Mike Irish

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.