Moods & Modes

Apr 07 2025 58 ep. 65 mins 185

Moods & Modes Podcast artwork

Traveling from vintage guitar shops in Brooklyn to iconic recording studios and legendary music venues around the world, guitar legend Alex Skolnick explores the work of renowned musicians through commentary, conversation, and live performance. Follow @moodsandmodes on Instagram for updates.

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Kenny Werner

Apr 07 2025 47 mins

In this episode, Alex welcomes pianist, composer, and educator Kenny Werner, author of the landmark book Effortless Mastery. Kenny’s teachings have revolutionized the way musicians think about practice, performance, and creativity. Though widely respected for his playing, Werner's profound influence as a teacher has often eclipsed his musical output—something this episode sets

Moon Zappa

Dec 20 2024 71 mins

Alex welcomes Moon Zappa to discuss her book, Earth To Moon, which explores the complexities of growing up in families characterized by narcissism and fame. Alex and Moon reflect on the legacies of their fathers, the impact of parental influence on artistic expression, and the notion that genius does not always translate into practical life skills. Moon shares her experience of fin

Borrowed Music, Volume 3

Oct 25 2024 29 mins

Welcome to Borrowed Music, Volume 3! Join Alex as he dives into another fascinating mix of music "inspired by" others, uncovering hidden connections across genres from classical and country to iconic film scores, TV themes, and radio hits we all know and love. Alex illustrates the threads binding songs and styles—hear how Nazareth and Heart share an unexpected arrangement, how Va

Carmine Street Guitars

Aug 23 2024 61 mins

In this episode, Alex visits the iconic Carmine Street Guitars in New York City with his bandmates Percy Jones and Tim Motzer from PAKT. The shop, established by Rick Kelly, crafts distinctive guitars from reclaimed wood salvaged from the city's historic buildings. These guitars, known for their unique sound, have caught the attention of celebrated musicians such as Bob Dylan, Patt

Al Di Meola

Jul 05 2024 68 mins

Al Di Meola is a pioneer of blending world music, rock and jazz. His ongoing fascination for complex rhythmic syncopation, combined with provocative lyrical melodies and sophisticated harmony, has been the heart of his music throughout a celebrated career that has spanned over four decades. In this incredible episode, Al joins Alex to talk about his musical journey, the evolution o

Adam Dubin

May 20 2024 101 mins

In this episode, Alex welcomes filmmaker Adam Dubin, whose work includes iconic music videos by the likes of the Beastie Boys and Metallica, as well as documentaries such as Murder in the Front Row, about the SF Bay Area thrash scene of the ‘80s and “A Year and a Half in the Life of Metallica.” Adam discusses working with his former NYU roommate, producer Rick Rubin, and the

Mohini Dey

Mar 29 2024 87 mins

Mohini Dey is a renowned bassist, producer, and vocalist who has gained international recognition for her extraordinary talent and versatility. She joins Alex to talk about growing up in an independently-minded musical family, the challenges she faced as a female musician in India, and the difficult decisions she had to make in the early days of her career. Mohini discusses the les

Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, and Eric Johnson

Jan 04 2024 84 mins

In this first episode of 2024, Alex welcomes a trio of guests who are among the most important and influential players of electric guitar - Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, and Eric Johnson. They are also the original lineup of the iconic G3, a tour organized in 1996 by Satriani that has featured legendary players like Robert Fripp, Ynwgie Malmsteen, Phil Collen, and many more. Ahead of th

Stu Hamm

Dec 11 2023 85 mins

Legendary bassist Stu Hamm joins Alex on this episode to talk about Hold Fast, Stu’s latest album, on which Alex is a featured player. Recorded in Estonia during Stu’s Bass Oasis, the two discuss the tracks on the album, the role of bass in musical composition, and Stu shares his approach to playing and collaboration. Alex reflects on the first time he saw Stu perform and how h

Adam Levy

Nov 24 2023 81 mins

On this episode, renowned guitarist and improviser Adam Levy joins Alex at a cafe in Brooklyn to talk about the incredible list of artists he’s worked with, including Norah Jones, Tracy Chapman, and Ani DiFranco. The two discuss his approach to playing as well as the styles of the world-class musicians they both know and love, and the instrumental project that Adam led during the