Jon Pagano shares his favorite record store from back in the day as well as his top shop currently (you can probably guess if you know who out out the new Sullest album). We also cover the summer treat he enjoys most, a special spot here in RI, the full circle music event in his life, and Jon shouts out some tasty places to get pizza!

At the end I've included one of my favorite tracks, "Darren Fairenoughsky", from Sullest's self-titled album!!

// Interview recorded November 21, 2024 via Google Meet

// Intro music by Cedros

// Hosted by James Toomey /

Jon Pagano shares some stories from the Squid Amps days, as well as what the true experience of touring really is!

Listen to the end to hear Sullest performing "Robinette" live at Fete in Providence, RI on March 17, 2023

// Interview recorded November 21, 2024 via Google Meet

// Intro music by Cedros

// Hosted by James Toomey //

The rap duo, Metermaids, are not from Rhode Island but they do have a strong connection to the state. On this episode I chat with Sentence and Swell about the origin of their group, the variation of sounds they achieve from album to album, and how they linked up with Strange Famous Records. Speaking of that, Metermaids will be performing at The Met on June 8th alongside labelmates Sage Francis, Cas One, Early Adopted, Mopes, Jesse The Tree, and Storm Davis. Make sure you're in the room for this as there's some special stuff happening that evening. I will see you there!

Interlude song order:

• "Blackout Baby" from their EP, Smash Smash Bang
• "Get Down" from their album, Rooftop Shake
• "House On Fire" from their album, We Brought Knives
• "Quiet On The Set feat. Sage Francis" from their album, A Line In The Sky
• "All The Smoke feat. Sage Francis" from their album, A Line In The Sky

// Interview recorded May 29, 2024 via Google Meet // Intro music by Cedros // Hosted by James Toomey // 

Last week I caught up with Paul Dechichio on Instagram Live to talk about Tor Johnson Records' 20th Anniversary Subscription Series. In our conversation, Paul and I discuss what goes into planning and producing a series such as this, the diversity of bands he's included, and he lets out a few secrets of what special goodies come with the subscription!

Enjoy the episode and please consider purchasing a subscription at torjohnsonrecords.com

Interlude song order:

• "Willow II" by Tyler Daniel Bean from his album On Days Soon To Pass
• "Domination Lord Of Coldharbour" by Cyttorak from their EP Simultaneous Invocation Of Apocalyptic Harbingers

Also check out my full episode with Paul to learn more about the history of Tor Johnson Records and everything else he's involved in

http://www.livingroomutb.com/e/ep-6-paul-dechichio-tor-johnson-records-best-practices-cyttorak-teeth-like-swords-alpha-owl-jesuscentric

// Interview recorded November 1st, 2021 via Instagram Live (sorry that the audio quality was a little bit wonky with this one) // Intro music by Cedros // Hosted by James Toomey //

/// If you enjoy the episode please leave a rating or review wherever you're listening right now! ///

This is a unique episode as it's a bit of a reunion of the band Cedros that I was a part of about 10 years ago. On Friday, November 5th, Where The Living Room Used To Be is releasing the album we made back in 2011 - entitled The Red Knight - that never actually came out on limited-edition lathe-cut vinyl 7", cassette with exclusive bonus tracks, and digital download. Caleb, Phil, and I got together to talk about our experiences in the band, working with Daryl Rabidoux to make this album, and some of the memorable shows we played during our time as a band.

Interlude song order:

• "Roche Limit" by Cedros (from The Red Knight)
• "Lost Sleep" by Cedros (from The Red Knight)
• "Remedy" by Cedros (from The Red Knight)

If you dig some of the songs clips you hear please consider picking up the record at livingroomutb.bandcamp.com. Thanks! 

// Interview recorded October 28th, 2021 via Zoom // Intro music by Cedros // Hosted by James Toomey //

/// If you enjoy the episode please leave a rating or review wherever you're listening right now! ///

Emcee and entrepreneur, Joe Bruce, talks about early music discovery, shouts out a fantastic independent business that made the choice to do what's right for their community, shares a little about what it was like growing up where he did, his personal show goals of where he'd like to perform, and calls out some of the practices that can happen when shows are booked in RI. 

I've also included one of my favorite tracks off of Joe's latest album Serpent. The song is "Workshop" and has features by Troy Reign and Ren Thomas!

// Interview recorded October 11th, 2021 via Zoom // Intro music by Cedros // Hosted by James Toomey //

/// If you enjoy the episode please leave a rating or review wherever you're listening right now! ///

Joe Bruce shares some advice about how to shift your perspective to unburden yourself as an artist... as well as what it takes to connect that missing link to move to the next level.

