Moods & Modes

While Alex is out on the road with Testament on theBay 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 ofFleetwood 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 byOsiris 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 byOsiris 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 theBay 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, includingCarnatic Crash Coursewith guestGuitar Prasanna(5/17), and a tribute to Peter Green (of Fleetwood Mac) Part 1 (5/24) and Part 2 (5/31). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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

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 byTheStradMagazine 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.