Mama Kia & Casa de Milagros

Our good friend and songstress Sara Wasserman recently took off from her normal (yeah, whatever that is) world and set off for Puru to spend time and learn from a group of special people at Casa de Milagros. Casa de Milagros (Home of Miracles) is a children’s home in the Sacred Valley near historic Machu Picchu, Peru. It was founded by the Chandler Sky Foundation to heal the mind, body and spirit of many of the thousands of orphaned and abandoned children living in poverty on the streets of Cusco, Peru and surrounding towns. Over 3,500 children live on the streets of Cusco many abandoned by families that could not feed them. Malnutrition, infrequent bathing, and inadequate care cause widespread health problems including skin infections, bronchitis, tuberculosis, rickets, and chronic intestinal infections. But the loneliness and fear experienced by these children forced to live on the street alone are the most painful afflictions of all. in this conversation with Sara we learn what a typical day for the children is like and just what inspiration she walked away with from this amazing experience. The Chandler Sky Foundation aims not only to heal the street children, but to educate them so that they may be able to return to their communities equipped with the skills and the spirit to heal the area’s economy. In addition to saving the lives of many needy children, the Foundation helps to conserve one of the world’s most biodiverse rainforests. Through teaching children methods of farming that allow the land to be used over and over again, there will be a decreased need for migration into the precious rainforest reserves that we, as a planet, need for survival. These programs, developed from a progressive global consciousness, place the Casa de Milagros in a category of its own. To help raise awareness and monies for these children, Sara is organizing a benefit in her home town of Mill Vally California with 100% of th efunds heading to Mama Kia….thusfar (and we’ll keep you updated, Sara has confirmations from her father Rob Wasserman , Bob Weir and Jay Lane many other fantastic people will follow in their footsteps so stay tuned.

Listen to Sara tell us more about it all right here.

mamakia.jpg
Lovely Chara & Mama Kia (in the hat)…creator of the orphanage.

Jamal Thomas & FAMILY

I had the great honor to kick back (as much kickin’ as be can done on the telephone) with MR. Jamal Thomas. Perhaps best known as Mr. Maceo Parker’s drummer for 16 plus years and his longstanding work with R&B powerhouse The Sounds Of Success Band (the SOS Band) which left him with 4 gold records. After all these years of working with one of the hardest working people out there, Jamal has finally gotten a chance to be the mastermind and ear behind his very first solo album entitled, Family. I am personally excited for him and for all of you who tune into my show to catch these tracks as they will be spinning here very soon. This conversation couldn’t have gotten off the ground if not for one of the finest men in Macon, in music and in both Jamal and my life, Mister Skeebo Knight. So drop on thru and listen to my time with a FUNK original and learn who hi sfirst major gig was with, as well as a quick hint into who Jamal is most likely voting for this November…(Oh yes he did!!)

Listen to Jamal and I talk about FAMILY here.

jamalthomas1.jpg

Jason Hann of EOTO

Check out my conversation with Jason here.

EOTO will bring its amazing improvisational bass-n-drum-tastic dance in your house all live and non replicated, this once in a moment (or sort of) show to Madison on Friday October 3rd at the High Noon Saloon. In our conversation, Jason and I dive into what makes this unique musical experience different and how a live show is arranged and how surprises can show up in many forms. Known for his work in the String Cheese Incident, Jason team up with fellow string cheeser (ahh we love ’em in Wisconsin) Michael Travis to bring rare grooves and smashing dance beats to those ready to dance, and sometimes bend….with more than the body. We share some musical friends and speak about his time with Vinx, where he might dream drum if he could and also how this whole thing got started and where is has already taken them as musical artists and most importantly, as people.

EOTO.gif
EOTO

Xavier Rudd-Dark Shade of Blue

It’s always refreshing to spend time chatting with Xavier Rudd. He is such a laid back cool cat and I always feel like we are sitting on top of our boards just chillin’. Anyhow, this time was no exception and we had a chance to dissect a few tracks off the new album released on Anti entitled: Dark Shade of Blue. This dissection revealed some way cool and super heavy info on one of the mates in his touring posse and we learn who helped produce this raw rocker of an album. Have no fears, there are certainly great moments of world music fused in there along with mind consuming awareness lyrical content. Xavier was involved in a project recently with Matthew McConaughey, a movie called: Surfer Dude and of course we discuss one of the socially and globally important issue on his mind that you might not even have known existed.

Check out my time with Xavier Rudd right here.

xavier-rudd-live-1.jpg

Trombone Shorty-a real deal

Troy “Trombone Shorty” Andrews is an amazing artist. Playing with everyone from U2 and Lenny Kravitz to the band down the corner of a N’Orleans street side, but what really resonated like a perfect low note, was how grounded he is. He is cool and collected and and wise for his short time physically upon the earth. At 22 years old Troy has already experienced more than most musicians three times his age, and he has the chops to prove it. Having traveled extensively in the United States as well as globally, Troy’s music has reached innumerable music lovers who will never forget his amazing live performances. He will bring his amazing spirit and band Orleans Avenue to the Union Theater here on the beautiful campus of the university of Wisconsin on October 2nd. In on conversation we talk about everything from the NBA to what music he is currently sporting on his Ipod. I hope you find a moment to check out our chat and become more familiar with the person known as Trombone Shorty.

