Short Stories w/Tony Moreno

tonymoreno

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.

The Dhol Foundation’s Johnny Kalsi

Johnny Kalsi

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.

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

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.

Beau Sasser of Akashic Record

Akashic Record is the funk brainchild of drummer Tom Arey and hammond organ whiz Beau Sasser formerly of the perennial Boston jamband , Uncle Sammy. The group began as a trio, utilizing the guitar work and composition skills of Roman Zeitlin(Zap Mama), and quickly gained national notoriety with a performance at the 2003 New Orleans Jazz Fest. Morphing into a quintet lineup in 2004, the group solidified with frontman Brian Thomas on trombone, Timo Shanko on tenor sax and Johnny Trauma on guitar.Playing consistently in the Northeast, their floor shakin’ live show continues to thrill capacity crowds night after night. Beau and his band mates will bring this family friendly funking good time to Tyrone Farm in Pomfret CT this Sunday May 27th. Hey boo boo bring yer pic-a-nic basket.

Check out my chat with Mr. Sasser here.

beau.jpg

the Poogie Bell Band Brings IT

Poogie Bell‘s drums is what you hear on many of the world’s finest jazz, neo-soul, R&B and hip-hop records. Performer, record producer, composer, and arranger, you’ve heard his work with artists including Chaka Khan, Marcus Miller, Stanley Clarke, Roberta Flack, Erykah Badu, David Bowie, John Scofield, David Sanborn, Angelique Kidjo, Al Jarreau, Vanessa Williams, Victor Wooten, and Randy Crawford. Native of New York and a second generation musician he has been immersed in music since he was born. Taking cues from his father, a jazz musician and professor of music, Poogie has always had an inherent connection to music. As hard as it may be to believe, he started playing at the age of ten months old and made his concert debut when he was two and half at Pittsburgh’s Carnegie Hall with his father. By the time he was five he’d already appeared on The Mike Douglas Show with Pearl Bailey. As a kid it wasn’t unusual for Poogie to see the likes of drummer Max Roach, saxophonist Ornette Coleman, pianist Marylou Williams, bassists, Paul Chambers, Ron Carter and Richard Davis in his living room jammin’ with his father. Poogie is doing his own project with The Poogie Bell Band!

poogie.jpg

You can catch the Poogie Bell Band at the Main Pub on Saturday night, April 28. Listen to my conversation with Poogie RIGHT HERE.

Bill Payne of Little Feat

Well, here’s the deal. Both Billy and I had a scratchy reception. We forged ahead as it was the only time that would work for us. There was some good chatter back and forth about the visit to The Wolf Den on March 18th 2007, the latest Little Feat excursion to Jamaica, and I do try and pry a little into what Billy is up to in a solo artists vane. Payne, who co-founded Little Feat with the late, great Lowell George 35 years ago, has been Little Feat’s keyboardist – and its pilot – throughout the band’s existence, writing and singing such beloved classics as ”Oh Atlanta,“ ”Day or Night,“ ”Time Loves a Hero“ and ”Gringo,“ while ”steering a ship that was rudderless,“ as he puts it. He’s also contributed to hundreds of records as a sideman. The list of the artists Payne has recorded with is as lengthy as a small-town telephone book, ranging from Jackson Browne to Beck to Jimmy Buffett – and that’s just some of the ”B“s. Although the quality of this recording is sub par, I still wanted to make it available.

Check out our scratchy chat here.

billy-sugarloaf.jpg

Stanton Moore, a musician’s drummer.

Born and raised in New Orleans (and living there still, when he’s not on the road), Stanton Moore is very much a product of geography, culture and creative networking. He grew up in the thriving music scene of his hometown that included Professor Longhair, Dr John, the Meters and countless other Big Easy mainstays. In the early ‘90s, Moore hooked up with guitarist Jeff Raines, bassist Robert Mercurio and keyboardist Rich Vogel and saxophonist Ben Ellman to form the New Orleans-based “steam-roller” funk band known as Galactic. There is so much to one of the hardest working guys in music, be it educating kids, being involved in multiple side projects (His Trio and Garage a Trois), Moore is credited on so many great diverse albums out there, it was just a matter of time before I got a hold of him as a new found friend of greenarrowradio.

