Songs & Stories – Détails, épisodes et analyse

Pianist, composer, and arranger John Beasley joins host Steve Roby for an in-depth discussion about his extraordinary career, his new album Invisible Piano, and an upcoming all-star Miles Davis centennial tribute concert in San Francisco.

Beasley explores his musical roots — from a household full of musicians to early influences like The Beatles, Thad Jones/Mel Lewis, and Quincy Jones — and reflects on his journey through jazz, film, television, and large ensemble composition. 

He talks about how a trip to a Stuttgart art gallery, and the surrealist paintings of Max Ernst inspired the creative process behind Invisible Piano, recorded with Germany's SWR Big Band. The album includes five original compositions and two new arrangements, such as a deeply personal rendition of James Taylor's "Fire and Rain."

John also previews ‘Unlimited Miles: Miles Davis at 100,’ an all-star jazz centennial celebration at the Presidio Theater in San Francisco on May 14, featuring Kurt Rosenwinkel, Mark Turner, Sean Jones, Terry Gully, and Ben Williams.

Music featured in this episode:

• “Fire and Rain” — arranged and performed by John Beasley (from Invisible Piano)
• “Invisible Piano” (title track) — John Beasley with the SWR Big Band (from Invisible Piano)
•  

Music provided by John Beasley and used with his permission.

Links:

• John Beasley: johnbeasleymusic.com
• Tickets for Unlimited Miles at the Presidio Theater (May 14th): presidiotheatre.org/shows
• Backstage Bay Area: backstagebayarea.com

Jazz trumpeter and composer David Weiss joins host Steve Roby for a wide-ranging conversation about a life built on music. From his early days in Queens, where he absorbed hard rock, fusion, and European avant-garde sounds, to leading some of contemporary jazz's most distinctive ensembles, Weiss reflects on the organic path that brought him to where he is today.

We dig into his latest album, Auteur (Origin Records) — a title he half-jokingly suggests should end with a question mark — and explore what it means to maintain a recognizable musical identity across multiple projects. David shares the stories behind two tracks from the album: "Resilience," a tribute to pianist George Cables, and "The Other Side of the Mountain," inspired by Ron Carter's reflections on perseverance and a Martin Luther King speech on the long arc of progress.

David also opens up about The Cookers — his hard-bop supergroup approaching its 20th year — the recent Kennedy Center cancellation amid the current political climate, and the challenge of keeping a band together when the musicians you love most are in their 80s and still outplaying everyone in the room.

The conversation ends with a look ahead to the David Weiss Sextet's upcoming five-city West Coast tour, featuring two sets at SF Jazz's Joe Henderson Lab in San Francisco.

Songs Featured in This Episode:

“Resilience” — David Weiss Sextet (Auteur, Origin Records)

“The Other Side of the Mountain” — David Weiss Sextet (Auteur, Origin Records)

*Both songs are from the album Auteur and were provided by the artist and used with their permission.

Show Details

🎷 Backstage Bay Area

Host: Steve Roby

Upcoming Show:

David Weiss Sextet

📍 SF Jazz – Joe Henderson Lab, San Francisco, CA

📅 Sunday, May 17th

🕕 Two sets: 6:00 PM & 7:30 PM

🎟 Tickets: sfjazz.org

Pro tip: Open seating — arrive early for the best seats.

David Weiss Sextet Members:

EJ Strickland | Myron Walden | David Bryant | Eric Wheeler | Ben Solomon | David Weiss

Album: Auteur — Out now on Origin Records

Show Notes:
On this episode of Backstage Bay Area, host Steve Roby talks with Bay Area singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist August Lee Stevens ahead of her Joe Henderson Lab run at SFJAZZ. The conversation traces her musical roots, the blend of folk, soul, and jazz in her work, and the writing process behind two featured songs, “Tell Me” and “Citrus.”

Steve and August talk about growing up in the Bay Area, how family and place shaped her sound, and how songs begin for her—sometimes as a phrase, sometimes as a melody, and sometimes as a feeling that keeps returning until it becomes a finished piece. The episode also looks at the emotional charge behind “Tell Me” and the family-centered inspiration behind “Citrus,” which appears on Live at the Troubadour. 

Songs featured in this episode:
“Tell Me”
“Citrus”

Episode highlights:
August Lee Stevens on her Bay Area musical background
How folk, soul, and jazz come together in her songwriting
The story and emotional spark behind “Tell Me”
The family inspiration behind “Citrus”
What audiences can expect from her Joe Henderson Lab shows

The songs featured in this episode were provided by August Lee Stevens and are used with the artist’s permission.

August Lee Stevens’ official website is ⁠augustleestevens.com⁠.

