Rock And Roll Confessional – Details, episodes & analysis

We are back with our good friend Kenny Wayne Shepherd. Since the last time we interviewed Kenny, he has released a follow up album to "Dirt On My Diamonds, Vol 1" iornically titled, "Dirt On My Diamonds, Vol 2". 

In addition to the new album, we talk about Kenny's experience actually playing Jimi Hendrix's "Woodstock" guitar and his upcoming tour, plus 2 new albums set to release in 2025. 

Kenny is a five-time-Grammy-nominated guitarist. The new album was recorded  at the Legendary Fame Stuios in Muscle Shoals, Alabama. This project chronicles Shepherd's journey of musical evolution, touching on stories of loss, redemption, and memorable melodies. All crafted by an elite team of songwriters. Born in Louisiana, in 1977, Shepherd's own life has never followed the script. Steeped in classic blues and rock 'n' roll from an early age by his dad - a respected Lousiana radio personality and promoter - Kenny soon reached for his first Fender stratocaster and found he didn't require lessons to make it cry and wail. Long before Warner Brothers subsidairy Giant Records offered a deal, Shepherd had toured in clubs which he was too young to drink in.   

Please also check out our precious KWS interview released: October 7, 2023.

Formed in Toronto in 1968, Rush became one of the most popular and best-selling bands in rock history, thanks to their tireless effort and imaginative, ever-evolving music. This richly illustrated and entertianingly written book from Rush expert and music journalist Dan Bukszpan pays tribute to the trio on the 50th anniversary of their debut album by curating and examining 50 of the most significant milestones in the bands career.

Daniel covers everything down through the decades. And in this interview we talk with him about : The band's formation by bassiest Geddy Lee and guitarist Alex Lifeson in the suburban Toronto and their early gigs and tours opening for the likes of KISS. We also talk about the breakthrough in the United States thanks to a Cleveland DJ. Plus, the role of co-founding drummer, John Rutsey. Plus much more.

In examinging 50 touchstones, Bukszpan presents a unique look at Rush's Career from Toronto bar band to international mega-platinum stadium fillers. Every page is illustrated with stunning concert and candid offstage photography, including gig posters, 7 - inch picture sleeves, ticket stubs and more.

This episode of Rock And Roll Confessional features the original drummer and founding member of Foghat; Roger Earl. The band was formed in 1971 after Roger and Lonseome Dave left Savoy Brown. Over the years, Foghat earned eight Gold Records, one Platinum Record and one Double-Platinum record. With such incredible songs like: Fool For The City, Slow Ride, Honey Hush, I Just Want To Make Love To You, and Drivin' Wheel. Now the band has just released their 17th album: Sonic Mojo. Which by the way, just became number one on the Billboard Blues Album chart: The album is full of great Americana blues sound with 6 new songs and 6 remakes from some of the great master songwriters and performers.

This episode is with founding Ides of March member and founding Survivor member, Jim Peterik. Jim has written hundreds of songs for some of the biggest bands including: Cheap Trick, The Doobie Brothers, 38 Special, Brian Wilson and the Beach Boys. Jim latest band: "Jim Peterik and World Stage", have a new album being released on January 12, 2024, titled " Roots & Shoots". The first single (which is out now); Dangerous Combination features Kevin Cronin of REO Speedwagon. Jim talks about the new album along with a possible Ides of March 60th anniversary reunion show, a World Stage tour, playing with Led Zeppelin & Janis Joplin, plus what the "dungeon" is all about. 

The Holiday season is here, and what a better way to celebrate than with rock and blues legendary guitarist, Gary Hoey! Gary just released a new album for Record Store Day (2023): Hark the Ho Ho Hoey Hits. Plus he has begun his holiday Ho Ho Hoey tour. This episode of our show is all things Christmas and holidays, with a little added spice by Gary. 