For quite a few years now Chachi Carvalho has been curating an art & music festival called Culture Shock. Joe has performed at this event a couple of times including last year which pivoted to an online stream. The show was really cool so I wanted to share his performance of "Wish" with you and invite you to check out the entire program.

Also, follow Culture Shock 401 on Instagram as there might be some exciting news coming soon. Enjoy! 

// Interview recorded October 11th, 2021 via Zoom // Intro music by Cedros // Hosted by James Toomey //

/// If you enjoy the episode please leave a rating or review wherever you're listening right now! ///

On this episode, I speak with rapper and entrepreneur Joe Bruce. We get into his new album Serpent, the relationship he has with his producers (such as ClarkWork and Larry Ohh), what he's doing to shine a light on Rhode Island's hip hop scene, and how a serendipitous rideshare was the catalyst to get him back into music

Interlude song order:

• "Soul" by Joe Bruce & Clarkwork from their album The Ruff Mixes (2017 - 2020) 
• "On The Low" by Joe Bruce & Larry Ohh from their album Clementine
• "Story of Jacob" by Joe Bruce & Clarkwork from their album The Ruff Mixes (2017 - 2020)
• "Shine (feat Mz Marrowz)" by Joe Bruce from his album Serpent

// Interview recorded October 11th, 2021 via Zoom // Intro music by Cedros // Hosted by James Toomey //

/// If you enjoy the episode please leave a rating or review wherever you're listening right now! ///

Bluegrass singer and guitarist, Alex MacLeod, shares some of the finds on Wickenden Street in Providence that he holds dear, how he fuels up for a long fishing trip (hint: "Cumbys" is involved), a spot in Central Falls that he must visit whenever in the area, and how one of his favorite RI events is one he's actually never been to.

Included at the end is the song "Stagger Lee" from Rock Hearts album Starry Southern Nights.

// Interview recorded September 9th, 2021 via Zoom // Intro music by Cedros // Hosted by James Toomey //

/// If you enjoy the episode please leave a rating or review wherever you're listening right now! ///

Alex MacLeod passes along some of the wisest advice I've heard about how to connect with an audience and truly be a pro musician. He also gives some tips on how to learn and advance your bluegrass talents.

Also, as you heard in the full episode, Alex had the opportunity to play in one of the most well-known New England bluegrass bands of all time, Northern Lights. And to me... it's just such a wonderful thing that he got to be a part of representing Rhode Island in that way. After being a band for 35 years Northern Lights played their last show on March 13th, 2010. At the end of this mini-episode I've included a song from that evening - "Lonesome Road" (audio credit: steveide59) that featured Alex on rhythm guitar and vocals. I hope you enjoy it!

// Interview recorded September 9th, 2021 via Zoom // Intro music by Cedros // Hosted by James Toomey //

/// If you enjoy the episode please leave a rating or review wherever you're listening right now! ///

Alex MacLeod has a long history in the RI bluegrass scene! In this episode we talk about his stint playing in the legendary band Northern Lights, how his latest group Rock Hearts got their start, some fun stories recording their debut album, and what events such as the Ocean State Bluegrass Festival - that's happening this weekend, Sept. 18th +19th - can mean for the community of musicians in our area.

Interlude song order:

• "Whispering Waters" by Rock Hearts (from Starry Southern Nights)
• "Starry Southern Nights" by Rock Hearts (from Starry Southern Nights)

// Interview recorded September 9th, 2021 via Zoom // Intro music by Cedros // Hosted by James Toomey //

/// If you enjoy the episode please leave a rating or review wherever you're listening right now! ///

Mark Taber shares his Rhode Island theory for prolonged health, his experience going to the early days of Newport Jazz Festival, the poetic journey he would take to buy music in his youth, and I call him out for his questionable pizza choice.

Includes the song "Gotta Travel On" performed by Two Tabers 

// Interview recorded August 3rd, 2021 at Lippitt Park in Providence  // Intro music by Cedros // Hosted by James Toomey //

/// If you enjoy the episode please leave a rating or review wherever you're listening right now! ///

On this special edition episode, I sit down with vocalist Evan Warren and drummer Devin McGrath from Alley Trash to talk about the history of the band and some of their key influences. Plus, we get into their latest release "New Failures" and you're going to want to listen to the end to hear about a couple of very cool things they have in the works as well!

I hope you enjoy and definitely make sure to check out their EP release show on Sept 4th at the Bristol VFW which has an incredible lineup of RI and MA bands that you'll hear more about in this episode.