Joe Henderson Lab show information:
August Lee Stevens performs at SFJAZZ’s Joe Henderson Lab on Saturday, April 4, at 7:00 p.m. and 8:30 p.m., and Sunday, April 5, at 6:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available here: SFJAZZ ticket link

Photo credit: Ariel Nava

Show Notes 

In this episode of Backstage Sonoma, host Steve Roby welcomes acclaimed singer-songwriter Peter Bradley Adams from Birmingham, Alabama. Known for his signature Americana sound that wraps listeners in a warm embrace, Peter discusses the inspiration behind his soulful music, insights into his side project Down Like Silver, and an exciting new album in the works. 

As a special treat, Peter previews what fans can expect at his upcoming performance at HopMonk Tavern in Novato. Tune in to catch all this and more, accompanied by the heartfelt song "My Arms Were Always Around You" from his 2017 album A Face Like Mine.

Guest Information:

• Peter Bradley Adams: Renowned singer-songwriter whose music intertwines gentle guitar melodies, subtle banjo undertones, and poetic lyrics.
• Website: peterbradleyadams.com
• Facebook: Peter Bradley Adams Facebook
• Instagram: @peterbradleyadams

Links:

• Hop Monk Tavern Novato: Get Tickets

Episode Takeaways:

• Insights into Peter Bradley Adams’ creative process and how he defines his music style.
• Background on Down Like Silver, Peter’s side project, and its influence on his sound.
• Exclusive news on Peter’s forthcoming album.
• What fans can expect at the upcoming Novato show and why it’s a must-attend event.

Call-To-Action: Subscribe to Backstage Sonoma for in-depth conversations with your favorite musicians. Please leave us a review and share this episode with your friends!

Social Media and Contact Information:

• Website: Backstage Sonoma
• Twitter: @BackstageSonoma
• Instagram: @backstagesonoma

Hashtags: #BackstageSonoma #PeterBradleyAdams #AmericanaMusic #LiveMusic #HopMonkTavernNovato #MusicInterview #SingerSongwriter

Show Notes: In this episode of Backstage Sonoma, host Steve Roby sits down with Eric McDonald, the guitarist, mandolinist, and vocalist from the acclaimed folk trio Kalos. 

With their unique blend of Scottish, Irish, Scandinavian, and North American music traditions, Kalos redefines contemporary folk. Eric discusses their latest album, Headland, dives into the stories behind standout tracks like "Fare Thee Well" and "Fanny Vanilla," and previews their upcoming performance at the Raven Theatre in Healdsburg. 

Listeners are treated to insights into Kalos’ creative process, the band's evolution, and what makes their live shows unforgettable. 

This episode kicks off with the captivating tune "Grasshopper Spiff" from Headland.

Guest Information:

• Name: Eric McDonald
• Role: Guitarist, mandolinist, and vocalist for Kalos
• Bio: A versatile musician, Eric McDonald brings a rich background in traditional music to his work with Kalos, where his talents contribute to a sound that is both innovative and deeply rooted in heritage.
• Links:
• Kalos Official Website
• Kalos Instagram
• Tickets for Raven Theater Show

Episode Takeaways:

• How Kalos’ music brings together multiple folk traditions into a cohesive sound.
• Behind-the-scenes stories of recording Headland.
• The significance of tracks "Fare Thee Well" and "Fanny Vanilla."
• What fans can anticipate at a Kalos live performance.
• Insights into the music industry’s niche for contemporary folk groups.

Call-To-Action: Enjoyed this episode? Don’t forget to subscribe to Backstage Sonoma on your favorite podcast platform and leave a review! Your support helps us bring more fascinating musical stories to the airwaves. Follow us on social media for behind-the-scenes content and updates.

Social Media and Contact Information:

• Backstage Sonoma Website
• Follow Backstage Sonoma on Instagram
• For inquiries and guest submissions, email us at: backstagesonoma@gmail.com
•  

Hashtags: #BackstageSonoma #KalosMusic #FolkTraditions #LiveMusic #HeadlandAlbum #EricMcDonald #PodcastInterviews #RavenPerformingArts #FolkFusion #MusicInsights

In this episode of Backstage Sonoma, host Steve Roby interviews singer-songwriter Jeffrey Martin, known for his profoundly moving storytelling and soulful folk sound. 

From being an English teacher to becoming a full-time musician, Jeffrey shares his creative process and stories behind some of his most compelling songs, such as “Garden,” "Red Station Wagon," and "Lost Dog." 

Jeffrey’s latest album, Thank God We Left the Garden, recorded in a hand-built shack, exemplifies raw, honest music with a profound connection to nature. Listen in as Jeffrey discusses his inspirations, songwriting journey, and upcoming performance at the Sweetwater Music Hall.

