I enjoy all of his interviews, and am surprised at the opinions to the contrary to be honest.
Interviewing is hard stuff; I've interviewed Bill Clinton and Robbie Robertson to name a couple of bigger names, and I describe it like dancing with someone you don't know for the first time. You have to find the tempo and rhythm, and sometimes you don't quite get it as smoothly as you want. And sometimes the people you're interviewing just aren't in the right space for it for a variety of reasons? A lot of it can be out of one's control. And, if it's someone you admire, you have to check yourself sometimes and not show super enthusiasm and over-geek out.
I think Rick has found a wonderful niche for himself (and us), and usually asks many of the same questions I would want to know from the various artists. It is a business, so he has to put his hand out a bit, but it could be a heck lot more annoying than it is. I've loved each and every one of his extended interviews, and I tip my hat to him for finding his niche and working hard to get these interviews down and out. Many of these folks will not be around for much longer, so there's a historical aspect to documenting these stories for all to see.
Watching this, McDonald does have kind of a sleepy delivery when he's interviewed I've noticed, so this was par with what I've seen before. But the stories were great, and like Hammond Dave, I found the parts about his dad super interesting and really very touching. You can tell it was a complex relationship, as many can be with parents.
And great to hear the St. Louis stories from Dave Ferris - fascinating as well. I never would have guessed it was him on the Bacharach tune; great singing for sure, but he didn't sound like "him", or rather the voice I associate with him starting in the 70's forward.