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