All About The Music

Top charting and award winning guitarist Ken Navarro takes you into his recording studio to show you how he took his song “Straight Out The Gate” (from his new album "I Will Still Be Here") from a demo where Ken played all of the instruments to the finished track with all of the brilliant musicians whom Ken works and records with - bassist Gary Grainger, keyboardist Jay Rowe, drummer Jay Williams, trumpeter Tyler Mire and saxophonist Rob Holmes.

Top charting and award winning guitarist Ken Navarro is releasing his 26th album “I Will Still Be Here” on August 20, 2021. Ken takes you behind the scenes in this preview of some of the 11 new songs. Featuring Navarro's brilliant acoustic & electric guitar work throughout, the new album for 2021 features over 20 musicians contributing to Ken's new music including saxophonist Eric Marienthal, bassists Gary Grainger, John Patitucci and Jim Cammack, drummers Chad Wackerman, Bruce Guttridge and Jay Williams, keyboardist Jay Rowe and many more.

Bassist Gary Grainger, keyboardist Jay Rowe and saxophonist Rob Holmes have been working with Ken for over 20 years and so Ken sat down with each of them and talked about their contributions to his song “Summer Smiles” and what it was like to work together in the studio during the Covid pandemic.

Drummer Greg Grainger has been working with Ken for over 25 years but this is the first time they have sat down to have an in-depth discussion about recording the drums for Ken's latest hit song "When We Dance" from his 25th album "Into The Light" and much more. Along the way they discussed drumming, the recording process, the music business and playing and touring with Whitney Houston for her first world tour in 1988. “When We Dance”” is one of the 11 new songs from Navarro’s new album for 2020, “Into The Light”. This is Navarro’s 25th album and it features over 20 musicians contributing to Ken’s new music including bassists Gary Grainger & John Patitucci, drummers Greg Grainger, Bruce Guttridge & Dave Weckl, keyboardist Jay Rowe, harpist Lori Andrews & saxophonist Tony Craddock Jr. to name a few.

“Dancing Waters” is one of the 11 new songs from Navarro’s new album for 2020, “Into The Light”. This is Navarro’s 25th album and it features over 20 musicians contributing to Ken’s new music including bassists Gary Grainger & John Patitucci, drummers Greg Grainger, Bruce Guttridge & Dave Weckl, keyboardist Jay Rowe, harpist Lori Andrews & saxophonist Tony Craddock Jr. to name a few. For this podcast , Ken spoke with virtuoso drummer Bruce Guttridge about recording his drum part for this uniquely beautiful song in 13/8 time.

“Green Chile Stew” is one of the 11 new songs from Navarro’s new album for 2020, “Into The Light”. This is Navarro’s 25th album and it features over 20 musicians contributing to Ken’s new music including bassists Gary Grainger & John Patitucci, drummers Greg Grainger, Bruce Guttridge & Dave Weckl, keyboardist Jay Rowe, harpist Lori Andrews & saxophonist Tony Craddock Jr. to name a few. For this podcast , Ken spoke with soprano saxophonist Tony Craddock Jr. about recording his saxophone parts for this funky, bluesy gem.

“When We Dance” is one of the 11 new songs from Navarro’s new album for 2020, “Into The Light”. This is Navarro’s 25th album and it features over 20 musicians contributing to Ken’s new music including bassists Gary Grainger & John Patitucci, drummers Greg Grainger, Bruce Guttridge & Dave Weckl, keyboardist Jay Rowe, harpist Lori Andrews & saxophonist Tony Craddock Jr. to name a few. For this podcast about the making of the song “When We Dance”, Ken listens to the song with you and takes you behind the scenes to explore the musicians and their contributions to “When We Dance”, Ken’s composing process and ultimately what the song means to him.

When Lyle Mays passed away on February 10, 2020 at the age of 66, Ken and his friend, long time band mate and keyboardist Jay Rowe, both immediately knew they wanted and needed to pay tribute to this great musician who had influenced them both deeply for over 4 decades. Through his own music and recordings along with his contributions to the compositions, recordings and performances of The Pat Metheny Group, Lyle changed Ken's musical life and direction more than once. Included are excerpts from "San Lorenzo”,, "First Circle", "Lakes", "Ozark" and "Minuano".

