A man who needs no introduction, but still absolutely deserves one, Gerry McAvoy is one of the most grooving, pocket, and chops-having bass players of all time. For over 20 years, from 1970 until 1991, Gerry played with who is my favorite guitarist of all time, Rory Gallagher. For those who are listening and don't know, Rory Gallagher is a national…

One of the most exciting, inspirational, and special songwriters of today is Rett Madison. I first encountered Rett as the opening act for the last live show I saw before the pandemic - Theo Katzman, of Vulfpeck fame, in addition to having his own very compelling solo career - at Washington D.C.'s Hamilton Theatre. Rett performed as we've all witne…

Whether you know him from the live circuit with The Main Squeeze, or from his many collaborations, or even from his own budding and blossoming solo musical career, Ben Silverstein, known more commonly as "Smiley," is one of the most exciting, innovative, and inspiring keyboardists in the world today. From humble beginnings as a jazz musician in hig…

When people think YouTube and guitar, a name near the top of the list is that of Michael Palmisano. When I decided to dedicate a lot of my own free time during the pandemic to a daily practice of improving my skills on guitar, one of the first musical education channels I found on YouTube was Michael's. And while he's best known for his "Guitar Tea…

A dear friend, a stellar musician, and one of the most humble and uplifting individuals I have ever known, Alex Wasily is someone I am blessed to have been connected with for over 20 years. We first met in our second grade teacher, Ms. Israel's class, in our hometown of Savannah, GA, and became fast friends. Alex and I continued to go to school tog…

In his own words, Steve Watkins, also known by his stage name, "Swatkins," is a "ginger-bearded smiley keyboard guy," whose music "generally sounds like a good time." You may have heard him perform with acts like Allen Stone, Scary Pockets, Vulfpeck, Moorea Masa, Turkuaz, or even Bernie Worrell. Or you may know him for his solo work under both his …