080 - Fender's Stan Cotey

In this episode, host James Patrick Regan speaks with Martin Simpson, discussing his new duet record with Thomm Jutz, “Nothing But Green Willow: The Songs of Mary Sands and Jane Gentry,” which includes songs gathered by the two women in Appalachia during World War I. They also discuss his time on NPR’s “Prairie Home Companion,” as well as his favorite tunings, his guitar collection (which includes a Harmony Sovereign and several boutique instruments), and a certain old Martin archtop.

In this episode, host James Patrick Regan catches up with Chris Shiflett to discuss his latest solo album, working with producer Dave Cobb, and his friendships with guitarists ranging from Andy McCoy to Marty Stuart; as host of the YouTube show “Shred With Shifty,” he takes deep dives with many of them. They also delve into his guitar collection, which includes a refinished ’57 goldtop and his signature Telecasters, as well as his buying habits.

Host James Patrick Regan circles back with Kenny Vaughan, guitarist in Marty Stuart’s Fabulous Superlatives. Kenny talks about how he started playing thanks in part to his dad’s love of jazz, then later studying with Bill Frisell. They also chat about how Kenny met Marty, how they formed the band, and the gear they use on the road. Of course they dig into Kenny’s work in Nashville studios as well as his L.A. connection with Mike Campbell. Catch it all and much more in this episode of “Have Guitar Will Travel.”

In Ep 90 of “Have Guitar Will Travel," host James Patrick Regan speaks with band members from Happy Fits and Greensky Bluegrass. Happy Fits discusses forming their indie rock band in high school, songwriting, and touring while Greensky Bluegrass talks about their formation in Kalamazoo, gear, and improvisation.

In Ep 88 of “Have Guitar Will Travel," host James Patrick Regan speaks with Liily’s guitarist Sam De La Torre, and with members of Wild Rivers. Sam De La Torre shared how the band originated in the Toluca Lake area of LA. He is Frank Zappa fan and what gear he is currently using on tour. Wild Rivers, a Canadian band, discussed how their musical style was influenced by indie folk from Toronto.

In Ep 88, we speak with guitarist Kevin Bernier of the Suffers, and with power-pop singer De’Wayne. Kevin tells how the Suffers started as a punk band in Houston and he made ends meet by playing in bands. A fan of ’80s alternative pop on up to modern music, he studied saxophone before being drawn to guitar thanks to a few key players. De’Wayne shares the origins of his musical style influenced by growing up in a Houston church.

HGWT episode 87 has host James Patrick Regan speaking with singer/songwriters Rhys Lewis and Chase Mitchell. Rhys grew up in England and studied at the London Center of Contemporary Music. He talks about touring and performing as a solo artist and with a band. One of his favorite places is Denmark Street, where he loves gazing at old guitars like his ’68 Gibson ES-150. Chase is a native of West Virginia and joined a band when he was nine years old. He “retired” from band life at 13 to launch a solo career. A fan of cool old guitars, he looks forward to one day scoring a ’68 Pink Paisley Telecaster.

The new episode of “Have Guitar Will Travel” has host James Patrick Regan speaking with Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter/guitarist Ruthie Foster, who grew up performing gospel music in churches across her home state of Texas. Gospel, along with guitarists Elizabeth Cotten, Mississippi John Hurt, and Sister Rosetta Tharpe, were highly influential to her. After high school, she joined the U.S. Navy and became a singer in its band, then launched a career that has taken her from South Carolina and NYC then back near home, to Austin. Her latest album, “Healing Time,” was recorded in New Orleans with producer Mark Howard.

Host James Patrick Regan talks with singer/songwriter Michelle Malone about the inspiration behind her new album, “1977,” and life on the road to support it. The music brings a Laurel Canyon feel thanks to her broad influences, including fellow Georgians the Indigo Girls, whom she befriended early in their careers. Michelle’s career has had its bumps; originally signed to Arista, she discusses how the deal fell apart. On the upside, she has enjoyed fruitful collaborations with the Georgia Satellites as well as producers Lenny Kaye and Nick Didia. Other topics include her Martin HD-28s, her band, and how she adapts it to fit her touring schedule.

Guitarheads the world over know Greg Koch is a big guy who plays monster licks. In the new episode of “Have Guitar Will Travel,” host James Patrick Regan talks with the guitar wizard on a range of topics, including how much he loves and appreciates playing in front of his fans. A longtime endorser with a few signature Reverend guitars, he’s also a busy ambassador at NAMM shows and on tours spanning the U.S. and Europe. And of course they dig into his guitars, effects, and amps, along with his adventures in Hawaii, instructional videos for Wildwood, and much more.