Category: Uncategorized

Can you guess what super models, Skype and Christmas trees have in common? They are all connected through a country that lies at the shores of the Baltic Sea: Estonia!

The July 19 edition of Friday Class focused on this fascinating country, especially its folk and classical music.

As always, host Prof. Lay provided insight about Estonia’s history, culture, traditions and foods. She also included a folktale or two!

The July 13 edition of Greasy Tracks focused solely on organ-based bands, leaning heavily on those who utilized the amazing Hammond B-3.

Here’s the archive, while a playlist is here.

There’s an interview with Dave Ruch of the Buffalo, N.Y.-based trio Organ Fairchild and we tracked through their third album, the recently released Songs We Didn’t Write.

The Hammond organ first appeared in 1935 and although many models have been produced, it’s the B-3 — introduced by Laurens Hammond in 1939 — which remains the most popular.

The B-3 features two, 61-note keyboards which are known as manuals; nine pre-set keys and nine drawbars for each manual; and a number of different pedals. Initially built for use in churches, the B-3 was later marketed for home and studio use. Due to the fact that it weighed in excess of 400 pounds, it was hardly the assignment any roadie would want to be tasked with moving for a touring band.

Based upon the design of the B-3, the organ is known for its versatility and “warm” sound, often enhanced when paired with a Lesley speaker. The innovative unit featured a pair of rotating speakers — low and high frequency drivers — which can turn at a number of different speeds, thereby “moving” the sound.

In time, Hammond organs, especially the B-3, were finding their way into band line-ups throughout the jazz, blues and rock music ranks.

The July 6 edition of Greasy Tracks went deep into the music of Frank Zappa and included insight and memories from those who helped him make it happen and continue to carry on the tradition on stage.

Here’s the archive where you can go crusin’ for burgers, while a playlist is here.

There were interviews with Zappa alums Robert Martin, Scott Thunes and Ray White who are out this summer on the “We Love Zappa Tour” with Banned From Utopia playing selections from Zappa’s voluminous catalogue.

Connecticut appearances include July 26 at Toad’s Place in New Haven and Aug. 1 at the Westport Library’s Trefz Forum. More info on the Westport show here.

Concerts in New York/New England include July 27 at The Met in Pawtucket, R.I.; July 28 at Daryl’s House in Pawling, N.Y.; July 30 at City Winery Hudson Valley in Montgomery, N.Y.; and Aug. 2 at City Winery Boston.

There was also an interview with Paul Green who founded the School of Rock and now leads the Paul Green Rock Academy. Green and his students, aged 11 through 20, will be opening for Banned From Utopia.

The program paid tribute to former Zappa bassist Tom Fowler who passed away at the age of 73 on July 2 and included some segments of an interview he did with Mighty Slim on WMBR-FM in Cambridge, Mass., in 2012.

The June 15 edition of Greasy Tracks featured a three-hour special on the legendary Matt “Guitar” Murphy.

Here’s the archive, while a playlist is here.

Coming on the sixth anniversary of Murphy’s passing at the age of 88 in 2018, the show spotlighted the brand-new, two-CD set True Blues Brother, The Legacy of Matt “Guitar” Murphy (Nola Blue).

There’s an interview with drummer Bobby Christina who played on and produced the album which features a veritable who’s who of blues players participating and Tom Guerra — longtime guitarist and writer for Vintage Guitar Magazine — provided insight on Murphy’s incredible legacy.

Best known as being a member of The Blues Brothers, Murphy played with some of the biggest names in the blues world including Memphis Slim, Howlin’ Wolf, Willie Dixon, Buddy Guy, Ike Tuner and Otis Rush. Not to be overlooked, he also accompanied three harp-playing giants: James Cotton, Little Junior Parker and Sonny Boy Williamson II.

Christina will be part of the official rollout of the new album June 23 at Mitchfest 15 at Hygienic Art in New London, Conn., where scores of musicians will be part of a Matt “Guitar” Murphy tribute concert.

The June 8 edition of Greasy Tracks featured the just-released JUBU (Little Village Foundation) by guitarist John “Jubu” Smith.

Here’s the archive, while a playlist is here.

Included in the program is an interview with guitarist Charlie Hunter who — with drummer Calvin Napper — rounded out the trio for the sessions. Guitarist Eric Gales makes a guest appearance on one of the tracks. Hunter produced the album.

Despite his reputation as an in-demand session and tour player, Hunter does not take any solos on the release. Instead, employing his guitar/bass hybrid guitar, he combines with Napper to take the rhythm section to a new level on what is an amazingly soulful, jazz-funk offering.

Jubu and Hunter both have roots in San Francisco’s East Bay. They each graduated from Berkeley High School — albeit four years apart — and then followed their musical paths around the country and the world — either leading groups of their own or playing with other artists.

Jubu spent a decade playing with Oakland-based Tony Toni Toné, backed Whitney Houston on a world tour and did time with the Philly soul outfit Maze. He also did studio work with Luther Vandross, Mary J. Blige, Boyz II Men, Toni Braxton, George Duke and George Benson.

In addition to a slew of solo projects, Hunter was part of The Disposable Heroes of Hiphoprisy, Garage a Trois and T.J. Kirk and did session and production work with scores of other artists. He’s played on recent releases by Victoria Victoria and SuperBlue, a collaboration with Kurt Elling.

On the June 7 edition of Friday Class, Prof. Lay took listeners back to Argentina, aurally speaking.

The program also served as an introduction to Cinestudio’s preview screenings of “Chronicles of a Wandering Saint” (“Crónicas de una Santa Errante”) before it opens nationally. Click here to listen live.

