Larry McCray

Chewing the Gristle with Greg Koch

When Larry McCray's soulful voice and fiery guitar licks join the fray, you know you're in for an electrifying episode of Chewing the Gristle. Season 5 ignites with a homespun blend of stories and strums as Larry details his incredible shift from the assembly lines of GM to the main stages of blues music. We wander through the quirky streets of Smackover, Arkansas, Larry's own stomping grounds, and unearth its peculiar place in the annals of oil history.
Strap in, gear enthusiasts, because we also crank up the conversation about the tools of our trade—guitars, amps, and the almighty pedalboard. From the early days of worship at the altar of a first beloved red-knobbed Fender Twin to the zenith of the Soldano amp roar, this journey of sound is one for the books. Discover the evolution of our live rigs and how the "Greg" Koch amp head and a trusty 2x12 cab bring my music to life. Plus, don't miss the scoop on the latest collaboration with Reverend Guitars and the insights gleaned from years of touring, including an upcoming escapade with the Allman Betts Band down under.
The episode wraps with a look at the bonds forged through music, like my kindred spirit connection with the Allman Brothers and the prodigious talent of Josh Smith. We navigate the twists of creating a new album during these pandemic times, a testament to the resilience and creativity of musicians like Reese Wyman and Travis Carlton. And it's not all stages and studios; we explore the unexpected, like an adventure in the world of Nickelodeon, and the familial joy of sharing the touring life with my son. It's a heartfelt nod to the unpredictable, yet rewarding, journey of a musician—packed with anecdotes, life lessons, and the unceasing thrill of chasing the next great gig.

Fishman
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Wildwood Guitars
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Chapters

1. Larry McCray (00:00:00)

2. What’s new with Larry, and the Allman Family Revival (00:02:09)

3. Larry’s road from Arkansas to Michigan, and his musical roots (00:04:26)

4. The Flying V (00:12:18)

5. Larry’s thoughts on band size, and his search for tone (00:13:50)

6. Amp tones — juicy!! — and Larry’s current rig (00:17:11)

7. Reverend Guitars’ Joe Naylor, Larry’s upcoming trip to Australia with the Allman Family Revival, and his long-standing relationship with the Allman Brothers (00:30:54)

8. Larry’s record with Josh Smith and Joe Bonamassa (00:38:09)

9. What’s next for Larry (00:49:04)