The Jake Feinberg Show

Unique and authoritative pianist talks about his musical journeys. 

Brilliant sarod player talks about his late father (Ali Akbar Khan) and his own musical excursions including playing with Charles Lloyd and Shanti. 

Prolific rhythm maker and innovator talks about the cats who helped shape his musical point of view.

Ubiquitous guitarist talks about how he has learned to be himself on the bandstand with iconic RnB and rap artists as well as his own band The RUFF PACK.

My guests on Tuesday were Mary and Alam Khan, wife and son of the classical Indian musician Ali Akbar Khan. Ali Akbar Khan was the kind of leader our society so desperately needs today. He was a genius but entirely understated. He believed in equal opportunity and access to an affordable education. He understood why the arts were integral to the depth of a society as they are the pillars of our society. This is why people gravitated to this man. It is not mere coincidence that a great many bands from the Bay Area played benefit concerts to raise money for his music college. The work of Ali spans many decades and consist of compositions, writings, songs, pictures and other material that needs to be preserved and archived. As an aside I should also mention that his records have provided me great comfort during times of great pressure or imbalance in my life and have allowed my mind to open and be free of anxiety. Therefore this is part I of my homage to the Ali Akbar Khan School of Music in an effort to raise awareness and funds to uphold the sanctity of all his works.

Dynamic multi-instrumentalist and producer talks his early development in The Greyboy Allstars and how he cultivates music for TV and film soundtracks.

Stellar guitarist and producer talk's about how he found his own voice on the guitar through a myriad of musical influences.

Dynamic young bassist talks about letting go of control on the bandstand and entering an altered state of consciousness.

Divine Sufi healer talks about getting on the path early in her life and how that mindfulness has carried her aura and light to this day.

Drummer and father talks about the crooked path of a musician and his upcoming tour with Kelly Finnigan.

Conversation with a great percussionist and drummer before his gig with House Band from Permanent Records Roadhouse in Los Angeles from November 2024

Prolific young guitarist and bassist talks about filling the groove with Bush League and how he will carry on Phil Lesh' legacy through his playing.

Dutch drummer talks about playing with masters of the great American art form known as jazz and the lessons he has learned on the bandstand.

Young guitar warrior talks about his journey to find his own individual sound and what he has learned on and off the bandstand from cats like Steve Kimock and Oteil Burbridge.

Impresario and musician talks about his days promoting concerts at Oberlin College and what he does now to keep Keystone Baltimore humming along.

String bassist and trumpeter talks about coming of age with Dave Baker at Indiana University, establishing himself in Chicago and giving back to the Tucson music community by playing and teaching at the Tucson Jazz Institute.

Profound NYC drummer and singer talks about his crooked but profound path towards musical enlightenment.

Conducted in the studios of 89.1 FM in Tucson in 2014

Brilliant multi-dimensional artist and doula talks about forgiving herself for prior trauma, forgiving herself and reentering her physical body after years of resistance.

Genius drummer from Alameda talks about making a musical connection with Lou Sarrica in high school and how that carried over to Cookin' Mama.

Boogaloo Lou talks about playing the blues in the ghetto and being a mentor to younger jazz cats. 

Gifted poet and player talks about how meditation and musical co-creation has led her through the darkness and onto a path of unfoldment and purpose.

Iranian musician and drummer talks about how he works within the confines of the studio as a hired gun and his teaching techniques to get the best out of his students.

Wide ranging musician and producer talks about being in Jersey rock bands with John Ginty and Neal Casal. Where The Wait Isn't Long - homage to the Highway Butterfly and mental health awareness.

Prolific keyboardist/organist talks about being the musical director for Gregg Allman and his roots in the early seventy's blues psych band known as Cookin' Mama.

Titanic session guitarist talks about working at Muscle Shoals and with Bob Marley, The Rolling Stones and Leon Russell.

Young saxophonist and keys player from Flagstaff talks about the importance of playing in a band (Bush League) and writing original tunes.

Transcendent producer, beat maker and trumpeter talks about his musical point of view as it relates to recording, live playing and blowing his horn.

Bassist, trumpeter and singer from Costa Rica talks about moving to New Orleans and connecting with Johnny Vidacovich, Al Hirt and Charlie Brent.

Divine singer/songwriter talks about her intentions for sharing her music with the world.

Transcendent keyboard player talks about his musical roots growing up in Philadelphia and the cosmic opportunities to collaborate with Dave Chappelle and Josef Leimberg.

Devotional drummer talks about growing up and playing double drums with Desmond New in Tucson and where he is today in his musical journey.

Guitarist from Flagstaff who now lives in Tucson talks about the various tributaries of his musical existence including the band Bush League.

Light healer, DJ, Doula and Thai Massage Therapist talks about her journey from ideology to infinite wisdom through vulnerability and self-inquiry.

Master of Ceremonies and host at The Century Room talks about his artistic passions and how he has gotten to where he is today.

Coming off the road The JFS had a relatively quiet week behind the mic. Cosmically I did connect with Arash Moghaddam and his story is one of the most compelling I have heard in 2,000+ interviews. Born in Iran left as a very young baby Arash immigrated to Maryland at the age of 2. At 13 he moved to Turkey for 8 months and then to Norway for three years. Right before his 16th birthday his parents took him back to Iran for a “vacation.” After the government "lost their papers" his family wound up spending the next couple of decades in the country. At that time Arash was obsessed with listening to music and skateboarding. Music was outlawed in Iran at that time so Arash was relegated to acquiring cassettes of Metallica on the black market and showing off his skate moves to culturally starved people. There were no drum kits available commercially in Iran because music was forbidden so he took a 13-hour drive to Tehran to find instrument stores. When he did a gentlemen opened a sliding wall and dozens of antiquated kits - from before the revolution - reveled themselves. The only problem was they cost 3x as much as a car so Arash returned to his hometown and with that help of a friend built his own kit.

What followed were gigs in wedding bands and shedding in his room being careful not too play too loud so as to alert the neighbors. In dealing with family strife his father taught him to pray. Arash managed to create his own version of allegiance to god and never fell into the doctrinaire pit of conformity and group think. Instead he held true to the principles of his faith while incorporating the mystical side of Islam known as Sufism. He also began to read the philosophical works of cats like Maurice Maeterlinck as well as Cabalistic texts which broadened his ability to alter states of consciousness while praying and receiving messages that only became clear in their meaning as he got older.

