Interview with Taj Mahal

I recently had the opportunity to interview Taj Mahal for the Banjo Studio. For as much of an influence as his records have had on me, it was a very special moment.

Banjo Studio says:

Taj Mahal has been one of my favorite musicians since I was a teenager. We were very honored that Taj would take time to speak with us. Initially slated for a short 15-20 minute interview, Taj had a good time speaking with the Banjo Studio Podcast host, Jonathan Freilich, and spoke with him for over an hour! 

Listen as Taj talks about his beginnings, how he got started playing the banjo, his approach to the banjo and the way he tunes it, and much more. 

If you aren't familiar with Taj Mahal, now is the time to start checking out his very deep catalog of recordings.

If you are interested in Taj’s life and work, the blues, music around the world, and/or the banjo, you will find it fascinating.

The interview is here…

Interviewed Valerie June for the Banjo Studio

A couple of weeks back I had the opportunity to interview Valerie June for the Banjo Studio. Have a listen, her music is great and her positivity is infectious and inspiring.

Banjo Studio says:

This week we talk with the mesmerizing singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist (guitar, banjo, ukulele) Valerie June. Valerie hails from Tennessee and has a unique sound that blends blues, country, and Appalachia. She has an amazingly effervescent, positive spirit and this comes across in her music. Host Jonathan Freilich talks about her influences, her songwriting process, and more.

This is a fantastic interview. Take a listen. Valerie also performs a song for us on the banjo! 

THE INTERVIEW CAN BE HEARD HERE…

New interview with Ketch Secor at Banjo Studio.com

I recently interviewed Ketch Secor of The Old Crow Medicine show. The podcast is up now and available at Banjo Studio.

Banjo Studio says:

In this episode, we talk with Ketch Secor, a founding member and frontman of the band Old Crow Medicine Show. Take a listen to stories of how the band came to be, what brought Ketch down this path. Host Jonathan Freilich talks with Ketch about a number of subjects including the effect the banjo had on Ketch's musical journey, how Old Crow Medicine Show got its start, the influence of African Americans in country and old-time music, and more.

The direct link to the episode.

Podcast interview with Danny Barnes at Banjo Studio

Carrying on from the Ryan Cavanaugh, this fantastic conversation with banjo phenom, Danny Barnes just posted.

Banjo Studio says…

Songwriter/banjoist Danny Barnes is always experimenting and trying to become a better musician. Host Jonathan Freilich talks with Danny on his path from traditional banjo styles to how he created his own sound.  Danny recently released his Man On Fire album which is killer. This  was produced by Dave Matthews and  he is featured as a guest artist as well as Bill Frisell, John Paul Jones (bass and mandolin), and drummer Matt Chamberlain.

Danny Barnes