Front Row Podcast from Swallow Hill Music

Sean McGowan is a guitarist, author, performer, and professor at the University of Colorado Denver. Martin and Sean talk about teaching, performing, the future of music education and so much more in this conversation. Sean has released several solo guitar records and authored countless articles and books including his newest instructional book "The Acoustic Jazz Guitarist" from Acoustic Guitar Magazine."  

Pete Henriksen helped his dad start the Henriksen amplifier company more than a decade ago. Since then they have become a leader in jazz and acoustic amps. After his father's death, Pete carried on the tradition and has named their new product after him 'The Bud'. Martin and Pete Talk about Amp building, luthiers, the music gear business and much more. This episode also features a conversation with the band 'Generation Nomad' one of the winners of Swallow Hill's Young Songwriters Competition.

Mike Finders is a prolific songwriter, a great guitarist and singer, and a big thinker. Mike joined Martin to talk about his band "Finders and Youngberg" (also known as FY5) and their new record The Way These Things Go. Along the way they cover teaching, songwriting and much more. Thanks for listening! Enjoy!

In this episode of the Front Row Podcast, Martin Gilmore interviews Mark Diamond. Mark is a gigmaster...or a "gigfarmer" in his own words. His bass has driven numerous bands and multiple styles of music. From Bluegrass to jazz to blues Mark has an abundant musical energy and makes his living gigging! It is still possible. Thank you for listening to the Front Row Podcast, created and hosted by Martin Gilmore.

Tyler Grant is a National Flatpicking Guitar champion, bandleader, songwriter, and all around great musician. His band "Grant Farm" has become a mainstay of the Colorado music scene and tours nationally with their flavor of Americana. Martin and Tyler talk guitar contests, business and much more on this episode of the Front Row Podcast. Thank you for listening to the Front Row Podcast, created and hosted by Martin Gilmore.

Mark Morris wears many hats. He's a professional skier, a bandleader, a songwriter, a festival promoter, a guitar player and so much more. His band Rapidgrass and his festival Clear Creek Rapidgrass have become mainstays of the Colorado music scene. He tours nationally and internationally in his various roles. Martin and Mark talk about all of that and more on this episode. Enjoy!

Aaron McCloskey is no stranger to Swallow Hill Music. Now a veteran teacher at the school his classes are full of repeat students and lots of fun. Aaron and Martin discuss teaching, performing, building amplifiers, recording and much more in this podcast. Enjoy!

Brad Van Loenen builds Turkey Creek Mandolins in his workshop high above Denver in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. His unique designs are becoming synonymous with Colorado acoustic music. You can find information about his mandolins at tcmandolin.com.

Natalie Padilla grew up playing the fiddle in contests all over the USA. Now, a professional musician and teacher, she has a new solo record and is bringing Bluegrass to The University of Northern Colorado. We cover all of that and more in this interview.

Aaron Youngberg is a well known name in the Rocky MountainRegion. His band, Finnders and Youngberg, has performed all overthe United States and make some of the most creative and intriguingmusic happening in the Acoustic Music World. Martin joined him atthis recording studio in the Foothills above Fort Collins to talkabout his recording business, playing music and much more.

Julie and John Pennell visited us at Swallow Hill last summer and performed a great concert as well as hosting a great songwriting workshop. Both great songwriters and musicians, they made the trip from Nashville, Tennessee to join Martin in the basement of his house and talk about songwriting in the modern world, performance and The Beatles.

Ill Se7en is a rapper, MC, poet, teacher and so much more. Through his work with organizations like Youth on Record and  his work in the public schools, Ill Se7en has helped build a vibrant Hip Hop scene that is flourishing in the Denver area. Martin talks to Ill Se7en about his roots, the beginning of Hip Hop and the scene and culture here on the front range. Check out his music at:  illse7en.bandcamp.com

Raul Reynoso is a guitar virtuoso, songwriter, singer and all around nice guy. He is a champion of swing guitar, bluegrass and many other styles. From beginnings as a musician and performer at Disneyland to a lifelong career of making music Raul has a lot to say about what being a musician entails. Martin and Raul talked at the Olde Town Pickn’ Parlor while Raul was in town in June of 2015.

