Episode 22 with Oz Noy (Solo artist, Gavin Degraw)

My guest this episode is Mr. Oz Noy. One of the most accomplished guitarists out there on the scene today, Oz has it all- amazing chops, vocabulary, technique, all delivered with touch, soul and tone. His 9 solo records capture all of this and, if that's not enough there's more; he uses the best rhythm sections in the world, surrounding himself with drummers including Dave Weckl, Keith Carlock, Anton Fig and bassists Will Lee, James Genus and Jimmy Haslip. As you'll hear in the podcast, touring all over the world with his own music isn't what he originally set out to do, but it's nice work if you can get it. He also has a nice resume of backing up artists in the studio and live such as Gavin Degraw, Richard Bona, Chris Botti,Harry Belafonte, Cyndi Lauper, Clay Aiken, Akiko Yano and more. He also has a new band that you'll hear about called Ozone Squeeze.

In this interview we'll discuss his early years in Tel Aviv, moving to NYC, putting together his first record (Oz Live) and how he rehearses the bands, pedals- (he'll talk about what his favorite most useful pedal is), his instructional videos for True Fire, current state of the blues in his opinion, influences and much, much more. Plus you get my usual doses of sarcasm and bad humor.

Oz Noy Website

Oz's signature pedal

Oz's Music on Amazon 

 

This interview was recorded in NYC at Oz's apt in Nov 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!