We have recorded this episode live at Bird's Basement just before the first show of the residency of Virgil Donati and his all stars band. They have all been touring with Allan Holdsworth. In this episode Virgil shares stories about his upbringing in Melbourne and his fabulous musical journey. The conversation is enriched by the participation of Alex Machacek.

Ravi Coltrane carries a huge legacy on both sides of his late parents: Alice Coltrane (singer, composer, pianist, harpist and much more) and John Coltrane (arguably the most influential musician of the 20th century). This is a successful second generation story as Ravi takes the whole thing to the next level as he is himself an exceptional talent. You will hear in this podcast some great stories that Ravi shares and will provide you with a unique perspective of life from his point of view. In this podcast you will hear 26-2 (Ravi Coltrane), Naima (John Coltrane), , Journey satchidananda (Alice Coltrane), Between Lines (Ravi Coltrane).

Meet Pablo Bencid. Pablo was born and raised in Caracas Venezuela. He now lives in New York with his wife and 2 children. His passion is music, more particularly the drums. In this episode you will hear what it is like to live a life of musical passion as a latino in the United States today. Pablo shares many stories and personal details about his childhood and upbringing. He provides a detailed step by step example of his practice and warn up routine. The song played in this episode is “Expectations” out of the album “the Road Ahead” by Albare, featuring Pablo Bencid, Phil Turcio and Yunior Terry (2013).

In this episode Tom Guarna speaks out about a personal challenged that has impacted his life and how he has overcome it. We all have experiences in life that shape our character but few of us have to go through the kind that Tom had to go through and still be able to realise his dream of a passionate musical life. His guitar playing, improvisation and compositional skills are way up there. On his new album, “the Wishing Stones”, he is playing with luminaries that usually side Wayne Shorter and Chick Corea. The album will be released in November this year by DestinyRecords Music, and you will hear a pre-view song of the album on this podcast.

Samuel Torres from Bogota Colombia, now living in New York, is a percussionist/composer for exceptional quality. His talent extends to picking up great musicians to interpret his music. In this episode he tells us how he grew up in Bogota and his move to New York and the steps in between. He shares with Albare his creative process for composition, he brings with his a line up that is as ‘bad’ as it gets: Silvano Antonio (piano). Pablo Bencid (drums), Alex Pope (Trumpet), Rodriguez Ruben (bass), Thom Guarna (guitar) together they are THE MASTERS OF TONE. The song playes by this band at the end of the podcast isUn Atardercer encartagena de indias by Samuel Torres. Catch them at Bird’s Basement until August 27.

Singer, multiple Grammy nominee Gaby Moreno immigrated from Nicaragua to the US at a young age, having fallen in love with American culture. She has already been able to inspire hundred of thousands of people of her generation, as a Hispanic she stands for immigration reform in the United States. Yet her beginning in the music industry and what followed was not easy. Her story is inspiring and worth knowing. She will be performing at Bird's Basement until August 20.

Vinicious Cantuaria is one of those lucky individuals who has lived through the great times of Brazil of the 60s. He is part of the culture and the scene that made Brazilian music famous worldwide. He tells Albare in this podcast in his own words what it was like to live through those times and more. As one of the greatest singers of his generation, Vinicious is performing at Bird's Basement for the Latin Jazz Festival, playing this entire week until Sunday.

Frank Gambale is the super hero of the guitar world. He is a member of Chick Corea’s Electric Band and has been for over 30 years. In this podcast he tells his story that started in Canberra Australia, to the world stages. He is one of the most in demand, most innovative musicians on the planet. Frank has written many books about his methodologies, he shares his ideas here generously and gives us an insight to where he is heading next. The stories about his fellow musicians at the Electric Band and other musicians are quite entertaining but most of all, you will get to meet a man that is usually quite reserved outside the stage. Don’t miss this episode.

On this podcast, Nestor Torres talks about his musical experience with such artists as Herbie Hancock, James Moody, Arturo Sandoval, Larry Coryell, Tito Puente, Wayne Shorter and many other greats. Among many subjects touched upon, Nestor shares the philosophy behind his religion Nichiren Buddhism. As the artist opening the 2nd Latin Jazz Festival at Bird’s Basement on August 1st, this podcast will give you a taste of what’s in store. If you haven’t booked your tickets yet, you can go to https://birdsbasement.com to find out more.

The story of YolanDa Brown (first millennial on this podcast) shows what musicians have to do today to succeed. If you are a musician or have friend of family member that aspire to be a musician, you should get them to listen to this podcast. In the 21st century you have to be multi-skilled. YolanDa’s persistence paid, she is today one of the most recognisable name in the music scene in the UK. She has played for the president of Russia (and no one called for an investigation), has met the Queen, represents the Prince Fund and Mayor of London, hosts her own radio show… Meet her in Melbourne mid of July exclusively at Bird’s Basement where she is performing for the first time in Australia.