Pursuing the Muse is back. This episode, we're featuring jazz guitar virtuoso Tim Fitzgerald. Tim and Tom go way back, so Tom can vouch for the fact that Tim's journey is incredible. He transitioned from studying physics to music mastery, learning the rules and how to break them from Barry Harris and Rodney Jones. Tim's now a scholar of Wes Montgomery and has released the acclaimed 'Full House' album, which reimagines Wes's iconic solos. Stay tuned for an inspiring conversation.

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Find out more about Tim Fitzgerald:

https://www.timfitzgeraldmusic.com

https://timfitzgerald.bandcamp.com/

https://www.instagram.com/timfitzgeraldmusic

https://www.facebook.com/timfitzgeraldmusic

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00:01:43 - Intro

00:02:23 - On humor and improv

00:03:41 - The "no rim shots" rule. (Bowser DID attend Juliard!)

00:05:23 - Post-high school journey and early music aspirations

00:09:53 - Life-changing teachers: Barry Harris

00:13:04 - The cool demeanor of Jimmy Lovelace

00:14:37 - Life-changing teachers: Rodney Jones

00:19:27 - Tim Fitzgerald as an educator

00:22:46 - Discovering Wes Montgomery

00:25:00 - Wes Montgomery's commercial success and CTI period

00:27:50 - The influential "Jazz 625" video

00:30:41 - Rodney Jones's serendipitous role in the video's release

00:33:05 - Transcribing Wes Montgomery and book creation

00:38:36 - The "Full House" album concept

00:42:03 - Future recording plans and the challenges of the Hammond B-3

00:47:57 - The connection between music and dance

01:03:09 - International touring and audience reactions

01:09:33 - Improvisation as a dynamic conversation

01:14:51 - Cultivating an individual sound

01:16:48 - Comparison of Fitzgerald and Montgomery's styles

01:18:57 - The importance of personality in music

01:20:06 - Joe Satriani and Eddie Van Halen: A parallel to personal interpretation

01:21:46 - Concluding remarks

In this episode, host Tom Compton talks with Eric Ambel, who truly embodies the word versatile in his work as a musician, producer, and even venue owner at one point. Eric says his many musical roles enhance each other. With a career spanning decades, Eric Ambel was a founding member of iconic bands like Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, The Del Lords and the Yayhoos. 25 years ago, Eric co-founded Cowboy Technical Services, a recording studio which has flourished, finding him to be highly sought after for his production skills. In this episode, we delve into his deep insights as a wearer of many hats. We'll discuss the creative process behind songs like Judas Kiss, his current work with Sarah Borges, and much, much more.

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Find out more about Eric Ambel:

https://www.ericambel.com

https://www.cowboytechnicalservices.com

https://www.instagram.com/the_ericambel

https://www.facebook.com/roscoenyc

https://www.youtube.com/@roscoenyc

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00:02:27 - Intro: Tom Compton welcomes Eric Ambel to Pursuing the Muse.

00:03:01 - Early Musical Journey & Late Songwriting Realization

00:05:00 - The Synergy of Musical Roles

00:06:23 - Midwest Rock Scene in the 70s

00:07:48 - From Small Town to Musical Path

00:08:49 - Pioneering Cowpunk in Wyoming

00:09:57 - From Laramie to Los Angeles

00:11:31 - Band Name Evolution

00:12:07 - Hollywood Club Circuit

00:12:48 - Joining Joan Jett & the Blackhearts

00:16:41 - Post-Jett Transition & Move to NYC

00:19:23 - The Genesis of The Del-Lords

00:21:28 - The Del Lords' Four-Frontman Vision

00:23:13 - Songwriting Dynamics & Credits

00:24:54 - Personal Songwriting & Home Recording

00:25:00 - Producing Career & Cowboy Technical Services

00:27:16 - The Evolution of "Judas Kiss"

00:30:10 - The Del Lords' Initial Split

00:31:33 - Joining Steve Earle's Dukes

00:38:38 - Steve Earle's Unique Songwriting & Recording Approach

00:35:50 - Songwriting Insights from Steve Earle

00:39:47 - The Formation of The Yayhoos

00:43:05 - Recording "Fear Not the Obvious" & Vinyl Release

00:45:20 - "Baby, I Love You" & "Slither" Placement

00:49:37 - Producer's Niche & Collaborations

00:50:52 - Songwriting with Sarah Borges

00:54:57 - Sarah Borges' Fearless Songwriting

00:57:50 - "Here Come My Love" from the Lakeside Album

00:59:59 - The Del Lords Reunion & Producing "Elvis Club"

