of the podcast.) 3:17 Stephan's musical beginnings in Communist Germany (DDR) 5:50 Buying records in Germany behind the wall 13:04 Stephan's inspiration to play guitar 15:29 His jazz guitar influence 16:40 The inspiration of "Friday Night in San Fransisco" 18:33 Stephan's "Aliquot" resonator 18 string guitar by Oliver Klaproth 22:52 Music Track "Elevation Of Love by Esbjörn Svensson" 26:19 Different guitars for different sounds 28:24 Going deep into the musical moment 31:42 Meeting his musical soulmates 36:36 His longtime projects - duo with Thomas Fellow and a duo with Cristin Class 40:00 The teaching philosohy at the Musik Hochshule in Dresden 43:37 Discovering and supporting the special talents of students 45:58 His best musical advice 46:54 About his "Solo Guitar Book" 55:22 Music Track "Don't Give Up" - 10 String Orchestra Stephans's Links: https://stephanbormann.de/ Stephan Bormann on Facebook Stephan Bormann on Youtube Stephan Bormann plays Elevation Of Love by Esbjörn Svensson: The 10 String Orchestra: With Cristin Class Trio: Never Miss an Episode - Subscribe NOW!

Summary, Episode 14: Petteri Sariola (1984) is a fingerstyle virtuoso and a singer/songwriter from Helsinki, Finland. He's known for his fierce live performances, beautiful songwriting and percussive approach on the acoustic guitar. Sariola has been awarded with Nokia Young Talent scholarship, Honorary Prize in the Helsinki Funk Awards and been on the cover “Frets” (USA) and twice on the cover of Akustik Gitarre (DE), the biggest acoustic guitar magazine of Europe. Petteri has opened concerts for Tori Amos (USA), Andy McKee (USA) and Rodrigo Y Gabriela (MEX), to name a few. His brand new solo album "Resolution" has received raving reviews and it concludes a 10 year project of creating a trilogy of albums containing original compositions. Show Notes: In this episode Petteri Sariola and I chat about his influences, classical studies, gear, the "meaning of song" and more...enjoy! (Time stamps are for audio version of the podcast.) 3:43 Petteri talks about his inspiration & influences - Michael Jackson, Miles Davis, Green Day & Living Color 5:05 Early on - seeing his mom on stage 6:00 His 10 years of classical studies, how it shaped him 8:07 Benefits of classical study, what it's good for and what it's not 15:56 His vital musical relationship with his brother 16:45 Indian solfeggio & African percussion studies 23:58 Music Track "The Clockwork" 27:00 His bands - "The Northern Governors" & "Dead Sirius 3000" 28:52 I ask Petteri about his playing approach & equipment 30:30 Network Connection Breakdown - Sorry! 30:55 New network connection - playing technique & live sound 31:29 Petteris concept regarding "the 80 possible movements" of the hands 33:45 His live sound 37:34 Using several pickups & his pedalboard & mixer 39:52 His mixer QSC Touch mix 16 43:20 Currently learning jazz chops & electronic music hip hop & techno 50:17 What music is Petteri listening to lately? 52:57 Petteri's advice to guitarists 54:19 The importance of ballads & resisting "clickbait" flashy online playing 58:03 His vocal studies & newest CD "Resolution" 59:11 The importance & message of "the song" 1:00:11 Concerto de Aranjuez - I tell the story 1:02:11 Outgrowing older songs - and can you play them now? 1:13:18 Music Track - guitar & vocals "Howling at the Moon" Petteri's Links: https://petterisariola.fi https://facebook.com/petterisariolaofficial https://instagram.com/petterisariola https://youtube.com/petterisariola https://twitter.com/petterisariola 
The Clockwork: Howling at the Moon: Never Miss an Episode - Subscribe NOW!