Check out our conversation here.

stanton-moore.jpg

You all Remember Skeebo Knight…

friend of the greenarrowradio program and one heck of a drummer, Mr. Skeebo Knight is featured in todays set. Check out our conversation and listen to his grooves.

Rock me Amadeus, Mariposa
Stuyane/Male-Le, Transglobal Underground w/Trio Bulgarko
Kara Kum, Banco de Gaia
Connection, Brewed by Noon
Sangare, Vieux Farka Toure
Ernie, Fat Freddys Drop
Rainbow, G-Love
Food in the Belly, Xavier Rudd
Mana, Xavier Rudd
I’m Tore Down, John Hammond/G-Love
Vishnu Dub, Club d’Elf
Straight Healing Song, Gerald Primeaux Sr.
Beauty, Wax Poetic
La Temperatura, Ozomatli
Unrock, Gabriel Rios
Crabbuckit, K-Os
the Chamber, Neil Schon
Neighbor Neighbor, Gregg Allman

***CONVERSATION WITH SKEEBO KNIGHT***

I like’s That< Skeebo Knight
Richard’s Amazing Riding Mower, Skeebo Knight
Dana’s Lick, Ripplegroove
Interplanetary Love Song, Chris Spies
42, Krita Yuga
Black Flames, Chick Corea
Innocence Lost, the Jamie McLean Band

skeebo.jpg

Feb. 3rd at REAL ART WAYS…

Durán/Schloss/Mitri Trio.
Hilario Durán, Andrew Schloss, and Irene Mitri combine Afrocuban jazz with live electronics and interactive computer music to create a sound entirely their own. While Durán is a world-class jazz pianist and composer from Cuba, and Mitri is a lyrical violinist who has expanded into Latin Jazz. This musical experiment, putting together contemporary Afrocuban jazz and traditional Cuban music with the newest computer music augmentation, has toured across Canada and the U.S.. I had a chance to catch up with Dr. Schloss to discuss the upcoming show and more.
Andrew Schloss is a pioneer in new musical instruments, and a virtuoso on an instrument dubbed the Radio Drum. He has received numerous awards and fellowships: Fulbright Scholar in France at IRCAM/Centre George Pompidou, collaborative composer’s grant from the National Endowment for the Arts, research fellowship from the BC Advanced Systems Institute (ASI), Research/Creation Grant from SSHRC (Social Science and Humanities Research Council), commission from the British Columbia Arts Council, among others. He has been a JUNO Awards judge in the World Music category for several years, as well as a consultant to the Smithsonian Institution’s Center for Folklife Programs and Cultural Studies, and other organizations. He has also focused his work on performance and composition with this instrument, using it to explore interactive computer music and improvisation. As a percussionist and computer musician, he has performed with such legendary figures as Tito Puente, Chucho Valdés, and more recently with Rickie Lee Jones and Joe Jackson at the EMP (Experience Music Project) opening concert in Seattle. in my conversation with Dr. Schloss, we will also discuss his business venture called Physiosonics and his involvement with Public Art installations collaborating with several other artists on major installations.

CHECK OUT OUR CONVERSATION HERE.

dsmTrio.jpg

A few words w/Dr. Lonnie Smith

Dr. Lonnie Smith is an authentic Master of the Hammond B3 organ. For over five decades he has furthered the sound of Jazz Organ, created a worldwide fan-base, and revealed his musical talents on over seventy albums. Today, his name is truly synonymous with the instrument. Lonnie Smith has consistently been a leading force in jazz since 1969 when critics for Downbeat magazine hailed him as ‘Top Organist of 1969.’ More recently he has been selected as ‘Organ Keyboardist of the Year’ by The Jazz Journalist Association in 2003, 2004 and 2005.

There is so much more to the man, I caught up with him after a period out on the road and I kept it brief so he could just relax.

Listen here to Dr. Lonnie Smith tellin’ me it’s all my fault.

