RODRIGO Y GABRIELA PART 1

In part one of two episodes with Rodrigo y Gabriela, Alex is in Mexico with the duo during the recording of their album 11:11 in 2009. Alex captured the conversation as they shared food and wine overlooking Zihuatanejo Bay, after a day of recording as a special guest on the album. The trio discuss their influences, like Paco de Lucia and Strunz & Farah, and the diverse musical taste that comes with being a metalhead. Rod y Gab recount their early days, when they lived in Ireland and busked their way through Europe, and explain how they’ve been able to maintain their integrity throughout their career. During the conversation, Alex takes you through a few of their early recordings, and you’ll hear his performance in the track“Atman” at the end of the episode. 

If you like what you hear, please give us a review on Apple Podcasts. Moods & Modes is brought to you by Osiris Media.  Hosted and Produced by Alex Skolnick.  Osiris Production by Kirsten Cluthe, Brad Stratton, and Adam Caplan. Editing, Mixing, and by Brad Stratton.  To discover more podcasts that help you connect more deeply to the music you love, check out osirispod.com. 

20/21 LOOKING BACK & LOOKING AHEAD

Alex looks back on 2020, from the great artists who were lost, to the trajectory of the pandemic and some of the unexpected moments in between. He shares personal reflections and stories, and gives us a peek at what’s ahead for Moods & Modes in 2021.

SWEETWATER RUNS DEEP

In this episode, Alex travels to Sweetwater Music, the musician-led retailer in Fort Wayne, IN. to give a master class and recording workshop with Stu Hamm. During the trip, he documents the story of Sweetwater and digs into why “always doing the right thing” has made all the difference in their success. Alex walks the guitar gallery with legendary guitar rep (and player) Nick Bowcott, discusses the increased demand for instruments - despite predictions that interest in the electric guitar is dying - and gets a behind-the-scenes look at the detailed inspection process that is the foundation of their unparalleled customer service.

EDDIE VAN HALEN TRIBUTE PART 2

In part two of this tribute to Eddie Van Halen, Alex welcomes Brad Tolinksi (author of “Play it Loud” and former editor-in-chief of Guitar World) and Matt Blackett (Formerly associate editor for Guitar Player) to discuss Eddie’s approach to playing, the expressiveness he was able to get out of his equipment, and the soulful swing that is the foundation of his musical legacy. Brad tells Alex about the time that he got to play Eddie’s Frankenstein guitar, and Alex breaks down some of the most infamous EVH licks ((including something he describes as the “EVH Secret Quintuplet”).

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EDDIE VAN HALEN TRIBUTE PART 1

The loss of Eddie Van Halen has caused shockwaves that feel unprecedented, even for these times. Here, we explore how EVH forever altered the landscape of guitar and music through personal reflections by Alex, a conversation with Vernon Reid (Living Colour) & others, observations gleaned from transcribing and performing his work and a breakdown of some under appreciated components of Edward’s groundbreaking style.

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HOME AT LAST

A visit to Retrofret, billed as “The world’s greatest vintage instrument store run by the world’s friendliest staff” (it’s hard to argue with either). An oasis of guitars in a discreet section of Brooklyn, Retrofret reopens in the days following the 2020 shutdown, allowing Alex to bring home an item he'd put a deposit on earlier in the year: A 1960 amplifier previously owned by a late, great artist (and longtime Retrofret customer). Includes some great stories courtesy of Retrofret staff, plus samples of trying out precious instruments. Plus Alex’s thoughts on vintage gear & culture and a rant about guitar brands shutting out their own founders.

THE CASE FOR A CHEAP STRAT

An extensive jam session and conversation with Brooklyn based guitarist Nir Felder, whose resume includes jazz luminaries (Brad Mehldau, Jack DeJohnette), soul superstars (Erykah Badu, Chaka Khan), jam rock icons (Dave Mathews, John Mayer) and even celebrities (Dave Chapelle, Ben Platt). Despite owning several high-quality instruments, the guitar that comes through the most for Nir - no matter what the musical situation - is the very one on which he learned to play: A cost-effective, “Made in Mexico” Stratocaster.

PETER GREEN PART 2: CHICAGO BLUES & MORE

At the tail end of the 60s, an unlikely meeting took place in Chicago between some prominent traditional blues artists and a chart-topping rock band from the UK. The results would reverberate for decades to come. A discussion on the importance of this session along with further insights into the impact of the late Peter Green.

PETER GREEN: REMEMBERED & 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. Featuring a virtual roundtable of experts on the gentle genius of guitar known as “Greenie,” plus a few surprises. Part 1 of 2.