Mike Clement was the first person I thought of when I decided to bring the podcast back because he fit every criteria. Great player? Check. Great composer? Check. Should be a household name? Absolutely. A transplant from British Columbia, Mike Clement is the most in demand guitarist in New Orleans. In addition to being THE call for the straight-ahead jazz world, Mike weaves his way through several different genres, working with everyone from my wedding band to legendary New Orleans trumpet player Leroy Jones. If this wasn't enough, Mike is branching out into his solo career with a second album as a leader coming out in April 2024. In this sit down we talk about the Canadian contingent in New Orleans, his journey, his philosophy, and his new record.