Arash now lives in Sacramento and is a decorated teacher, player and international inspiration. His story is one of perseverance, getting knocked down and starting from scratch. He and his friends created improvisational musical games w/o having any formal training and over time his ears became bigger to contain all music. Suffice it to say we still have at least one more installment to do but I highly recommend listening to this interview. If nothing else to gain some perspective on how we are all connected by the universal vibration and through that frequency we are all one. Link in bio

Continued discussion about the philosophic complexities of authentic recording in the studio and

Legendary keyboardist from Florida talks about his musical relationships and collaborations with Berry Oakley, Boz Scaggs and Joe Bonamassa.

Pianist and big band arranger talks about the regional music scene of Tuscaloosa and playing with legends like Cleveland Eaton and Norbert Putnam. Highly Recommended.

Multi-faceted percussionist and sonic expander talks about being exposed to all the heavy German jazzers that came before him and how he adapted his drum work in the studio the fast-changing technology that was developed at the end of the 20th Century.

Fearless musician and composer talks about how her tune construction has changed over time, her current musical projects and the timeless experience of playing live with Paul Motian.

Titanic entertainer and leader of his Bayou Gypsy Band talks about the many chapters of his magical musical life.

Electric bassist who has helped redefine the instrument talks about his musical and spiritual philosophies that have propelled him on a path of constant creation.

Jazz Messenger and music stalwart talks about the nuances of creating spiritual music on the bandstand. 

Continued discussion surrounding the balance between external knowledge (theory) and internal honest expression on your apparatus.

Intrepid musician and seeker talks about his collaborations in the studio with Bill Laswell.

Profound discussion of how God has worked in Alex's life on the bandstand, in the studio and most importantly with his family.

Continued philosophical discussion on the sacred path of being a musician and being unabashed about playing with the deepest cats and following the creative muse.

Musician steeped in soundscapes talks about his early punk and metal influences growing up in San Diego and how that sound has influenced his current synthesizer-based projects.

Multi-dimensional singer and musician talks about finding her way in the world of New Orleans jazz and spiritual music with cats like Earl Turbington and Dunc's honky tonks.

Dynamic Texas drummer talks about learning to play the shuffle and grooving in life.  

Singular and inventive guitarist talks about the brotherhood of musicians he has played with including Lenny White, Curtis Fuller, Bill Goodwin and Joe Henderson. 

Prolific bassist talks about lessons he has learned along the way from Richard Davis, Bill Laswell and his ability to find his way inside non-native grooves on the bandstand.

Trombonist from rural Massachusetts talks about his early musical leanings and lessons learned from Jaki Byard.

Decorated pianist and producer talks about his work with James "D-Train" Williams, Reggie Lucas, Mtume and his latest album dedicated to his father.

Mid-week rejuvenation after interviewing a great drummer and student of music  - all good things in all good time as this conversation takes us inside the mind of AD - which cats he sought out to learn under before he became a leader - the divine timing of being welcomed into the Baptist church (to play) - his philosophy as it relates to having music on the bandstand and a Deitch Academy breakdown of the 3 T’s - #touch #tone #timefee

Israeli born pianist talks about his Iraqi blood line and middle eastern influences in his playing. Come back to Tucson soon....

Profound discussion with a drummer who grew up in the Bay Area at a time when musical vocabulary was expanding in part to the wide-open rhythmic landscape. Highly recommended....

Bay Area musician talks about gravitating to heavy rock drumming in the mid-seventies, playing at Different Fur Studios and his time with Gregg Allman & Friends.

Songwriter and singer talks about the spiritual inclinations of her songs and their messages. 

Continued discussion of becoming part of The Range, the antics of drummer John Molo and his musical relationship with John "Drumbo" French.

Philosophic musician speaks about his unique yearning for instrumental improvisational music before he even knew what these terms meant. A continued discussion about the significance of live music within our culture.

Humble genius talks about his rhythmic roles as a drummer in Frank Zappa's band as well as Genesis.

Bassist and composer talks about his musical relationships with bandmates of all ages and how he works within the rhythm section to move the groove.

Guitarist and band leader talks about his approach to playing music on the bandstand and in the woodshed. A heartfelt discussion about realizing your highest individualistic sound.

Blazing guitarist talks about soul crushing moments in his music career, losing an opportunity to play with Genesis because he told the truth and his musical connection to Narada Michael Walden.

Glorious hang with a pianist and composer who is still bringing it to the people.

Keyboardist and singer from Kokomo and 10cc talks about overcoming addiction and his chance encounter with Bob Dylan during the making of Desire.

Expansive discussion about his introduction to Reggae music through Soul Syndicate and how the Blue Riddim' Band infused that groove in their own sound.

Profound drummer talks about growing up in Baltimore and playing with O'Donel Levy. Essential listening for all seekers....

Peruvian drummer and percussionist talks about his collaborations with Don Alias, Louie Bellson and Jaco Pastorius.

One of the Young Rascals and proponent of Transcendental Meditation talks about the magic ride of his musical life. 

Seminal guitarist talks about the great players who influenced him growing up in the Bay Area and the stunning stories of his career on the bandstand.

Keyboardist and producer talks about working with Captain Beefheart, finding his way into the Southern California studio scene and his long unvarnished trip with Bruce Hornsby.

Iconic singer/songwriter talks about being a man of the people through his music and actions. A tip of the cap to Pete Seeger. Onward. 

Brilliant drummer and percussionist talks about growing up learning music from his father and five brothers, joining Perez Prado in Las Vegas in 1964 and his relationship with Joe Zawinul in Weather Report and beyond. All Timer...

Iconic jazz drummer talks about the smooth ride he provided for Stanley Turrentine and Horace Silver among others. 

Powerful young drummer talks about how he has learned to serve the song behind the drum kit.

Musician and spiritualist discusses his journeys on and off the bandstand. 

Original drummer from Sly and the Family Stone talks about the early studio recordings/demos the band made at CBS in New York and Columbus Recorders in SF.

A master is someone who teaches, a master is someone who sacrifices and loves themselves. To master is knowing how to access your native gifts.

As far as my guest is concerned that translates out to being one of the most in demand, highly respected, versatile bassists in the world.

He was raised by his musical elders like Richard Davis who had been a guest twice on this show. The Pisces swimming upstream downstream always adapting, always churning, overcoming.

