Jack West on Innovation, Invention, and the “Acoustic Spa...

What this episode covers

Guest: Jack West In this episode, host Steve Roby welcomes guitarist, composer, and inventor Jack West, whose unique sound NPR once described as "a whole new sub-genre of jazz." After more than two decades away from the recording studio, Jack returns with two major projects: the stunning new album Guitars on Life (a duet collaboration with Walter Strauss) and Essential Curvature, a retrospective compilation of his best work from the 1990s and 2000s. Episode Highlights: Jack discusses his musical roots in rural Alabama and his decision in 1993 to leave rock bands and focus exclusively on acoustic guitarThe story behind his collaboration with Walter Strauss and how they wrote most of Guitars on Life in just one weekJack's innovative "acoustic spank" technique, which allows him to simultaneously play guitar, bass, and percussionHis invention of a specialized thumb pick that enables rapid-fire triplet strikes in both directionsThe eco-friendly PET plastic vinyl alternative used for the Guitars on Life releaseA preview of his upcoming Gliss Guitar - a revolutionary acoustic guitar with motorized pitch control on every string Music Featured: "More Guitar" from Guitars on Life"Double Bounce" from Guitars on LifeAll music featured in this episode was supplied by Jack West and used with his permission. Upcoming Show:Catch Jack West live at the Freight & Salvage in Berkeley on Thursday, February 26th at 8:00 PM for a special double bill featuring: The Jack West Slide Guitar Ensemble (featuring Josh Jones on drums, Gary Brown on bass, and Lalo Crane on marimba)The Walter Strauss & Jack West acoustic guitar duoTickets and more information: https://secure.thefreight.org/15495/15496-jack-west-walter-strauss-260226 Learn More:Visit Jack West's official website: https://www.jackwestguitar.com

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How long is this episode of Songs & Stories?

This episode is 30 minutes long.

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This episode was published on February 19, 2026.

What is this episode about?

Guest: Jack West In this episode, host Steve Roby welcomes guitarist, composer, and inventor Jack West, whose unique sound NPR once described as "a whole new sub-genre of jazz." After more than two decades away from the recording studio, Jack...

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