Episode 20 with David Grissom (Storyville, John Mellencamp, Joe Ely, Austin based Solo Artist)

 

What is it about Texas and it's reputation for gunslingin' killer guitar players? You know the old cliche' "something in the water?", well, this certainly applies to the Lone Star State...think of the guitarists that have emerged from here- Stevie Ray and Jimmie Vaughn, Eric Johnson, Billy Gibbons, David Holt, Charlie Sexton, and newer cats like Carter Arrington- etc..but way up at the top of that list is my guest today- Mr. David Grissom. A veteran of the John Mellencamp band, Joe Ely, Storyville and the Dixie Chicks, he's also appeared on many records as a session player and songwriter. I've known David for a long time as you'll hear- we toured together for a few months in the late 90's with BB King when I was in the Neville Brothers and he was in Storyville.

In this interview we talk early days in Austin, string bending, influences, gear, Mellencamp, Lloyd Maines and steel guitar as an influence, Norman Blake, Ringo Starr, solo records etc...and much more. Couple of great little jams in here too!

On a nice day in Austin I got in an Uber from the hotel and headed over to David's studio where we did this interview. Hope you enjoy!

 

Recorded Austin, TX Sept 2017

Om Podcasten

The Riff Raff started as an idea I had a few years ago just to sit and chat with my friends whom I consider to be inspirational to me in some way- whether it be as a musician, artist or whatever the case may be. Over the years, as a working musician, I’ve been lucky to work with many amazing people and musicians and would like to share some of their stories with you. I’m a professional musician. I like stories. I mean... I REALLY like stories. Oh, and I love jokes too. Luckily, I work with some of the best in the business, and they happen to have great stories (and usually great jokes as well). Anyway, i want to put these stories down for people to enjoy - it’s fun. Some people like to garden, or take photos, or collect magnets for the fridge… but me? I like to get these stories down for all to enjoy! So this is a podcast about the creative process and, yes, being a guitar player, we do occasionally talk shop, gear, etc., but I’m not going to limit it to that as I get this thing going. Oh yeah, we jam a bit too!