Ross Martin is a guitar master! He has performed with The Motet, The Matt Flinner Trio and many more. Ross and Martin talk about crossing genres, learning music and the new Jeff Austin Band that features Ross on guitar. More information about Ross is available at: rossmartinguitar.com. Enjoy! {Photo by: Leah Latella}

Dominick Leslie is a mandolin virtuoso who hails from Evergreen, Colorado. He is known for his mandolin work with the acclaimed band "The Deadly Gentlemen" as well as "Missy Raines and the New Hip" and many, many more. Martin and Dominick talk about the mandolin as an instrument, the Berklee School of Music in Boston and much, much more. Enjoy!!!

Lindsay Kupser is an awesome singer songwriter originally from Calgary in Alberta, Canada. She joins Martin for a conversation about songwriting, her musical education and her new record Quiet Songs. You can learn more about Lindsay at: lindsaykupser.com

Lauren Stovall is the lead singer and guitar player for the Colorado Bluegrass band "The Railsplitters". Since their foundation in 2012, The Railsplitters have already made their mark on the bluegrass scene by winning the Rockygrass band competition in 2013 and the Pickin in The Pines band competition in 2012. Their progressive sound is unique, energetic and very entertaining. Lauren and Martin talk about songwriting, recording and much more. "The Railsplitters will be performing at Swallow Hill Music on May 9th. www.therailsplitters.com

Steve Seifert, from the Newman Center at the University of Denver, joins Martin for a discussion about the changing music world and how it is re-shaping the world of music presentation. There is a big shift happening in classical music that is refocusing the traditional chamber ensemble idea into a different genre full of diverse instruments, unique compositions and an experimental spirit. The Newman Center Presents series brings many of the ensembles at the forefront of this musical shift to Denver and Steve Seifert is the man in charge. Check out the Newman Center Presents Series at www.newmancenterpresents.com

Jake Schepps joins Martin for a discussion about the new paths of Acoustic music. Jake's new record "Entwined" features classical works composed specifically for a "Bluegrass Quintet" of instruments. Martin and Jake discuss exploring new musical ground, the music business and reimagining traditions. Visit Jakeschepps.com for more information.

Danielle Anderson is a fantastic songwriter. She goes by the pseudonym Danielle Ate The Sandwich and with five records under her belt she has proven her place in the burgeoning Front Range music scene. She and Martin Sit down to talk about songwriting, life and their similar roots in rural Nebraska. Danielle plays her ukulele on a song from her new project 'The Drawing Back of Curtains: Music from the Film ‘Packed in the Trunk: the Lost Art of Edith Lake Wilkinson' Find more atwww.danielleatethesandwich.com

Denver has a cutting edge avant-garde music scene exploring the borders of conventional music. Martin is joined by two prestigious Denver musicians and composers versed in prepared instruments. Janet Feder is an acclaimed guitarist and "musical experimenter." She has a bag of gadgets that expand her guitar into something unexpected, new and wonderful. Conrad Kehn teaches music composition at the University of Denver. For this episode, he found some things in his car and changed the piano into a collage of new sounds and depth. Martin, Conrad and Janet talk about the norms of music and art, what it's like to push the boundaries of sound and what listening means. It's an in depth discussion about something musicians often take for granted. Check out their websites: www.playgroundensemble.org andwww.janetfeder.com. Enjoy!

Pete Wernick is one of the most famous figures in the bluegrass banjo community and a figurehead of bluegrass music. His career has spanned five and a half decades of bluegrass music. Martin sits down to talk to Dr. Wernick about bluegrass music, banjo, his role in the International bluegrass music association and Hot Rize's new record 'When I'm Free'. Enjoy! More to come in the new year.

