The Songs and Stories Podcast: Recent Episodes
Michael Gaither
The ten-years-and-counting "Songs and Stories" monthly podcast is produced and hosted by Americana songwriter Michael Gaither.
The podcast is an "inside baseball" look at independent music, as Michael chats with fellow songwriters. Always interesting and entertaining, never scripted, and always featuring new music (both CD cuts and live performances) from the featured guest's latest record. Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/songsandstories/support
Dayan Kai is one of this podcasts returning champions. He was a guest waaaaaay back in episodes #25 and #26 (with musical pal Steve Uccello), then dropped in with Keith Greeninger in episodes #85 and #86, and then we caught up with him in solo mode in episodes #129 and episode #162. Dayan's become a really close pal over the years - even coproducing my "Starlite..." and "Hey Karma" records, and a podcast visit is a good excuse to document a nice long talk, and post it for posterity.
If you don't know, Dayan was born in Maui HI but raised locally in San Juan Batista - there's even a wonderful song about it, of course. He moved back to his native Maui seven (yes, seven) years ago, but he makes frequent trips here to the mainland, often teaming up for a west coast run with Keith and mixing in a few solo shows.
His new release is "To Be Free," a wonderful, sparse, but very rootsy and rockin' new album that was engineering by Keith at Wind River Studios. The entire project is just Dayan and his guitar, and is (intentionally) a perfect representation of what you'll get when you go to a solo Dayan. In this interview, we talked about his various music projects, his latest musical adventures ping ponging back and forth to the west coast from Hawaii, and what might be in store for his next musical project (hint: solo ukulele.)
You'll find "To Be Free" (and all of Dayan's records) at dayankai.com, CD Baby, iTunes, and Spotify.
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Oh, is THIS going to be a fun one. Carolyn Sills and Gerard Egan, of the The Carolyn Sills Combo, first visited this podcast in 2013 – see “Songs and Stories #131”. We talked about their journey to Santa Cruz, how they ended up at Santa Cruz Guitar Company (who makes the last guitar you’ll ever need – honest), and the process they went through to record their first record as this full band, The Carolyn Sills Combo (a fine band that also features Jimmy Norris on drums, Charlie Wallace on pedal steel, and Sunshine Jackson on harmony vocals and percussion.)
Six years later, they’re back with their third project, and it’s something special: “Return to El Paso” is a five-song EP that takes Marty Robbin’s groundbreaking “El Paso” and builds songs around the characters in the tune, giving them each a bit of backstory and more detail. (Even the getaway horse gets his/her own tune, on the frolicking “Hold Your Horses” near the end of the album. Carolyn says this all started with a single line, “I’m not crying – I just have jalapeno in my eyes,” that she kept writing in her notebooks. She finally asked herself, “who would say this?” Feleena from “El Paso” came to mind. Then she and Gerard realized there was more to it, and this collection of songs were slowly born. “Return to El Paso” is very ambitious and very cool. It works.
Tip: Once you buy the record – and you should – give a close listen to Marty Robbin’s “El Paso” and read this analysis of the story before diving into the Combo’s five songs. It’ll give you an extra appreciation for what they’ve done here. (That Feleena. She was a piece of work.)Since I talked to them about their move to Santa Cruz in our last visit, I wanted to go WAY back this time. In this outing, you’ll learn how they met in college (they were music pals for a year before the romance evolved – it’s a wonderful story) and eventually began playing music together. (Check out their early band, Boss Tweed. It’s also amazing.)
“Return to El Paso” is available as a download, a CD, and a vinyl release at carolynsills.com. As an added bonus, the vinyl release includes three songs from their last record, “Dime Stories Vol. 2” on side two of the record. This podcast includes “Feleena,” from “Return to El Paso” and “Buffalo Bill’s Lament,” from “Dime Stories Vol. 2” (and side two of their new vinyl record.)
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Here’s a fun bonus episode for the month. KPIG Radio has always been very kind to me. They’ve played my music, had me on the air to promote my shows, and most recently (in March of this year), I officially joined the crew. I’m a fill-in DJ (with lots of opps to fill in), and I’m maintaining their web site and social media content. Life is good.
