The JamBase Podcast Episode 39: Yonder Mountain String Band’s Adam Aijala & North Mississippi Allstars’ Luther Dickinson

A new episode of The JamBase Podcast, part of the Osiris podcast network, contains Yonder Mountain String Band guitarist Adam Aijala detailing “The Art Of The Setlist,” North Mississippi Allstars guitarist Luther Dickinson talking “Musical Mentors” and “The Rundown” of recent news stories. Episode 39 of The JamBase Podcast is sponsored by Passion House Coffee Roasters and nugs.net.

JamBase’s Andy Kahn spoke with Adam backstage at the Summer Camp Music Festival just moments after the Yonder guitarist finished his set with the band. The two discussed how Adam assumed the role as primary setlist writer for Yonder and what that entails from day-to-day on tour. Aijala offers insight into how the other members of the band contribute to the setlist writing process, as well as what happens onstage to alter the pre-prepared plan. The chat touches on Aijala’s songwriting process, how covers are selected and incorporated into Yonder’s live repertoire and other aspects of crafting the band’s live performances.

Next, JamBase’s Scott Bernstein talked with Luther in Oakland before Dickinson headed to Terrapin Crossroads for a pair of Phil Lesh & Friends performances. Luther spoke about many of his “Musical Mentors” including Phil, his father Jim Dickinson, R.L. Burnside and Junior Kimbrough. Dickinson recalled the music that inspired him as a youngster, the first guitar he ever owned and some of the lessons his father, a legendary producer and musician, imparted on him. He also discussed how Lesh taught him the Grateful Dead repertoire and a night in 2013 when he and Anders Osborne hilariously crossed signals on a cover of The Allman Brothers Band’s “Ramblin’ Man.” Luther also told the tale of his Luther Dickinson and Sisters of the Strawberry Moon project and recruiting Grahame Lesh to play bass in the band. The discussion ended with Luther explaining the interactive video masterclass for slide guitar he created to teach novice guitarists how to play slide. His masterclass for TrueFire is available here.

The latest episode of The JamBase Podcast begins with “The Rundown” hosted by Scotty and Andy. The pair discuss some of their highlights from JamBase’s recent 20th anniversary celebrations. Bernstein and Kahn then chat about the first two Phish concerts of the summer, which took place in St. Louis on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Sponsor Passion House Coffee Roasters are looking for our listeners’ help in determining a name for their newest brew featuring beans sourced from an experimental micro-lot from a renowned farm in Colombia. Head here to read about the mystery coffee and to submit your idea for its name. The company ships everywhere and our listeners get 30% off their coffee by entering “osiris” at checkout.

Additionally, sponsor nugs.net are giving The JamBase Podcast listeners a 35% discount on an annual subscription to the nugs.net app, which is available on desktop, iOS and Android apps, Sonos and BluOS. The offer is for new subscribers and includes streaming access to nugs’ massive and continually-growing collection of over 15,000 full-length concert recordings from Yonder, Widespread Panic, Greensky Bluegrass and many others.

Listen to Episode 39 below and be sure to subscribe to The JamBase Podcast via iTunes, Stitcher and/or Spotify: