Alan and Lindsay Bjorklund explore the decade-long journey of the album Not Your Grandfather’s Jazz featuring Tyshawn Sorey, Matt Mitchell, Jeremy Viner, Travis Reuter, and Kim Cass. They break down the band history of Smirk, the process of recording world-class improvisers at GSI Studios, and why they chose to build an independent platform for creative music.

Timestamps:

00:00 - Intro: Reflecting on the label’s first release

01:00 - The origins of Smirk (2011 at Ibeam)

02:00 - Smirk vs. Face: Electric and Acoustic quintets

04:14 - Expanding to a sextet with Matt Mitchell

09:29 - Personnel rotations and sub-players

11:44 - Writing specifically for the 5-string electric bass

12:04 - Bass chemistry with Tyshawn Sorey

15:28 - Meeting Tyshawn Sorey and early collaborations

19:51 - Inside the 2017 GSI recording session

22:38 - The decision to fund a project and start a label

25:58 - Interconnectedness: The Merry Poppins session

30:05 - The Nublu release gig and the live energy

31:14 - Tyshawn’s perfectly timed stick drop

32:39 - Nostalgia for the 55 Bar and intimate spaces

BIRCH GROVE MEDIA

• Web: birchgrove.io
• Follow us: @birch.grove.media on Instagram.
• Watch on YouTube: youtube.com/@BirchGroveMedia
• Get the Record: Shop our current 180g LP and digital releases on our website. Rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

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Bassist Kevin Scott shares lessons from the road and the technical secrets of playing "out" while keeping the pocket. From touring with Gov't Mule to the manifestation stories that led to playing with his idols, Kevin discusses the necessity of artistic sacrifice and the "Dancing Poodle" analogy that defines the industry landscape.

Timestamps:

00:00 - The reality of the professional music environment

00:26 - Touring with a "Raccoon Ambassador"

03:49 - Tour Hacks: Bus etiquette and sideman logistics

08:34 - Maintaining health and gym routines on the road

09:53 - Resonant Paths: Hiring Greg Osby and Ryan Clackner

13:42 - Manifestation: Joining Warren Haynes’ solo band

20:46 - Handling nerves when playing when being a “fanboy”

28:09 - The 55 Bar legacy and the 2026 NYC scene

35:36 - Building collaborative communities through sacrifice

44:19 - Playing "out" while maintaining the pocket

49:31 - The "Abusive Partner" analogy: Double Bass vs. Electric

53:14 - Electric Bass: The history of the "Ultimate Bastard" instrument

56:26 - The Mythic Pursuit: Col. Bruce Hampton and moving to Atlanta

01:06:16 - The Dancing Poodle Analogy: Why it always wins

01:10:19 - Upcoming records with Matt Chamberlain and Ryan Clackner

BIRCH GROVE MEDIA

• Web: birchgrove.io
• Follow us: @birch.grove.media on Instagram.
• Watch on YouTube: youtube.com/@BirchGroveMedia
• Get the Record: Shop our current 180g LP and digital releases on our website. Rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

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Alan and Lindsay Bjorklund join Matt Scollante to explore the intensive process of recording the new Bear Skinner album, Unobtainium. They discuss the technical challenge of live tracking during a snowstorm, the discipline of creating original audio patches, and the infrastructure required to document high-level creative music.

BIRCH GROVE MEDIA

• Web: birchgrove.io
• Follow us: @birch.grove.media on Instagram.
• Watch on YouTube: youtube.com/@BirchGroveMedia
• Get the Record: Shop our current 180g LP and digital releases on our website. Rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.