Recently, me and most of my New Best Friends band were guests on “Please Stand By,” their live Sunday morning show. We were on to remind folks about our big show at The Ugly Mug cafe later that week. We played live versions of my song “Hey Karma,” a cover of Rodney Crowell’s “Still Learning How to Fly,” and premiered our new holiday tune, “No More Tequila For Santa” on KPIG for the first time.
Fun fact: As of this post, “No More Tequila For Santa” is available for download and streaming on Spotify, iTunes, Amazon and all your favorite digital platforms.
Big thanks to guest host Eric Parsons, for the great fun interview. We talked in detail about playing solo vs fronting a band, and dug through the ins, outs, and whys of doing a podcast like this. Much appreciated.
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Sometimes, the long way around turns out to be the straightest path. Nashville’s Renee Wahl came from a military family and served 12 years in the air force. Then with a physics degree in hand, she eventually became a teacher. But since the age of six, Renee had been playing and writing music. She eventually worked her way to a position near Nashville. Music was always in the background – and in her crosshairs – and rightly so.
These days she’s a full-time, touring songwriter. Renee has a classic country voice, and she’s armed with an admittedly dark sense of humor (which often balances well with her Nashville cowriters). She’s on the road – a lot – either with her full band, the Sworn Secrets, or just her her percussionist David Strayer. (Touring as a duo a drummer as her side person enables them to play either small, intimate rooms, or put some volume behind it for larger venues.)
I met Renee a few months ago when she was a guest on KPIG radio’s live music show “Please Stand By”, and I was cohosting. Renee makes frequent trips to the west coast, so we decided to meet the next time she was in town for a proper, lengthy sitdown chat. In this interview, we chat about touring logistics, how the meaning of a song can change as you’re performing it, and how we as songwriters are in the pursuit of “micro-cents” (a term I just learned) in today’s world of streaming music platforms.
This episode includes “Meds,”, off Renee’s latest release, “Cut To the Bone” and live take on her song “Me Before You”, also off her new record. You can purchase and download Renee’s songs from iTunes, Amazon, and Spotify.
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Mira Goto chats about splitting her time between Santa Cruz CA and Nashville TN and how she's using social media to take her music to the next level. Details at http://www.michaelgaither.com.
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Austin, Texas songwriter/producer Gurf Morlix talks about his latest (his tenth) solo release, "Impossible Blue". Details at http://www.michaelgaither.com.
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Songwriter Christie McCarthy talks about recording "Big Picture," her latest (and fourth) release of original material, recorded in Santa Cruz, CA. Details at http://www.michaelgaither.com.
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Jamie and Kellen Coffis of The Coffis Brothers and the Mountain Men talk about their new record, produced by Tim Bluhm of bay area favorite The Mother Hips. Details at http://www.michaelgaither.com.
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Keith Rayburn talks about the father-song recording effort that became his debut solo CD, "Highway". Details at http://www.michaelgaither.com.
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Santa Cruz songwriter/producer Henry Chadwick talks about his full-length debut release, "Marlin Fisher" (avail only on colored vinyl). Details at http://www.michaelgaither.com.
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Santa Cruz songwriter Lauren Wahl talks about her influences, how her band Simply Put came together, and plans for her next record. Details at http://www.michaelgaither.com.
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The host gets interviewed for a change! Michael's new band, Michael Gaither and His New Best Friends, appears on KPIG radio for a live interview and performance. Details at http://www.michaelgaither.com.
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Bay Area songwriter Nancy Cassidy talks about the literal and metaphorical themes running through her new release, "River's Rising". Details at http://www.michaelgaither.com.
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A chat with Boise, ID singer, songwriter, producer Steve Fulton. Details at http://www.michaelgaither.com.
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I recently met up with Roseville CA-based songwriter Larry Diehl at a songwriting retreat in northern Idaho. We talked about his latest release, "Close to the Soul" while we discussed what kind of songs come out during a weeklong retreat. Details at http://www.michaelgaither.com.
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Filmmaker Richard Newman talks about his new documentary, which profiles board builders, professional surfers, and looks back on the history of the sport and culture. Details at http://www.michaelgaither.com.
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Jesse Daniel talks about - and plays from - his self-titled debut record. Heartfelt honky tonk by way of Santa Cruz. Details at http://www.michaelgaither.com.
