There’s nothing like witnessing four great musicians with different backgrounds sitting in a tiny backstage room creating magic. At least that’s what it felt like to me. Language wasn’t a barrier. They all spoke Django.

I felt like the fifth “Beatle” standing next to, and documenting, Maie, Biel, John and Stephane paying tribute to Django on his 100th Birthday.

Related: A Session with BABIK at Django A Go Go

Buffalo-based Babik played at the 100th anniversary of Django Reinhardt at NYC’s Joe’s Pub this past Winter. I had a few moments to spend with the two guitar players, Stuart Fuchs and Joshua Assad backstage.

Babik:  Site +  MySpace

Natalia Paruz, aka Saw Lady, performs ‘Changes’ written by Scott R. Munson. This video is an excerpt of the full length portrait piece.

Amy Regan – Site + Facebook + MySpace + Twitter + YouTube + Music

Click here for mobile version of video.

13th Floor: MySpace + Facebook +Twitter + Current Album + Photos on Guitarkadia

Kagero:  Site +  MySpace +  Facebook +  Twitter

Click here for mobile version.

More Guitarkadia Sessions.

Will Knox:  Site +   MySpace +   Facebook +   Twitter

Q&A

G: What 3 albums have influenced your writing the most? Why?

WK: 1. Nick Drake – Pink Moon. This was Nick’s last record, it’s all solo acoustic. It is packed with raw performance, intricate songwriting, and extremely honest emotion. I think it gives a rare chance to just hear one the greatest singer-songwriters at his rawest (guitar & voice), letting the melodies, lyrics and harmonies speak for themselves. Jose Gonzalez’ ‘Veneer’ is a similar record in that respect, though very different in its context.

2. Ryan Adams – Heartbreaker. Not only do Gillian Welch and Dave Rawlings play on this record, but every song is a gem. It flows seamlessly, track after track – your finger never thinks about pushing the ‘next’ button. Faultless writing, faultless performances, beautiful sounds.

3. I’m torn between Elliott Smith -Figure 8, and Tracy Chapman’s debut record. Such different records! But they both have an uncanny way of making you connect with them. Such unique voices and trademark songwriting. I suppose what ties all these records is raw emotion. For me that’s what separates the greats from the not so greats.

G: What guitars do you own? What other gear(s) do you use?

WK: I own a steel string, acoustic Collings SJ, a Fender Telecaster, a Gibson Les Paul Custom 1957 Re-Issue, and a steel string acoustic Fender Malibu. I just bought a Kala Tenor Ukulele too! It pains me to say I rarely pick up my electric guitars.. the closest I get to amplification is plugging my Collings in to a Fishman Loudbox 100 (great acoustic amp). The closest I get to gear/pedals is my Boss Tuner!

- Never be arrogant/rude to your engineer. Sometimes it takes a while to fix a problem/get a good sound.

b) writing
- Carry around a notebook everywhere – I like to write on trains a lot.. there’s nothing else to do but observe and think.

c) performing
- Do it a lot! It’s the only way to get rid of over-nervousness.

Recommend me new musicians/bands to meet for a session, via Email or Twitter.

Started ‘Guitarkadia Sessions‘ for one purpose, to present new music and traditional music. While I look for people myself, I’d also like to ask you for recommendations of musicians/bands for me to come and record.

Who?: Anyone with original music (incl. instrumental) who you absolutely feel deserves to be heard/seen. Extra points if it’s a traditional stringed instrument and traditional music from other countries performed by expats. (You know how I feel about that)

How this works: If I select a musician/band, I’ll come record one song (acoustic only). One take. One camera angle. You’ll intro yourself, your instrument, and the song. All within 5-6 minutes. So, you’ll have to prepare just a little as if you’re performing live. I won’t go to a live gig and record your performance. It has to be a quiet place we agree on. (Watch following video for example)

Note: However, I’m not making this a popular vote thing. I have to like the music too. Since I’ll be taking my time out of a busy enough schedule to do this, it has to be worth my while. Please recommend your absolute best.

I plan to record 2-3 videos a month, so will be choosing carefully. For now, I’m sticking to NYC only.

How To Recommend Artists:

Step 1: Follow me on Twitter, OR Fan me on Facebook.

Step 2:

On Twitter: @ me with hashtag #GuitarkadiaSessions and tag your recommendation’s username.

On Facebook: Tag me on Facebook (use @ and my username – only works if you Fan me beforehand) and tag your recommendation.

That’s it!

Let’s see how this goes. Check out this video of Craig Greenberg for an example of a Guitarkadia Sessions.

Back in May I spent two afternoons with NY-based singer/songwriter Craig Greenberg. This session came out of our second meeting where Craig talked about playing guitar, writing, and performed two songs.