Homeskoolin’ Volume 42, Tom Bukovac, “The Genius of Gordon Mote”

[@BelowAverageGuitarist]

One of his longest videos he has done, and was never in front of the camera himself. Didn’t make it about himself but instead shared with us all, some of the magic he gets to see on a regular basis. Well done.

[@michalmikolajmaslowski3994]

THIS!

[@apoxygraph]

"when it's natural, there ain't nothing like music."----oh, buddy; that's a phrase.

[@jamesdean7574]

Make shirts out of it

[@Alfalfa_Male]

This channel is such a gift. Thank you, Tom.

[@bobby9727]

God bless Mr Mote.I am legally blind but never let that stop me from enjoying the greatness of music and being a musician.His words are very inspiring to anyone and everyone.This made my day and brought tears to my eyes.Thank you for this and it will be my go to if i ever get down about my situation.

[@magnusisyomomma]

U

[@bobby9727]

@@SteveHarvey272 I have noticed that since my vision became impaired approx 25 years ago i notice sounds frequencies timing and pitch errors that the others guys in the bands i play with are not aware of and also i notice how loud everybody is playing and who is not blending into the rest of the band.Yes i do believe when a sense is reduced the other senses are strengthened.Thank you for your comment.

[@LoungeOfSound]

@@bobby9727 Way to stay positive brother. Do your thing!

[@bobby9727]

@@LoungeOfSound Thank you The Los Castro Trio.Music drumming and most recently guitar has been my pleasures in life.Keep on keepin on. Lol

[@youKnowWho3311]

Dude that is some nasty stroke. Absolutely INCREDIBLE player. This man is one of the splendors of the creator of the universe. A true open channel.

[@Desmachine]

This literally brought me to tears .. just full blown ugly crying at 840 am lol! Thanks Tom! And thank you Gordon! Such a BLESSING on this earth.

[@RobertBakerGuitar]

I could listen to this ALL DAY!

[@MrNamePerson]

Thank you Tom. Thank you Gordon.

[@lastralla]

No I'm not playing out of tune, I'm being vintage!

[@MrYatesj1]

Haha yes!!

[@jasonpitts8395]

I'm going to use that one

[@riku4441]

Lmao loved that one !

[@impossivel2006]

Hey Tom, I hope you are having as much fun making this as we are watching it. What you are doing is priceless and I can´t thank you enough. You are the best thing that came out of this shitty year. Thank you so much.

[@papaw2937]

This comment sums it up very well. Well said Hugo.

[@AnodyneHipsterInfluencer]

Facts.

[@BigEdWo]

agree

[@hkguitar1984]

So many great points summed up in your statement. Thank You

[@dong4176]

We need the Gordon Mote T shirt that says” If you have to think about it... your too late😎”

[@johnn.1186]

Yes, please!!

[@michalmikolajmaslowski3994]

I'm in!

[@wisemansguitar]

+1

[@JeremyZilar]

Hell yes

[@Henry-pj1td]

In braille please

[@robinmunn7132]

Dear Tom. I'm sitting here in Glasgow (Scotland) still in self isolation watching the rain clouds gather. This really brightened up my day. Thank you for your time over the last few months and for a glimpse into your world. I hope you keep posting please keep safe and well.

[@erajad]

I guess Glasgow and Edinburgh have something in common after all... ;) Same here!

[@Sammywhat]

This wasn't just about the genius of the incredible Gordon Mote... this was also about the genius of the man, Tom Bukovac. Thank you Buk for being so generous with your wisdom, friends, and family! You sir, are a prince among men. God bless you, sir!!

[@brentonsalassi7916]

Such a great episode. So stoked to hear him mention Madison as well. She's incredible.

[@leiferickson3183]

I got so excited when he started describing her cause I HOPED it would be her! I saw her on Valentines day 2020 at the Palace theater opening for Iron and Wine and Calexico. My first time hearing her - Amazing live performer and band especially as a trio. I think she stole the show.

[@mattolsen5656]

What was her last name?

[@gregeddins5854]

@@mattolsen5656 Cunningham

[@nickjones3222]

She’s so great. Reminds me of Joni.

[@brentonsalassi7916]

@@leiferickson3183 Same! I just had a feeling he was talking about her. I hope to see her live some day.

