Guitar Hang Podcast

The Guitar Hang Podcast – Season 11, Episode 2
Kenny Wayne Shepherd: 30 Years of Ledbetter Heights, Tone, and the Road Ahead
In this episode of The Guitar Hang Podcast, host Jon Stankorb sits down with blues-rock powerhouse Kenny Wayne Shepherd for a deep and honest conversation about longevity, tone, and the journey from teenage prodigy to seasoned road warrior.
Kenny reflects on the 30th anniversary of his breakthrough debut album Ledbetter Heights and the newly re-recorded celebration project Ledbetter Heights: The 30th Anniversary Sessions, a fresh take on the record that launched his career and helped define modern blues-rock for a new generation.
We also dive into his current touring cycle, revisiting the music live on stage in full album performances, and how his approach to guitar, songwriting, and tone has evolved over three decades on the road.
In This Episode
🎸 Revisiting Ledbetter Heights 30 years later
🎸 Recording The 30th Anniversary Sessions
🎸 Touring the album in its entirety for the first time
🎸 Tone, gear, and the pursuit of feel over flash
🎸 Influences from Stevie Ray Vaughan and classic blues
🎸 Staying inspired after decades of touring and recording
🎸 The state of blues-rock in 2026 and beyond
Kenny also shares insights into what keeps him motivated, how he approaches live performance today, and why the blues continues to resonate with audiences around the world.
Special Thanks to Our Sponsor
🎸 Woodshed Guitar Experience
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World-class instructors, hands-on workshops, performances, and a community built entirely around growth as a guitarist.
👉 Visit: https://www.woodshedguitarexperience.com
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🎙️ The Guitar Hang Podcast
 Hosted by Jon Stankorb
 New episodes weekly featuring world-class guitarists, bassists, producers, and songwriters.
📺 YouTube: Jon’s Guitar Lounge
 🎧 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and iHeartRadio
Kenny Wayne Shepherd
Learn more about music, tour dates, and updates:
🌐 https://www.kennywayneshepherd.net
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"Conversations with Noteworthy Guitarists from around the World"

Billy Sherwood: YES, Aurora, Legacy, and the Future of Progressive Rock
Season 11 of The Guitar Hang Podcast launches with a very special guest—bass virtuoso, producer, songwriter, vocalist, and progressive rock icon Billy Sherwood.
For decades, Billy has been one of the most respected musicians in progressive rock, contributing his talents to countless recordings and productions while helping carry forward the legacy of one of the most influential bands in rock history: Yes. As the band's bassist, vocalist, songwriter, and longtime collaborator of the late Chris Squire, Billy occupies one of the most important roles in progressive music today.
In this wide-ranging conversation, Billy joins host Jon Stankorb to discuss YES' brand-new 24th studio album, Aurora, released June 12, 2026. The album features the current lineup of Steve Howe, Geoff Downes, Jon Davison, Billy Sherwood, and Jay Schellen, continuing the band's remarkable creative resurgence and marking yet another chapter in a career that now spans nearly six decades. 
In This Episode
🎸 The making of YES' new album Aurora
🎸 How the current YES lineup developed into one of the band's longest-running and most stable incarnations in decades
🎸 Honoring the legacy of Chris Squire while forging a new path forward
🎸 Recording, producing, and collaborating in today's music industry
🎸 The creative chemistry between Steve Howe, Geoff Downes, Jon Davison, Jay Schellen, and Billy Sherwood
🎸 The evolution of progressive rock and its enduring global fanbase
🎸 Stories from World Trade, Conspiracy, Circa, Arc of Life, and The Prog Collective
🎸 Bass tone, songwriting, studio production, and musical inspiration
🎸 The future of YES and what lies ahead after Aurora
Billy also reflects on what it means to steward one of rock's most celebrated catalogs while continuing to create new music that pushes the boundaries of progressive rock. Critics and fans alike have praised Aurora for continuing the creative momentum established by The Quest and Mirror to the Sky, proving that YES remains a vital artistic force in 2026. 
The conversation also explores the band's current touring plans, the importance of preserving the YES legacy for future generations, and why creativity remains the driving force behind everything the band does. 
Whether you're a lifelong YES fan, a progressive rock enthusiast, a bassist searching for inspiration, or simply someone fascinated by the creative process, this is an episode you won't want to miss.
About Billy Sherwood
Billy Sherwood is a multi-instrumentalist, producer, songwriter, and vocalist best known for his work with YES. Over the course of his career he has collaborated with some of progressive rock's most celebrated musicians and has become one of the genre's most prolific creative forces. Today, he continues to help lead YES into a new era while honoring the band's extraordinary musical legacy. 
Connect with YES
🌐 YES Official Website
🌐 Aurora Album Information
Special Thanks to Our Sponsor
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"Conversations with Noteworthy Guitarists from around the World"

