Chewing the Gristle with Greg Koch

Johnny A

September 24, 2020 Greg Koch Season 1 Episode 12
Chewing the Gristle with Greg Koch
Johnny A
Show Notes Chapter Markers

Johnny A is a guitar hero of the highest order, whose long career as a fontman-instrumentalist has won him die-hard fans the world over. He's also well known for his work supporting other luminaries such as Peter Wolf, The Yardbirds, Delanie & Bonnie, and Bobbie Whitlock, just to name a few. Greg and Johnny talk about all of that today, and also guitars, gear, and glorious fuzz.

4:17 - Johnny’s affinity for instrumental rock/jazz/blues, and how it relates to his own musical inspirations and career
9:08 - Playing with the new iteration of The Yardbirds - the challenges and joys
13:30 - The fuzz pedal - a glorious, inspiring creation, and how devastating that device can be in the hands of someone like Jimi Hendrix
20:38 - Johnny’s thoughts on the future of live music during the pandemic, and what he’s doing to stay busy and inspired
24:37 - Johnny’s signature guitar from Gibson Guitars - how it came to be, and what makes it unique
36:46 - The many hats of Johnny A during his musical career - from drummer to playing with Peter Wolf, and developing his voice on the guitar as both an arranger and player
46:00 - Reflecting back on old recordings and arrangements, and how it influences new creative endeavors
49:42 - Why playing guitar only gets more fun as you grow up
61:30 - ‘Cocktails In The Kitchen’ with The A’s, and the beauty of social connectivity through live-streaming

Total Length: 68:05

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.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Johnny’s affinity for instrumental rock/jazz/blues, and how it relates to his own musical inspirations and career
Playing with the new iteration of The Yardbirds - the challenges and joys
The fuzz pedal - a glorious, inspiring creation, and how devastating that device can be in the hands of someone like Jimi Hendrix
Johnny’s thoughts on the future of live music during the pandemic, and what he’s doing to stay busy and inspired
Johnny’s signature guitar from Gibson Guitars - how it came to be, and what makes it unique
The many hats of Johnny A during his musical career - from drummer to playing with Peter Wolf, and developing his voice on the guitar as both an arranger and player
Reflecting back on old recordings and arrangements, and how it influences new creative endeavors
Why playing guitar only gets more fun as you grow up
‘Cocktails In The Kitchen’ with The A’s, and the beauty of social connectivity through live-streaming