Six-time Grammy-winning multi-instrumentalist, producer, and composer John Leventhal joins us this week to talk about Rumble Strip, his long-awaited debut solo album (out now)!

John tells us why, after five decades in the music business, he decided to make a solo album. We chat about his writing process, the home studio he and partner Rosanne Cash have in NYC, the gear that he used on the album, his favorite microphones, and his go-to acoustic tuning (CGDGBE).

Also discussed are the influence of Ry Cooder on his playing; the magic found in old Gibson flattops (and ’60s Guilds); and why John tries to ignore industry trends when he’s working as a producer. Finally, we talk about a very special feature in the Fretboard Journal‘s 54th issue on a Martin that belonged to John’s father-in-law, Johnny Cash.

Rumble Strip can be streamed now in all the usual places or visit  https://www.rumblestriprecords.net/

Subscribe to the Fretboard Journal print edition and reserve your copy of Fretboard Journal 54: https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/products/fretboard-journal-annual-subscription

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Thank you to our sponsors: StewMac (Affiliate link); Mike & Mike’s Guitar Bar, Peghead Nation (use the promo code FRETBOARD and get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription); and Stringjoy Strings (get 10% off your order with the FRETBOARD discount code). This episode is also sponsored by iZotope. Use the discount code FRET10 to save 10% off of your Izotope order.

Above photo: Josh Wool