Lonnie.jpg

Bobby Previte & The Coalition of the Willing

In the great tradition of instrumental, electric guitar-fueled rock comes Bobby Previte‘s “super bar band,” The Coalition of the Willing. A new and exciting powerhouse machine pulling together musicians from different worlds to play Previte’s wisting, hard hitting tunes. Featuring the legendary Charlie Hunter, putting aside his eight string guitar to pick up a six string for the first time in years; Skerik, the one-named saxophone legend, hailing from the fighting city of Seattle, where he has been famous to a few for his seminal work in punk-jazz bands including Garage-a-Trois (with Charlie Hunter & Stanton Moore); Robert Walter, the paradigm shifting soundmaster on Hammond Organ; and, leading the Coalition charge, Bobby Previte on drums. This can’t miss show will be on Nov 4 – Northampton, MA at the IRON HORSE Cafe. ARE YOU ONE OF THE WILLING?

Check out our talk here

cotw.jpg

Salvador Santana..This generations’ Santana

I had the distinct pleasure of hanging out on the phone lines with Salvador Santana. Yes, of THAT Santana family. Keyboardist and composer Salvador Santana‘s vibrant music mixes hip-hop, jazz, rock, Latin and other world idioms into a uniquely individual and totally contemporary style. He likes to call the richly textured grooves he creates with the Salvador Santana Band, “a new blend, a sound reinvented.” Salvador explains, “It’s a mix of all my favorite music, the best of what’s impacted my life, all coming together in a new genre.” Salvador Santana’s artistic chops are also, of course, colored by-and a continuation of-his family’s awesome legacy. Salvador’s maternal grandfather was African-American blues pioneer, tenor and guitar legend Saunders King, his paternal grandfather is celebrated violinist and mariachi bandleader Jose Santana, and his father is 10X GRAMMY®-winning Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Carlos Santana. Salvador‘s lyrics and inspired spoken word poetry reflect the gift for writing he shares with his mother, Deborah Santana, whose first book, the memoir Space Between The Stars, was published in 2005. The audio book version of the title features music that Salvador and Carlos composed together; previously, they collaborated on composing the GRAMMY-winning track “El Farol” from the smash 1999 Santana album Supernatural.

Listen to Salvador talk about his vision with creating music.

Salvador can be seen opening for Santana on September 20th at the Mohegan Sun Arena in uncasville CT and on September 22nd at the Chevrolet Theatre in Wallingford CT. Go experience this generations Santana.

salcarlos.jpg

I want to thanks the fine folks at Santana Management, as this interview can be found on Salvador Santana’s homepage www.salvadorsantana.com

Thomas Dolby, tell us where you’ve been?

If you have been wondering where Thomas Dolby has been, take a listen to out chat. He will be heading to the Iron Horse in North Hampton MA on September 27th for his ONE MAN SHOW sort of thang. By the sounds of it, it will be a truly innovative and unique event. So, for all of theose with a sense for the unique…check it out. Also, hear what albums T.D played on but was credited under a different name..it is a weird name, yes.

Listen to our talk here.

bubblehead.jpg

A Moment with Merl Saunders Jr.

Hammond B3 player Merl Saunders has recorded with numerous renowned artists since the early ’70s and has led many of his own dates in a variety of genres from jazz to blues to new age to rock. Born on Valentine’s Day, 1934 in San Mateo, CA, Saunders began learning to play the piano at the age of 10. He was a classmate and bandmate of Johnny Mathis through junior high school. Saunders decided on music as a profession after seeing how much fun was had by audience and performers alike at concerts by such musicians as Cab Calloway. He apprenticed early on with Jimmy Smith for a time, and attended various music schools. Starting in the 1960s, Saunders collaborated on and off with Jerry Garcia, and the Grateful Dead. He also began working as a jazz keyboardist in the early ’70s, and since has performed and recorded with Harry Belafonte, Frank Sinatra, Lionel Hampton, Miles Davis, B.B. King, Bonnie Raitt and Paul Butterfield. One of his several albums with Jerry Garcia, Blues From the Rainforest, hit the Top 5 of the U.S. Billboard New Age charts in the early ’90s.

If you don’t already know, you need to find out. Check out the MERL SAUNDERS WEBSITE.