Astrology aside my guest has played with The Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin for the last 50 years. That was in between studying and watching Mingus dual with Dolphy in some mob run club. Lock the groove, play free, play a blues before the word funk even came into the lexicon.

He's played and recorded with King Curtis, Jim Pepper, Duane and Gregg Allman, Eddie Harris, Gil Scott Heron, The Voices of East Harlem and Shirley Scott.

A master gives back like Ali Akbar Kahn and Jerry Wexler and Dizzy Gillespie. Knowing their instrument, knowing their strengths like Chuck Rainey or Bernard Purdie or the late great Richard Tee.......my guest today is giving back on multiple levels including mixing live iconic music with youth baseball. Something only Jackie Robinson would have dreamed off....

Jerry Jemmott welcome to the JFS

Brilliant bandleader and composer talks about improvisation, working with Spike Lee and his upcoming show at the Tucson Jazz Festival. 

Pianist and singer from the band Kokomo talks about his early musical experiences in Ireland and how the band Arrival got its start at Ronnie Scott's.

In person interview with a profound musical avatar. 

Musician and curator of Healing Force of the Universe in Pasadena talks about the modern-day dilemma of finding time to create art and foster a community through cultivation of a music venue/record store.

Guitarist and mentor talk's about the pros and cons of putting his own imprint on different styles of music of American music and how he cultivated his individual sound.

Transitions are part of Life. You move in and out of collaborations with artists, lovers, and job opportunities. But the genesis of transition stems from the beginning. The fruitful years of hearing new sounds and adding your own accent. The roots of creativity, work ethic and brotherhood.

Part of the goal of the Jake Feinberg Show is to reconnect those who played together in the beginning with a shared conception and goal. The idea of being dedicated to their instruments and holding obligation to nothing else. But through transitions and opportunities these individuals have not connected on any level for sometime. Maybe a chance airport run in but with no real time to reacquaint.

A state of being @ the Same time. Roy Ayers and Carl Burnett....glad to be the bridge. JF

A fascinating life story and one that could only be found in America. Hat's off to Jimmy Lyons, Lester Young and the Monterey Jazz Festival.

Musician and provocateur from Watertown, MA talks about how his generation uses music as a medium to impact the social construct.

Pianist and composer talks about the inner urge of creating music on the bandstand with different generations of masters.

Italian born drummer talks about coming to New York and learning to sing for his supper in a myriad of different musical settings.

Poet and bandleader who sings in the spirit and walks in love doing the delicate dance of staying true to her creative singularity while singing for her supper by sliding between the concentric circles of popular American music. A firecracker of humanity who wants to do everything to the max Alicia is a troubadour who is always looking for a creative edge to increase inspiration. I can only hope our spontaneous improvisational conversation can provoke further wisdom and insight for her moving forward. Love always, JF

Unheralded trumpeter talks about the nuanced qualities of playing improvised music.

Music promoter and advocate talks about his vaunted music store Soundscapes in Tucson and how he continues to organize and cultivate music festivals around Tucson.

Multi-Instrumentalist and producer talks about staying open to creative projects and people in all musical worlds.

Profound composer, musician and thinker talks about following the universal muse on and off the bandstand.

Gospel infused keyboardist and composer talks about his journey inward to find his own voice in the musical conversation.

Drummer and percussionist talks about finding the groove with Vampire Weekend and integrating his soul into the music.

Blazing guitairst talks about weaving in and out of the groove in his full-time musical existence.

Brooklyn based drummer and percussionist talks about his early training grounds in India, Israel and Spain and how he has brought those concepts to the bandstand to make the music feel good on a trap set.

Drummer and producer talks about being bitten by the music bug and following his inner muse even when those around him discouraged his pursuit as a professional musician.

Free spirited guitarist talks about her creative sensibilities and the calling of music throughout various chapters of her life.

Vibe raising musician talks about his musical life on the road with Circles Around The Sun or at home in Catskill, NY. Let the body dance.

Epic transmission with an iconic drummer at his apartment on the upper west side of New York from June 2024

Dynamic musician and band leader talks about the subtle nuances of creating music in the modern era with Big Search.

Intuitive and improvisational bassist talks about the birth of Groove Collective at Giant Step in the mid 1990's and his desire to create an immersive musical experience for the audience.

Artist, drummer and human being talks about his intention for releasing Drums of Compassion at this time.

Musician from Jersey City talks about his concept of the word "jazz" and how he has tried to tell his own life story within his various collaborations.

Contemplative guitarist talks about getting out of his own way in order to be a conduit for the music on and off the bandstand.

Profound prodigal drummer talks about being thrown into many different musical settings as a young girl and how that has helped her make a living doing something she can't live with out.

Humble and introspective drummer talks about the role his faith has played in musical performance both live and in the studio. 

Profound drummer and human being talks about the impact that John Lennon, George Harrison and Ringo Starr had on his musicality, spirit and faith. 

Fiery singer songwriter from Eastern Washington talks about letting go of her perception of perfection on the bandstand and being her authentic self in the studio.

Profound musical artist from rural Michigan talks about her early connections to source in nature and her relentless pursuit of authenticity in the recording studio.

*photo by Mikael Kennedy

Incredible drummer talks about playing with McCoy Tyner and being responsible for passing on the essential lineage of this music.

British born pedal steel player talks about the burgeoning young musician scene in Nashville and playing in a Dead cover band all over Europe.

Cuban born dancer and painter talks about taking up the drums when he was seventeen and inspiring his parents to see the value in playing live spiritual music in Cancun and America.

Master drummer from New Orleans talks about playing spiritual music with his brothers and sisters.

World percussionist and ethnomusicologist talks about learning from his elders and applying that knowledge to his own sound.

Off the cuff hang at Rocco's Pizzeria in Tucson, AZ from May 2024

Cosmic French bassist talks about becoming ensconced in the studio scene in Paris and connecting with Chick Corea through Patrick Moraz ultimately bringing him to the states for the remainder of his career.

Singer songwriter with a singular voice talks about how she has grown as a musician and how she finds balance within her existence in this life.

Norwegian born singer and band leader talks about the messages in her music and how she differentiates between other musicians in Americana music.

Cosmic pianist and composer talks about playing the Gulf Coast circuit with his father growing up in SE Louisiana. Part of his new album drops tomorrow!

Ukrainian jazzer talks about discovering John Coltrane through Kenny Garrett and leaning the language of spiritual music. Ukraine for the win.