Interlude track order:

• "A Matter of Course and Policy" from their EP Cement Waits For No Man 
• "Son of the South" from their EP New Failures

// Interview recorded August 31st, 2021 via Instagram Livestream // Intro music by Cedros // Hosted by James Toomey //

/// If you enjoy the episode please leave a rating or review wherever you're listening right now! ///

Daryl Black Eagle Jamieson shares some of his favorite things in Rhode Island... from the places he enjoys most, the restaurants he's fond of, and the events that are dear to him in the Ocean State. Black Eagle also shared a story of the incredible character he has as a performer and as a person! 

At the end of the episode I share one of my favorites off of Medicine Singer's self-titled album. The song is "Sunset" and I hope you enjoy it!! Please support them by picking up the album on vinyl, cd, and digital download

// Interview recorded April 25, 2024 at Black Eagle Productions // Intro music by Cedros // Hosted by James Toomey // 

Mark Taber shares some very practical advice on how to be a better musician and a better bandmate, as well as what he feels the overall approach should be toward creating art and music

And, as Mark talked about in the full episode, Tombstone was known for their powerful live shows - playing anywhere from small bars to big arenas - which helped lead them to major label record deals. So what I have for you at the end of this mini-episode is a 1987 performance of Ken Lyon and the Tombstone Blues Band live from the Blue Pelican in Newport. The song is "Brownsville" and this was originally broadcast on WOTB radio. Enjoy! 

// Interview recorded August 3rd, 2021 at Lippitt Park in Providence  // Intro music by Cedros // Hosted by James Toomey //

/// If you enjoy the episode please leave a rating or review wherever you're listening right now! ///

On this episode, I have the honor of speaking with the legendary, Mark Taber. As you can imagine, we discuss a lot over his 60+ year music career including how he first got into playing the piano, the start of Tombstone Blues Band, how music is a great mechanism to give back to the community, and his experiences playing shows with some of the most acclaimed artists over the last half-century.

Interlude song order:

• "The Way You Look Tonight" solo piano by Mark Taber (audio courtesy of Sam Taber)
• "Lorraine" by Ken Lyon and Tombstone
• "Guilty" performed by Two Tabers
• "The Nearness of You" solo piano by Mark Taber (audio courtesy of Sam Taber)

// Interview recorded August 3rd, 2021 at Lippitt Park in Providence (please excuse any background noise... I did what I could :) ) // Intro music by Cedros // Hosted by James Toomey //

/// If you enjoy the episode please leave a rating or review wherever you're listening right now! ///

I've been very fortunate to speak with so many talented musicians over the last few years. One of these people was my father-in-law, Paul Dube, back in February of 2020. As you hopefully heard in that episode, Paul is an accomplished musician, booker, and music educator, but one thing you didn't hear was how his father Paul Dube Sr. was a master accordion player and educator as well.

Paul Dube Sr. passed away on July 4th of this year after a hard-fought battle with cancer. So what I have for you on this mini-episode is a previously unreleased clip of Paul Dube Jr. talking about the skill his father had, and what it was like balancing a third-shift job in a mill and being a working musician in the 60s to support the family.

I hope you enjoy the episode and please listen to the end to hear some recordings of Paul Sr. playing "Waltz Allegro" followed by the song "Sunny Skies" 

Previously unreleased clip from our interview recorded February 1st, 2020 at Paul's home in Pawtucket Intro music by Cedros Hosted by James Toomey

Jon Hope takes us back to his favorite RI record store, how his love for engaging with an artist has evolved over the years, where he hangs in the Ocean State, and how becoming the host of Providence College Basketball games at The Dunk came about!

Also, included his track "Rhode Less Traveled", which Jon and I discussed quite a bit in the full episode.

// Interview recorded July 8th, 2021 via Zoom // Intro music by Cedros // Hosted by James Toomey //

/// If you enjoy the episode please leave a rating or review wherever you're listening right now! ///

Jon Hope shares some things he's learned from other hip-hop stars, what he feels you can do to find your truest self, and what it is that moves him down his musical path. 

I've also included a performance of Jon's song "Black Rose" from his appearance on BAMS FEST. He recently did this livestream show and interview and I highly recommend checking out the full event. [CLICK HERE TO WATCH] 

Also, make sure to catch the album release party for Hope All Is Well to see him live in person with a full band on September 15th at The Met in Pawtucket! [CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS]

// Interview recorded July 8th, 2021 via Zoom // Intro music by Cedros // Hosted by James Toomey //

/// If you enjoy the episode please leave a rating or review wherever you're listening right now! ///

Jon Hope is an acclaimed rapper, entrepreneur, and educator and on this episode, we have a long conversation that delves into all of these. We cover his early years, what he puts into his writing, how he reps Rhode Island, and we spend some time highlighting a couple of tracks from each of the albums he's done. 

Plus, we talk about his new book "Respect Your Passion" and how his Hope Scholars Initiative came about.