[@guitarkirby]

Those are some of the most beautiful "wrong fingerings" I've ever heard!

[@deltafit]

My God that dude can bring a grown man to tears in 3 chords

[@paulhicks3595]

deltafit yeah, but what WERE those chords??!!

[@deltafit]

@@paulhicks3595 it doesn't matter

[@chrisbartoloni112]

I loved that "if you have to think about it you're too late." The amount of gratitude this gentleman has is so inspirational. Great video Tom.

[@glennwhitlock1272]

I laughed out loud when Gordon said, "you can sit here and make stuff up......" And I said, " YOU can!" at the same time Tom said it.

[@michaelshown1362]

“Phrasing is just telling a story.” That’s what I needed to hear. Thanks Gordon and Tom.

[@srh361]

It didn't sink in till Gordon mentioned that Nashville is one of the last cities where actual music is being made.

[@chrislestermusic]

SRH I was just saying that to my wife. It is heartbreaking to watch what has happened to the session world.

[@srh361]

@@chrislestermusic Exactly. Just think in twenty years there may not be any traditional music being played in any city.

[@maxmartilik8517]

What a class act. We’re so lucky to have Mr. Mote in our midsts.

[@donnyhall2535]

This is awesome Tommy boy. I've watched a few things with Gordon, he is amazing. Only one thing missing. Gordon needs a Home Skoolin' t-shirt. Get me a size, and I'll buy it and send to you. And you present it to him, from the Home Skoolin' Class.

[@michaelholmes9874]

Donny Hall I just wrote that! Or at least a mug!😂

[@MrYatesj1]

Classy Act, cheers to you mate!

[@donnyhall2535]

@@michaelholmes9874 I can do either or. Just decide. I know Tom has an address he receives things at. I just don't know where.

[@jordandangelo180]

I can’t wait for Gordon’s channel to start up. I believe the series will be called “ Insights “ if I remember correctly. Tom mentioned it after this episode aired. Gordon is clearly a very special and unique talent. Combine that with his level of humility and great conversational skill...it will be the piano version of HomeSkoolin. Gordon is truly a treasure as is Tom. The definition of authenticity. These guys could have an enormous amount of ego but I don’t even detect a hint. So refreshing.

[@donnyhall2535]

@@jordandangelo180 yeah they don't have the big head like the big name artist's out there. Those guys forget who pays them. If we stop buying they are out of work. But Tom and Gordon are 2 of the most down to earth guys. You can tell they are in it for the love of music. Because if they were in it for the millions like the rest. The could and would, very easily. But they like what they do, are happy, like the people they are with every day on sessions and obviously are having a great time. So what's better than that. That to me isn't work. It's getting payed to have fun with good friends. And at the end of the day, having something to show for it that will stand the test of time.

[@ratcliffek]

Thanks Tom! A lifetime’s worth of master class material in 28 minutes. Should go straight to the Library of Congress. Google can’t be trusted to properly preserve this one for the ages

[@gregtopolski8031]

" Use what the good Lord gave you" thank you Gordon for that awesome lesson!

[@Brmmsilva]

What an amazing cat! Going thru these old videos, but I'll sure be coming back to this one again. Could listen to 3 hours non stop of these two chatting about music and life!

[@timreadnour]

Even my dad, who is a Baptist preacher, knows who Gordon Mote is!! He's played on so many gospel albums and Gaither videos. He is blessed!!

[@Teleman76]

That’s right Tim. Gordon is such a humble human. He’s been to our church and is an amazing talent.

[@PanhandlePrepping]

We watch him all the time on Gaither Homecoming... he’s absolutely amazing!! Very good singer too!

[@spiralflash6169]

Thank you for telling me where I know Gordon from! (Gaither videos) It was driving me crazy!

[@stvywndr]

This gentleman’s playing nearly brought me to tears, instantly transported me to my childhood watching my father play who was also an exceptional musician, thank you!! The beauty of music, taking us through time and back!!

[@PastelComGini]

7:15 Holly shit, dude is smoothing gliding over the keyboard and suddenly BANG. Groove overload. Edit: after watching a half hour video like it was 5 minutes, I understand why Tom loves this dude so much. Not only a fantastic player, the guy is extremely charismatic. Thanks for this, Tom and Gordon.