Summary, Episode 13: His roots lie in Gypsy Swing music, the style pioneered in the 1930s by the legendary jazz guitarist Django Reinhardt. Joscho Stephan has not merely absorbed this music, but also interprets it on the highest level and is actively engaged in extending its boundaries. He has toured Australia with top guitarists Martin Taylor and Tommy Emmanuel and has performed with his own bands (trio to quintett) on numerous important European festivals (among others in Slovenia, Italy, France, Poland and the UK) and of course on all the important Django Reinhardt Festivals. His debut album was named CD of the month by American Guitar Player magazine (July 2000.) Acoustic Guitar magazine wrote that Joscho Stephan represented the future of the Gypsy jazz guitar tradition (May 2004.) Show Notes: In this episode Joscho and I chat about his early influences, current projects, guitars, picks, his online Gypsy Jazz Academy, keeping the "fire" in creativity and more...enjoy! (Time stamps are for audio version of the podcast.) 2:11 Welcome Joscho! 3:20 His interest in different styles & his fathers influence 4:08 Joscho's early classical guitar lessons 5:00 His interest in improvisation 5:17 Discovering Django Reinhardt 9:38 His philosophy "music is a language" 11:26 We talk about his online school https://gypsyguitaracademy.com 16:12 Joscho gives me (and us) a lesson on 6th chords 21:00 I ask Joscho use the left hand pinky...or just 3 fingers, and why? 27:52 Picks - what's best for Gypsy Jazz Guitar? 30:28 Joscho talks about his Juergen Volkert D Hole guitar 33:09 His latest direct to disc (as in vinyl) recording 36:10 How the audience's presence affects the bands sound 37:50 MUSIC TRACK - Joscho, Tommy Emmanuel & his band play "Blues for Tommy" 41:08 Joscho's "other" playing styles 43:38 What's in Joscho's guitar collection? 45:16 He talks about his recording of "Hey Joe" on the "Guitar Heroes" CD (800K youtube views!) 48:23 Joscho's combination concept for music projects 50:18 What are Joscho's hobbies outside music? 51:38 How he started collecting vinyl LP's 53:42 Joscho's convertible & enjoying it 53:26 We talk about staying healthy & in shape on the road 56:42 Staying "on fire" regarding creativity & attitude 57:39 What advice can Joscho give musicians about practicing, rehearsal & stage performance? 59:40 Practicing technical things vs performance skills, trying new ideas. 1:06:03 Discovering new music online & going to other concerts to listen 1:12:30 MUSIC TRACK - Joscho, Stochelo Rosenberg & his band play "Blues for Stochelo" Joscho's Links: https://www.joscho-stephan.de/ https://gypsyguitaracademy.com https://www.joschoshop.com/ Gypsy Jazz Academy Youtube Channel Joscho on Facebook Hey Joe: rattlesnake Shuffle with Richard Smith: Joscho & Adam Play "Isn't She Lovely": [su_podcast_footer]

Summary, Episode 12: Steeped in the tradition of the folk guitar, but constantly refined by his classical studies, Ulli Bögershausen's playing continues to leave audiences with the best of both worlds. His playing has been called "breathtaking in its intertwined harmonies and its unfailing timing.” His performances have been considered "as if from a fairy tale", and his albums have been regarded as models of "sensitive string wizardry" and of "guitar music for the 21st century". Besides touring and recording, Ulli is well known for his 16 guitar books. His collections of arrangements of famous pop songs are entitled "Personal Favorites" and "More Personal Favorites.” They continually around the world and help thousands of guitar players build their repertoire. Show Notes: In this episode Ulli and I chat about his classical guitar influence, technique, how he arranges, current projects, and how he is currently "hacking" Spotify :-) . (Time stamps are for audio version of the podcast.) 2:11 Welcome Ulli! 4:48 Ulli's earliest musical inspiration - the Beatles 7:08 Ulli's current inspirations & his Celtic explorations 7:58 Why he's leaning away from pop tunes and heading to lullabies & Celtic music 14:46 Ulli's technique concepts based in classical studies 17:45 His step by step approach to creating arrangements 20:20 Challenges of barre chords vs open strings 22:50 We discuss cross string melodies for flow to keep the guitar ringing. 25:29 Music - Ulli plays "In A Constant State of Flux" 28:30 Ulli's approach to "hacking" Spotify through understanding the algorithms 35:47 Ulli's new book and why the lessons are on Youtube - for free 37:00 What's in his new book? 39:06 Ulli's home based daily workshops. 40:21 His history as a jazz record producer in the 1980's 45:15 Ulli's experience in a band playing electric guitar 46:44 Does Ulli have any other hobbies or interests? Find out... 49:25 We talk about personal strengths and weaknesses 52:00 Finding satisfaction in one's own music 53:21 What are his personal musical priorities? 58:27 Ulli's best advice for guitar players 1:04 What does Ulli do every day to stay on point? 1:06 Ulli's simple studio setup. 1:11 Music - Ulli plays "At the End of the Day" Ulli's Links: Website: https://www.boegershausen.com/ Ulli on Youtube Ulli on Facebook Ulli on Spotify Featured Videos In a Constant State of Flux At the End of the Day Time After Time - Ulli and Adam DUO Never Miss an Episode - Subscribe NOW!

