Peppermoth by Andrew McPherson

Having the opportunity to catch up with artists who always push themselves and their boundaries is another one of those things I enjoy about the music scene I have gotten myself a part of. Andrew McPherson is one of those people who exemplifies many of the ways I look at sound and style, musically and otherwise. We have kept a long standing check in and check out period of our lives and this time around I catch him just finishing up his latest release by a project he calls, Peppermoth. The album titled “Now You Hear Me” is a statement into the ambient music that has always been around in Andrew’s mind. So the whole “Why Not” conversation inside ones mind took over and out came the workings of this new tale of music. This is a far reaching stretch compared to so many of those Eccodek releases the listeners of this radio proGram have dugg into over the years. That’s entirely what relationships are about, change over times. In this conversation, we chat about process and feel, time and space as well as those defining moments once again in an artists life on which path and where is it leading. I hope you’ll find out which fork in the road Andrew decided on by checking out the sounds of Peppermoth, and see how it can fit into your times.

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Neal Casal Talks Brotherhood

I had the opportunity to chat aGain this year with Neal Casal as he and Chris Robinson Brotherhood head back to Madison for a show at the Majestic Saturday, October 15th. I want to make sure to thank Neal for making himself available on the tour scene to give you, the greenarrowradio listeners, a little extra shake. Last year there was not an empty seat in the building and no one left disappointed. Well, maybe the folks who didn’t get in did?! We spoke about what can be expected as they grace the stage for an evening of real music making. We also took time to discuss the new album ANYWAY YOU LOVE, WE KNOW HOW YOU FEEL which is out now Via SILVER ARROW RECORDS. The conversation about the place where the recording of this new release took place is one for the musical ages as I believe Neal paints the picturesque setting perfectly as a spot you and I should be jealous of working at. It sounds like a place to remember, just like this will be a show not to forGet. It also was a special place that held a ton of new inspiration for writing and recording, which totally benefits the listeners and the concert goers. This group of sound brothers is a tight entity musically, but they are also connected by the spirit of being real. I hope you’ll take a moment and check out not only this conversation, but if that isn’t enough, try some of their tunes and then maybe even get down there to see them live. This is not just another rock band.

©Jay Blakesberg

©Jay Blakesberg

Short Stories w/Tony Moreno

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I had the pleasure of discussing life and music with Mr. Tony Moreno as his latest project, released on Mayimba Jazz, “Short Stories” is ready to hit your ears. The record is the culmination of over four years of playing with a group made up of close friends and artistic companions, and in many ways it represents a piece of the process of rebuilding for Tony. It also represents Tony’s gratitude — the recording itself was made possible by an outpouring of love and support from the wider musical community, from friends and strangers alike. Hurricane Sandy put a giant dent into the world of so many, and it certainly did a number on many musicians, Tony being one of them. In our chat, he talks about some of the people and ways people made a difference in his ability to continue on in his chosen career and love of music. We talk a walk down Jazz history lane when Tony reveals how he first met Mr. Elvin Jones and the ease in which they became fast family…..love. We learn of a unique bond between him and his mother, who always kept music as the pulse to their lives. There are many revealing moments in our conversation, from ballads to rebuilding, but most of all it is the true story telling nature of an educator, drummer and man who understands what makes the difference in this world….LOVE. Over the years I have had the honor of speaking with many people who show a love for what they do, I can add Mr. Moreno to that list of an appreciator of people, art and the sounds that bridge us all together. I hope you’ll take time to go enjoy his album as well as checking out this moment in time shared by two people who dig the stories, both short and long.

Eljuri’s La Lucha

It is always a great reminder of why we build bridGes when two friends of music get together to talk about the sounds, the process and the results. Eljuri is one of those people I hold close to my musical heart as we kinda started out at the same time forging different paths for sharing. It was like we never skipped a beat. We had a chance to discuss her latest release, “La Lucha” on Manovill Records when it was still in that fragile stage of people’s ears just getting a chance to hear it. Her connection to the international flavor of her family as well as her beloved New York City keeps her eye and mind on the happenings around her as it pertains to all people, and how she has a voice for those who otherwise may not be heard. Just like the way her and I, and several other music sharers out there feel about her, Sly & Robbie must as well, as they make another guest appearance on this album to help give it a little extra sumthin’ sumthin’that only those magicians of sound can do. While she blazes on the guitar for sure and does climb the ladder of social justice on this album, her connection to you as a listener is clear, concise and connected. I am happy to share our conversation with you, and feel free to join the discussion with others.