Dynamic musician and old soul talks about her latest creation - Floreana - and how she is learning to get out of her own way to be a conduit for the music to come through her.

Bass player and producer talks about the greatest lesson he received at Berklee and his dedication to making good feeing music with his friends.

Unheralded musician and band leader talks about playing the Fillmore District with King Pleasure and Merl Saunders. 

Profound pianist talks about his days studying with Allaudin Mathieu and how he found his singular voice playing for interpretive dance and ballet.

Fiery young keyboardist talks about living with his bandmates in LA and playing music beyond genre.

Dynamic flowing drummer talks about her life on the road with Color Green.

Profound multi-instrumentalist and producer talks about growing up in a musical household and how he has carved out his own path on the bandstand and in the studio.

 Once there was a band called the Blue Velvets. Saul Zantz didn't like the name and made them change it. They eventually settled on Creedence Clearwater and the Fantasy label hit gold. Ed Bogas was hired soon there after and became one of the lead producer and arrangers for all the jazz cats under contract. The funny thing was that he knew next to nothing about jazz. He attributes much of his success to Cal Tjader who had recently resigned with the label. Cal led him by the hand and eventually they sang lines back to each other. A true baptism by fire and some great stories.....

Last Bolero in Berkeley,

JF

Long time buddy of the GD keyboardist talks about the late great man he knew.

Longtime friend of the Grateful Dead keyboardist talks about their friendship before and after the GD.

Dynamic Chicago drummer talks about learning to develop grooves and rhythm patterns that he learned from his heroes and make them his own. 

Keyboardist and drummer talks about his current musical projects and what inspires him to remain on the seekers path.

Wife of the late Stan Getz talks about her recollections of their cosmic and at times turbulent existence.

Discussion with a master musician about the phenomena of sound and his album Solar Eclipse.

Profound musician from Nigeria talks about his introduction to rhythm in the Celestial Church and making his mark as an Alternative Afro-Beat band leader.

Mystical singer and spiritual guide talks about overcoming adversities in her life, her musical journey and finding ultimate inner happiness through her spiritual practices.

Meditation guide and healer talks about the regenerative qualities of a mindfulness practice and how this has anchored her during difficult times. 

More at;

jessvmeditation.com 

Jamaican bassist with deep roots in all styles of music talks about his willingness to record with no typical studio conventions and the genuine relationships he has built over his still young yet expansive career.

Bop Vibraphonist talks about his musical encounters with the giants. 

Versatile wind player talks jamming with Dyke & The Blazers in Phoenix, at The Experience with Jimi Hendrix and the band Pollution.

Venerable and selfless band leader talks about moving to Santa Cruz with his band (from Detroit) and playing with Steve Marriott.

Versatile and dynamic bass player talks about the impact The Grateful Dead had on his musical POV. A modern-day conversation about a musician who hustles in order to sing for his supper.

Dynamic and versatile drummer talks about staying sharp during COVID, playing with Phil Lesh and the road ahead for authentic creatives. 

Heavy bop and post bop trombonist talks about swinging the night away with That Jones, Mel Lewis and Herbie Hancock. 

Inspired musician talks about spontaneous composition and learning in all musical settings and the subtle genius of Bill Keith. 

Singer songwriter from a musical family talks about recording with Jason Abraham Roberts in Joshua Tree right before full lockdown.

Jazz entrepreneur and promoter talks about the comradery of the musicians that contributed to spiritual live performances in the studio and on the bandstand.

Rugged bluesy singer and bandleader talks about being raised by Ma and Pa Hodge and making a name for himself in Detroit as a topflight entertainer.

Brilliant French multi-instrumentalist talks about the myriad of different musical settings he has played in both in France and Tucson.

Legendary blues entertainer talks about working with Willie Banks & The Messengers and learning from Billy Davis.

Brilliant gulf coast drummer who wound up in Nashville talks about incorporating drums into country and folk rock settings. 

Road dog musician from Chelsea, MI talks about playing and listening within the group context and his intentions for going on tour with Chirp.

Incendiary trumpeter talks about making a living as a musician in 2024 and how he is learning to be himself on the bandstand.

Soaking and conversing in rays of sunshine with bandleader of The Tyde. Heal Thyself....

Stellar singer talks about finding his own voice in a thriving record based industry. 

Monster musician talks about his early playing days with Dizzy Gillespie and leading the Woody Herman Band.

Heavy horn player talks about playing with jam bands like Ratdog and Dave Mathews.

Fluid and versatile pianist talks about finding a flow state on the bandstand and what he learned from Andrew Hill.

Modern Day Griot talks about his upbringing in a musical family and how the Griot remains a storyteller and problem solver in many communities throughout Africa.

Legendary Idaho musician talks about how he and his brothers were raised in a musical household and how that has carried over to many bands and even more memories.

Monster saxophonist talks about being raised in a musical family in Cleveland, connecting with Joe Lovano, and his own trio known as The Fringe.

Legendary drummer from Lynard Skynyrd talks about his early playing experiences with members of The Marshall Tucker Band, Charlie Daniels and his own project Next Voice.

Interview with Dawg prior to his appearance at The Musical Instrument Museum In Phoenix, AZ 09/2018

Young hungry musician talks about the bandstand experience he has had at this point in his career and how he will approach the dogma associated with the academy.

Legendary drummer talks about learning from and playing with Sonny Rollins, Benny Goodman and Joe Hunt.

Bandleader from Boise talks about finding her community in LA and where she wants to take her music.

Cosmic drummer talks about getting the gig with Kenny Loggins, adjusting to in-ear monitors with Chicago and his own original group known as Honk.

I have two children both of whom love music. Not because I play contemporary child's music but because of my love of all musics. In fact I have struggled to find any real substantive children's music until I strolled into Desert Industrials and came across Getting to Know Myself and Homemade Band two of the definitive children's  albums made by my guest during the fertile landscape of the early 1970's.

This music swings and while not an all out funk fest these albums open kids minds to create their own homemade instruments. Be it string, paper towel dispensers, sticks its a homemade band.

Then I come to find out that my guest was the originator of combining music with movement for kids. It's the rhythm, the bouncy buoyant infectious energy that makes you want to dance.

It's nice to welcome Hap Palmer to the Jake Feinberg Show

Session guitarist from Jamaica talks about making iconic records with Fully Fullwood and Carlton "Santa" Davis. 

