Jeff Floro's All About Guitar

I had the opportunity to have Laurence Juber on the show when he and Christopher Rodriguez talked about the LA Unified School District music program, which Laurence actively participates in. Also, as and educator, he is very active with Jessica Baron's Guitars In The Classroom. So it seemed right to invite Laurence back on the show to focus on his guitar playing, his composing, his newest album, his very cool Martin signature guitar, and more!

Although an extraordinary guitarist, Mark Leggett is more known as a composer, Emmy nominated, having composed music for hundreds of television and documentary productions. We take a look at two examples of Mark's body of work, some cues for the television series "My Name Is Earl," and also his work on the Dolly Parton TV movie "Coat of Many Colors." We will take a in depth look into Mark's guitar playing, his technique and tone, and how his guitar playing influences his writing.

Xotic California is a interesting company. I have known them primarily by their amazing effects pedals, but they are also renown in making beautifully handcrafted guitars and basses used by many professional musicians worldwide. Gary Roudenko, of The Amp Shop/Bass Exchange joins us as we go deeper into the company and take a good look at their pedals and instruments. Its a night of how to get great tone as we find out why so many musicians are using Xotic products to create their unique sound! Joining me to check out these great guitars and effects are Prescott Niles, from the Knack & Missing Persons, and Howie Anderson of the Strawberry Alarm Clock!

I had Vito Gregoli on the show a few months ago and we briefly touched on his work with Kimberly Haynes. Her album "Awaken Me," since then has been getting a lot of acclaim, getting Album of the Year from New World Music. Vito and Kimberly Haynes join me and we go into more detail into the making of this truly beautiful album Kimberly's newest EP release, "You're The One." We will talk about the whole process, from conception to final mix and all in between! And, also, we will talk about guitars, tone and gear!!

My guest tonight is Michael Lennon, leader of the band Venice, with his brother Mark and cousins Kipp & Pat Lennon. We take a look at Mike's guitar playing in Venice and how he arranges his guitar parts around the lush vocals which gives Venice its signature sound. So join me for some very tasty licks, killer tone and, of course, great gear!

It has been 50 years since The Strawberry Alarm Clock became part of music history with their release of their hit "Incense And Peppermint." We will take a look at this extraordinary band and delve into psychedelic music, acid rock and sunshine pop. We will take a look at band members George Bunnell, Mark Weitz, Randy Seol, Howie Anderson, Gene Gunnels and Steve Bartek, their amazing journey with the band, after the band and how they came full circle to reunite and currently entertain audiences everywhere!!

We have a very interesting show for tonight! Lynette Skynyrd is an all women tribute band for Lynyrd Skynyrd. I have had guitarist Cathy Lauer on the show a couple of times and she is one of the guitarists in the band. We take a look at what it takes to get Lynyrd Skynyrd's classic sound: the gear, the guitars and what techniques are needed get "that" sound. Join me and guitarists Cathy Lauer, Deanna Hurst-Levine, Marija Kristic, bassist and founder Laurie Sidis, and drummer Shannon Millard as we talk everything Skynyrd and, of course, great tone, great gear and great technique!!

Pat DiPuccio, of The Condors, Blow Up and one of the founders of Flipside Magazine returns to the show to discuss the Detroit Punk Scene. And he is not coming alone! Joining Pat is Frank Meyer, of the Streetwalkin' Cheetahs, Loren Molinare of The DoGs, Tony Fate of Carnage Asada and Symbol Six, and Ricky Rat of the legendary Trash Brats. And also very special guest Prescott Niles of The Knack will be by to join in the fun! We will be playing some clips of the Streetwalking' Cheetahs and The DoGs, and we will premiere a brand new cut by the Condors! It's a night of guitars, gear and exploring just what the Detroit scene brought to the mix!

It is an honor to have Steve Postell back on the show and we have a lot to talk about. We go into more detail into his guitar playing, arranging, songwriting and recording of his albums "Time Still Knocking" and "Until You Get Here." But we also get a sneak peek at his upcoming album, "Walking Through These Blues!" It's a night of great stories, great tone, and, of course, talk about gear!

It is my pleasure to have Bernard Maillot on the show! Bernard is the President of Savarez Strings, one of the major string makers for the world, especially for flamenco and classical guitars. We will talk to Bernard about how these strings are made and also get some insight to all the different types of strings Savarez makes and what might be the best for you! I have brought together, in studio, a bunch of guitars with all different types of Savarez strings for us to listen to. Joining me on this demonstration are three renown guitarists in their own right. Jean-Pierre Durand and Liza Carbe, of Carbe Durand and Incendio will be helping me test out these strings, as well as session guitarist and excellent flamenco and classical guitarist Carlos Calvo will also be trying out these strings!