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10 Years with Jake Shimabukuro

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It has been 10 plus years that I am proud to call Jake and I musical friends. Creator and listener. It is nice to know that my opinions mean something to a guy who is both a phenom of an artists but even more so of a great person. I have watched him grow as a musician and an experimenter with sound, and on his latest release, “Nashville Sessions”, Jake works with Nolan Verner on bass and Evan Hutchings on drums to make an album of tunes quite different than his previous bundleof releases I have happily supported over the decade. You get some of the same flavors, but listen to our chat to find out some of the nuisances that are clearly unveiling before your ears. You too will hear that Carlos Santana zip and that Eddie Van Halen rip & tear. The way Jake relays how the new album went from an idea, with no real plan at first to its final stages where a G like me gets to share it with you, the listeners is fascinating. Jake will be heading to Milwaukee for a show at the Pabst Theater on November 6th. I am sure folks around here will be able to see/hear exactly what I mean about Mr. Jake Shimabukuro if/when they take the journey through the ukulele with him.

Alsarah & the Nubatones

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Alsarah and I snuck in a brief time to chat about the upcoming show as part of the 2016 Madison World Music Festival. The band goes on at 7:30pm and will energize the Madison scene with their stunning East-African Retro-Pop. We used our time together to paint the scene of the stage before they hit us with the richness of the groove they produce, as well as offer up some thoughts on how this music is a bridge to community forming, acceptance and dance dance dance. Alsarah shares her thoughts on the start to finish flow of the groups soon to be released new album, Manara, on Wonderwheel Recordings. While she is a part of a few different projects over the years, I wanted to find out what were some of the lasting experiences of working with the slew of inspirational and talented individuals like those attached to The Nile Project, which she was a part of recently. I think the answer will not shock you, but remind you of the value of time spent with others for a common good and how when you don’t get much time to be toGether, the importance of using it wisely. Alsarah & the Nubatones could be one of your good memories form this years Madison World Music festival, so if you can, maybe you should.

The Dhol Foundation’s Johnny Kalsi

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I had the honor of speaking with Mr. Johnny Kalsi, the founder and leader of The Dhol Foundation as they embark on their very first ever tour of North America toGether as a group. While they travel the globe with the mission to promote and expose the indigenous sounds of the Dhol Drum to the Masses, I am thankful that the 2016 Madison World Music Festival is one of their stops. We are so lucky. They will hit the stage at 9:30PM on Friday, 9/16 on the beautifully back-dropped Memorial Union Terrace. Always engaging the audience with the full Power and energetic performances. The Dhol Foundation have been wowing the crowds with their dynamics, whirling arms and thunderous beats. The group’s musicality is formed from a rich tapestry of culture, passion and their love for World Music. While they tour, they absorb influences from collaborators, record them on an album and deliver them on stage with the mighty muscle powerhouse that is The Dhol Foundation. Johnny and I had a chance to touch on what to expect from the show in Madison (although seeing i s most likely believing) , some of the history of the sounds created and the people who are influenced and influences as well as the process of the business and making art that sticks. We got a sneak peak into the new album coming out in early 2017, “Stick To The Drum” and we will be fortunate to hear a few of the tracks off it at this world music celebration. Johnny has been a part of many groups of artists that I have personally listened to and shared over the years, so the thrill of this chat was true and I hope you dive in deeper to this music if the spirit moves you.

Bent Knee in Town Sept. 10

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I had the chance to chat with Jessica Kion and Ben Levin from the group Bent Knee as their 2016 tour stops include Madison’s Mickey’s Tavern on Saturday, September 10th. Bringing an array of musical worlds into one well behaved monster, Bent Knee is out in support of their debut release on Cuneiform Records, “Say So”. Per the band: “It’s rock for the thinking person. The group’s lyrics are dark and infused with themes focusing on the emergence of personal demons, unwanted situations and the difficulty of conquering them. Its mercurial sound matches its subject matter. It’s a thrilling aural roller-coaster ride with arrangements designed to make listeners throw their arms up in wild abandon as they engage with them.”

We discussed what the stage at Mickey’s will look like when they take it, introducing us to their members. This naturally led us into the album making process between this 2016 release and their 2014 album, “Shiny Eyed Babies”. Eating and sleeping IS IMPORTANT!!! How they balance working in the studio and working it out on the stage reveals an interesting insight into the make-up of this group, that speaks volumes to how true teams take an idea and see it through. We wrapped it up by relishing toGether over the facts behind what makes a record label, such as Cuneiform an integral part of the many moving pieces behind the faces we see on stage or hear on the album.

I am so thankful to the local venues here in Madison for bringing artists like this to our backyard.