In 1993, Gary Hoey got well known with his remake of Focus' "Hocus Pocus". He then followed that with the Endless Summer 2 soundtrack and in 1997 with one of his first big Christmas hits: "You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch". Gary one time auditioned for Ozzy Osbourne, when Ozzy was searching for a replacement for Jake E. Lee, but the job went to Zakk Wylde. Now after 30 years and 24 albums, Gary is still considered one of today's most acclaimed guitarists.

Felix Cavaliere is one of the founders of Grammy winning and Rock And Roll Hall of Fame Inductees, The Rascals. The band had #1 songs like "Good Lovin", "Groovin", "A Beautiful Morning", "I've Been Lonely Too Long", "People Got To Be Free" and "How Can I Be Sure". Felix still infuses the same enthusiam he used to perform those past songs, when he is talking about the language beyond words: Music. His work has never been bolder as it is in his new album "Then And Now". Felix and the Rascals are members of; The Rock N Roll Hall of Fame, Musicians Hall of Fame, Grammy Hall of Fame, Songwriters Hall of Fame and many others. "Then and Now" is Felix' frist solo album since 1993. 

This episode is with five-time-Grammy-nominated guitarist Kenny Wayne Shepherd. Kenny's new album: "Dirt On My Diamonds, Vol 1" is scheduled to be released on November 17th, and we were lucky enough to catch him for the interview right before his tour started. The new album was recorded at the legendary FAME Studios in Muscle Shoals, Alabama. The project chronicles Shepherd's journey of musical evolution, touching on stories of loss, redemption, and memorable melodies, all crafted by an elite team of songwriters. Born in Louisiana, in 1977, Shepherd's own life has never followed the script. Steeped in classic blues and rock 'n' roll from an early age by his dad - a respected Louisiana radio personality and promoter - Kenny soon reached for his first Fender Stratocaster and found he didn't require lessons to make it cry and wail. Long Before Warner Brothers subsidiary Giant Records offered a deal, Shepherd had toured in clubs he was still too young to drink in. 

This episode is with author Daniel Bukszpan. Daniel has been a freelance writer for over 25 years. He has written for such publicantions as Fortune, CNBC, Conde Nast Traveler, and many more. He is the author of The Encyclopedia of Heavy Metal, The Encyclopeida of New Wave, Woodstock: 50 years of Peace and Music, and the book we are talking about today: Ozzy @ 75. Ozzy @ 75 explores the history of the godfather of heavy metal through seventy-five career accomplishments and life events. It's a captivating and comprehensive tribute to the legendary rock icon, celebrating the remarkable life and career of one of the most influential figures in rock history. 

This episode is with Collective Soul's bassist Will Turpin. Will is one of the busiest musicians on the planet. He is promoting the latest Collective Soul album: Vibrating, his current solo album: Serengeti Drivers, his recording studio: Reel 2 Reel and he is even teasing the next Collective Soul album which is almost finished. The band has many exciting thing happening in 2024 as they celebrate their 30th anniversary, including at least one new album and a documentary that is scheduled to be released mid-year. Will talks about the 30th anniversary of the band, playing at Woodstock '94 & '99 and recording at Elvis' home. 

The episode is with the one and only Mark Volman. Mark is one half of Flo & Eddie and one of the original members of The Turtles. Mark has just set out on the 2023 Happy Together tour which runs until the beginnning of September. He talks about this year's touralong with great antidotes including haning with Keith Moon, his time working with Frank Zappa, and singing with Bruce Springsteen. Many people don't realize how many bands Flo & Eddie sang with including John Lennon, Ozzy Osbourne, T-Rex, Roger McGuinn, Ray Manzerek, David Cassidy, Keith Moon, Alice Cooper, Blondie, The Knack, Psycadelic Furs, Sammy Hagar, Jefferson Airplane, The Ramones, Duran Duran and so many more. Plus Mark tells about the infamous story of Flo & Eddie , Frank Zappa and how the song "Smoke On The Water" came about for Deep Purple, Yes, Mark was there!