Live from Casa Finnigan from March 2018 - RIP to a legend. 

Badass pianist talks about working with Henry Grimes, Dee Dee Bridgewater and being part of this great American musical lineage.

Most people associate Jerry Garcia with the Grateful Dead. And rightfully so, they were the longest touring band in Modern American History. And because they have been dubbed a psychedelic rock band that's what many associate with Jerry's guitar style and sound.

However a closer look reveals that Jerry was a curious student who made periodic stops along the way to increase his playing vocabulary. Jam sessions @ the Matrix that  Bluegrass with OAITW and TGAMB, Funky Blues with Merl and Legion of Mary, a return to his gospel and soul roots with his own band and a dip into fusion with Reconstruction. Today we will listen to some of Jerry's peers and musicians  who collaborated with the Fat man outside of the Dead who all contributed to his style and sound.

At the core Jerry Garcia was a bluegrass picker. He was a legend of the California circuit back when Los Angeles was a hotbed of bluegrass activity in the mid sixties. It was an infatuation with the Father of Bluegrass Bill Monroe and the Ash Grove Fiddler Scottie Stoneman that led to this new breed of players who burned. As the great violinist Richard Greene told me "we bowed at the feet of Monroe, he was our Jesus Christ." By March of '74 the Great American Music Band was gigging and having fun. Here is a clip of My interview with David Dawg Grisman about the first time he met Garcia. We'll pick it up with Sweet Georgia Brown....

Iconic drummer from Three Dog Night talks about life in the fast lane playing the Canadian circuit with Tommy Chong.

Band leader and multi-instrumentalist talks about navigating the muse to create compositions that can be both highly arranged and open to improvisation without intention. 

Cosmic multi-instrumentalist and bandleader talks about the journeys that have kept him in the musical stratosphere.

Independent singer songwriter talks about having her identity ripped from her by Interscope Records and how she deals with the all-consuming legal battle to seek justice for her and others.

Young front of house sound mixer talks about his roots in mixing live reggae shows and his cosmic crossover with Grateful Shred and Circles Around The Sun.

Legendary bassist from The Monkeys and Canned Heat talks about getting an education on the bandstand and swinging his butt off. 

Leaning into the void with a deep spirit and musician. The ambiguous shift on and off the bandstand as a female leader in the music world.

Authentic musician who marinated in the Marin County music scene of the early 70's and how he continues to follow the muse today. 

Dynamic leader and guitarist talks about taking the seeking path in music and surrendering to the muse. 

Gifted bassist talks about how his elders and peers have shaped his musical point of view.

Decorated engineer and musician talks about working with The Section and the Mizell Brothers. 

Legendary multi-instrumentalist talks about coming of age with his brothers in Monroe, LA and playing with iconic bands like Buster Brown and Uncle Rainbow.

Jake, you got me going into a deep recall. I first met Henry Franklin when he was with Willie Bobo and I was with Mongo Santamaria.

Art moves in a strange kind of way. We’re in another kind of reality today as far as the art is concerned. There’s something else that’s kind of in front of everything and is kind of futuristic - electronics, lasers and bright lights and all that kind of stuff. There’s art in there as well, but I’m not necessarily seeing the imagination and the creativity that was in the arts or that’s in the arts.

The music we’re speaking of I call “spontaneous improvisation.” The word “jazz” is associated with a time period, but it doesn’t necessarily speak to the mind set of the individuals, and the people, and the theme of what the music that is associated with jazz.

The music I am interested in is spontaneous improvisational music, with a theme. Free with order as opposed to just flying all over the place. One of the phenomenon's out there in this existence, in all of this chaos is that there absolutely appears to be some order. Since man has been asking (we’re still asking), we’re still trying to figure out, what is that? What is this order? “Alphie what is it all about?”

I think if the mind continues to embrace it, it (this music) will survive. The creativity is probably the essence and that will continue in spite of. It may get a smaller audience, but I don’t think that will have any impact on the creativity of it all because art kind of works in a strange kind of way

Transcendent singer/songwriter talks about accessing her true nature on the bandstand when she can get out of her own way.

Pianist and organist talks about being on the bandstand with Frank Rosolino at 21 a harrowing encounter with Ike Turner and his early studio work with Earthquire.

I have long sought after Chester Thompson. The guy moved from Ok. City to San Francisco to live the gypsy life. After night gigs at "Jack's on Sutter" and the Fillmore District he was back in a San Francisco bank singing "Your Still A Young Man," which he late busted out with East Bay Funk outfit Tower of Power. He lived among the people and saw how Bill Graham would weave these tremendous multi-racial concerts (Malo, Black Jazz, Jefferson Airplane). You had Chicano, Blacks and Whites all showing up to the same gig. It was a positive Sly and the Family Stone attitude. Hunting and still Open.......

"The struggle was actually the Jewel"....

Enjoy this Treasure and thank you Chester,

The foundations of a human being begin within their home.

The education, the adherence to a craft and not overcompensating with blind faith. My guest today had a bed rock in his home and it is because of his mother that he is where he is today.

Part of The JFS is to promote inclusivity as it relates to parents and their relationships with their kids.

I do this by talking to musicians like my guest who under the tutelage Erma gained an education thorough world experience, world sound and melodic invention.

My guest was enlightened to the creator and their impact on this earth by an apparatus. A horn that emits sequences of ideas and streams of knowledge that is at the core of true music.

The ability to heal and dance. To settle disputes through universal communication. To build a bridge to a new era after they themselves reached the bottom of the pit.

What started with his mom led to Raymond Pounds, Elvin Jones and McCoy Tyner who like Van Morrison and Bob Marley played music that transcended this orbit.

McCoy's band was tight knit- My guest, Joonie Booth and Alphonse Mouzon who he plays with today in Southern California with two other sages in spirit Theo Saunders and The Skipper Henry Franklin.

I witnessed my guest playing at the RG club in Venice and The Sea Bird Chicken and Waffles establishment in Long Beach.

I rocked back and forth to the undulating rhythms while my guest danced around the African JuJu with long improvisational riffs that make you think and think even more when you don't want to think.

He has bands on both coasts and seems to be rising on the burning shore before we all check out.
Quoting my guest, if you win one battle over yourself that's how you can experience growth.

Azar Lawerence welcome to the JFS

Acclaimed drummer, pianist and band leader talks about his career on the bandstand. 