Intermedia Arts & Desdamona

As a mid-sized arts organization, Intermedia Arts relies on foundations and funders for their general operating support—foundations and funders who have lost enormous amounts of their assets in our current economic crisis. Intermedia Arts is in crisis. More importantly, small and mid-sized arts organizations all around us are in crisis. But here’s the thing—crisis does not equal failure, and crisis does not mean collapse. It is our response to this crisis that will determine our future. Friend of the show and fellow mid-westerner, Desdamona and I discuss the impact this organization has had in her life and the inspiration and support they lend to so many exploring artists. While this particular art organization is housed in Minneapolis, the story is one that might just be a shared experience for many who care about a valued resource….for more on that check Dez’ blog. We did take a moment to discuss the scene that makes Desdamona such a cool artist, her workshops and tours and collaboration with Carnage as Ill Chemistry, and what new ideas they are putting down in the studio.

Check out my conversation with Desdamona right here.

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Sharon Jones brings it to Madison

On December 3rd at the Barrymore Theater, Sharon Jones and the Dap-kings will bring their high energy rhythm and soulful sounds into Madison. Ohh and Sharon will bring it so we can feel it…..From the rumble and grumble of thick funk jerking you to the dancefloor to the soaring soul guaranteed to make you sigh, one thing is for sure: Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings are legitimate heavy-hitters. I am thankful that Sharon was able to take a moment while at her moms after working on some new pieces to chat with me about the upcoming show, her appearance with Denzel and some interesting bits about Lou Reed’s BERLIN tour that might cause you to search the internet high and low. Opening the show will be Menahan Street Band, comprised of musicians from Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings (Dave Guy, Homer Steinweiss, Fernando Velez, Bosco Mann), El Michels Affair (Leon Michels, Toby Pazner), Antibalas (Nick Movshon, Aaron Johnson) and The Budos Band (Mike Deller, Daniel Fodder), I have a feeling that on the 4th of December, many around here will just have witnessed the show of the year.

Check out my conversation with Miss Sharon Jones right here.

JJ Grey’s Orange Blossoms

Heading into Madison this Sunday is JJ Grey and Mofro..bringing that sweet Southern Soul to a place that’ll keep warm to music like this. JJ’s newest album Orange Blossoms is making a splash all around music, hitting the tops of charts all over and we spend a little time here visiting with the album and its relationship to one other album of Mofro’s that seems to have a similar feel. Orange Blossoms is another Alligator Records release and this one is finding JJ in full musical bloom himself. There are hard hitters and soulful swayers, it is a complete album that is comfortable in its roots and the main people behind its blossoming, JJ and Producer Dan Prothero. There is a beautiful bevy of bandmates on this release and all of them deserve the same recognition I give to JJ, as I am sure he would tell you—it wouldn’t be the same without ’em.

check out our chat here.

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Mister Rourke’s Terrorvision

Just in time for the Trick or Treaters…Mister Rourke’s TERRORVISION made it’s devious little way to my doorstep and I have been scaring, I mean sharing it with you ever since. The scratches are rhythmic and rowdy and believe it or not…this is one scratch album that has a plot and a story. We also learn something very interesting about Rourke’s project Guvna Dub, there is a special sax player working on the new project—a friend of greenarrowradio no doubt? If you never thought you were one for it, try it. We also spend some quality time talking about life, Elf Music and a couple of different ways in which inspiration is gained thru the eyes and ears of this scratch sculptor Mister Rourke.

catch our catch up session here.

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Chicago Bluegrass & Blues

FESTIVAL!!! Man what a day it is going to be this Saturday November 22nd at the historic Congress Theater in Downtown Chicago. The Chicago Bluegrass and Blues Festival, a one day celebration of the roots of music will be taking place all day with doors opening at 11amCST. Aiming to help eradicate congenital heart defects in children, a portion of the event’s proceeds will contribute to the research efforts of the Chicago-based Saving Tiny Hearts Foundation. Until now, fans have had to travel far outside city limits and setup camp to witness a legend like David Grisman share a stage with the scene’s newest genre-defying sensations, The Avett Brothers, and a host of rising talents from the roots, blues, bluegrass, & jamband scenes.

The David Grisman Quintet
The Avett Brothers
Ha Ha Tonka
Lil’ Ed & the Blues Imperials
Majors Junction
Dollar Store
Blue Mother Tupelo
Billy Childers
How Far To Austin

and many more…….

My conversation with Mike Raspatello, Director of the Festival.

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Rotonova with Razl

What exactly is Intergalactic dirty guitar grooves for earthling weirdos. Razl (Raul Huelves) discuss that and more on his highly infectious guitar-and-beyond ridden groove-a-thon, Rotnova. We take the time to discuss the positives and let’s call them some learned experiences about putting out your own work, and we learn some insight as to who Razl would love to form a touring trio with, then the fun of imagining it begins. This album is for us earthling weirdos focused on funky fusion of a jazzed world experience meshed with the sound of maybe how Robots might play?

Listen it to find out more: Check out our conversation here.

