More than just a music podcast, Sixty Scales and the Truth reveals the human struggles, triumphs, and profound life lessons behind the strings of exceptional gu...
Recently, I picked up my 4-year-old son from school and struck up a conversation with the father of one of his classmates. Before long, we found ourselves talking about this podcast series. The father mentioned that he was also a guitarist and, moreover, the son of a professional musician. "In my opinion, there’s one guitarist who stands head and shoulders above everyone else," he said. "And that’s Chris Buck.""Ha!" I replied. "I actually spoke to him just yesterday."
Chris truly is a ‘one of a kind’ guitarist. Every note he plays sounds so beautiful, so precise, so charming, and expressive. His phrasing is incredibly delicate, he crafts his solos masterfully, and he never shows everything he’s got—though you know there’s more left in the tank. That always grabs my attention. And it moves me. Just like that father at the schoolyard.
Speaking of fathers: in this candid conversation, we also talk about family and the influences we carry from the environment in which we were raised. Once again, I’m incredibly grateful for this encounter, the conversation, and the lessons I’ve learned by speaking with someone who masters his craft in such an extraordinary way.
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44:05
Joscho Stephan
Every now and then, I still discover guitarists the old-fashioned way—not through Instagram, Facebook, or Spotify's algorithm, but simply because they take the stage like a jack-in-the-box, completely unexpected. The phenomenal German guitarist Joscho Stephan is one such artist. I had never heard of him until he joined Tommy Emmanuel for a few songs during a concert in Eindhoven.
I don’t often listen to gypsy jazz, but Joscho’s playing completely won me over. He builds a bridge to gypsy jazz for hardcore rock fans—a group I’m part of myself. Like many masters of the genre, Joscho is an incredibly virtuosic musician. He has a fresh perspective, an open mind, and isn’t constrained by the dogmas of gypsy jazz.
Even John Petrucci is a fan! I read a few months after that show that Petrucci contributed to Joscho’s new album. Keep an eye on this German phenomenon!
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54:03
Al di Meola
Every guest on this podcast is a legend in their own way, and Al Di Meola is undeniably a living legend. Mention "Friday Night in San Francisco" to any guitarist, and you'll likely spark memories, anecdotes, and a deep sense of admiration.
For my conversation with Al, I had planned to gently ask about the heart attack he suffered on stage in Romania last year. However, after simply asking, "Al, how are you?" he shared the entire story in vivid detail.
Throughout this candid interview, Al surprised me multiple times. He revealed that rejection was a significant motivator early in his career. He was once kicked out of a band, only to see the group reassembled a week later. He channeled that pain into laser focus and determination. I'm always fascinated by how exceptional guitarists like Al achieve such hyperfocus and push their boundaries.
As a bonus at the end of the episode, you'll hear a few questions from Harry Valentino, the guitarist of High Fade. Harry previously shared that Al Di Meola is his favorite guitarist. Thank you, Harry, and thank you, Al, for this inspiring conversation!
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44:30
Oz Noy
Where I used to discover new artists through friends and often by reading the credits in CD booklets, these days I mostly rely on algorithms. It might not sound as romantic, but it does lead to some fantastic discoveries. That’s how, sometime last year, Oz Noy came onto my radar. His name sounds like a character straight out of L. Frank Baum’s famous book. His playing is just as imaginative and adventurous as the journeys through the Land of Oz. At times, it squeaks and grates, but there are always surprises waiting.
He was already performing on stage at a relatively young age and took the leap to move to New York in his early twenties. In our conversation, we delve deeply into his connection with that city and explore his collaborations with top-tier musicians. As rich and colorful as his playing is, Oz has a dry way of summarizing life in words:
“I remember when I stopped going to school, I was a little freaked out. My parents were freaked out. But I started practicing all the time. Once you practice, you get into a routine, then everybody kind of chilled out.”
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33:51
Harry Valentino (High Fade)
Some bands make you smile, give you energy, and make you feel alive. For me, that band is High Fade. 🎶 Playing as a power trio (drums, bass, guitar), they bring raw energy and chemistry to every performance. Guitarist Harry Valentino doesn’t just play; he’s part of the rhythm section with his dynamic, groove-driven style while also shredding incredible solos. 🎸High Fade often takes to the streets for busking gigs, driven by their passion for music and love of connecting with new audiences. Watching their videos, you can feel the joy they radiate—it’s infectious! Their debut album, Life’s Too Fast, is out now, and it’s the ultimate feel-good soundtrack.When I sat down with Harry, he shared some incredible stories about the band and his personal journey. These conversations made me realize that while High Fade is all about fun, but there's so much more to this band. These guys are on a mission, and I can’t wait to see where the journey takes them!
More than just a music podcast, Sixty Scales and the Truth reveals the human struggles, triumphs, and profound life lessons behind the strings of exceptional guitarists. It's an invitation to discover the truth behind the scales, one unforgettable face-to-face conversation at a time. Whether you're a die-hard guitar enthusiast, a casual music lover, or simply someone who appreciates craftmanship, resilience and creativity, this podcast will leave you inspired, enriched, and eager to uncover more of the wisdom and artistry that these guitar icons have to offer.
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