Appreciating the Genius of James Jamerson
In the debut episode of the geek-fest, “Breaking It Down (with Jeff and John),” pro musicians John Montagna and Jeff Ganz go deep into the legacy of Motown bass legend James Jamerson.
The Monkees’ Enduring — and Maybe Surprising — Influence
Sure, they were hired as actors to play musicians, but the band soon evolved way beyond that. The Monkees were talented performers, and were also surrounded by world-class talent. It added up to genuinely excellent music that had a lasting, under-appreciated impact.
Droning On … In a Good Way
Droning “pedal” tones may not sound musically exciting, but they play a huge role in all sorts of music: from 12th-century hymns, to Indian ragas, to The Beatles. Here are some examples.
The Key (Or Not) to “Savoy Truffle”
Join our resident Beatle-ologist Scott Freiman for a “deep dive” into the wildly-inventive chord structure of “Savoy Truffle.”
Breaking It Down Podcast: All Episodes
The “Breaking It Down” podcast is a geek-fest, and we mean that in the best possible way. Dig into some great music with hosts John Montagna and Jeff Ganz, each a touring pro and serious fan.