Wishin and Hopin'

The sanctified churches in the south lent themselves to a Afro-Centric form of appreciation for their deity. The first modified drum kits were in the sanctified churches with sticks and tambourines and maybe even an electric guitar.

The gospel hymns were infectious and spoke of celebration, hope and spirit. The preachers were often pugnacious and speaking to a congregation that wanted the truth, not the warmed over Anglo/Protestant messages coming from the other side of town.

These preachers found places like Eufala, AL untenable and took their families to the Midwest where car companies and industry roared with commerce jobs and a hot bed of cross fertilized music.

My guest today is a superstar soul singer. She has been striving for elevated consciousness and individualism since she broke on the scene over five decades ago. Born the daughter of a preacher man my guest was immersed in Detroit's Metropolitan church and choir. She was also privy to the hottest nightclub scene in America where jazz was being played in Soul clubs and Blues was being played in the jazz clubs or on the streets.

There were no jazz schools and learning came in the form of the street, finding like minded singers and accompanists because it didn't matter what you wear just as long as you are there.

My guest had been the undisputed truth of Motown. Her southern guy bucket approach was heavier and funkier then many of her contemporaries. Her songs had hooks rarely scene for the time that allowed audiences of all colors to hip sway in the night on TV shows, dances and studio demos.

She became an instant sensation and the testament to her longevity is that her tunes are still recognizable today by a new generation of Americans. One that is less white, more multiethnic but maybe less sure of their roots.

My guests roots were with Della Reese who's name she incorporated into her trio known as "The Vandellas." She learned how to project on the bandstand and entertain as well as swing.

When Motown went west she stayed in Detroit and became a purveyor of social justice while continuing her performing career on RCA/Arista and Fantasy.

Nowhere to run, Martha Reeves welcome to the JFS.

Decorated blues guitarist talks about his early lessons with Tommy Bolin in Boulder, Co and his touring experiences with Kingfish.

My Brain is on a Subway as I head into the vortex of living the live…..do you practice what you preach on stage? Do you remember the cats who accompanied you into battle when the album is credited, or because of insecurity do you take all the credit?

These are obviously things that each musician has to deal with in his or her own individual way. My guest today is someone who has gone up against it in his musical life. He played with the Temps and was fortunate enough to be around when the chitlin circuit was hoppin’ the floorboards were shakin and all the fingerpoppin daddies were having a ball.

Bud Light didn’t sponsor everything with a streamed lined approach that saps the individuality away with pole tested focus groups……to find you must seek, which is what my guest has been doing of late with the release of his latest CD Faces which is deadicated to the late Tom Donlinger who was one heck of a gravity adjuster along with Boz Scaggs, Steve Miller, Ben Sidran and all the other crazy cats.

My guests albums have become cult classics all over the world and his recent international fame as prompted him to put together his own YouTube Clip showing off his cosmic keys. Howard Wales, welcome back to the JFS…..

Radiant healer steeped in wisdom and cosmic consciousness talks about her fortunes in life and how she considers everyone a teacher. 

Cosmic drummer and artist talks about being a team player in the modern music era to stay in the game and thrive as a human.

Indelible Tulsa drummer talks about his early musical influences and the evolution of the band Teegarden and Van Winkle.

Stellar pianist and band leader talks about finding his own individual sound as a jazzer on the bandstand. 

Aphrodisiacs

By Stanley Clarke

"When I got into Scientology I was very close to becoming a serious drug addict. I could always get a jump on things when things were going a little to the left. Since I was very young I was always someone who would pull the plug on something before it went over the line.

I was not at a good place. I was not feeling good physically and I was too young not to be feeling good physically. I recognized that so when I got into the rehab program my drug thing got handled and I never ever went back after that.

Than I started getting into Dianetics which is a different portion of Scientology. I had to get myself a little straight.

I grew up with a fairly normal life for a kid. I had issues with lots of things, music, rascism, poverty, family stuff. Normal stuff that a black kid or African American Kid would have if he's really going to inspect his life and how he's growing up.

I got into Scientology and that took care of everything for me. Lots of times a person may have a lot of problems but when you really look at them their specific and specific subjects and sometimes it's difficult to deal with specific subjects that bother you as specifics. Usually by the time it gets you it feels like you got a damn elephant on your shoulders. They all converge together and you have this big pile of mud in your universe. What is it? I feel so bad. Maybe it's this, maybe it's that. Am I playing good?

There was a time when I was really shy. It was something I wasn't really happy with because I had thoughts and feelings and I wanted those things to come out. I wanted people to understand what is in my head.

Through the work I did in Scientology I was able to talk to people about these other things. If your ability to communicate is down it's a little difficult. We as humans we don't really have the ESP thing down that strong yet.

There are much higher planes to reach that are outside the realm of physicality. Anything that's physical is physical, sex, drugs, eating a sandwich. There are other states of being that one can reach that have nothing to do with physical things and the physical universe.

I used to experience this with RTF. The first RTF with Chick, Myself, Flora, Airto, Joe Farrell. I had out of body experiences with that band. It was amazing.....

We started out with that first band, me and Chick. You couldn't get any more honest than that. No one cared about us really. We were trying and surviving. Trying to take our message to people.

We were playing music that was really heartfelt. Chick wrote some beautiful, beautiful stuff. We were all really compatible. When you play music like that with people that you really feel a connection. It's not only music, you could have been a conversation with four people that are really together and they leave space for the other guy. In normal conversation when your with people with a high amount of respect for each other. There's a high degree of acknowledgment of each other. When you play music like that it's the easiest way to leave the physical plane. If your fortunate enough to have a musical experience where everything is just going right. For some reason everybody's tracking and there's a degree of spirituality that's there that's connected with music that you can't get with anything. There's no drug, no amount of money, there's no sexual favor all the Aphrodisiacs on couldn't match that."

Brilliant and ethereal pianist talks about her psychic and telepathic abilities on the bandstand. 

Explosive and highly inventive guitarist talks about his philosophies as they relate to playing improvisational music and what he learned from gigging with cats like Alan Dawson and Miles Davis 

Saxophonist talks about his journey towards musical salvation with his peers and as a teacher. 

Resilient and boundless musicians talks about his days as a hang gliding instructor and his musical bond with Little Steven Van Zandt.

Discussion revolving around songwriting, meeting Cass Elliott and the ebbs and flows on and off the bandstand. 