Cinestudio will show the film June 7-12. Click here to view the trailer.

There was also an interview with Tomás Gómez Bustillo — the writer and director of the film — who discussed how it came together, including the fascinating story of Rita Lopez and her quest to achieve sainthood.

The May 28 edition of So Latin This Jazz featured a special presentation as Lissette Colon, vice president of the Puerto Rican Parade of Fairfield County, interviewed Charles R. Venator-Santiago, the director of Puerto Rican Studies Initiative and El Instituto at the University of Connecticut.

Some of the issues that were explored emphasized women’s rights, equal pay for equal work, equality in academic and developmental opportunities, and the importance of celebrating ethnic pride.

The program not only identified shortfalls in the treatment of the disenfranchised, but discussed specific actions necessary to make things right.

The May 18 edition of Greasy Tracks featured the just-released Sam’s Place (Hot Tomato Productions) by Little Feat, part of a special three-hour spotlight on the band.

Here’s the archive, while a playlist is here. 

There were interviews with Little Feat members Sam Clayton, Bill Payne and Scott Sharrard, along with sax man Art Edmaiston who was part of the sessions at the legendary Sam Phillips Recording in Memphis.

It’s the first studio album in 12 years from Feat and the collection of classic blues tracks they recorded is stunning. May 17 was the official release of the album.

This offering from the band marks the first time percussionist Clayton sings lead on every track.

Bonnie Raitt, a longtime Feat friend, guests on a version of Muddy Waters’ “Long Distance Call” and Michael “Bull” LoBue contributes harp on a few songs. In addition to Edmaiston, fellow Memphis horn man Marc Franklin is on a handful of tracks.

Minus one original, “Milkman” — co-written by Clayton with guitarists Sharrard and Fred Tackett — the album is entirely covers penned by the aforementioned Waters, Willie Dixon, Bobby Charles, Little Walter Jacobs and Preston “Red” Foster.

The band appears several times in the tri-state area this summer as part of their “Can’t Be Satisfied Tour”, including Aug. 17 at the Milford Oyster Festival in Milford, Conn.; Aug. 20 at Tree House Brewing Summer Stage in Deerfield, Mass.; Aug. 21 at The Cape Cod Melody Tent in Hyannis, Mass.; Aug. 22 at South Shore Music Circus in Cohasset, Mass.; Aug. 24 at Indian Ranch in Webster, Mass.; and Aug. 25 at Bethel Woods Center For The Arts in Bethel, N.Y.

The May 11 edition of Greasy Tracks was an in-depth feature on the Austin trio Greyhounds.

The program marked the start of the 30th year of Greasy Tracks. Here’s the archive, while a playlist is here. 

There were interviews with guitarist Andrew Trube and keyboardist Anthony Farrell who founded the band 25 years ago. Drummer Ed Miles rounds out the line-up.

There was music from across their catalogue as well as work with other artists and some insight on touring and recording plans for the future, including a new record to celebrate a quarter century of the ‘Hounds.

The May 6 edition of the Devo Rock Show featured an interview with DEVO guitarist and keyboardist Josh Hager.

Here’s the archive. 

Host Devo got a chance to talk with Hager recently, before Hager joined his bandmates on a tour to mark their 50th anniversary.

Hager shared how he got started in music and some of his experiences working with DEVO founding members Gerry Casale and Mark Mothersbaugh.

Hager also talks about some of his earliest bands, including Backstroke To Cuba, The Elevator Drops and his work with Matt Sharp of the band Weezer. Also included will be music from his band with Tom Chapman of New Order called Shadowparty.

DEVO was formed in 1973 in Akron, Ohio, by two sets of brothers, Mark (keyboardist/vocalist) and Bob Mothersbaugh (guitarist), and Gerald (bassist) and Bob Casale (keyboardist) along with drummer Alan Myers.

The band started as an art project and joke at Kent State University and centered on the concept of “de-evolution” which was a satirical take on the dysfunction of modern society.

The joke took a more serious turn following the Kent State shootings on May 4, 1970, in which four students were killed and nine injured after Ohio National Guard troops fired on anti-Vietnam war protestors.

Gerald Casale was friends with some of the victims, including Allison Krause, and witnessed her death at the scene. This had a profound impact on him and was the catalyst to the formation of DEVO.

In 1977, DEVO released their first single “Mongoloid” with the B-side “Joko Homo”. The second single was a cover of The Rolling Stones song “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” which led to their brief stint on Stiff Records.

They were signed to Warner Brothers in 1978 — with the help of David Bowie and Iggy Pop — and recorded their first album Q: Are We Not Men? A: We Are Devo!

They gained national attention after their appearance on Saturday Night Live with their performance of “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” and “Joko Homo”.

In 1980, they broke through with their album Freedom Of Choice which included their biggest hit, “Whip It”. Throughout the 1980s, they continued to produce albums and tour until 1991 when they decided to break up. Later in the decade, they got back together and worked on various projects and toured on and off.

Mark Mothersbaugh got involved in TV and film soundtracks and Gerald Casale released an album under the name Jihad Jerry and the Evildooers. In 2010, they reformed and released Something For Everybody. Hager and his brother Paul worked on the production of that album, which included the singles, “Fresh” and “What We Do”.

On February 17, 2014, Bob Casale died of heart failure at the age of 61. Shortly after this, Hager was asked to replace him and tour with the band. This led to Hager working on several solo projects with Gerald Casale, including the singles “I’m Gonna Pay You Back” and “It’s All Devo”.

DEVO’s tour winds up in Las Vegas on May 27.