James A. Willis Reads Fretboard Journal

A native Texan, Ross Holmes is one of the most recognized musicians and creators of his generation. In addition to contributing performances and arrangements on nearly 300 albums, Holmes has toured with and been a member of Mumford & Sons, Bruce Hornsby and the Noisemaker’s, Warren Haynes’ Ashes & Dust, and countless other luminaries for performances in over 40 countries. In 2018, he was invited to become the youngest member of the iconic Nitty Gritty Dirt Band who he currently tours with. An outspoken activist and community leader, he resides in Nashville, TN. Special Guest: Ross Holmes.

Singer/Songwriter Karly Driftwood is a movie waiting to happen. She stopped by the Secret Studio in Nashville to give me the low down. Her story is a classic "do what you have to do" to make your art story that you cant look away from. A beautiful piece of the Tapestry of musicians that is Nashville, Tennessee. Special Guest: Karly Driftwood.

Molly Martin stops by the Secret Studio to chat about whats she is up to, her upcoming tour and a mysterious un-released album Special Guest: Molly Martin.

My friend Karley Scott Collins stops by the secret studio in Nashville to talk about her musical journey Special Guest: Karley Scott Collins.

Nashville Honky Tonk Queen and Outlaw Country darling Sarah Gayle Meech joins me to chat about the evolving Nashville music scene and more. Special Guest: Sarah Gayle Meech.

As per her request and maybe a new feature of my podcast, I have an unfiltered and underproduced chat with Rocker Hannah Wicklund, the "21-year-old powerhouse guitarist, vocalist and songwriter. The South Carolina-born (and now East Nashville-based) artist who formed the band as an eight-year-old has developed a powerful and sublime synthesis of skills and makes it clear that the future is hers to conquer." Apollogies in advance for the clipping yall. Special Guest: Hannah Wicklund.

Amanda Pearl Shires and her best friend kelly P. stopped by the secret studio for a podcast. We never quite got around to the podcast part but we had more fun than a barrel of monkeys. I agonized over whether or not to add an intro and outro to this conversation. Ive decided to post it as is. It was a runaway train from the start and I think I have to let it be what it is, a wacky free for all. It might actually be a good glimpse into our brains. Anyway, i promise to have Amanda back and I promise to let her answer a question next time. Special Guests: Amanda Pearl Shires and Kelly Plemmons.

I used Fretboard Journal Issue #30 to lure singer/songwriter Judy Blank over to the secret studio. We talk music, guitars and Amsterdam. Listen till the end for a beatiful rendition of "Tangled Up In You" from her soon to be released record. Special Guest: Judy Blank.

Lifelong NYC singer/songwriter Martin John Butler talks about how music and the music life have changed for him over the years.

This is my first "I havent been able to see the magazine yet" podcast! Im not gonna let the length of the East Coast between me and my magazine stop me from talking about it! Cindy Hulej is building some very cool instruments out of the iconic Carmine Street Guitars shop in NYC. Her friend Jay Deville sat in and shared a couple of (post production) tunes as well. A fun tribute to just released Issue #42 of the ever gorgeous Fretboard Journal Magazine. "Read happy my friends!" Special Guests: Cindy Hulej and Jay DeVille.

Oliver Wood and I use Fretboard Journal Issue #29 as a launch pad to talk about old guitars and the creative process. We also make plans to build a "smell printer." Special Guest: Oliver Wood.

Grant Johnsonand I dig deep and talk about Fretboard journal issue #5. We spend time talking about the C.F. Martins in the house and other not so guitar centric topics. It's a fun one and really should not be missed y'all! Special Guest: Grant "Big Smokey" Johnson.

Im not sure that this can actually be described. Singer/songwriter Sam Lewis (Chris Stapleton dubbed him “a modern Townes Van Zandt”) stoped by the studio and I showed him (expressed my joy over) my new copy of Fretboard Journal/#41. After that, Im not sure exactly what happened...but it was fun. Special Guest: Sam Lewis.

Boo Ray talks about the Nashville music scene and his favorite axe! Special Guest: Boo Ray.

"Music Row Orphan" Trey Ackerman joins me to talk about Fretboard Journal Issue #39. Trey is a Nashville native who grew up in and around The Old School Nashville music scene and I'm gonna pick his brain! Special Guest: Trey Ackerman.

I'm reading Fretboard Journal because it was brought to my attention that reading while driving is inherently dangerous!