The Guitar Hang Podcast – Alex Kilroy | From Transylvania to Berklee | Break My Chains
In this episode of The Guitar Hang Podcast, Jon Stankorb sits down with guitarist and singer-songwriter Alex Kilroy for an inspiring conversation about music, discipline, and the long road from childhood dream to international career.
Born in Transylvania, Romania, Alex’s musical journey began with classical piano—but everything changed when he discovered the blues and Stevie Ray Vaughan. That moment set him on a new path, leading to early success as a teenage guitar prodigy, including opening for American blues legends at just fourteen years old.
Driven by a deep passion for music and artistic freedom, Alex eventually made his way to the United States, earning a scholarship to Berklee College of Music before settling in Florida. Now, he’s releasing his debut album Break My Chains—a powerful blend of blues tradition and modern melodic songwriting that reflects both his personal journey and his father’s lasting influence.
In this conversation, we cover:
 Growing up in Romania and discovering Stevie Ray Vaughan 
 Becoming a teenage touring musician 
 The Berklee experience and moving to the U.S. 
 Songwriting, tone, and blues influence in Break My Chains
 Building a life and career around musical discipline and freedom 
🎧 Listen now and follow Alex Kilroy for new music and updates on Break My Chains.
Sponsored by The Woodshed Guitar Experience
This episode is proudly sponsored by Woodshed Guitar Experience.
The Woodshed Guitar Experience brings together world-class guitarists and passionate players for an immersive multi-day event featuring masterclasses, performances, jam sessions, and hands-on learning with some of the best players in the world.
As a listener of The Guitar Hang Podcast, you can save $300 off registration with promo code: GUITARHANG300.

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"Conversations with Noteworthy Guitarists from around the World"

Season 10, Episode 9 of The Guitar Hang Podcast features an extraordinary musical conversation with five-time GRAMMY Award-winning guitarist, composer, and producer Mark Lettieri and internationally acclaimed sitar virtuoso Purbayan Chatterjee.
Together, they discuss their groundbreaking collaborative debut album, Feathered Creatures, arriving June 5th — a bold and adventurous musical project blending progressive Indian classical sitar with modern electric guitar textures, improvisation, cinematic composition, and fearless creativity.
In this episode, Jon Stankorb sits down with Mark and Purbayan to explore:
• The creative process behind Feathered Creatures
• Cross-cultural collaboration and musical communication
• Improvisation, phrasing, rhythm, and composition
• Guitar tone and the sonic possibilities of sitar
• Artistic risk-taking and pushing beyond genre boundaries
• The connection between jazz fusion, progressive music, and Indian classical traditions
• Finding inspiration through collaboration and deep listening
This is an inspiring and insightful conversation for guitar players, musicians, composers, fusion fans, and anyone passionate about creativity and musical exploration.
Purbayan Chatterjee is widely recognized as one of the leading sitar maestros of his generation, blending traditional Indian classical music with contemporary influences and global collaboration. 
Mark Lettieri continues to push the boundaries of modern guitar through his solo work, collaborations, and performances with Snarky Puppy and The Fearless Flyers. 
🎧 Listen & Subscribe:
 • The Guitar Hang Podcast
• Jon’s Guitar Lounge Official Website
• Jon’s Guitar Lounge Community
• Mark Lettieri Official Website
• Purbayan Chatterjee Official Website
Special thanks to The Woodshed Guitar Experience for sponsoring this episode. The Woodshed Guitar Experience is an immersive musical retreat featuring world-class instructors, clinics, performances, mentorship, and an inspiring community of passionate musicians.
Listeners of The Guitar Hang Podcast can use promo code GUITARHANG300 to receive $300 off admission.
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"Conversations with Noteworthy Guitarists from around the World"

The Guitar Hang Podcast – Season 10, Episode 8
Special Guest: Joe Bonamassa
In this electrifying episode of The Guitar Hang Podcast, Jon Stankorb sits down with blues-rock virtuoso Joe Bonamassa to discuss his latest project, the B.B. King: Summit 100 album, and the stories behind his career-defining moments. From guitar tones to touring tales, Joe shares insights that every guitarist will want to hear. Whether you’re a seasoned player or just love great music, this conversation is packed with inspiration, technique, and behind-the-scenes anecdotes.
What’s Inside This Episode:
Deep dive into the making of B.B. King: Summit 100
Joe’s thoughts on tone, gear, and performance philosophy
Stories from the road and legendary collaborations
Jon’s signature blend of music, gear talk, and guitar love
Join Jon’s Guitar Community
If you're a guitarist looking to improve your playing, tone, and musical knowledge, join Jon’s guitar community:
https://www.skool.com/jonsguitarlounge
Follow Jon Stankorb
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  / jonstankorb 
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  / jonstankorb_jonsguitarlounge 

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Special Offers & Sponsors:
This episode is sponsored in part by The Woodshed Guitar Experience. Listeners can use promo code GUITARHANG300 to receive $300 off your camp registration!
Follow & Connect:
Joe Bonamassa:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joebonamassa/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JoeBonamassa/
X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/JBONAMASSA

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JoeBonamassaTV
Official Website: https://jbonamassa.com/
 

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"Conversations with Noteworthy Guitarists from around the World"