Mike Irish - When Jazz Meets Blues: Mike's Guitar Legacy

Chewing the Gristle with Greg Koch

What happens when two guitar virtuosos reunite after years apart? Greg Koch welcomes his former mentor Mike Irish to Chewing the Gristle for a masterclass in musical wisdom that spans far beyond technique.
Mike Irish, who taught at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point when Greg was a student, shares his refreshingly inclusive teaching philosophy that embraced students' existing musical interests instead of forcing them into traditional jazz molds. "I really had no desire to make more Joe Passes and Pat Martinos," Irish explains. "I just wanted to take the talent that was there and nudge them in directions they might be interested in." This approach proved transformative for many students, including Koch, who found validation for his genre-blending musical vision.
The conversation explores the practical realities of sustaining a music career through what Howard Roberts called "industrial guitar" – the bread-and-butter gigs that keep musicians afloat. Both men share stories from their journeys, from Irish's innovative approach to building jazz programs by focusing on small combos rather than big bands, to Koch's revelation about the creative and financial benefits of mastering solo guitar performance.
With warmth and humor, they discuss their musical influences, from Chet Atkins to James Brown, and reflect on how technology has transformed music education. "There's really no reason to suck at this point," Koch quips about the wealth of instructional content available online today – though both agree that motivation and thousands of practice hours remain irreplaceable.
Whether you're a guitarist, music educator, or simply appreciate heartfelt conversations between passionate creators, this episode offers insights into not just how to play, but how to build a sustainable, joyful musical life. Drop in on this reunion between two masters and hear how their musical paths have woven together across decades.

Chapters

1. Season Six Introduction (00:00:00)

2. Meeting Mike Irish (00:00:36)

3. Guitar Education Philosophy (00:03:28)

4. Finding Career Paths in Music (00:14:24)

5. Industrial Guitar and Playing Gigs (00:31:55)

6. Mike's Musical Journey (00:43:20)

7. Building Jazz Studies Programs (00:57:43)

8. The Solo Guitar Revelation (01:03:48)