Top charting and award winning guitarist Ken Navarro is releasing his 25th album “Into The Light” on February 21, 2020. Ken takes you behind the scenes in this preview of some of the 11 new songs. Featuring Navarro's brilliant acoustic & electric guitar work throughout, the new album for 2020 features over 20 musicians contributing to Ken’s new music including bassists Gary Grainger & John Patitucci, drummers Greg Grainger, Bruce Guttridge & Dave Weckl, keyboardist Jay Rowe and saxophonist Tony Craddock Jr..

Ken's associate producer for his groundbreaking album "Music For Guitar And Orchestra" was a man whom Ken had previously worked with for many years. However this album was a new and multi-faceted challenge which Dan LaMaestra took on with a commitment to excellence. Dan handled the hiring of many of the musicians and coordinating the communication and preparation for the recording sessions with each of them as well as finding just the right recording studio for this special album. In addition, Dan served as the copyist for Ken's music and also as a consultant during the mixing of the music. This podcast episode is full of fascinating stories and behind the scenes details of how a complex orchestral recording of new original music successfully comes together.

Virtuoso jazz harpist Lori Andrews was one of the first musicians Ken called when he started writing and orchestrating the music for "Music For Guitar And Orchestra". Lori is one of the few true jazz harpists on the planet and she and Ken speak in detail about how Ken used the harp on this new album. They also discussed some of the techniques Lori has created to make jazz music “groove” on a harp and the way she learned to solo on an instrument which is not known for improvisation. This is an amazing insight into the harp and as an added bonus, an incredibly informative journey into how a classically trained harpist becomes a jazz virtuoso.

Ken hangs out with 2 of the virtuoso musicians who played on Ken's new album "Music For Guitar And Orchestra". Dave Perkel (trombone), MaryAnn Perkel (cello) and Ken talk about everything from putting together an amazing custom orchestra for Ken's groundbreaking new music to the differences between performing as part of an orchestra in a concert vs. performing in the recording studio to the specific challenges of playing this emotional and interesting music. Fascinating behind the scenes stuff that you won't find anywhere else.

Ken and his special guest Jay Rowe listen to Ken's groundbreaking album "Music For Guitar And Orchestra" and talk about the music - how it was composed, orchestrated, recorded and much more. This podcast is an excellent way to preview this breakthrough album with some very interesting commentary from Ken and Jay.

Ken previews his new album "Bonfire" with behind the scenes stories and information about how he recorded his new music and the inspiration for the songs. For more information, please visit: kennavarro.com

Ken has an in depth conversation with keyboardist and composer Bill Laurance. Best known for his three #1 solo albums including his brand new one "Aftersun" as well as numerous Grammy Award winning albums with Snarky Puppy, Bill is currently on tour with Snarky Puppy and spoke with Ken from the road. Music excerpts included in this podcast are Ken Navarro's "The Stars, The Snow, The Fire" from his album "Dreaming of Trains" and Bill Laurance's "Never Ending City", "Swag Times" and "Money In The Desert" from his album "Flint" and "Soti" and "A Blaze" from his latest album "Aftersun". For more information, please visit: billlaurance.com, kennavarro.com

Ken speaks with saxophonist Tony Craddock Jr, a young and gifted musician who has already released two excellent albums including 2014's "Convection" featuring Ken on the composition "1102 Bradfield Hall". Ken and Tony discuss how Tony is successfully making his way in the competitive world of music and smooth jazz as well as the the importance of time management, practice and building a career in music, one brick at a time. Tony and Ken will be performing a special concert together on Feb 14, 2016 in Tysons Corner, Virginia. You can get your tickets here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2016-valentines-day-smooth-jazz-brunch-featuring-tony-craddock-jr-cold-front-ken-navarro-tickets-19770545233

Ken takes you into his recording studio for an in depth look at the instruments he played and recorded for his #1 hit song "Juliet" from his 2015 album Unbreakable Heart. For more information on Ken Navarro and his music, please visit: kennavarro.com

Ken brings you into his recording studio and discusses the instrumentation and arrangement of his song "Frenchmen Street" from his 2015 album "Unbreakable Heart".