Interlude song order:

• Live at Lupo's Heartbreak Hotel in 2007
• "Better feat. Taktix" from Somekind of Wonderful
• "Sara's Song (The Proclamation)" from Work In Progress 
• "Coffee Milk feat. Buffi" from A Guy Named Harry
• "Dirty Wings feat. Nino & Helena" from Savage Beauty
• "3rd Shift feat. RagzDaArtist" previously unreleased single
• "Winners Story feat. OT The Real" from Hope All Is Well
• "Bluest Moon feat. RagzDaArtist" from Hope All Is Well

// Interview recorded July 8th, 2021 via Zoom // Intro music by Cedros // Hosted by James Toomey //

/// If you enjoy the episode please leave a rating or review wherever you're listening right now! ///

I sat down with Jack and Vinnie of Warwick party emo /sad jazz band Strip Mall to cover their start, how the band constructs their intricate songs, the experience they had recording the "Strip Mall EP", and what to expect at the release show on 7/15 at Dusk!!! (if you're listening to this in the future check the internet for some videos from the show... it was a good one and definitely did have some surprises) 

As you'll hear, I'm a big fan of these guys and definitely recommend picking up their new EP on Bandcamp or wherever you buy/stream music... or grab a CD at the show!

Includes their song "Julius Caesar" from Strip Mall EP 

// Interview recorded July 14th, 2021 via Instagram Livestream // Intro music by Cedros // Hosted by James Toomey //

/// If you enjoy the episode please leave a rating or review wherever you're listening right now! ///

Levitt AMP Woonsocket has been featuring top-notch music in Rhode Island's northernmost city since 2018. On this episode, I catch up with event director, Meg Rego, to talk about the goal of bringing diverse music to Woonsocket, what goes into booking a 10-event series like this, and we go week-by-week covering what this year's lineup has in store!!!

As you'll hear in this special edition episode, this music series is incredibly supportive of the RI music scene and will be investing $19,500 toward local artists in just this year alone!

See you at River Island Art Park this summer for free music on Friday evenings from July 9th - September 17th! To learn more about sponsorships and how to support this event click here.

Interlude songs:

• "The Wolf Is Back" by Lauren King
• "26 Strings - Live from Chillhouse Studios" by Back Rhodes
• "Drift To You" by The Beardogz
• Natural Element live at La Fabrica
• "Wake Up (feat. Chalease)" by Lisa Bello
• "Katrina" by Kim Trusty
• "La Vida Es Muy Shula" by EhShawnee
• "Buddy" by Laroy Streat
• "Salvation Cruise" by Mark Cutler and the Men of Great Courage
• "Showtime" by Chachi Carvalho and The International Players
• dueling drums between Sidy Maiga and Osi Brathwaite

// Interview recorded June 29th, 2021 via Zoom // Intro music by Cedros // Hosted by James Toomey //

/// If you enjoy the episode please leave a rating or review wherever you're listening right now! ///

RI 5 has become a really fun conversation to have... and with Bill Bartholomew that is especially true! He shares a story of "taking trips to the city" (which refers to Warwick), exploring rural Rhode Island, we tick off some tried-and-true RI-isms, and he writes the beginnings of a song on the spot that could take him in a new direction :)

We also go a little deeper into the Elmwood Songwriters Club series that he books at his loft space in Providence.

// Interview recorded May 31st, 2021 via Zoom // Intro music by Cedros // Hosted by James Toomey //

/// If you enjoy the episode please subscribe, and leave a rating or review wherever you're listening right now! ///

On this mini-episode, Bill Bartholomew and I get into the duality of needing to be self-sufficient as an artist but also the importance of being a part of a scene and showing up for others. We also talk about the thing that really motivates and inspires him. 

I also share with you a song he did with Silverteeth back in 2016 as part of the New Porch Live Sessions that Newport Art House put together (these are all great... you should check them out!!!). The song is "Camden" and I hope you enjoy it! 

// Interview recorded May 31st, 2021 via Zoom // Intro music by Cedros // Hosted by James Toomey //

/// If you enjoy the episode please subscribe, and leave a rating or review wherever you're listening right now! ///

On this episode Daryl Black Eagle Jamieson shares how blues music helped build his confidence. We also talked about what simply being good to people can lead to, as well as some of the lessons that were instilled in him early in life. Please listen to the end because I've included a song that was a music collaboration between Eastern Medicine Singers and the wonderful Mary Lee Partington who recently passed. She was a special person and I hope you all enjoy this rehearsal recording (audio credit: Raymond Watson).