Timestamps:

• 0:00 – Introduction by Steve Roby
• 1:15 – Jeffrey Martin's background and transition from teaching to music
• 4:20 – Inspirations behind Thank God We Left the Garden
• 7:10 – The creative process behind "Red Station Wagon"
• 12:30 – Performing live and the significance of intimate venues
• 16:00 – Upcoming tour and what fans can expect at the Sweetwater Music Hall
• 19:45 – Reflections on the current state of folk music
• 23:00 – Closing thoughts and what's next for Jeffrey Martin

Guest Information:

• Name: Jeffrey Martin
• Bio: Jeffrey Martin is a celebrated singer-songwriter whose music resonates with raw storytelling and an emotive folk style. His journey from English teacher to full-time musician has earned him a devoted following and critical acclaim. With several albums under his belt, including Thank God We Left the Garden, Jeffrey continues to touch audiences with his vivid portraits of life’s challenges and beauty.
• Website: https://www.jeffreymartinmusic.com/
• Social Media: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter

Links and Resources:

• Thank God We Left the Garden album: Spotify
• Jeffrey's upcoming show at Sweetwater Music Hall: Event Details
• Songs featured: “Garden,” "Lost Dog," and "Red Station Wagon."

Call-To-Action: Don’t forget to subscribe to Backstage Sonoma on your favorite podcast platform! Leave a review and share this episode with fellow music lovers. Follow us for more inspiring conversations with artists who bring stories to life through their songs.

Social Media and Contact Information:

• Podcast Website: Backstage Sonoma
• Contact: Email us with feedback or guest suggestions.

In today’s episode, we’re thrilled to welcome Brian Watch-horst, guitarist and vocalist for Yellowwood Junction. 

Formed in San Francisco in 1993, this six-piece band has captivated audiences with their sophisticated adult alternative rock sound, blending Steely Dan’s complexity with singer-songwriter melodies. 

Yellowwood Junction built its reputation by touring extensively across the Western U.S., earning acclaim as one of the Bay Area’s most promising unsigned bands in the mid-1990s and sharing stages with acts like Train.

Coming up in today’s conversation, we’ll explore the band’s unique musical evolution, the stories behind their fan-favorite tracks like “Fade to Blue” and “After Today,” and what fans can expect at their upcoming show at Sweetwater Music Hall in Mill Valley. 

Key Takeaways:

• Learn how Yellowwood Junction's unique sound evolved and gained a following across the Western U.S.
• Hear about the band's early days in the 1990s Bay Area music scene.
• Discover the inspiration behind some of their most popular songs.
• Get excited for the upcoming live performance and what surprises are in store.

Sound Bites:

• “We wanted to create a sound that was complex but accessible, somewhere between Steely Dan and the storytelling of singer-songwriters.”
• “Sharing a stage with Train in the '90s was electric—it felt like a sign we were doing something right.”
• “Fans coming to Sweetwater can expect a mix of our classics and some surprises we’ve been working on.”

Links:

• Yellowwood Junction Website
• Follow Yellowwood Junction on Instagram
• Like Yellowwood Junction on Facebook
• Tickets for Sweetwater Music Hall Performance

Relevant Hashtags: #BackstageSonoma #YellowwoodJunction #LiveMusic #BayAreaBands #SweetwaterMusicHall #AlternativeRock #IndieMusic #MusicInterviews #BayAreaMusicScene

Tune in to experience the compelling stories behind the music and get a sneak peek of what’s next for this timeless Bay Area band!

In this episode of Backstage Sonoma, host Steve Roby sits down with David Noble, the talented guitarist and vocalist from the San Francisco-based band Wreckless Strangers. 

Known for their distinctive "Bay Area Gumbo" style—a seamless blend of blues, rock, Americana, and funk—Wreckless Strangers brings a unique flavor to the region’s rich musical landscape. 

David shares insights into the making of their new EP , Blue Sky Fantasy, produced by the acclaimed four-time Grammy-winning producer Dave Way, and discusses their upcoming show at Sweetwater Music Hall. The conversation also highlights the band's dynamic songwriting, collaborative spirit, and musical roots that tie into the San Francisco tradition.

Links:

• Wreckless Strangers Website: https://www.wrecklessstrangers.com
• Wreckless Strangers on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wrecklessstrangers/
• Wreckless Strangers on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WrecklessStrangers
• Sweetwater Music Hall: sweetwatermusichall.com

Top Takeaways:

1.    The Creation of "Blue Sky Fantasy": Noble discusses the inspiration and collaborative process behind their EP, produced by Dave Way.