[@normalpeople5702]

It's just so incredibly REAL, the talent, the humility, everything. It really is like coming up for fresh air.

[@palakabrad]

Yes, one of a kind🧡

[@brendancarbone7621]

Him just messing around is so beautiful I'm tearing up

[@dfalstaff1]

"Listen to every type of music. Even if it's not your cup of tea." Great advice.

[@JamieHarvill]

Sundayskoolin'! Great spiritual lesson about being ourselves musically.. with what God has gifted us.

[@donaldbergmann5405]

So easy to see why one would be drawn to him and his gift.. so special..

[@jz0h4d]

You weren’t kidding, Gordon has it all going on.

[@JeremyAndersonBoise]

This man is an absolute national treasure, thank you for putting him on the show, Tom. What a great conversation. Happy new year 2025!

[@hybridnoisebloom]

So inspiring. Okay, so I know this is going to be stuck at the bottom of the comments, but here goes. Watching and listening to Tom play has taught me one very important thing, and that is the value of playing for the song, and especially following the singers. I've noticed that when Tom is playing, he never runs through scales, he plays phrases. I haven't heard any 'bad habits.' It's really like he's having a conversation. And I think Gordon reinforces that idea, that music is not necessarily about technique, it's about feeling. I will remember his quote, 'If you're thinking about it, you're too late.' So true. Thanks, Tom. Thanks, Gordon.

[@bigwavedave8492]

My mom was blind and I grew up watching her play piano every day thanks for just remembering me thank you so much

[@russellzauner]

Everyone told my daughter she couldn't sing. So I showed her Howlin' Wolf. She sings. It's not like everyone else wants it to be, but it's just as great as anything anyone expressed - it's another instrument. You need to practice, learn, then you can flex and flow.

[@museumofoddities9748]

Humbling to say the least. Just wow.

[@prs22gt10]

Gordon said it....Blessed! You guys are blessed and you bless us! What a gift!

[@jakebermel6193]

Gordon seems like the most genuine person. When he was describing this "female guitarist/vocalist" I knew he was thinking of Madison Cunningham. He's absolutely right about her. 100% amazing.

[@thpthp]

So good. As a piano player myself, I'm fascinated by his fingerings. He almost never uses his right pinky. And tends to not use his left thumb. So unique.

[@johnbales1700]

I noticed that too. Wild.

[@chrisjolley203]

7:36! This guy is absolutely amazing! What a sweet, godly man! Definitely pulling on my heart strings! Groove at 7:36! Seriously amazing

[@MurrayWilliams]

What a sweetheart and face-melter! Thanks for interviewing Gordon. You just made my day.

[@bertgetner9397]

Gordon is so inspiring and a sweetheart of a gentleman. Now I see why you love him so much. This just made my shit week perfect. Thanks for this Tom. Send our best to Gordon.

[@dennismullins4930]

Hey Tom, I’m 61 years old and didn’t think I could ever again be as inspired as I am right now. Thank you so much for sharing this amazing human with me. I wish I’d heard this when I was 10 but now I feel it’s not too late. Love your show and thank you again for sharing yourself and these amazing people.

[@manydreams1life315]

Wow What a beautifully expressive, insightful and inspirational person

[@MrJEnright21]

Never heard of Gordon prior to this, but he's already one of my favorites. Awesome.

[@ronshawver6880]

You may not have heard "of" him, but you've heard him on a lot of stuff.

[@jeffhebert9643]

This gentlemen doesn't need vision . ...he plays through the eyes of his soul.....what an incredible talent . Thanks .

[@hkguitar1984]

“The Genius of Gordon Mote” So fitting a Title for this episode. Thank You Gordon and thank you Tom. Very much appreciate you sharing with us as we'd not likely have exposure to gifted individuals such as Mr. Mote.

[@jesseharris5071]

this is one of the greatest things ever

[@Briancastillo98]

7:34 like bro... damn. Thank you so much for your content, Tom.

[@steveg.3022]

And 23:58

[@neastguy]

that dude gave me chills with his playing.. sheesh

[@richardgreen6857]

Tom, you are opening a world to folks like me that haven't learned all of these session players names! What an amazing and interesting gent Gordon is! Thank you once again!!!!