The Strange Americans were recently featured as one of CBS Denver's top up and coming bands of 2014. They have a new record That Kind of Luster" that was released in September. Martin sits down with Trent Nelson and Matt Hoffman to talk about Strange Americans, composition and music theory degrees. Enjoy! Photo by George Blosser.       

David Thomas Bailey and Martin have been friends since Martin moved to Denver in 2007. David is a notable guitarist who plays a really unique jazz style on a really unique 7-string guitar built by Greg German from Episode 16 (you can also hear some of his music on this episode). Martin and David talk about digital influence in the analogue world, composition and the band Faceman, which features David on guitar and bass...simultaneously...Check them out! www.facemanmusic.com

Dave Devine is an institution on the Denver Jazz scene. A true virtuoso and explorer of what guitars are capable of, Dave and martin talk about the divisions between academia and non-academic music...and what to do about it. Enjoy!

Patrick Dethlefs is a fantastic young Denver songwriter. He has a lot to say about songwriting, performing and music in general. Martin and Patrick dive in depth about the songwriting process and talk a bit about their long friendship.

Greg German is an artist by trade. Not just an artist with guitars and sound, but a painter, and medical illustrator. His unique vision has brought the world some incredible and (dare I say it) revolutionary instruments. Martin has known Greg for almost ten years. They cover a lot about guitar design and building in this conversation. All while Greg works...he never stops.

Courtney Hartman is the lead guitar player in the Grammy-nominated bluegrass band Della Mae. Martin and Courtney have been friends since they were kids competing in fiddle contests. Courtney was a master picker way back then and now she is in one of the best up and coming bluegrass bands on the scene.

Slam poetry is a rapidly rising folk art, and Slam Nuba is at the forefront of the craft. With several national competitions under their belt, Slam Nuba will return to the championships in Oakland, CA this August to try to claim the national title again. They join Martin for episode 14 of the Front Row Podcast. We hope you enjoy Martin's conversation with Luce, Jovan, Joser, Mary, Ken and Johnny.

Martin sits down for a panel discussion to weigh the benefits and disadvantages of a formal music education against an apprenticeship method. The panel includes a cast of experts from varied backgrounds including Colleen Jackson, Steve Seifert, Dave Devine and Eric Thorin. "This was our first live podcast...I learned some lessons." - Martin Gilmore.

Jayme Stone is not just a banjo player. He is a master musician with a diverse vision of what the banjo is and what it can be. He is working on a new project featuring material from the song collector and folklorist Alan Lomax.   Please support his project at http://kck.st/1pCxiDH

Swallow Hill Music's Young Songwriter's contest has brought some really great writers into the spotlight of the Denver music scene. This year the three finalists included the band Red Federation, Jobi Riccio and Thomas Martin. Martin sits down this week with all three groups and talks to them about songwriting.

Andres Cladera is the new director of the school at Swallow Hill Music. Andres is originally from Montevideo, Uruguay but came to the United States to pursue his education in music. He is a classically trained pianist and singer. He started the "Microscopic Opera" with Erica Olden in 2010. 

Heather Browne's music blog "I Am Fuel, You Are Friends" is full of discovery. She is an explorer finding sources of creativity and telling all of us about them. Since moving to Colorado from the San Francisco bay area she has discovered, uncovered, bolstered and cultivated the Colorado music scene. Check out her blog at fuelfriendsblog.com. Enjoy!

Heather Browne's music blog "I Am Fuel, You Are Friends" is full of discovery. She is an explorer finding sources of creativity and telling all of us about them. Since moving to Colorado from the San Francisco bay area she has discovered, uncovered, bolstered and cultivated the Colorado music scene. Check out her blog at fuelfriendsblog.com. Enjoy!

KC Groves has been a staple of the Colorado acoustic music scene for over 10 years. She is a fantastic songwriter, singer and bandleader. As a founding member of the internationally acclaimed old time band, Uncle Earl, She has toured the world, played the Ryman auditorium and performed with John Paul Jones of Led Zeppelin fame...and those are just some highlights of her career. Enjoy!