Ken brings you into his recording studio and discusses the form and structure of his song "Frenchmen Street" from his 2015 album "Unbreakable Heart".

Ken previews his new album "Unbreakable Heart" with behind the scenes stories and information about how he recorded his new music and the inspiration for each song.

Ken has a conversation with keyboardist James Lloyd who released his first solo album this year, after a storied career with with the group he co-founded almost 40 years ago, Pieces of a Dream. James talks about being discovered at the age of 16 by Grover Washington, touring with Grover (including his first tour with a broken hand!), his process for composing and recording and the creative, improvisational way he learned to be an exceptional cook - Monday Podcast Series, episode 7. For more information, please visit: jameslloydmusic.com, kennavarro.com

Elan Trotman moved to Boston, Massachusetts from his home in Barbados to attend the Berklee College of Music. He decided to stay and pursue his musical ambitions in the USA and has since become a sought after and in demand contemporary jazz saxophonist. This was the first time Ken and Elan had spoken and so these two musicians spent some time getting to know one another - Monday Podcast Series, episode 6

Sandy Shore is the founder and president of Smoothjazz.com, the leading smooth and contemporary internet jazz radio station and website. Ken and Sandy have known each other for 20 years and talk about the past and future of contemporary jazz and radio - Monday Podcast Series, episode 5

It's been 12 years since Ken produced Eric Darius's first national album "Night On The Town". They had a lot of catching up to do - Monday Podcast Series, episode 4

Ken discusses making music, the road and the music business with keyboardist Jay Rowe - Monday Podcast Series, episode 3

Ken discusses and shares his process for composing new music - Monday Podcast Series, episode 2

Ken gives advice on how to begin to learn to play the guitar - Monday Podcast Series, episode 1

Ken narrates an audio preview of "Strength" from his new album for January 2015 "Hope, Joy, Strength"

Ken narrates an audio preview of "Joy" from his new album for January 2015 "Hope, Joy, Strength"

Ken narrates an audio preview of "Hope" from his new album for January 2015 "Hope, Joy, Strength"

Ken narrates an audio preview of his new album for 2014 "Ruby Lane"

Ken takes you behind the scenes in part 4 of the creation of his new album "Ruby Lane"

Ken takes you behind the scenes in part 3 of the creation of his new album "Ruby Lane"

Ken takes you behind the scenes in part 2 of the creation of his new album "Ruby Lane"

Ken takes you behind the scenes in part 1 of the creation of his new album "Ruby Lane"

Ken takes you behind the scenes with his new CD "The Test Of Time".

Ken talks about how you can have him perform a special and unique Living Room Concert for you

Ken gives his fans a behind the scenes preview of his 2010 album "Dreaming of Trains"

Ken discusses how he composed, recorded and performed the music from his new CD "The Grace of Summer Light".

Ken discusses the worldwide distribution of his latest CD "The Meeting Place".

Ken and keyboardist Jay Rowe chat while they listen to the last 3 songs from "The Meeting Place".

Ken and keyboardist Jay Rowe chat while they listen to the next 4 songs from "The Meeting Place".

Ken and keyboardist Jay Rowe chat while they listen to the first 4 songs from "The Meeting Place".

Ken previews and discusses each song from his brand new CD "The Meeting Place".

Ken takes you along with him during the mixing process of the song "I Wish I Knew". Hear all of the individual instruments "soloed" and then joined back together again from his upcoming CD "The Meeting Place".

Ken tells you all about recording all of the musicians and shares an excerpt from "Did You Hear That?" from his upcoming CD "The Meeting Place".

Ken discusses creating the demos for his upcoming CD "The Meeting Place".

Ken talks about composing and recording the music for the last 3 songs from the hit CD "Love Coloured Soul".

Ken talks about composing and recording the music for the next 4 songs from the hit CD "Love Coloured Soul".

Ken talks about composing and recording the music for the first 3 songs from the hit CD "Love Coloured Soul".