Listen to my conversation with Merl Saunders Jr. Here.

merlsman.jpg

VINX : live at REAL ART WAYS

Tonight, August 17th from 6-9PM, Vinx will be bringing his One man. One voice. One drum style art to the floor of the REAL ART WAYS in Hartford Connecticut as part of their alternative multidisciplinary arts CREATIVE COCKTAIL event held every third thurday of each month. It is written that once upon a time (1990) in Santa Monica, CA, a famous musician (that would be Sting) wandered into a club to wait out the rain and was so enthralled with the performer on stage (that would be Vinx) that he signed him to a record deal and helped produce his debut album (that would be Rooms in My Fatha’s House). Although he had a gig back in 1978 as a percussionist for Taj Mahal, Vinx was a world-class triple-jumper. In fact, in 1980 he posted the second best jump in the world, but the United States boycotted the Moscow Olympics, and after an injury at the 1984 Olympic trials in Los Angeles, Vinx embarked on his musical career as a vocalist and percussionist. He recorded and toured with the likes of Ernie Watts, Rickie Lee Jones, and Toni Childs before forming his own band of drummers and hitting Europe, where he played the Montreux Jazz Festival between Miles Davis and Wayne Shorter.
The list of talented musicians that Vinx has collaborated grows as I type, be sure to check him out in Hartford or any other place you get the chance.

LISTEN TO MY CHAT WITH VINX HERE.

vinxpic.jpg

vinx 1001.jpg

vinx 1002.jpg

Toby Marks is Banco de Gaia.

I had the distinct honor to chat with Mr. Toby Marks (A.K.A. Banco de Gaia) about his new album FAREWELL FERENGISTAN as well as where he lives and a little about the attempt to Free Tibet. Here is a bit of info for you and then listen to our conversation.
We live at a time when we face some of the greatest challanges of our history. Can we afford to lose a people and culture which has understood and lived for thousands of years in harmony with an eocsystem which we seem to be fighting a losing battle with? Can we afford to let a vast repository of spiritual and human understanding which could benifit us all be destroyed to make way for more mines and factories which would only benefit some? The Tibetans will not use violence in their opposition to their oppressors – can we afford to wash our hands of them and accept that it is alright for the strong and ruthless to dominate the weak and principled? Our governments may not be prepared to stand up for what they say they believe in – freedom, human rights, democracy – for fear of rocking the trade boat, but we as individuals can; we can show our support for the Tibetan people, we can push for our public servants to do something to help, and at least the Tibetans will know that they are not alone in their fight to preserve their culture and beliefs, that others around the world also believe in the spirit, the heart and the dream of a world free of power-weilding bullies and their silent allies who look the other way.

For more information on the historical and present situation in Tibet, and details of what you can do to help, contact:

International Campaign For Tibet
1735 Eye Street
NW, Suite 615
Washington D.C.
20006

U.S.A.
Tel: 202 785 1515
Fax: 202 785 4343
Free Tibet Campaign
1 Rosoman Place
London EC1R 0JY.

Email: tibetsupport@gn.apc.org

Listen here to our conversation

banco.jpg

Mike Clark Conversation

You might know him from the Herbie Hancock and the Headhunters…you might. Or, you might recognize him as one of the truly authentic jazz/funk/soul/R&B/Blues/Hip Hop drummers on the planet. Check out this conversation for some insight to the world of music, the good and not so good. Little tricks of the trade that’ll make you say “cool” and a show tonight in Manchester Connecticut. The amount of people who have worked with Mike and also “borrowed” loops of his drumming,is absolutely mindboggling. For more about Mike,
check out his webpage

listen to our talk here.

mikeclark.jpg

Superdrummer: Carl Palmer chat

Listen to us talk here.

often credited as one of the most respected and influential Rock drummers of all time. Palmer is a veteran of a number of British bands, including The Crazy World of Arthur Brown, Atomic Rooster, Emerson, Lake & Palmer, and Asia. He has also contributed to works by Mike Oldfield.
Although none of the groups Palmer performed with are yet in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Palmer’s 2½ ton stainless steel drum set is, after being purchased and donated by Ringo Starr.

In recent years, Carl has performed a series of drum clinics across the UK and Europe. He is currently on tour with the original line-up of Asia, celebrating their 25th anniversary

carlpalmer.jpg