Listen to Troy and I converse it up here.

tromboneshorty.jpg

Moist Paula Henderson

From Burnt Sugar the Arkestra Chamber to Secretary (with or without Big Boss) to Moisturizer, check out all the projects friend of the radio program “Moist” Paula Henderson has been up to since she arrived in New York some 15 years or so ago. While we go way back, every time I see her or hear her music It is a constant re-FRESHer course in soundology. From the avant to the rockin’, Paula has her horn and will travel to the next destination on a wave of inspiration and an eye for the inevitable changes life in music dictates. When you listen to this conversation, consider it just that…a chat between two friends with the premise that it’s all about the music in mind-WHATEVER form that music may take.

Check out my conversation with Paula here.

moistpaula.jpg

Backyard Tire Fire-Ed Anderson

On the 11th &12th of September, watch out Wisconsin coz Backyard Tire Fire is heading in. First on Thursday they will be rockin’ at the Rave in Milwaukee and then the next night at the Annex in Madison. I had a chance to talk with singer/songwriter/band mate/brother Ed Anderson about the brand new album out on Hyena Records titled: The Places We’ve Lived, the places he finds his songwriting superpowers and those fist place Cubbies of his hometown area. Ed really seems like the type of guy you want on stage making sure your night is a solid time, so if you are in the areas listed in Wisconsin or close to any spots Backyard Tire Fire might be heading, maybe its a show for you….

Find out all we spoke about right here.

btf.jpg
Backyard Tire Fire

bytfalbum.jpg
The Places We’ve LivedHYENA RECORDS 2008

Derek Trucks makes a moment

Heading into Madison on Tuesday night at the Majestic Theater, the Derek Trucks Band will certainly be a show to talk about. One of my favorite innovators of music makes a moment to chat with me right before he finishes work on a brand new album. If you have never seen this group of artists work together, it truly is a journey of sound and through it. In this conversation we talk about the new album (but not too much) & the various projects Derek has recently been evolved… err, involved in(?), give props to the core of the band and there is even chatter about the Tampa Bay Rays (Say What??).

Listen to Derek and I chat it up here.

derekand susan.jpg

Taj Weekes & Adowa-DEIDEM

Taj Weekes and Adowa are involved in conscious music for people who are paying attention. While experiencing sadness in his own life, Taj never lost sight (or even gained a greater perspective) of the world around him. Taj Weekes & Adowa present a brand new experience in classic roots reggae. With wry trenchant lyrics, a haunting dusky quiver in his voice and the knock-down sound of his band Adowa, Taj has managed to weave a rare social consciousness with an unforgettable reggae groove. I had a chance to discuss his awareness, his music and the way you can make a difference through helping improve the lives of underprivileged, at-risk and orphaned children around the world. Check out more on They Often Cry Outreach. A big thank you to Taj and Shirley for reaching out to greenarrowradio to help share the message.

Check out my conversation with Taj Weekes here.

tajweekes.jpg

Bill Christopher in Church Basement Ladies

famul.jpg

For 11 years, William Christopher played Father Mulcahy on what many consider the best sitcom of all time, M*A*S*H. Bill is in Madison performing in Church Basement Ladies. This hilarious musical comedy is a celebration of the church basement kitchens everywhere and the wonderful, unsung women who work there. This fun for all musical will be on the Capitol Theater Stage in the Overture Center from Tuesday August 12th until Sunday August 31st. Bill takes a moment away from all he is up to to chat with me briefly about this show and his role in it as Pastor Gunderson as well as some M*A*S*H* moments shared and we even discuss briefly his involvement in the world surrounding autism. (Another something we happen to share).

Rejoice in my conversation with Bill here.

CBL-FamilyPic.jpg

Mel & Rich of SIRSY

sirsy_logo_top.jpg
I want to thank Mel & Rich of the band Sirsy for catching up with me. As always, our creative minds take over and in this conversation we talk about everything from how the new album Revolution has been received by live audiences as well as album listeners, we also chat about the inevitable journey to Madison (?) and even the proper treatment for stingray stings. Z A P!!! Making their own revolution.

Check out my conversation with this dynamic duo right here.

melrich.jpg

Great American Taxi’s Vince Herman

Vince is known for his work in the group Leftover Salmon, but one of his recent projects is in Madison tonight, Great American Taxi. Alternative Americana created from the roots of the earth traveled so often by this group of songwriters and musicians. Your head would spin adding up all the miles the members of Great American Taxi have traveled individually, and in just over two years together they’ve added a whole lot more to their travelogues. From their home in the high country of Colorado to the shores of the Pacific and back again through the grain belt of the Midwest heading further east to the Atlantic Ocean, Taxi has ridden the highways spinning yarns and delivering high octane music to all who show up at their live shows and consume their 21st century Americana sound. Great American Taxi traffics their collective past helping create their new Americana without borders brand of music.

Sounds like what I am talking about!!

vince.jpg

Check out my chat with Vince right here.