[@danielgrove1300]

This was among the best 23 minutes I've ever spent on social media. Tom, I'm so glad I subscribed to your channel... just this afternoon. Gordon, your music has blessed and inspired me for years. I'm very thankful for this video, and will go back and listen again. Thank you both.

[@adam-yk6yd]

This has absolutely made my day. What a joy and privilege to have access to the wisdom of these players. Thank you so much Tom

[@davischip]

The best 28 minutes 23 seconds of my day...No, make that...in my life! All I can say is WOW!!

[@rogeriodycastro6978]

Gordon has this music that adds Life, an indelible strength of the intelligent Musician. Nothing is by chance. GOD bless you more and more Tom bucovak and Gordon Mote

[@jonathanrodriguez5584]

Omg, guys go to min 18:45, if you want goosebumps go so high that you go hairless, SOOO GOOD!!!!

[@guitarlaboy]

Wow! What a beautiful human being! What a life lesson to hear, and not only his amazing piano playing, someone like that. And the same goes to you! Thank you! God bless!

[@garyturner3085]

Hi Tom, could you pass over a sincere thank you to Gordon from me please? I had a problem with my sound for the last couple of years. My problem was I always sounded like me, whatever guitar i played and whatever style i played. I now know that that's my style and there is no point pretending otherwise. Whether I'm good or bad that's my voice. The man is a marvel 🤘

[@stratmagic6893]

I just listened to Gordon's recommendation of Madison Cunningham. All I can say is WOW.Her live solo performance of Something to Believe In is amazing

[@allpdmusic]

What a sweet human being. Great start to my day!

[@jhhicks]

"that's some bad shit bro" hahaha man, that's straight fire piano playing.

[@deetz1666]

As a professional coach specializing in Mental Toughness/Leadership I Loved this and "The Genius of Gordon Mote"!!

[@superreality3823]

Thank you Tom for sharing what has to be one of the best and most heartfelt videos KZbin has had the good fortune to host, That short section on phrasing near the end was beyond anything. Thank you

[@SJMike1960]

Most of us here are obviously musicians who have come here to learn, but we are music fans foremost. Thank you Tom for sharing your gifts, and Gordon's gifts. This is real.

[@therealthomasbraam]

ow man gotta say, this dude is a gift for this earth

[@williams.1130]

What a chill and passionate dude. Feels like we just got a free lecture. People pay alot of money for stuff like this.

[@vansheen9096]

This mans musical powers are matched by his positivity and enthusiasm. I enjoyed this so much! Very inspiring and awesome!

[@PickupsAreNotTrucks]

Never heard of this fella before, but as soon as he popped on screen, I knew he was blind. Blind people all seem to have the relaxed eyebrows/eyelids since they have no need to keep their eyes open. The muscles really aren’t used much. I had a very dear to me uncle that was blind since birth and they are some of thee most gifted people to ever walk this planet. Like he said, take what gifts god gave you, and make the best out of it. My uncle played guitar, he helped us shingle a roof, he test drove a car for his daughter. The man was incredible and nothing stopped him, just because he was blind. I idolized that. RIP Duane.

[@CarstenGoeke]

Oh man. What an episode. His playing makes me crying.... cause its so wonderful... what a gifted, humble and wise man... thanks very much for sharing this to us. 🙏🏻

[@JSMusicKansas]

I know this is an old video, but wow. This was amazing, thank you so much for introducing me to this beautiful human being. Watched this whole thing with tears in my eyes. Just beautiful. Thank you Tom.

[@nickjones3222]

Hey Tom, if you saw my comment the other day asking for this interview you’ll understand how delighted I am. This is a GREAT addition to the already amazing content on your channel. Just tremendous, what a player, what a philosophy, what a touch, what an ear! Thank you! JD next please! Or a drummer, such musicality so often overlooked. 😉

[@HarvestBreedmusic]

Gordon's playing is out of this world. It's almost shocking. The way he pivots and adds all that flavor is mind blowing. Pure inspiration.

[@stanleeikki]

Wow. That was an absolutely priceless lesson on music and life. Mr. Mote is the real deal. Thank you for sharing this, Tom.

