Jeff Skunk Baxter Musicians Hall of Fame Backstage, Part One. 

Skunk is truly a Renaissance Man and certainly one of the brightest lights in the music world. His playing on Steely Dan's 'Countdown to Ecstasy' is among my high school year's fondest memories.

Joe, you've hit another one out of the Park with Mr. Baxter. He is a brilliant individual in not only music, but other facets of his life. Just a super engaging person.

I was lucky enough to stand at stage wall, directly in front Skunk Baxter, at two Doobie Brothers concerts in the 70s. He’d lean back in a chair, with his feet propped on either side of a floor monitor, and let it fly. No one else like him.

Skunk is a one-of-a-kind human. I could listen to him talk for days, thank you for letting him talk Joe. That's a big part of you being the great interviewer that you are. I can hardly wait for part 2. Peace.

If you never heard Skunk interviewed you might see him and say what a bizarre looking guy but hearing him and his intelligence is amazing. And music is only part of who he is if you aren't aware of his defense consulting side. He is a very interesting human being.

Skunk is amazing. I did get to meet him when I worked at West LA Music which was around the corner from Village Recorders back in 89-90. He knew the owner, Don and the other mgmt team. I was in Pro Audio, I think he called every day for the Akai 12 track proprietary tape which was almost impossible to get. He had his own room at Village and had gotten one of those Akai 12 tracks to mess around with. He reminds me of Zappa, other than compositional bandleader thing, he's got the rest of it, tinkering with guitars, electronics, studio gear, play guitar anything, literally, Rock, Jazz, all over the map. Smarter than smart, the whole warfare history thing, he's well spoken like Zappa. Just an amazing person. He would have been killer in Zappa's band.

I worked with a great man named Cliff. I was a young guitar player at the time. He said to me, "you want to get better...real good, learn all the Jeff Baxter licks on every Steely Dan album" Another national treasure for sure. Cheers

I had the pleasure of watching Skunk play with the Doobie Brothers back in the 1980's, I remember him sitting on the edge of the stage with his guitar, he was playing so fast he was almost falling into the audience, just flipping amazing. What a talented musician. Blessed to see him live. From this interview he spoke of his time with Andre Segovia "The Master", I saw Mr. Segovia play at the Dorothy Chandler in LA, you could hear a pin drop. He was in his 80's and still practiced 5 hours a day. What a blessing again to see him preform live.

Met Skunk at the first Clapton Crossroads event. We spent some time listening to Paul Reed Smith talk about making guitars. Skunk was an absolutely amazing person to visit with. So intelligent but very humble. A true class act and musical genius.

Skunk!! Saw him with the Doobies in ‘77, amazing!! His playing on Doobie records was phenomenal, and added flavors and colors to the songs they did together that are under appreciated, IMO. Such beautiful complex edge he put on each song that featured him.

So many great '70s memories with this guy, Joe. When I first heard "Do It Again" on FM radio in late 1972, I bought Steely Dan's first album "Can't Buy a Thrill" as a Christmas gift for myself. Then in 1973 my wife and I were blown away by their live performances on NBC's "The Midnight Special." By the time we bought their 2nd album "Countdown To Ecstasy" in the summer of '73 we were determined to see them live, which we did on April 21, 1974 at the U. of Toledo on their "Pretzel Logic" tour. When Steely Dan refused to tour after that, we followed Baxter and Michael McDonald over to The Doobie Brothers who we saw on their "Takin' It To the Streets" tour in April 1977 at Bowling Green State U. After that concert we headed to the nearby Holiday Inn Lounge for drinks and who did we see there showing the pinball machine who's boss but the Skunk himself. I've always told anyone who would listen that Jeff's lead guitar on Steely Dan's "My Old School" is my favorite of all time by any artist. And his mention of the powerful Mexican A.M. radio stations at 6:30 brings to mind the song "Border Radio" by The Blasters' Dave Alvin: "50,000 watts out of Mexico / This is the border radio." Can't wait for parts 2 and 3, Joe!

Thank you Joe Chambers. Skunk is such a well rounded graduate of The College of Musical Knowledge. Thank you Skunk, for giving this 64 yo GA boy the best sound track for a life that anyone ever had on Planet Earth! You decorated my memories.

The Segovia story is amazing and just shows the early vision and innovation of this highly intelligent person, Jeff Baxter......Great interview!!

Skunk gave me much of my musical life and has had an impact on my entire career as a player, producer and engineer. His articles in Guitar Player Magazine were some of the most useful and insightful music journalism ever. He is MUCH more than just a guitarist and seems to be brilliant in every endeavor. Nice guy too. Met him as many did at NAMM shows a few times and he always managed to share a minute. Thanks for sharing!

I had no idea that Baxter had his start in Mexico; I had thought he was a Boston guy who moved to NY. Such a unique guitar sound.

"He's the King of the World, as far as I know". Great stuff Joe.

Skunk used to live in my hometown of Milford Massachusetts many years ago when he was playing with the Ultimate Spinach in Boston.

