The Killer B's

In this episode of Tone Chasers & String Benders, co-hosts Chaz Charles and Dr. Porifera Glund dive headfirst into what they quickly discover is one of the deepest sections of the alphabet. The B's aren't just crowded—they're loaded. After marveling at the sheer number of contenders, the pair curate another eclectic lineup spanning progressive rock, big band jazz, Western swing, and pioneering electric jazz guitar, proving once again that guitar history refuses to stay in one lane. The episode opens with the hosts assuring listeners that this list wasn't assembled by AI—followed immediately by an extended and completely unnecessary discussion about the one thing artificial intelligence still can't convincingly fake. It's exactly the kind of detour you've come to expect. Featured guitarists in this episode: Peter Banks – The original guitarist and founding member of Yes, whose Gibson ES-335 helped shape the band's earliest psychedelic and progressive explorations before Steve Howe took the reins. The hosts revisit the debut Yes album, marvel at Banks' inventive playing, and rediscover just how good those first recordings really were. Dave Barbour – Swing-era guitarist, Gibson ES-5 and ES-150 devotee, Peggy Lee's husband, and a master of tasteful jazz phrasing. Chaz and Dr. Glund explore his work with Benny Goodman and Red Norvo while inevitably veering into jokes that would make a 1940s nightclub blush. Junior Barnard – One of the architects of Western Swing guitar with Bob Wills and His Texas Playboys. His fiery blend of country, blues, and jazz earns admiration from both hosts, who celebrate the overlooked musicians who quietly built the bridge between early country music and modern electric guitar. George Barnes – One of the first great electric jazz guitarists, known for his elegant Guild and Gibson archtops and his beautifully lyrical duet recordings with Carl Kress. What begins as an unfamiliar name quickly becomes one of the episode's biggest discoveries as the hosts stumble into a catalogue of remarkably tasteful guitar performances. Martin Barre – The longtime guitarist of Jethro Tull, whose precise, muscular playing helped define classics like Aqualung while somehow standing shoulder to shoulder with Ian Anderson's flute. The conversation explores Barre's underrated legacy and why he deserves far more recognition among rock guitar fans. Featured recordings include: Every Little Thing – Yes featuring Peter Banks Stompin' at the Savoy – Dave Barbour Fat Boy Rag – Bob Wills and His Texas Playboys featuring Junior Barnard Blue Moon – George Barnes & Carl Kress Aqualung – Jethro Tull featuring Martin Barre And in between? You get vintage Yes albums rediscovered in real time. Western Swing history lessons. Peggy Lee stories. Hollow-body guitar "appreciation". A detour into Eddie Lang and Dick McDonough that sends everyone down another musical rabbit hole. Arguments over forgotten jazz masters with barely two thousand monthly Spotify listeners. And, somehow, Norm Crosby, Harvey Korman, Tim Conway, Max Headroom, and flatulence all make appearances before the first half-hour is over. Because around here, every guitarist opens another door. Five more guitarists down... Nine hundred and sixty to go... Hosted by Chaz Charles and Dr. Porifera Glund. Only on the Boneless Podcasting Network.