Join us for this conversation as we drift across to continental Europe, to the city of Madrid where we explore the expansive and rich playing of the singular Xisco Rojo (and apologies for my poor pronunciation of names and album titles throughout our chat)!

You will hear us unpack the joys of being a creator, unbound by regional and stylistic aesthetic, but existing as an outsider on the fringes of various musical movements and cultures. We explore the limitations of language, and how instrumental music can at times be the most effective means for communicating complex or significant ideas and statements.

Notwithstanding this, it is worth noting that Xisco's latest (and chronically under-hyped) album, Folk-Lore, is a collection of traditional folk songs with lyrics and singing (I strongly recommend you go and give it a listen ASAP). This gives us a space to explore some ideas around the universality of the human voice, and tales, or stories, as a means to convey complex and rich tapestries of meaning. Additionally, it adds a new dimension (with the addition of vocals and lyrics) to Xisco's vast, and perhaps aesthetically disparate back catalogue of releases. Even so, as a humble listener, I am of the view that there remains a common and consistent thread which ties all of his output together rather neatly.

As you may be able to tell, one of my favourite things about this conversation is that all of the above themes are largely external to the guitar itself. But fear not, for this is a podcast about guitars, and we do walk through Xisco's extensive collection of wonderful instruments, that will leave any six string fanatic drooling. His passion for big, bass-heavy, harmonically rich instruments will have you shopping around for dreadnoughts before the interview is through.

Lastly, I believe Xisco's final note and response to my last question is one of the most touching and beautiful moments for the podcast yet. Make sure you listen to the whole thing, and given Xisco's proclivity for complex conversation, perhaps consider giving this one a second listen, so as to ensure you didn't miss any jewels of wisdom that he consistently slips out unassumingly as he speaks.

Kick back, take it easy, and enjoy the chat - it's good to be back, and what a conversation to return with!