Tony Tyler–Where’s he at??

Tony has been quite busy ever since we first met up with him years ago. Take some time to check out the “what’s” and “where’s” and how it is all happening in our most recent chat. There is a pretty big name sponsor, dates booked for every home game of a powerhouse southern college football program and some switches in the entire make up of the sounds he is producing these days.

Check out more on Tony Tyler here at his myspace page.

Listen in on our conversation here.

tonynew.jpg

Marcus Henderson & Marshall Tucker Band

Finally, in so many ways I have been feeling super connected to Marcus. We chat today about some of those things including mutual friends the funky Mr. Skeebo Knight and Mr Adam Mewherter, the g-rate sounds of he and his bandmates in one of my favorite sounding bands, King Johnson, the wonderful work his lovely wife is dong at the Georgia Music Hall of Fame, and of course his recent employment and inclusion in his new family, the Marshall Tucker Band. In this conversation you’ll learn a few things people might not have known about Marcus, where to find unseen Otis Redding memorabilia and Adam Rapping?????

Take a moment if you could to listen to our conversation here.

marcushenderson.jpg

Susan Crofton & the Overture

I had the pleasure of discussing the Overture Center for the Arts 2008-2009 season to be, with Vice President of Programming, Susan Crofton. With a rich history and a extraordinary vision of the future, the Overture’s 2008-2009 season is filled with diversity, tradition and activities for all ages. The facility contains the fabulous Overture Hall, the intimate Playhouse, three black box spaces, the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art, the Wisconsin Academy’s James Watrous Gallery, three community galleries, a soaring glass lobby, and the Capitol Theater. Susan and I discuss the potential of all that great space and how the Overture staff works to broaden the spectrum of activities, arts and the people who walk through the doors into the breathtaking lobby.

Listen to Susan and I discussing the ’08-’09 season at the Overture Center for the Arts here.

overture1.jpg

Cecilia Villar Eljuri: EN PAZ

Born into a family of tradition, respect for culture and artistic talent, Cecilia Villar Eljuri is sure to leave her mark with an album that has a message. Her musical background is as varied as the tracks on this diverse album, starting off with a great clash of beats and Latin vibe EL AIRE with Sly and Robbie. and it just keeps getting more special as the album plays on. Being a rocker at heart, (and this I believe is a heart of musical gold)….Eljuri has transcended sounds and rhythms into words that keep it real, and really keep it on a personal level…but a level that is meant to be listened to and shared. We spend time discussing this new album and those who worked on it with her to share in this vision (including a special track close to that golden heart) and what our fantasy concert might be. If you are down with diversity, check out Eljuri’s EN PAZ, it’s more than music.

Take a moment to check out our conversation with Cecilia here.

eljurienpaz.jpg

Scrapomatic’s Mike Mattison

This is like a part two after Mike and I had a conversation last year or so ago when Alligator Love Cry first came out. Scrapomatic once again have a new album out in 2008 on Landslide Records“Sidewalk Caesars”. This bluesy roots duo put forth yet another soulful release that has the blues checking to see if it has the blues. With this album I can just simply “feel it”. While busy year round as the front man for the Derek Trucks Band, and time in the studio and taking the Scrapomatic show on the road with band-mate Paul Olsen, we learn what Mike does, or shall we say does not do with his spare time, the plans for the next album and perhaps coming to a place near you……if so…..take the chance to go on and “feel it” for yourself.

mmatt.jpg

Check out my conversation with Mike Mattison here.

sidwalkcaesars.jpg

Mister Russel Blake

I am proud to be a part of Russel Blake world as I truly feel he is someone making a difference in many people’s lives, musically and beyond. My conversation with Mr. Blake reminds me why I like to do what I do in my musical arena….and it is always nice to be reminded why you love something. With a new album due out very soon, I was blessed with the opportunity to debut it on greenarrowradio, with this honor comes a huge THANK YOU. Currently, Mr. Blake has 422 pieces within his repetoire encompassing Classical, Spanish Classical, Jazz Classical, Brazilian, Latin & Pop Music Idioms. As creator of The Universal Language Music History & Cultural Programme, Mr Blake has taught a variety of audiences from Kindergarten – High Schools, universities, libraries, prisons, hospitals & Art Galleries about the history of music. Mr. Blake was also the featured guest soloist at the 9th annual Bass Conference held here in Madison a few years back and was working very closely with Dr. Richard Davis at the time.

BlakeR.jpg

Click here to hear my conversation with Mr. Russel Blake.

Brian Haas of JFJO

I had the chance to speak with Brian Haas of the group Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey and was quite pleased to have done so. Brian seems like the type of person I could sit with and talk about music with, and learn a bundle from. JFJO will be bringing its usually progressive post-modern jazz into Madison on June 26th at the Memorial Union Terrace starting sometime around 9:30. In this conversation you will learn what they intend to do differently this time around on stage, the concept and creation of the new album Little Tae Rides Again on not just one but 2 different types of labels, just what to do in case a person named Jacob Fred calls your daughter in the middle of the night.

bhaas.jpg

Check out my conversation with Brian Haas here.