Great series, superb entertainment especially during Covid lockdown as we have here in Sydney, Australia. Jeff's foray into maths & government military is astounding. I think of the picture from the Steely Dan record with Skunks feet on the mixing desk whenever I hear Jeff's name.

[Mr. Baxter is an interesting fellow. This is great.]

Wow! Yep. I didn’t even know who Skunk was, although I have worshipped Steely Dan for 44 years. And yes this interviewer is really dang good. Most interviewers just don’t know how to shut their traps, and let the expert tell his story. Big thanks to both Skunk and Joe.

Joe - you have a great way of getting the stories out of the folks you interview.

There is a lot of great music out there... but playing by Jeff Baxter is very special to me and has been since 1972..... few players can keep me wanting more the way he does....

Thank you for doing and sharing these, letting us hear from these amazing people and musicians. It's a gift.

Abe Laboriel is now McCartney’s longtime drummer and musical director. Great musician all the way around.

Good to be back joe, love steely dan and I can remember seeing skunk play the guitar on the midnight special while doing my favorite song reelin in the years

You're the best, Joe. Super nice to hear from someone I was watching close back in my formative days. Skunk is an interesting man, to say the least!

I drove by Musicbox in Pensacola and checked to see if they had Howard Roberts and I found a clean copy of H.R. is a dirty guitar player on mono vinyl for $5. I'm going to go listen to it while I fix dinner.

That was a great interview! I especially liked hearing that he got to meet Andre Segovia, my fav. Very Cool indeed. Thanks, man🤙🤙

Still have old Guitar Player Magazines with The Skunk's monthly article, The Eclectic Electric. The opening intro in Reeling In The Years still brings joy to my heart after so many years when I was 11 in 1972.

Joe, I will add my comment to the many others posted on all three parts of this interview. Thank you for another fascinating interview with an incredible musician (and fascinating commentator in his own right). I think that this interview, and the one you did with John Jorgenson, are the best music interviews I can ever remember hearing, with two of the most influential musicians of our time. I especially enjoyed Jeff talking about improvisation vs. session playing, his stories about recording and touring, and his days working at those NYC music shops. Wow, what a life. The only thing Jeff didn't cover here was how he got the name "skunk." Thank you again for doing these great interviews and posting them.

Amazing the similarities. I too lived in Mejico City as a kid. My father worked for the U.S. government. But this was in the early to late 60s. I too grew up in DC. Late 60s early 70s. He's right about Mexican bands. I've seen excellent bands in Philippines too. I was blown away that this man speaks excellent Spanish. Biggest difference is I play no instruments. What an amazing career. Amazing talent.

This man, Joe Chambers, knows precisely which button to push for someone like me. He has an encyclopedic knowledge of musicians and the art and craft and toil of making music. These legends, like Baxter, obviously respect him and have time for him. He’s a subtlety brilliant interviewer. He pulls a lot of good stuff out of these guys. Really love what this channel is doing and cannot wait to visit the MHOF.

These conversations are absolutely priceless

Joe, I'm certainly glad you got around to interviewing Jeff. I ran into him at the '96 NAMM show, but neither of us had the time to talk. There were a couple of things I've always wanted to ask him and you've already covered them both. You're a priceless jewel for getting all of this done. Kudos, dude.

Joe , that was awesome! He tells the story and you feel like you were actually there! Can’t wait for the next part of this. Thanks buddy!

Thanks to Greg Gutfeld for having Skunk on his show. So now I'm here rediscovering someone I've listened to throughout my life and just didn't know it.

Love Jeff. Always will.

What a great interview, thanks Joe

Asi que el gran Jeff skunk Baxter lived in Mexico City and speaks perfect Spanish wow que agradable sorpresa !

Great interview as usual. What an engaging soul. Hopefully this is part one of a six part series!

Love Skunk I read something he said years ago. He advised parents to buy a cheap guitar if your kid says they want a guitar. If they lose interest you are out a few bucks and not thousands.

Skunk Baxter is one of the most melodic guitar players ever.

This guy is a regular Einstein on top of being a great musician. Thank you Joe!

Wow, watched all three back to back, like hanging on every word, every story. Just great stuff. There is... being a great guitar player, and then there is being a great creative guitar player.....just fascinating to listen to.

Excellent! I met Skunk at the Javitz Center NYC mid 90's. I was working for a software company for the software trade show. I heard music playing and it sounded somewhat LIVE,,,, I wandered over & it was Skunk & the Sax player from the version of Pink Floyd of that time,,, Jamming along to prerecorded tracks. I remember thinking, how does he not hit ANY bum notes?? I asked him afterwards & he said, "man I just have fun". Is there a 2nd part to this? I looked but didn't see it.

Oh to be a fly on the wall when Segovia was playing and to see the looks on the others faces! Great video. Thanks for sharing.

I was lucky enough to meet Jeff way back in the late 80’s. He is an awesome guy. Very polite, extremely friendly and outgoing.

Top session man of his day

Wow! I'm really looking forward to the next video.

When I was pretty new to learning guitar, I decided to get to grips with Howard Roberts playing Relaxin' At Camarillo! There's nothing wrong with aiming high even if you fail! Howard used to also play Telecaster and do great bluesy stuff on various Capitol recordings with 1950s country artists. Hot stuff! Great interview- I can't wait for the next two!