01:03:39 - The Unfinished Del Lords Record

01:05:01 - Upcoming Production Projects

01:06:46 - Audio Movers & Remote Mixing Innovation

01:10:55 - "Song Guys" & Production Philosophy

01:13:54 - Where to Connect with Eric Ambel: Eric can be found at ericambel.com, Cowboy Technical's website (cowboytechnicalservices.com), and on Instagram (@the_ericambel) for updates, including "cat pictures and food pictures and, guitar pictures".

01:15:14 - Nostalgic Return to Fontana & Lake Geneva

01:16:23 - Fond Memories of Fontana

01:16:52 - Closing Remarks

Pursuing the Muse theme song "Neon Rails" by Joel Corelitz

Pursuing the Muse is back for season 3! In this episode, host Tom Compton sits down with singer-songwriter Jon Muq, whose debut album, Flying Away, was widely acclaimed. On Jon's journey from Uganda to Texas, Jon learned to craft vital, joyful songs that are very much needed in our world today. The discussion explores his new single "Hear My Voice" and the creation of his album, produced by Dan Auerbach. Jon shares profound insights into his optimistic worldview and unique approach to challenges, which fuels the celebration present in his music. He also talks about plans for a second album, as well as upcoming tours. Tune in to explore Jon Muq's captivating story and discover the soul behind his inspiring sound.

Find out more about Jon Muq:

https://jonmuq.com/

https://jonmuq.bandcamp.com/

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https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCONhA-kQkZF1jtViuhHMZbw

https://www.instagram.com/jonmuq/

https://www.facebook.com/Jonmuq/

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00:01:41 Introduction by Tom Compton, welcoming Jon Muq.

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00:02:19 Tom praises Jon Muq's album "Flying Away" as his favorite of 2024 and highlights his "happy songs".

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00:02:40 Jon's origins in Uganda, East Africa, currently in Austin, Texas.

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00:03:12 Discussion of when Jon started writing songs, beginning at age 15.

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00:03:38 Story of writing his first English song from a love letter for a friend.

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00:04:46 Jon's journey to Austin, starting with singing for homeless children in Kampala.

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00:05:46 Video of him singing online leads to connection with Norwegian Cruise Line.

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00:06:48 Passengers provided song recommendations, helping him build his list.

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00:08:08 After the cruise, opportunity arises at a refugee home in Austin.

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00:09:41 Initially, Jon had fear about writing his own English songs

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00:10:14 The couple he lived with inspired him to gain confidence and write more songs, leading to about 50 songs.

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00:11:09 Jon's songwriting process

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00:12:32 Discussion of his album "Flying Away" and its one-year anniversary.

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00:12:48 How Dan Auerbach discovered Jon.

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00:15:07 The album's recording process

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00:15:54 Writing "Hello Sunshine" inspiration

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00:17:41 Jon sometimes loses song ideas if he doesn't capture them quickly

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00:19:15 The vibrancy of his songs' source.

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00:19:15 Jon plans a second album

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00:20:28 His new single "Hear My Voice".

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00:23:03 The song's original title

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00:24:08 "Flying Away" features one cover.

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00:25:35 The recording studio vibe

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00:26:05 Upcoming tours.

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00:27:34 "Run Away" discussion.

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00:29:21 Jon's family.

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00:31:12 "Shake Shake" discussion.

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00:33:57 How Jon prefers to record albums.

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00:34:25 Audience response conversation.

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00:36:49 Jon discusses his song "Butterflies," written five years ago.

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00:39:34 When Jon thinks in his native language.

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00:40:55 Jon finds talks musical inspirations.

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00:43:56 processing American cultural differences.

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00:46:08 What songwriting is about for Jon.

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00:47:42 Jon's approach to situations

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00:49:14 What Jon's songs capture and communicate.

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00:50:19 Jon's parting advice

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00:50:50 Final farewells.

Pursuing the Muse theme song: "Neon Rails" by Joel Corelitz

Announcement that Pursuing the Muse returns for season 3 starting on June 17th