Summary, Episode 11: FGH-0011: Interview with Emil Ernebro - Country, Jazz, & Fingerstyle Guitar Powerhouse from Sweden Emil Ernebro is one of the leading fingerstyle guitar players today - offering a virtuosic blend of country, jazz and fingerstyle guitar. Show Notes: In this episode of the Fingerstyle Guitar Hangout Podcast, we chat about his early influences, current projects, his online teaching projects and his new duo EP "The Strawberry Sessions." (Time stamps is for audio version of the podcast.) 2:23 Welcome Emil! 3:30 Emil's earliest inspirations & lessons 5:22 His Rock & Blues Influence 7:02 Playing with bands as a teenager 8:11 The Steve Morse & Influence 15:04 Emil's experience with classical guitar 16:46 Discovering Chet Atkins and Tommy Emmanuel 18:26 How his teacher recommended "Musician's Institute" in Hollywood, CA 21:25 Emil asks me about my college experience and interviews me 27:33 Emil talks about his duo project 30:52 Music track from the "Strawberry Sessions" EP called "Blues for Georg" 33:54 About his duo with a harmonica player Philip 34:17 Duo with wife & vocalist Zandra and how they got invited to Nashville 35:55 Zandra's reaction to great fingerstyle guitar players :-) 40:27 What is Emil musically exploring now? 42:50 Emil's and I discuss online teaching & his work at https://www.proguitar.com 53:25 Emil's best advice to aspiring musicians & guitar players 1:01:22 Music Track "Emigrant Visa" - Emil Ernebro Solo Guitar (video below) Emil's Links: Website: https://www.emilernebro.com/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/loveforsteelstrings/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/emil.ernebro/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emilernebroguitar/ ProGuitar: https://www.proguitar.com/ Emil Ernebro & Erik Igelström - Just Friends Emil Ernebro plays "Emigrantvisa" Never Miss an Episode - Subscribe NOW!

Summary, Episode 10: Interview with Sönke Meinen - Guitarist, Composer and Winner of the 2016 "Guitar Masters" Competition. Sönke Meinen is one of the new masters of the guitar. His technical prowess and poetic compositions leave listeners spellbound and guitarists asking "how does he do it?" Show Notes: In this episode of the Fingerstyle Guitar Hangout Podcast, Sönke discusses his studies, his custom guitar by Christina Kobler, his creative process and more. (Time stamps is for audio version of the podcast.) 2:02 Highlights of his visit to the Ullapool Guitar Festival 4:31 Sönke describes his style 6:43 His origins with classical, and exploring steel string after 8 years 8:44 Studying with Reentko Dirks, Thomas Fellow and the Dresden influence 14:21 Sönke's experience studying composition 16:11 His approach to creativity and technique 21:09 Writing music at the piano 23:00 His comfort with nylon strings for melody 24:08 His Christina Kobler "Crossover Model" guitar 26:34 Music Track: Perpetum Mobile (Solo Guitar) 30:52 His duo with violinist Bjarke Falgren 33:05 The new duo album "Postcard to Self" 34:40 The recording process for the CD and videos 36:54 His guitar vocal duo with Anna-Lucia Rupp 39:05 Other music - his swing band experience with Phillip Weichert / Baroque playing 41:03 Sönke's #1 musical goal 44:53 What music Sönke is listening to these days? 46:50 Sönke takes issue with typical "Youtuber Guitarists" 50:36 Upcoming tour dates in China, Germany, Austria 54:53 Music Track: The Breeze and The Curtain (Duo with Bjarke Falgren, Violin) Sönke's Links: Website: https://www.soenkemeinen.com/ Sönke on Youtube Sönke on Instagram Sönke on Facebook Christina Kobler "Crossover Model" guitar Perpetuum Mobile: The Breeza and the Curtain: Never Miss an Episode - Subscribe NOW!

Summary, Episode 9: In this listener Q & A episode, my guitar student Frank asks about how to stay calm and overcome nervousness and panic while performing solo guitar on stage. I share my 15 best tips for staying calm, focused and relaxed. 1 - 7: "Practical" points. These points address preparation as opposed to dealing with the actual feeling of panic in the moment. 8 - 15: "Mental Game" points. These address how to deal with the moments onstage when the critical, negative voice enters, your heart starts beating and maybe even hands shake. Plus 2 in the moment additional tips actually make it 17 tips. :-) Enjoy! Adam Show Notes: 0:57 The question about nerves and performance - in Frank's own words. 3:29: Being happy and at peace with your tone. 5:26: Having your rhythm and groove feel good - before you start playing. 7:04: Learning the Sound of your pickup. 8:14: Be sure you are in "stage 4 learning"...your body knows the piece of music. 11:30: Importance of slow practice. I still practice my concert tunes slowly... 11:57: Learning the difference between practice environment & stage environment. 13:37: When you know what people hear, you can forgive yourself...what do they hear? Flow, groove & melody. 18:27: Nervousness is a displaced reptile brain reaction, as if you are going to die. 19:30: Using meditation to overcome the inner critic & beating yourself up. 21:34: Know and feel that the audience is there to suport you. 23:18: "Meta" things like groove and tone are more important than small mistakes. 24:16: Know your music theory...playing just fingerings will make you nervous. 25:43: Breathe on stage! Does wonders for the physiology. 26:16: Play light, if your touch is getting heavy. 20:20: Get backstage and warm up before you go on. 28:40: Keep smiling do not visibly dissaprove of yourself & a personal story... 31:02: Your opening song on stage should be "bulletproof", something you can play with zero thinking. Never Miss an Episode - Subscribe NOW!