// Interview recorded April 25, 2024 at Black Eagle Productions // Intro music by Cedros // Hosted by James Toomey // 

In this interview, Bill Bartholomew illuminates the life of a full-time artist, how being a podcaster has informed his music and tells the story from one of the most important days in his career.

We also chat about his new EP "Bats" which came out digitally on June 11th and got to discuss how this particular record was made and what he's striving for with the release.

Interlude song order:

• "I'm Losing You" by Commas from their Six Other Songs EP
• "Treasure Map" by Bill Bartholomew
• "Burning Planet" by Silverteeth from their self-titled EP
• "(A Lot To Be) Free For" by Bill Bartholomew from his Bats EP

// Interview recorded May 31st, 2021 via Zoom // Intro music by Cedros // Hosted by James Toomey //

/// If you enjoy the episode please subscribe, and leave a rating or review wherever you're listening right now! ///

Chrissy Stewart shares some of her Rhode Island faves in this mini-episode including where she shops for records, her special spot to hang in the Ocean State, and a favorite benefit show she does with PVDlive!

I've included one of my favorite songs by Chrissy, which is "Dissolve" (as you may have guessed if you heard the full episode) from her album House of Christina !

// Interview recorded May 13th, 2021 via Zoom // Intro music by Cedros // Hosted by James Toomey //

/// If you enjoy the episode please subscribe, and leave a rating or review wherever you're listening right now! ///

Chrissy Stewart shares some music advice that gets to the core of humility and trust... as well as the often unspoken rewards of booking shows and festivals.

Episode includes a live song from Chrissy's performance at The Columbus Theatre on March 30th, 2018 (audio credit: Eddy Bills). The song is "Truth Of Your Love" from her album House of Christina and I love that this is an alternate version to what you hear in the record!

// Interview recorded May 13th, 2021 via Zoom // Intro music by Cedros // Hosted by James Toomey //

/// If you enjoy the episode please subscribe, and leave a rating or review wherever you're listening right now! ///

Chrissy Stewart is a gifted musician and the owner of PVDlive. In our interview we talk about how she got into booking shows, what she's looking to create with her production company, Zydeco dancing at Rhythm & Roots Music Festival, how she created her record House Of Christina and the more than serendipitous way that title came to her.

Make sure to check out PVDlive's Roller Disco Concert Series at The Providence Rink that starts the beginning of June and runs all summer long!

Interlude song order:

• "Swingin' at the Haven" by Ellis Marsalis performed by Cameron MacIntosh as part of PVDlive's "An Artist's Relief" virtual series
• "Preacher's Daughter" by Chrissy Stewart from her album House of Christina
• "All We've Got (is now)" by Chrissy Stewart from her album House of Christina

// Interview recorded May 13th, 2021 via Zoom // Intro music by Cedros // Hosted by James Toomey //

/// If you enjoy the episode please subscribe, and leave a rating or review wherever you're listening right now! ///

Leland Baker shares why Newport Jazz Fest is so special, he shouts a great local music store that's helping to keep the scene alive, and we talk seafood* in the ocean state!

(*he's not a fan of pizza... can you believe that? Maybe he's a robot and that's why he's so good at playing the sax? 😂) 

Plus, this episode includes one of my favorite Quarter Water songs, "Refresh", off their EP, Flavors

// Interview recorded April 12th, 2021 via Zoom // Intro music by Cedros // Hosted by James Toomey //

/// If you enjoy the episode please subscribe, and leave a rating or review wherever you're listening right now! ///

Acclaimed jazz saxophonist and music educator, Leland Baker, shares some wisdom he's learned along the way from his mentors, how he's found a way to keep moving to stay in the game, and the spirit that drives his inspiration. 

Includes his original piece "Black Lives Maintain" (audio credit: Vertygo) that he wrote last year to bring attention to the ongoing and absolutely unnecessary tragedies surround police brutality and the loss of way too many blacks lives because of it.  

// Interview recorded April 12th, 2021 via Zoom // Intro music by Cedros // Hosted by James Toomey //

/// If you enjoy the episode please subscribe, and leave a rating or review wherever you're listening right now! ///

My guest on this episode is saxophonist, Leland Baker! In our interview, we cover so much from his career including his time studying music in New Orleans and at the University of Rhode Island... connecting with Quarter Water in New York City, how he founded his teaching program Bridging Gaps, and of course all the jazz projects he's working on!