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A visit with LA-based acoustic trio The Sweet Potatoes, along with tunes from their new record, "Headin' Home". Details at http://www.michaelgaither.com.
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Live performance highlights from episode past including songs from Gurf Morlix, Blackie Farrell, Keith Greening, and Martha Groves Perry Details at http://www.michaelgaither.com.
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Michael Gaither and Steve Kritzer play from their new CDs, “Hey Karma” and “Right Where I’m Supposed to Be” live on KPIG radio. Details at http://www.michaelgaither.com.
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Bluesy songwriter Jeffrey Halford talks about his Texas roots, his California upbringing, and his new record, “Lo Fi Dreams”. Details at http://www.michaelgaither.com.
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Santa Cruz CA musician/author Rhan Wilson talks about his new book, “All In Good Time” and his new band, Jazz the Dog. Details at http://www.michaelgaither.com.
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Austin producer/songwriter Gurf Morlix plays from and talks about his newest release, “The Soul and The Heal”. Details at http://www.michaelgaither.com.
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Bay area favorite Greg Kihn talks about songwriting, his latest release "Rekihndled", and his gratitude for surviving rock and roll. Details at http://www.michaelgaither.com.
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Santa Cruz songwriter and painter Russell Brutsche talks about - and plays songs from - his latest release, "Bucket of Gold". Details at http://www.michaelgaither.com.
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Jonathan Foster talks about "Help Me Run", his latest Americana release, and what led him to form Miracle Mile Records, an indie label out of Redding CA. Details at http://www.michaelgaither.com.
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Martha Groves Perry talks about her journey from classically trained musician to her new singer/songwriter release "Something Good". Details at http://www.michaelgaither.com.
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Songwriter Nancy Cassidy talks about her new release, "Heart of a Song," which was born out her time performing in rest homes and for Bread and Roses events. Details at http://www.michaelgaither.com.
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Kevin Welch talks about the beginnings of the Americana genre, touring The Dead Reckoners, and the songwriting retreats from his Texas hill country home. Details at http://www.michaelgaither.com.
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Once a staple on the Santa Cruz music scene, Dayan Kai moved back to his Maui home a few years ago. We catch up on latest projects and hear some of his music. Details at http://www.michaelgaither.com.
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Santa Cruz local favorite Scott Cooper talks about his third CD, "Batik In Blue". Details at http://www.michaelgaither.com.
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Host Michael Gaither becomes the interviewEE for a switch. Includes live performances of songs going on the new CD. Details at http://www.michaelgaither.com.
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A chat with the SLO gypsy jazz swing tango folk wild classical outfit about their new record, "Ebb and Flow". Details at http://www.michaelgaither.com.
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Interview and music highlights host Michael Gaither's recent radio appearances. And a new song about Red Skelton. Details at http://www.michaelgaither.com.
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Former UCSC Psychology professor turned international recording artist Michelle Chappel talks about "Call Me Crazy," her new (and eighth) record. Details at http://www.michaelgaither.com.
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Legendary songwriter Blackie Farrell talks about his long-awaited debut and plays "Sonora's Death Row" live on the show. Details at http://www.michaelgaither.com.
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A kitchen-table chat with Candian-born songwriter Dan Frechette and Monterey Bay violinist Laurel Thomsen. Details at http://www.michaelgaither.com.
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A kitchen-table chat with Mark and Cindy Lemaire. Mark discusses his unique playing style, which sounds like open tunings, and how Cindy's amazing harmony combines with his to sound like one voice. Details at http://www.michaelgaither.com.
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A post-concert chat with New York songwriter Amy Rigby about living and touring abroad, returning home, and what she plans for her next solo record. Details at http://www.michaelgaither.com.
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A visit with Producer/Musician Robert Berry, talking about the December People which merges classic rock with Christmas and holiday songs. Details at http://www.michaelgaither.com.
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A chance to hear Michael himself interviewed for a change. Includes live performances of "Hang It Up" and "Where'd the Time Go?" played live on KPIG Radio". Details at http://www.michaelgaither.com.
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Revisiting a 2012 interview with the late (and amazing) Audrey Auld. Includes songs from her final releases, "Tonk" and "Hey Warden". See the notes and links to go with this episode at http://www.michaelgaither.com.
