RICK HOLMSTROM is one of the most tasteful blues/gospel/Americana guitarists I know. Whether he's playing lead for gospel/R&B legend (and Rock-and-Roll-Hall-of-Famer) Mavis Staples, or recording his own albums, Holmstrom somehow manages to keep his guitar parts powerful and groovy without ever getting in the way of the vocals. He's a pocket player with plenty of blues sting in his solos. It was a thrill to set up some mics at Holmstrom's house, trade licks with him, hear him demonstrate a wide range of cool blues grooves, and talk with him about how he moved from Fairbanks, Alaska, to Southern California, where he built an inspiring career playing guitar.

This episode is presented by Guitar Player magazine and guitarplayer.com. Thanks for listening!

-- JUDE GOLD, host, No Guitar Is Safe.