Interlude song order:

• "I Wish" by Quarter Water from their EP, Flavors
• segment from "Pass Me Not | Remaking the Real" (Leland Baker and tap dancer Orlando Hernandez collaboration)
• "Mr. LC" by Leland Baker Group performed at Level Exchange in Pawtucket

// Interview recorded April 12th, 2021 via Zoom // Intro music by Cedros // Hosted by James Toomey //

/// If you enjoy the episode please subscribe, and leave a rating or review wherever you're listening right now! ///

Providence rapper and beatmaker, ToadStool has a new solo album entitled "eARTh 1" coming out this week... so on this episode, we have a track by track discussion across the entire album, as well as talk about how this multiple piece concept project has evolved over time. Plus, we get into how the artwork for the cover and individual songs was created, and you'll even find out what my walk-up song would be if I was a professional baseball player!

It's always fun to talk with Toad and he's a super talented artist! Make sure to check out his new album when is drops digitally on April 23rd or pick up one of the limited edition marbelized cassettes he and I teamed up on that comes out a day earlier on Earth Day itself! 

And, if you're not too familiar with Toadstool check out some previous episodes we've done with Toad & the Stooligans and Ronald Raygun to learn a little more about this story in music 

Interlude song order:

• "Couch" from ToadStool's album eARTh 1
• "Choppin'" from ToadStool's album eARTh 1
• "Versus" from ToadStool's album eARTh 1
• "I Don't Wanna Die Anymore" from ToadStool's album eARTh 1 

// Interview recorded March 28th, 2021 via Zoom // Intro music by Cedros // Hosted by James Toomey //

/// If you enjoy the episode please leave a rating or review wherever you're listening right now! ///

On this special edition episode, I catch up with the esteemed bass player, Joe Potenza to talk about Evening Sky's new album "One Mic, Two Weekends". This is an interesting album as it was literally recorded using a single mic that - as you'll hear us get into - taps into both one of the earliest ways of recording... all the way to some of the most modern technology utilizing a high definition audio format. So we'll take a deep dive into the recording process for this new record, as well as talk about the start of the band and many of the other things they are up to!

Interlude song order:

• "Can't Find My Way Home" from their album Guest Stars
• "Slip n Slide" from their album One Mic, Two Weekends
• "For Those We Lost" from their album One Mic, Two Weekends
• "Snake Oil" from their album One Mic, Two Weekends

// Interview recorded April 5th, 2021 via Zoom // Intro music by Cedros // Hosted by James Toomey //

/// If you enjoy the episode please leave a rating or review wherever you're listening right now! ///

Charlie Marie and I talk RI drinks, RI pizza, RI places... so give a listen to find out her favorite places to hang out, dine, and play shows in The Ocean State

Includes my favorite song by Charlie, which is "Shot In The Dark" from her live-take album Chucktown Takes: Live from St. Philip

// Interview recorded March 5th, 2021 via Zoom // Intro music by Cedros // Hosted by James Toomey //

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My guest on this episode is Daryl Black Eagle Jamieson from Eastern Medicine Singers. It's an honor and privilege to talk with him as we cover some of the differences in sounds of Native American music across North, South, East and West. We also cover how his group evolved into blending both traditional and experimental music, the true emotion behind what they create, and how the core of why they started this project is still paramount so many years later. The album they made with Yonatan Gat simply under the name Medicine Singers is a masterpiece! I absolutely recommend you give this a listen and pick it up to support them. It was definitely a lot of fun learning a bit about how this record was made here in RI and what went into during our conversation.

Interlude song order:

• Eastern Medicine Singers live at the Prospect Terrace 80th Anniversary Celebration on June 18, 2019
• "Sunrise (Rumble)" by Medicine Singers from their self-titled album
• "Honor Song" by Medicine Singers, Lee Ranaldo & Yonatan Gat (single)
• "Nannateeah" by Cu Dubg with Eastern Medicine Singers from their album Warpipe
• "Daybreak" by Medicine Singers from their self-titled album

// Interview recorded April 25, 2024 at Black Eagle Productions // Intro music by Cedros // Hosted by James Toomey // 

Charlie Marie shares some insight she learned at music camp while in high school, and what she feels you need to do to be able to give and share with others. She also tells a fun story about what it was like for her growing up in the woods of Burrillville. 

I also share a live song of Charlie's recorded at her cd release show at Askew in May of 2019 for her latest self-titled EP. The song is "Countryside" (audio credit: john doherty) and I recommend listening to the lyrics on this one. It's a great song that speaks to the reality of Rhode Island County music. Enjoy! 

// Interview recorded March 5th, 2021 via Zoom // Intro music by Cedros // Hosted by James Toomey //

/// If you enjoy the episode please leave a rating or review wherever you're listening right now! ///

For this episode I got to chat with RI country artist, Charlie Marie, about her new album, Ramble On, which is coming out on May 7th but is available now for pre-order! We talked about the making of this record, how fellow Rhode Islander Tyler-James Kelly of The Silks came to be involved with it. Plus, we discuss her overall songwriting process, how a couple of her recent music videos were made, and her experience playing with Brian McKinnon. We even go all the way back to Charlie's early vocal lessons and some of the first places she's performed. 