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Cosy Sheridan talks about her latest release, “Pretty Bird,” using alternate tunings, and teaching in folk music camps. See the notes and links to go with this episode at http://www.michaelgaither.com.
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Candadian songwriter Kenny Butterill discusses - and play songs from - his third CD, "Troubadour Tales". See the notes and links to go with this episode at http://www.michaelgaither.com.
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Austin producer/songwriter Gurf Morlix discusses his latest, "Eatin' At Me" and legendary songwriter Blackie Farrell talks about his long-awaited debut album. See the notes and links to go with this episode at http://www.michaelgaither.com.
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Revisting a 2005 interview with Mary Gauthier about the craft of songwriting, along with news about Michael's latest videos and other website items of note. See the notes and links to go with this episode at http://www.michaelgaither.com.
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A kitchen table chat with composer and songwriter Ernest Troost. He's won an Emmy AND a Kerrville New Folk award, and he wrote the score for "Tremors". See the notes and links to go with this episode at http://www.michaelgaither.com.
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Will Kimbrough talks about his new CD, "Sideshow Love" and his past "day jobs" of playing with Todd Snider and Rodney Crowell. See the notes and links to go with this episode at http://www.michaelgaither.com.
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Brigitte DeMeyer talks about her new release, "Savannah Road", and what it's like working with Will Kimbrough, who's also in this interview. See the notes and links to go with this episode at http://www.michaelgaither.com.
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A quick look at host Michael Gaither's upcoming shows and podcasts, along with a recent radio appearance on KZSC radio in Santa Cruz, CA. See the notes and links to go with this episode at http://www.michaelgaither.com.
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Southern California songwriter Brad Colerick discusses - and plays songs from - his latest release, "Tucson". See the notes and links to go with this episode at http://www.michaelgaither.com.
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In this repeat episode, songwriter/storyteller Chuck Brodsky talks about songwriting, and host Michael Gaither talks about Chuck's upcoming Santa Cruz/San Jose shows in January 2015. See the notes and links to go with this episode at http://www.michaelgaither.com.
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Keith Greeninger talks about "Soul Connection," his new CD, and Wind River Studios, his new recording space in the Santa Cruz Mountains. See the notes and links to go with this episode at http://www.michaelgaither.com.
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Northern California singer/songwriter Jim Dyar talks about his latest release...and reminices about late night festival playing with host Michael Gaither. See the notes and links to go with this episode at http://www.michaelgaither.com.
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Singer and venue owner Bourne Archer talks about Treasures Roadhouse, a new music venue in south Santa Cruz County, CA. See the notes and links to go with this episode at http://www.michaelgaither.com.
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Songwriter Bev Barnett discusses her new site, heybev.com, which provides social media advice for musicians. See the notes and links to go with this episode at http://www.michaelgaither.com.
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Austin producer/songwriter Gurf Morlix talks about working with Warren Zevon, Lucinda Williams, and Slaid Cleaves, the Blaze Foley tribute project, and his recent solo records. See the notes and links to go with this episode at http://www.michaelgaither.com.
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"Songs and Stories" host Michael Gaither is interviewed (for a switch) on KVMR's "Rockin' and Stompin'". Episode includes live performance and stories behind many of his songs. See the notes and links to go with this episode at http://www.michaelgaither.com.
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Songwriter Jayme Kelly Curtis and Santa Cruz Guitar Company founder Richard Hoover discuss the upcoming Santa Cruz County Art of Guitar Exhibit and Festival, which celebrates nearly 20 luthiers located in Santa Cruz County. This interview takes place after hours at Santa Cruz Guitars in Santa Cruz, CA. See the notes and links to go with this episode at http://www.michaelgaither.com.
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California-based Aireene Espiritu and UK band The Hobos discuss the logistics life on the road, the London festival scene, Aireene's plans for her next CD, and the notion of long-distance music collaboration. See the notes and links to go with this episode at http://www.michaelgaither.com.
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Carolyn Sills and Gerard Egan discuss their debut release, "The Carolyn Sills Combo," which combines western swing, surf rock, jazz, and old pop and country into a familiar, yet totally unique sound. This interview takes place after hours at Santa Cruz Guitars in Santa Cruz, CA. See the notes and links to go with this episode at http://www.michaelgaither.com.