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SHIVA boom w/Eccodek

From the man himself, Andrew McPherson we hear about some of the musicians that are behind the wide openness sound of SHIVA boom, the new release from Eccodek on White Swan Records. Andrew is a friend of the program and it is always a charge chatting him up–this time is no different. We spend time talking about the making of the new album, have I mentioned it’s called SHIVA boom(?), on-going projects and thoughts about potential and hopeful future fusion collaborators. Currently SHIVA boom sits at #13 on the CMJ charts in the World category…and the love is just beginning around here. Get yourself in a spot to take a direction unknown around the globe journey that album # 3 from Eccodek is ready to provide—a charm!

Listen in on Andrew and I chatting it up here.

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Eccodek’s SHIVA boom White Swan Records 2008

Mad Juana’s Sami Yaffa

Known for his work in the 80’s with Hanoi Rocks and current work in New York Dolls, Sami and I actually spent time talking about a recent project and new album: Mad Juana’s Bruja on the Corner is a different species of gypsy swinging rock, with mystery and an allure still undefined. We spend a little time talking about some of the previous gigs Sami has had in his career, including time with some of greenarrowradio’s pals, we also find out what Sami’s set-list built around Mad Juana would look like and when you might get a chance to see them live at a venue near you..and you.

Check out our conversation here.

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Bamba Dembele

This Thursday at the Capitol Theater in the Overture Center, the Song and Dance Ensemble of West Africa will take the stage. Bamba Dembele leads this group of traditional musicians and dancers which together is accomplished and respected. It is a high-level orchestra comprising many percussionists, musicians and dancers. They create a rhythmic feast drawing on a variety of influences including traditional Griot songs, reggae, and the sounds of the kora, a 21-stringed instrument of the lute family used across West Africa. The ensemble also features percussion instruments from the djembe to dounsdouns and other balaphons, excellent dancers whose muscles seem to be capable of any movement at any speed, and a an elaborate visual ensemble with colorful, inventive costumes. In my conversation with Mr. Dembele (with great assistance from both Claude and Madelaine-merci beaucoup!!), we discuss the differences between the Song and Dance Ensemble and the Super Rail Band, how traveling to America has broadened his opinions and his time with both Ali Farka Toure and Toumani Diabate.

Listen in to our conversation w/translation here.

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Dixie Longate’s Tupperware Party

Who new that there are so many “different” uses for Tupperware? Dixie Longate, the fast-talking Tupperware Lady, packed up her uncatalogued, left her children in an Alabama trailer park and took Off-Broadway by storm! Now, join Dixie as she travels the country throwing good ol’fashioned Tupperware Parties filled with outrageously funny tales, heartfelt accounts, FREE giveaways, audience participation and the most fabulous assortment of Tupperware ever sold on a theater stage. She will bring her party to Madison from October 21st – November 2nd at the Promenade Hall, inside the Overture Center. Loaded with the most up-to-date products available for purchase, see for yourself how Ms. Longate became the #1 Tupperware seller in the U.S. & Canada as she educates her guests on the many alternative uses she has discovered for her plastic products!

check out my chat with Dixie right here.

Maggie Lakis of Ave Q

I had the chance to talk with Maggie Lakis who plays with puppets for a living….I know right…COOL. She spends a lot of her time hanging out in the neighborhood of Ave Q. That neighborhood will take shape on the stages of Overture Hall within the enriching walls of our Overture Center here in Madison from October 21st through October 26th. Maggie and I talk about the way she got this very cool and mind opening gig, something about the relationships between puppets and human (strictly professional) and why this show might just be that “something different” you have been looking for.

Listen to my conversation with Maggie Lakis here.

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Maggie Lakis, Trekkie Monster, David Benoit

LA Theatre Works’ Susan Loewenberg

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On Tuesday October 21st, L.A. Theatre Works, a top radio theater company for the last two decades, invades Overture Center for an evening of harrowing audio drama. The original 1938 broadcast of War of the Worlds by Orson Welles’ Mercury Theatre of the Air sent the nation into hysterics over what they thought was an actual alien invasion. L.A. Theatre Works recreates that experience in gripping detail. The Lost World, based on a story by Arthur Conan Doyle, follows the expedition of a group of scientists to a remote part of the Amazon jungle locked in prehistoric times, complete with dinosaurs! I had the opportunity to chat with Susan Loewenberg, the founder and Producing Artistic Director of L.A. Theatre Works about the work involved in making these productions, the work her organization accomplishes to preserve and produce significant works of dramatic literature on audio with public access to all. We also talk about how we, as people can download a weekly nationally syndicated radio show, the Fund for Independence in Journalism and of interest to all, the Center for Public Integrity. Susan is an incredible person in my opinion and I am thankful for people like her keeping our radio histories alive for generations to discuss.

my conversation with Susan here.

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Thanks to Ruth, Lucy and Susan for making this interview possible