Interlude song order:

• "40 Miles To Memphis" from her EP Charlie Marie (2015)
• "Rhinestones" from her EP Charlie Marie (2019)
• "El Paso" from her album Ramble On
• "Heard It Through The Red Wine" from her album Ramble On

// Interview recorded March 5th, 2021 via Zoom // Intro music by Cedros // Hosted by James Toomey //

/// If you enjoy the episode please leave a rating or review wherever you're listening right now! ///

John Difruscio tells us about how great a certain record & tape store used to be, some of the cool things they do at the bar at Askew, where he hangs out when he's not at the clubs he owns, and reflects back on some of the more memorable shows he's booked throughout his career. 

Also included at the end are a couple of live songs from one of my personal favorite bands, Verse, recorded at their 5th Anniversary show at Club Hell back in 2008!! (audio credit: cocolash)

// Interview recorded March 1st, 2021 via Zoom // Intro music by Cedros // Hosted by James Toomey //

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John Difruscio shares some advice he's picked up throughout his decades-long career in the music industry, what's needed to have longevity in this business, and with this once again... it's hard to escape the impact that Randy Hein from The Living Room had on our Rhode Island music scene. John also shares a fun story of one of the earliest parties he ever put together!

This episode ends with a piece from The Autocrats set live at Askew back in November of 2019! (Hope this stellar funk band gets back to their weekly shows every Tuesday night once it's safe.)

// Interview recorded March 1st, 2021 via Zoom // Intro music by Cedros // Hosted by James Toomey //

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John Difruscio has been a nightclub and concert promoter in Providence since the early 80s. Starting as a radio DJ at Rhode Island College he's gone on to book shows at The Living Room and Confetti. He's also run venues such as Club Hell and Firehouse 13. In our interview we talk about the ups and downs of the music business from his experience and what he has planned in the future for the Askew and Alchemy... two clubs he co-owns with his wife Windsong Hadley.

Interlude song order:

• "Puppet Regime" by Tipper Gore LIVE AT CONFETTI (audio credit: Todd Carey)
• "Who's Laughing Now?" by The McGunks LIVE AT FETE (audio credit: ivorytower99)
• "Holes" by Eric and The Nothing LIVE AT ASKEW (audio credit: Jackie Frances)

// Interview recorded February 15th, 2021 via Zoom // Intro music by Cedros // Hosted by James Toomey //

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Duke Robillard takes us through a bit of the history of Providence's record stores, plus a tip of the hat to the drinks of RI and his experience at The Guild, where he gets his pizza these days, and more about the overall love he has for his home state! 

I do have to say that in my opinion this was probably Duke's favorite part of the interview. I'm so happy we got to reminisce about some of this stuff and I hope you enjoy!

Also included is a song from Duke's 2019 album Ear Worms. It's a cover of the Bob Dylan song "I Am A Lonesome Hobo" that features fellow Rhode Island Music Hall Of Famer, Mark Culter. 

If you dig it, Ear Worms is available on both CD and blue vinyl on Duke's website!

// Interview recorded January 30th, 2021 via phone call over Zoom // Intro music by Cedros // Hosted by James Toomey //

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On this bonus episode, Duke Robillard talks about the value of a good music education, what you need as the core motivation to be a person in the arts, and a possible reason why playing guitar came to him so easily that's quite interesting!

Also, as you heard in Episode #29, Duke shared that the first release Roomful Of Blues ever did was a song of his called "Don't You Want To Roll With Me". They put this out as a 7" on their own label Room-Tone Records. It sold quite well and helped to further put the band on the map, so I wanted to share the song for you at the end of the episode. Enjoy

// Interview recorded January 30th, 2021 via phone call over Zoom // Intro music by Cedros // Hosted by James Toomey //

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Duke Robillard is literally one of the best blues guitarists in the world! (I'm not just saying that... he's got the awards to prove it)

In our interview he takes us back to the first time he heard music, how he taught himself to play guitar, plus the start of his many bands such as Roomful Of Blues and The Pleasure Kings, and all the way up to the records he's working on right now which is about 6 decades later.

Along the way, Duke has left his mark on what's coming close to 100 albums, been nominated for a couple of Grammys, and played with iconic musicians across many different genres including Big Joe Turner, Herb Ellis, Muddy Waters, Jay McShann, Bob Dylan and Tom Waits to name some for you... which we get into as well!

It was an honor to get to speak with Duke about his legendary career and I hope you enjoy the episode. Please make sure to pick up his latest album, "Blues Bash", which is available now as well as his extensive back catalog.