Musical director of the Saturday Night Live house band and original Blues Brother talks about his musical upbringings in South Carolina and his constant pursuit of greatness in composition, arranging and playing.

Unheralded musician talks about the long and winding road of his melodic existence, trusting in the pull of the universe and his relationships with equally cosmic cats on and off the bandstand. 

"Saved My Life"

By Carmine Appice

"I played a few burlesque houses but our manager was connected to the Mafia. Those guys you see in the movie Goodfellas, we used to know Henry Hill. We used to know Paulie (The Don). They all used to go to my managers club.

In the movie the club that was burned down was my managers club, "The Action House." They burned it down to collect insurance and then rebuilt it. It just so happens my managers club had a fire there.

Music probably saved my life. A lot of my friends went on to join the Mafia and being in the gangs. As kids we belonged to a gang to be safe. For me I could have ended up like a bunch of my friends who wound up doing hard time (multiple life terms). A couple of other guys got killed. Music might have saved my life because I was headed in the wrong direction."

Multi-dimensional guitarist talks about the different musical worlds he dwells and thrives in. 

Print journalist originally from Kansas talks about her own career and how the newspaper industry has changed over the last half century.

Show Tunes

​by Steve Kimock

​When I arrived in California, there were people around who made comparisons between my playing and Jerry’s playing. I just wasn’t that familiar with his playing. I was doing my best to sound somewhere in between Roy Buchanan and Steve Howe. I didn’t relate to “the Garcia thing” as an influence until much later, when I realized how much influence in certain areas we shared. That’s when I said, “I get it: that’s what you’re hearing.”

​I had friends who were into the Grateful Dead back in the day, and they would tell me about it and I didn’t really care. I had no idea and was completely clueless. I came to the game late, which didn’t help.

​For me all of that stuff falls under the category of small-group improvisation. I’m OK if I’m listening to Miles Davis or The Meters or The Grateful Dead: anybody who’s setting up and playing in real time, playing together as a unit. The musicians are going to be working off each other. If you’re working off the musicians and you’re playing for an audience and you’re working off the audience, that’s what’s setting the table for the energy that happens. Everything else is detail.

​A lot of my favorite Garcia songwriting is very much Tin Pan Alley or Broadway show tunes. The introduction to “Mission in the Rain”: it doesn’t get much more Broadway than that. That’s a classic Broadway intro.

Legendary trumpeter who made his name in the Chicago studios talks about his development as a player and his close personal and professional relationship with Tony Bennett.

Continued conversation about the art of rhythm in different musical contexts..........

Drummer talks about finding another J.C. - John Coltrane - and how fate that led him to Max Roach and Archie Shepp.

Spiritual jazz master talks about accessing his multi-dimensional self on the bandstand and learning under cats like Lonnie Smith and Jack McDuff. 

Beyond genre musician and songwriter talks about this that and the other with cumulative results. 

Brilliant pianist talks about becoming band leader and harnessing his own individual sound. 

Dynamic singer talks about making iconic albums and being on the doorstep of worldwide fame. 

Former director of the Albert Hofmann Foundation talks about how LSD is linked to the origins of man's religion and how he found his purpose in life through psychedelic experiences.

Tulsa drummer talks about his will to swing a band growing up under the tutelage of his father David. I plan to stay a believer...

Bandleader and multi-instrumentalist talks about her deep family musical lineage and the way she finds peace and satisfaction playing music with cats she locks in with immediately. Another Midnight Ramble..

Decorated singer from a long lineage of musicians and songwriters talks about how she has found her own voice on the bandstand.

Master drummer talks about working with his new endeavors and harkens back to days of Holy Moses and Glory River.

Mardi Gras Indian from NOLA talks about what he learned from his father and how he passes that knowledge down to young maskers.

Multi-instrumentalist talks about producing mercurial jazz/folk artists on Racoon Records.

Wife of the late great tenor player talks about how Stan's greatest strengths were also his greatest weaknesses.

Fluid and multi-faceted pianist talks about being raised by his musical elders on the bandstand.

Profound musician and thinker talks about the essence and healing powers of the Banyan Tree and how music can bring peace on a global level.

Decorated writer and researcher talks about the work he did with the late electrical engineer Willis Harman involving psychedelics and creative problem solving in the late 1950's and early 60's.

Musician and singer talks about his transition from the bandstand to music journalist to management of early speed metal bands like Testament.

Brilliant and dexterous pianist talks about locking into straight ahead jazz and all of its ancestral roots like Afro Cuban and blues and passing on this tradition orally or in the academy.

Drummer who grew up in Detroit talks about grooving at the upper deck of The Rooster Tail and cutting records with Savage Grace.

Young hungry musician talks about the keys to being in the band business and learning to improvise off of themes.

Emotive singer and cofounder of The Youngbloods talks about his musical and personal connection to Lightnin' Hopkins and producer Bobby Scott.

Detroit based guitarist from a musical family, talks about his Grandma killing snakes in Kentucky and surrounding himself with guys he can make spiritual music with and have fun.

Legendary broadcaster talks about the unpredictable and brilliant Rick Barry.

Drummer talks about playing with the saxophonist at the Montreux Summit in 1976.

In demand bassist from Chicago talks about carving out a path as a professional musician.

Jamaican dancehall singer and DJ talks about assimilating to America and having something declarative to say about the human race.

Drummer and teacher talks about learning to swing north of the border and playing with Dizzy Gillespie.

Melodic and tasteful drummer talks about his rock inclinations in music before meeting Joe Lovano and his father in Cleveland. A dance with life itself.

Producer and A&R man at Muse and HighNote Records talks about how he cultivated the label through artist selection and individual sound.

Legendary promoter of classic jazz and the current curator at Baltimore's Keystone Korner talks about the genius and unpredictability of Stan Getz

Gifted multi-instrumentalist talks about his intuitive approach to playing the bass with Guava Tree and other musical outfits in Logan, UT

Transcendent bassist talks about the highs and lows of being in a famous band.

One master saxophonist talks about another in reverential terms.

Inspiring drummer who was part of the Mime Troupe talks about the music he plays and how he fits into the conversation.

Legendary entertainer and bandleader talks about how he and his brothers climbed the ladder in the highly competitive musical community of New Orleans.

Gifted drummer talks about creating a good feeling groove in his different musical projects.

Mill Valley musician talks about playing with Harold Jones and Bill Vitt.