Summary, Episode 8: Interview with Robin Bullock - Celtic Guitar, Mandolin, Cittern and More... Hailed as a “Celtic Guitar God” by Baltimore City Paper and “one of the best folk instrumentalists in the business” by Sing Out! Magazine, Robin Bullock is one of the preeminent acoustic music masters of our time. His virtuosity on guitar, cittern and mandolin blends the ancient melodies of the Celtic lands, their vigorous American descendants, and the masterworks of the Baroque and Renaissance eras into one powerful musical vision. Show Notes: In this episode of the Fingerstyle Guitar Hangout Podcast, Robin Bullock and I chat about: 2:44 Robin describes how he came to Celtic via Bluegrass. 3:29 His background, influences & starting out in the DC / Baltimore area. 7:58 Robin tells us about O'Carolan - Irish Harpist & composer (1670-1738). 11:19 Robin's talks about his album “The Carolan Collection: An Animal Rescue Benefit.” 17:50 Robin tells us about playing the Cittern. 20:06 His start as a mandolin player. 22:20 Robin's Bach "Mandolin Suites" Recording. 29:43 His inspiration for Bach on Mandolin via John Williams classical guitar recordings. 31:32 Robin's dicusses his custom David McCubbon guitar. 33:11 Sample sounds from his guitar. 34:28 Robin's tone and technical right hand approach. 40:10 "Bullock's First Law" - stay relaxed, and all about technique. 45:07 We discuss composing and inspiration. 47:28 His stint as a bassist and rock background... 52;07 Robin's other interets (not!) 54:06 Robin's advice to guitar players & musicians. 1:02:04 Robin's website, CDS and more at 1:06:58 Closing track: LORD INCHIQUIN from Robin's album “The Carolan Collection: An Animal Rescue Benefit” Never Miss an Episode - Subscribe NOW!

Summary, Episode 7: Interview with Master Guitarist Mike Dowling, Master of American Roots, Bottleneck Blues, Ragtime and More... Mike Dowling plays bottleneck blues guitar, fingerstyle, vintage swing, ragtime, and more with grace wit and dexterity. Mike digs deep into the musical bag of American roots guitar, favoring the melodic Piedmont style of acoustic blues masters like Mississippi John Hurt and slide great Tampa Red. He played guitar in Vassar's Clements first touring band and can be heard on his Grammy-nominated "Nashville Jam". Clements called him simply, "One of the finest guitarists there is, anywhere.” Show Notes: In this episode of the Fingerstyle Guitar Hangout Podcast, Mike Dowling and I chat about: 2:15 Kicking off music camp with a lost guitar thanks to the airlines... 3:27 What guitars Mike brings on tour (including his "Mike Dowling" National signature model resonator) 3:56 What Mike learned by taking a luthier Course. 5:22 What is a resonator guitar? 6:33 How he gets built in reverb with "sympathetic vibration." 7:55 Mike demos his bottlneck playing. 12:28 Mike talks about how he started guitar at age 12 after piano lessons 1 year...up to his debut as a pro. 16:05 Getting invited & discovered by Vasar Clements. 18:17 What it was like to study jazz with the jazz guitar great George Barnes. 19:06 A little about George Barnes' archtop guitar - with no F Holes. 24:36 Mike demos "10th comping" on guitar and his unique chord method called "rhythm by code." 33:48 Mike's rythmic exercises - offbeat syncopations. 44:55 His newest accidental altered tuning. 49:10 Mike's advice to guitarists. 58:15 Where can you study with Mike? 1:05:11 Listen to the delicious title track from Mike's CD "Swamp Dog Blues." You can find Mike Downling's Website at https://www.mikedowling.com Never Miss an Episode - Subscribe NOW!