Interlude song order:

• "That's My Life" by Roomful Of Blues (from The First Album)
• "Cadillac Slim" by Duke Robillard (from Swing)
• "Everybody Ain't Your Friend" by Duke Robillard & Friends (from Blues Bash)
• "Say Forward, I'll March" by Jay McShann (from Still Jumpin' The Blues)
• "Do You Mean It" by Duke Robillard & Friends (from Blues Bash)

// Interview recorded January 23rd, 2021 via phone call over Zoom // Intro music by Cedros // Hosted by James Toomey //

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You may know Mike Jencks and Dan Pomfret as the frontmen for Toad and the Stooligans but with their new duo project, Ronald Raygun, they went with a different approach to writing and took a little inspiration from a 90s hip hop mixtape feel with the production. We dive into all of this in our interview, as well as learn more about both of their prolific solo careers.

Ronald Raygun's debut album comes out on all streaming platforms on Feb. 12th!!! You can pre-save it here and make sure to listen til the end of the episode to hear a premiere of their song "Anomaly"

Interlude song order:

• "Cactus Jack" by Toadstool
• "Have Mercy" by Dan Pomfret
• "Closer I Get" by Ronald Raygun
• "Anomaly" by Ronald Raygun

// Interview recorded January 22nd, 2021 via Zoom // Intro music by Cedros // Hosted by James Toomey //

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For those of you that may not be familiar with Blitzen... they are a band of reindeer that seem to magically appear every holiday season to play the Wayward Christmas event at The Parlour. In our conversation we cover some of their inspirations, the charity they're involved in and some of the others bands they've played in such as Reindeer Tick (their members have also been in Deers For Fears, Infectious Hooves and What Deer? Brigade)

Also included is the song "Christmas Eve" by Blitzen

This bonus episode was originally part of the Wayward Christmas 2020 virtual event to help raise funds to Save The Parlour. Please consider making a donation HERE

Watch the video version of this interview HERE

// Interview recorded December 12th, 2020 via Zoom // Intro music by Cedros // Hosted by James Toomey // Edited by Mark Lambert & James Toomey //

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Deer Tick's John McCauley shares some of this favorite things about his home state. Learn where he used to & currently buys his records, the RI drink he loves so much he has a tattoo of it, the event he looks forward most to each year, and the variety of pizza he enjoys in the ocean state!

At the end of the episode, I shared my favorite version of "The Real Thing" by Deer Tick. This is from their Live In Studio promo video Dennis Ryan engineered. I love this song and this version absolutely rules!! Watch the video on YouTube HERE and buy the album, Emotional Contracts, HERE.

// Interview recorded March 11, 2024 at John's home // Intro music by Cedros // Hosted by James Toomey // 

Gail Greenwood and I chat about being intimidated by rockstars when buying records, how great a certain pizza establish is... especially when they catered Belly's listening party for Dove at POP a few years back, her place to connect with nature, and it's possible I may have helped name her new dog!!!

Included at the end of this bonus episode is Benny Sizzler's song "Shed" from their 2017 EP Inaction In Action II

// Interview recorded November 16th, 2020 via Zoom // Intro music by Cedros // Hosted by James Toomey //

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Gail Greenwood passes along a bass playing technique that she learned from record producer, Glyn Johns, that he originally learned from Bill Wyman of The Rolling Stones... which I have to say is pretty cool and she also shares an often overlooked way to interact with the world.

Since Belly has done quite a few television performances over the years on shows such as The Late Show with David Letterman, Late Night with Conon O'Brien and The Jon Stewart Show... I wanted to include a song from one of these performances to share this part of their career. At end of this bonus episode is Belly's song "Red" recorded in June of 1995 on The Jon Stewart Show (video credit: What's for afters?) for you all to enjoy! 

// Interview recorded November 16th, 2020 via Zoom // Intro music by Cedros // Hosted by James Toomey //

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In our interview Gail Greenwood discusses her start at some local clubs in Providence with her band The Dames, as well as the unique practice spot Boneyard had, the serendipitous way she joined Belly, some of the logistics of playing in L7, and why her latest band, Benny Sizzler, got it's start. We cover a lot of things like such writing, recording and touring with these bands, and the long list of incredible artists she has shared the stage with!

Interlude song order:

The Dames live at Rocket Feb. 7th, 1987 (audio credit: Dream Authority Music)

"Toys Are For Boys" by Boneyard

"King" by Belly

"Stick To The Plan" by L7

"Rhode Island Dead" by Benny Sizzler

"Shiny One" by Belly

// Interview recorded November 16th, 2020 via Zoom // Intro music by Cedros // Hosted by James Toomey //

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