2.   Musical Heritage and Influence: Wreckless Strangers pay homage to the San Francisco rock and roll legacy through innovative songwriting and live performances.

3.   Upcoming Show Details: Insights into what fans can expect from their show at Sweetwater Music Hall, including special guest appearances.

Hashtags: #BackstageSonoma #WrecklessStrangers #BlueSkyFantasy #SweetwaterMusicHall #BayAreaMusic #DavidNoble #LiveMusic #MusicInterviews #AmericanaRock #Podcast

Episode Summary:
In this episode of Backstage Sonoma, host Steven Roby interviews acclaimed singer-songwriter Jonatha Brooke about her creative journey, the evolution of her music, and the fearless reinvention that defines her career. 

Known for blending folk, rock, and pop with poignant, literate lyrics, Jonatha shares insights into her songwriting process, the challenges of navigating the music industry, and the inspiration behind her latest projects. With wit and honesty, she reflects on the power of vulnerability in her art and how she's embraced change over the years to keep her music fresh and relevant.

Key Takeaways:

• Reinvention and Adaptability: Jonatha emphasizes the importance of being open to change and exploring new creative directions as an artist.
• Creative Independence: Insights into her journey from major labels to taking control of her own music career, highlighting the rewards and challenges of independence.
• Storytelling Through Song: Jonatha shares her approach to crafting lyrics that tell authentic and relatable stories, often drawing from personal experiences.
• Embracing Vulnerability: The role of vulnerability in her work and how it fosters a deeper connection with her audience.

Sound Bites:

·  "The inspiration was unearthing some songs that maybe had not gotten very much attention when they first came out." – On the Sweetwater Sessions album.

·  "I have a lot that has been pent up... I'm so excited to get back to writing Jonatha songs." – About her upcoming 2025 album.

·  "I want my voice and my guitar... to be really at the center of it. Anything else has to really earn its keep." – On her new, more intimate recording approach.

·  "I started it with the first line, 'I spent all the money,' because I was raised in a very religious family and loved the story of the prodigal son." – On writing Prodigal Daughter.

·  "It's the journey of this young girl who figures out how to save the day... and it's all on the shoulders of this 12-year-old girl." – On her song I'll Try.

·  "We're gonna need each other. We're gonna need love, kindness, consideration, humor, and beautiful music." – On what fans can expect at her live shows.

Links:

• Jonatha Brooke's Official Website
• Follow Jonatha Brooke on Instagram
• Jonatha Brooke on Twitter
• Jonatha Brooke on Facebook

Suggested Hashtags: #JonathaBrooke #BackstageSonoma #Songwriting #MusicReinvention #SingerSongwriter #IndependentArtist #Storytelling #PodcastInterview

 Episode Description: Join Steven Roby for a captivating episode as he interviews the renowned guitarist and vocalist Dan “Lebo” Lebowitz of ALO (Animal Liberation Orchestra). 

Lebo shares his musical journey, from picking up a guitar at age 13 to collaborating with legends like Bob Weir and the late Phil Lesh. Discover the stories behind standout tracks such as “Try,” “Undertow,” and “I Wanna Feel It,” and get a sneak peek into what’s in store for his 50th birthday bash at Sweetwater Music Hall.

Key Takeaways:

• Lebo reflects on how an inspiring high school moment propelled him to pursue music as a full-time career.
• Insight into ALO’s recording process, especially during the creation of Silver Saturdays post-pandemic.
• The importance of improvisation in Lebo's music, described as “spontaneous composition in real time.”
• Highlights from Lebo’s collaborations with Phil Lesh and other influential artists.
• Preview of his upcoming birthday show at Sweetwater Music Hall, featuring a dynamic lineup and special guests.

Sound Bites:

• "It's like going down into a mine full of jewels when I pick up my guitar—these gems never run out." – Lebo on his lifelong passion for music.
• “Improvisation is composing in real-time.” – Lebo, on the art of musical spontaneity.
• "Phil Lesh always made it feel peer-oriented, sharing deep wisdom with humility." – Lebo on working with the legendary bassist.

Event Details:

• Show: Lebo & Friends 50th Birthday Bash
• Date: Saturday, November 23
• Venue: Sweetwater Music Hall
• Tickets: Available now at SweetwaterMusicHall.com
• Doors Open: 8 p.m.
• Showtime: 9 p.m.

Connect with Lebo:

• Instagram
• ALO’s Website

Hashtags: #BackstageSonoma #LeboMusic #ALO #JamBand #SweetwaterMusicHall #Improvisation #PhilLesh #LiveMusic #RockAndRoll #MusicInterview #50thBirthdayBash

Tune in for inspiring stories and music that captivates—only on Backstage Sonoma!