I am honored to have Marc Bonilla on the show this week! Being a member of the Keith Emerson Band and Danny Seraphine's (of Chicago fame) new group CTA (California Transit Authority), Marc has had a very successful career as a solo artist and session player for films and television. We will take a look at Marc's playing, his great tone and technique and we will, of course, talk about what he uses. As a special treat, we will get a sneak peek at some new music for his upcoming album and also talk about an upcoming Keith Emerson Band tribute concert DVD!

I am proud to announce that Greg De Lorto of Heritage Guitars will be on the show! Heritage Guitars is basically the original luthiers that made the much coveted Gibson guitars from the late 1950's to the middle to late 1960's. They are located in the original Kalamazoo Michigan plant that, for many years, was where Gibson guitars were made. Using all their expertise, artistry and craftmanship, Heritage makes some beautiful guitars. We will take a look at the history of the company, their guitars, and more! Joining us will be Gary Roudenko, of The Amp Shop Bass Exchange, who put me in contact with Greg, and Heritage endorsee David Becker, who will be showing us his signature Heritage guitar. Also joining us are monster guitarist Steve Fister, and classical, flamenco, and jazz guitarist Richard Gomez to help us check out these amazing instruments!!

I am honored to have Kim Martin join us on All About Guitar. Kim started playing bass at 14 years old and studied and graduated from the Berklee College fo Music (Bass Guitar) and also the Grove Music School (Recording/Engineering). We will talk to Kim about her new EP "Old Southern Soul," and also go into detail into her playing the bass. And we will discuss her gear and tone!

Jessica Anne Baron had introduced me to Christopher Rodriguez at NAMM at the annual Guitars In The Classroom Brunch. Tonight we get to take a look at the fruits of GITC and how Chris Rodriguez has developed music and music education in the Los Angeles Unified School District. Laurence Juber, artist advocate for GITC and international recording artist and guitarist, will be joining us. Laurence has worked closely with Chris and the LAUSD to further their music programs. Laurence has written and arranged music for the students to play and we will hear some of that too! Also joining us is Monique Brusca, one of the teachers in the program and some of the students in the program. We will get a first hand look at a great program in action!!

Last year Troy Dexter came on the show and besides talking to him about his career playing with Wilson Phillips and studio work, we got a glimpse of his upcoming album "Shop Talk." Now the album has been released and what better excuse to have Troy back on the show. We explore more deeply the making of "Shop Talk," his guitar playing on it and a more on his arranging and producing of it. And, of course, we will get into the guitars and gear he used and how he recorded it!

My guest this week is guitarist, composer, arranger and songwriter Richard Gomez. While hailing from the Dominican Republic, Richard is a graduate (with honors) from Musician's Institute and studied with Joe Pass, Scott Henderson and Joe Diorio. A truly international performer, Richard was honored by UNESCO and the Dominican Ministry of Culture on International Jazz Day. As a session guitarist he has done work for Warner Bros., Sony International, Walt Disney and has work with such international artists as Ricky Martin. We take a look at Richard's music, his guitar playing, and how guitar impacts his music composition and orchestration. And, of course, we will talk about his guitars and gear!

Another night of great guitar playing and tone! My guest is Carmen Grillo. Carmen is presently playing with the Sons Of Champlin, but is also known for playing with Tower Of Power. Carmen has also worked with Rita Coolidge and Chicago. We take a look at Carmen's album "A Different World" and talk about his playing and how he gets his great tone.

I am honored to have Bill Champlin on the show. Bill is a singer, songwriter, keyboardist, guitarist and producer. Starting with his group the Sons of Champlin, and being part of the band Chicago, he also is an in demand session man, having worked with Al Jarreau, George Duke, Boz Scaggs, Elton John, The Tubes, Lee Ritenour, Amy Grant and many more. He co-wrote the Earth, Wind and Fire hit "After The Love Has Gone," with Jay Graydon and David Foster, and also co-wrote George Benson's hit "Turn Your Love Around" with Jay Graydon and Steve Lukather. We talk to Bill about his guitar playing and how it has impacted his music, songwriting and producing, spanning his session work, solo works and the groups he has been in.

What makes a successful musical collaboration? Especially when both people are guitarists? Jackie Bristow and Mark Punch join me tonight and we take a closer look at the magic of their collaboration at making some truly great music. Jackie is a singer, songwriter, and guitarist. Mark is a great guitarist, arranger, singer, songwriter and producer for Jackie's albums, besides producing for other artists. We take a listen to the making of two of Jackie's albums: "Shot of Gold" and "Freedom." We talk to them about their working relationship, arrangements, the sound of the albums, and, of course, how they recorded it and what gear did they use!

Carlos Calvo is an amazing guitarist. Besides being a great session guitarist, having worked on the TV show King of the Hill, a singer-songwriter, and producer, Carlos also has another interesting job. He coaches actors how to play guitar on screen and make it look authentic. He has worked with David Duchovney on Californication and also worked on the show Ray Donovan. We talk to Carlos about how he approaches this and also we take a closer look at his playing and writing.