A.M.A.Z.I.N.G !!!! Thank you!!! God Bless

What a great interview, can't wait for the rest.

Wow! Again! Thanks so much Joe!

This is a treasure. I could listen to Skunk's stories for days. Such recall, and such insight. Wow.

Another 5 Star ★★★★★ interview... Thank you Joe!

Fantastic interview. Thank you!!

Awesome interview, always a big fan of the Skunk & look forward to Part 2!! Amazing how this reformed hippie has security clearance with the D.O.D.

Joe, thanks so much for the great videos and channel!

Superb interview Joe and Skunk deserves every bit of success he has gotten. Wish it was longer....

what an erudite, brilliant man. thanks!

Abe Laboriel and Jeff Baxter together in The Tarantulas: a Mexico City teen surf band. Mind completely blown.

Wow, another fascinating interview Joe. Loved hearing Skunk Baxter's stories. Thanks to both of you 😊

Thanks for posting enjoyed this interview with such a great part of modern music history

What a wonderful conversation!

how have I never hear of or listened to Howard Roberts. thanks. I can hardly wait to explore. love and respect to Skunk. Legend

I love this channel . Thanks Joe.

Been waiting for this. What a life he has had. Great interview Joe. Looking forward to part 2. 👍🏻😎

Wow Joe! What a great interview with such a special person! Thanks!

Joe, great episode, looking forward to seeing more! Thanks for sharing!💫

Skunk is AWESOME!

I'm a big fan, luv ur work....thanks for the interview... Godspeed

love love love these stories Joe,,,thank you thank you thank you

Can't be said enough, these interviews are gold. Thanks again for recording these and sharing them with us, Joe.

I waited for part 3 to listen to these interviews. A true icon of my generation! Thanks so much Joe! ✌🤘

It's always a treat to see another Musicians Hall of Fame interview in my Subs come up. This one was another great one, Joe. Thanks so much.

I love MHOF interviews. Always interesting, intimate and intelligent. I always leave feeling like I’ve learned so much!

This is one of the most amazing interviews I've seen on RU-vid! What and incredible mix of knowledge and experience! Thanks so much for posting!

Great again!

Immediately Started Looking For Part 2... Ha! Great Stuff!

Thanks, Joe, great interview!

Love the stories. Reminds me of listening to Tommy Tedesco. I asked for a guitar for Xmas from both parents. I got 2 guitars, both the same from the Sears catalog. I exchanged one for a tool kit because I figured I didn't need two guitars. Well, long story, but I ended up breaking the guitar over my step brother's head. And sadly the tool kit was not help repairing it... So I had to wait years later to get another guitar.

Muy buena la entrevista.

Great interview Joe, what an interesting man Skunk is and of course a great guitar player.

Thx Joe this is an awesome episode, glad you got to meet Mr Baxter. Skunk was so good on the Steely stuff.

you always get the good ones joe keep them coming ...

Another tremendous interview. Always been a fan of Skunk Baxter. Great that you guys gave The Ventures some love on here. I'm definitely going to look for Don Wilson's bass when I visit the museum. Great stuff, Joe. Thanks for sharing.

❤️ love this Joe C and your musical heart too. Thankyou for all you do for music share with us ❤️

Thanks again & again Joe & the MHOF&M. One day ill make my way there.

What an amazing life, professionally and probably personally, this man has lived.

Great job!

I had the pleasure of meeting 'the Skunk' at a NAMM Show in the early 80s. Super nice and kind to this star-eyed 21 yearold. I have his autograph somewhere in my basement. I'd better go find it... 😎👍🎸

Thank you Joe for your amazing interview (part one) with Jeff Baxter. Greatly appreciated.

can you imagine working in that shop? unreal. as always Joe, just totally captivating. great work as an aside, i watched the credits for the first time and always thought (asssumed) you wrote and performed the theme song

Skunk's playing in the 70s era when he was one of the go-to studio guys was insane. Just insane. One of the best players of all time. The final solo on My Old School...it simply does not get better.

Yet another incredible interview Joe! Obviously, Jeff Baxter is not only a great guy but the musician's musician! Imagine repairing a guitar for Segovia, playing with Jimi Hendrix & Les Paul, plus in all of those amazing bands? Just mind blowing! Looking forward to Part II! Hope that you are doing well.

Joe....You have the inside track on these great musicians and it's getting better and better!

Joe, thank you for making my night. I’ve learned the “Rikki” solo and it is so beautifully melodic and also does very cool harmonic stuff with the double stops on the end of it. I used to read Skunk’s column in Guitar Player mag religiously along with Tommy Tedesco’s, Howard Roberts’ and Lenny Breau’s. I think when Lenny died I was so bummed I stopped playing for about a month. It was interesting that Skunk mentioned Segovia, because it was Lenny that put me onto Segovia.

Most awesome.. Thank you :)

I saw Jeff at a small club on Sunset called the Central (now the Viper Room) in the mid eighties. Dude is inhuman (as a guitar player).

You just know a guy with that strong of a moustache game will be a great interview.😏