[@fodiddlediddle5015]

what a privilege it is to meet incredible humans like Gordon. I could sit and watch him play for hours. Thanks Uncle Larry! 💙👍

[@matthewcasey4795]

This is the best channel on youtube for guitarists .... or any musician really.

[@dbradford24]

Thanks Unc, for introducing me to Gordon Mote. Mind blown.

[@bluzzjazz]

Thank you Tom, this gentleman is the real deal. His musicianship is indeed a blessing to those around him.

[@DaveOfAmerica]

This is one of those where you come back like once a year and watch it again. So dang good

[@davefav]

That was extraordinary. What a gift you guys both have and it's beautiful how you share it in your work. Thank you for inviting us into a space that is very sacred. I'm deeply moved.

[@jolkraeremeark6949]

This man is an absolute treasure, thank Uncle Larry for having him on.

[@ChuckRiosGuitar]

What is this gold? I cannot even process it! So wise and heavy. Thank you, Tom and Gordon! You once again enrich my life and keep me on my own path. Having a rolling rock for the both of you.

[@bojackzzman2749]

Can certainly see why you are good friends with Gordon Mote..... I'm feeling the love brother!!

[@Tonyscalo]

Tom, can you expand on what Gordon said about "Singing on the backside." (and frontside)? What does that mean exactly? Such a great episode as usual! I love these session guy interviews for so many reasons.

[@nickd8289]

He means before the beat or a little after the beat. The feel . The stones are a little before

[@jimspencer4413]

@@nickd8289 Some of the stones are early (like Mick, maybe?) but Charlie & Keith typically play so much by feel/vibe song by song, have that push-pull thing going on in most songs that is, to me, anyway, a huge part of their ‘lovable funk’… I know that when tighter, more technical/trained musicians (i.e., Chuck & Darryl) play with them they must really have to ‘give it up & go with the flow’. (And, to be fair, they have tightened the Stones up in a great way over the years)

[@JeffDaytonMusic]

Awesome of you to bring Gordon in... amazing!

[@TySharron]

Madison Cunningham is UNREAL! Love hearing her name mentioned on this great show.

[@rcdixon76]

I am completely blown away by this channel. I'm here to stay.

[@wayneschmiedeknecht8042]

That man is honest to God, and getting paid back enormously.

[@Scooter_911]

Oh my God. I've never seen a man stitch a pocket so deep and then climb so deep into it as 18:00. Thank you for introducing us Tom

[@benbrunskill5618]

Yep, that was AMAZING. This guy is 1 in a million, and so personable and calm

[@leonardsrobert]

Oh my god Tom check out Madison Cunningham! She's amazing!

[@shakesquire84]

Gordon is just profound. I come back to this video often! “Don’t let your fear hold you back.” Man!

[@JDGreen916]

No surprisingly amazing piano playing... incredible phrasing and chord voicings... But is no one else amazed at what he did with that iPhone???

[@BrantonLangley]

Uncle Larry, thanks for today's lesson, Gordan is a true gentleman. Honoured to have been invited into this conversation with him! Such humble and wise words of wisdom and encouragement!!

[@vicdeacon7276]

Giving the glory to God. Way to go!🤘🏻

[@calebfetter2892]

This is why KZbin was invented. What a great video. Thank you Tom and Gordon.

[@Charis-ul2xh]

I don't have enough superlatives and adjectives for these videos, man. I have to be careful watching them around my three year old daughter because being a foul-mouthed kind of guy I have to restrain myself from exclaiming "Fucking hell!" when something magical happens. The term "genius" gets thrown around all the time in the modern world when people get short on words, but it seems like it's fully justified for every one of these guys, yourself included Tom. The key, as Gordon says with far more class, is to go beyond what you start with and bust ass to do more. If someone like me ever needed a reason to get off my ass and start pushing that rock up that hill, the lessons in this video are it. Thank you both for sharing this with us, truly.

[@ModernVintageJourneyman]

Thanks guys. It's been such a supreme pleasure to sit down with musicians everyday and play, chat and sip something. It comforts my soul.

[@robertlukens734]

I hadn't had a good cry in a while. What a beautiful man. No wonder you've been raving about this guy since you started these sessions.

[@jericat]

Thanks for taking us to musical church today, Uncle Larry!