Tim O’brien is a Grammy award winning singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. He is known for his innovative songwriting as well for his adaptations and reproductions of traditional folk songs. His musical journey has taken him from Wheeling, West Virginia, all over the world. He is the lead singer of the famed Colorado bluegrass band Hot Rize, which found its beginnings at The Denver Folklore Center. We are glad to have him with us for the Front Row Podcast.

Kyle James Hauser's bright purple banjo case is a good indicator of his innovative style and taste. He stands out in a world of banjoists and songwriters with a style that is all his own. As a graduate of the Berklee School of Music in Boston, Massachusetts, he definitely shows us all how tradition and a pioneering spirit can lead to great things. Kyle James Hauser is a multi-instrumentalist and songwriter now based out of Louisville, Kentucky and has a new record with SonaBLAST records called "You a Thousand Times". Check him out at www.kylejameshauser.com.

Multi-instrumentalist, master musician, songwriter, and music instructor are just a few of the adjectives that describe Ernie Martinez. As a kid, growing up in Denver, Ernie joined a burgeoning acoustic music scene when he abandoned his drums for his banjo. Now Ernie is one of the best known faces in the rocky mountain region's bluegrass and country music communities. Ernie has been a part of Swallow Hill Music's faculty since the school started in 1979. 

For more than thirteen years, Bevan Frost has been building musical instruments. His brand, Big Hollow Guitars, have become known as some of the finest quality small bodied guitars in the country. Originally from Laramie, Wyoming, Bevan Frost has traveled around the world to learn his trade. As a student in Germany he explored his trade, while at the Breedlove Guitar factory he refined his system and now he focuses on his instruments from his shop in Frisco, CO.   His instruments can be seen at www.bighollowguitars.com

Kirkland’s mastery of the blues has brought him international recognition for his performances with the Colorado Symphony Orchestra, the Royal Musicians of Nepal, Willie Nelson, Chuck Berry, and national tours with country and Broadway star, Gary Morris. Clay's musical training and performing began at age 6 in Winterville, Georgia. He learned to sing the blues on the assembly line in Kansas City while working his way through college. Three days after earning his B.A. degree in psychology, his first blues band was born in St. Louis. Clay was recently awarded Swallow Hill Music's first ever Distinguished Faculty Award.  

Harry grew up singing and playing a series of instruments – from the piano to the clarinet, ukulele, baritone uke, and, in college, a six-string guitar. Philadelphia's lively folk scene provided the setting for Harry's first ventures into public singing. From there, friendships with Dick Weissman and Roger Abrahams fostered a growing interest in Anglo-American folk music. In 1960, needing a break from his studies (preparing for an architectural career), Harry traveled out to the Rocky Mountains for some skiing. He found a job at "The Holy Cat" in Georgetown, as a dishwasher, busboy, waiter, bartender, janitor, and – if there was a lull in the work at night – he could sing in the bar. There he met Hal Neustaedter – owner of "The Exodus," a folk club in Denver – who suggested that he look into starting a folklore center in Denver. With further encouragement from Izzy Young, owner of the first and (then) only Folklore Center, in New York's Greenwich Village, Harry opened the Denver Folklore Center in March 1962. Harry founded Swallow Hill Music in 1979. He was inducted into the Colorado Music Hall of Fame in 2012.

What is the alchemy that makes music happen? What are the ingredients that go into its creation? Who are the tribe of people that create this sound? Swallow Hill Music presents the world of music to through the varied people that make it happen. Teacher, performer and world traveler, Martin Gilmore talks, plays and chats with luminaries of the music world known and unknown, seen and unseen. National performers, local songwriters, iconic instrument shop owners, managers, luthiers, sound engineers, and journalists are all brought into the conversation one at time to fill in the picture of how music is made, appreciated, and transformed.  In this edition, Martin talks to Denver musician's Mollie O'Brien and Rich Moore, who are releasing their new album, Love Runner, at Swallow Hill Music on Sat, January 25 @ 8pm. Tickets are still available to the show.