Heavy world percussionist and educator talks about learning different rhythms and incorporating them into studio and live musical settings.

Leader of the Golden Eagles, a Mardi Gras Indian tribe of New Orleans, Louisiana talks about the indigenous regional rhythms of his community.

Multi-instrumentalist with a bent towards western swing talks about building a career as a musician.

Legendary band leader from a legendary New Orleans musical family talks about creating "funk/rock" with his brothers and playing football against King Floyd.

Bandleader and pianist talks about growing up next door to Milt Jackson in Yonkers and his early trips into Manny's Music in New York City.

Profound musical artist talks about honoring this country as a defense contractor and "freedom fighter" with Ultimate Spinach, Tim Buckley and Steely Dan. Rikki Don't Lose That Number...

Renown bassist and producer talks about stepping into the void for Government Mule after the passing of Allen Woody and the infinite wisdom he learned from Colonel Bruce Hampton.

Profound southern musician producer and arranger talks about working with Ray Charles, Elvis Presley and all the great studio cats in Nashville and beyond.

Decorated engineer and musician talks about the early recording scene in Boise and how he met Pinto Bennett and Muzzy Braun.

Musical drummer and composer talks about never playing the same song the same way once and being on the bandstand at nine years old with his father David Batiste & The Gladiators.

Children's author and illustrator talks about what it means to be human, his relentless touring schedule and why Paul Horn is considered, by some, to be the grandfather of new age music. Whale Song.....

Charismatic healer talks about being a playful leader within the band construct.

Keyboardist and melodic inventor talk's about his evolution as a player and person.

New Orleans drummer talks about playing with Phamous Lambert, Ellis Marsalis and the legendary Ray Charles. Keep swinging.....

Long form discussion on his rhythmic roots and personal and professional relationships with Vince Guaraldi and Cal Tjader.

Blue eyed soul singer talks about playing black music for black audiences in Flint, MI and the formation of RJ Fox.

Legendary jazz guitarist talks about meeting Wes Montgomery on the streets of New York and playing penuckle with Dizzy.

Rudiments are key and experience is key but learning how to dance on your instrument is true liberation.

Brilliant saxophonist and bandleader talks about singing through her instrument and touching people's souls.

Manager for David Grisman talks about originally meeting the gang from Old & In The Way and his roots as a jazz drummer.

My interview with a master teacher of meditation prior to his three year isolated retreat on Diamond Mountain. It also happened to be my first interview ever as a rogue journalist. So many roads.

Spiritual trombonist and producer talks about how he sings for his supper in the music racket.

Funky session bass player talks about grooving with Richard Holmes and Ramon Morris.

Music writer and author talks about the churning milieu of the Grateful Dead.

Renown bassist talks about cutting 45s with is dad and touring with David Crosby.

Multi-dimensional keyboardist talks about playing with Philly legends Tyrone Brown and Pat Martino.

Soul singer talks about the spiritual qualities of music and his belief that love through rhythm is essential. Life is a constant journey home.

Gifted guitarist and singer talks about learning to get out of his own way on the bandstand so as to be a part of the musical conversation with his peers and elders.

Cosmic young guitarist talks about expressing the lord's messages through his guitar.

Transcendent singer talks about creating space with his brother Johnny to allow the music, musicians and devotees to appear naturally.

General Surgeon in New York City talks about his personal and professional connection to Stan Getz.

Doctor of traditional Chinese medicine talks about the concoctions he created to treat Stan Getz' cancer in the mid 1980's.

Singer songwriter talks about his band RJ Fox and its cosmic connection to David Crosby.

Brilliant harpist talks about integrating hip hop samples into her different musical collaborations.

Cosmic fiddler and bandleader talks about developing a sound authentic to himself within his own project, Forecast.

Picking blueberries and talking Merry Pranksters at his home in Scapoose, OR from July 2023

A man who lives his purpose to its fullest through a devotional practice of meditation and inspiration.

Lead singer for the band Bolero talks about how the pieces have come into place for a regional band with a San Francisco sound.

Riffing on the intuitive groove with a prolific bassist.

Private practice MD. specializing in pain addiction talks about how he got connected with the Grateful Dead and specifically Bill Kreutzmann.

Deep communication with a profound musician and thinker.

Blazing electric bassist talks about the free-spirited family he grew up with in Mill Valley, CA.

Discussion about making the song feel good with a musical drummer.

Burning rhythm maker talks about how the landscape of the music business has changed in the last half century and his New Orleans roots.

Modern day sound scientist talks about his introduction to improvisatory ambient music at Penn State and the fertile sonic stomping grounds of Seattle.

Brazilian musician and entertainer talks about memorable experiences on the street corner and the bandstand.

Decorated singer talks about finding her voice on the bandstand with the help of her husband David Freiberg.

Profound pianist talks about embracing all music's as a way to sing for his supper and his recent trio tour with Buster Williams and Lenny White.

Stalwart vibes player talks about how he grew his musical vocabulary over his storied career.

Transcendent musician talks about his deep relationships with the musicians and how that manifests itself in love on the bandstand.

Monster horn man and poet talks about learning on the bandstand in Richmond, Va to the Hollywood Bowl.

Ubiquitous musician and songwriter talks about gaining inspiration in his life creating real music with his peers.

Photo credit - Sam Hall

Transcendent spirit and musician talks about being a source of inspiration for his band Guava Tree and the greater Utah community at large.

Probing multi-instrumentalist talks about moving to New York and learning under the tutelage of Jason Loughlin and John Lee Shannon.

Cosmic drummer from rural Ohio talks about his early connection with drums and how his ears have grown on the bandstand.

Multifaceted drummer and band leader talks about the various ways he sings for his supper in the greater Phoenix region. Ride the Lovetrain.

Singer and guitarist turned bassist talks about the growth of Ultraviolet Communication.

Taking another ride on the Vidacovich sonic starship. So many roads.....

Transcendent musician talks about following the muse, seeing through spiritual dogma and accessing the intergalactic on the bandstand.

Nasty angular hired gun talks about his early exposure to metal and the abyss that is spiritual music.

Drummer and composer talks about the European touring circuit, his appreciation for all music's and learning from masters like Ed Thigpen.

Rhythmic human being talks about playing in the cracks of life.

Mandolin player talks about crossing over genres in his musical career and having the opportunity to play with the late great Buddy Jones.