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Clawhammer/clogger/songewriter Evie Ladin and percussionst Keith Terry discuss Evie's newest record, "Evie Ladin Band". This interview takes place backstage at the 2012 American River Music Festival in Lotus CA. See the notes and links to go with this episode at http://www.michaelgaither.com.
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A backstage talk with Dayan Kai about his new CD, "Resonate", and how life in Maui contributes to his music. See the notes and links to go with this episode at http://www.michaelgaither.com.
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A chat (via Skype) with songwriter Sean Hayes and about how he's happily maintained indie status after seven CDs.
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Author Fred Reiss talks about "Today Cancer - Tomorrow the World". This honest (and very funny) nonfiction work documents Fred's recent (his second) bout with testicular cancer.
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Birds of Chicago's JT Nero and Allison Russell talk about their debut record.
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Nancy Cassidy talks about her two new CDs, "Song of Joy" and "Memphis".
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Fingerstyle guitarist Stevie Coyle talks about opening the "Mighty Fine Guitars" boutique in Lafayette, CA and taking a break from the road.
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Blues singer/songwriter Dana Hubbard discusses his new CD, "Lightin's Cadillac" and recaps his recent seven-month tour.
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Ray James of Somer Valley FM (Somerset, England) talks with Michael about the new "Starlite Drive-In Saturday Night" CD.
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Florida songwriters Laurie Jennings and Dana Keller discuss their new release, "Mirror with a Memory".
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Tasmanian-born songwriter Audrey Auld discusses her new releases, "Wood" and "Resurrection Moon" backstage at KPIG radio.
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Antsy McClain of the Trailer Park Troudabours discusses his new release, "Living the Dream" backstage at the Rio Theater in Santa Cruz CA.
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Michael plays "Starlite Drive-In Saturday Night" and "Good Souls" live on KPIG radio and discusses his August 11th release-party at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds.
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California songwriter Rita Hosking discusses summer festivals, songwriting, and her latest release, the highly-acclaimed "Burn".
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Acoustic trio Springhouse discusses their new record, "Colville".
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Hard rock/metal band Asyst discussed their new record, "Setting Sun".
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An interview with the Boulder-based jam-band about their new release, "Paradise Lost".
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A chat with Ben and Alex Morrison of the San Francisco-based bluegrass band.
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Jamie and Kellen Coffis discuss how "let's see try recording a few songs, maybe an EP..." evolved into a full-length debut CD.
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The Band of Heathens discuss their latest studio effort, "Top Hat Crown and the Clapmaster's Son
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Nevada City, CA songwriters Paul Kamm and Eleanore MacDonald discuss their new CD, "From the Fire".
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Arizona-based singer/songwriter Annie Moscow returns to "Songs and Stories" to chat about her new record, "Phoenix".
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Texas troubadour Colin Gilmore returns to "Songs and Stories" to discuss the new record "Goodnight Lane" and his return visits to California.
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Bay area songwriter Megan Slankard discusses "Token of the Wreckage", her fourth release.
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Storyteller/songwriter Greg Kitchel chats about living in Mexico, his annual return to the states, and the art of the story song.
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Craig Rayburn discuses his first solo release "Coyote" and the California influences in his music.
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A phone interview with Vikki Thorn Simpson of the Australian band The Waifs.
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Part one of a two-part kitchen table-chat with singer/songwriters Stephanie Bettman and Luke Halpine.
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In part two of my kitchen-table chat with Stephanie Bettman and Luke Halpin, they perform "Stiff Upper Lip" and their "spirtual medley".
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We kick off the first episode of the year with Anty McClean, lead singer/songwriter of The Trailer Park Troubadours and longtime friend of the “Songs and Stories” podcast. Antsy and Italk about songwriting, his DIY approach to everything he does, and his recent fan "field trip" to Sun Studios, where he recored his new record, "Heroes Last Forever". Learn more about this episode at http://www.michaelgaither.com/podcast.
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This milestone episode features Mary Gauthier discussing songwriting, the persuit of creativity, and her new record, "The Foundling". Learn more about this episode at http://www.michaelgaither.com/podcast.
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Florida songwriters Laurie Jennings and Dana Keller discuss songwriting, touring in their RV, and share some tips on booking a nationwide tour.
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Central coast songwriter Steve Key discusses showcasing other artists, his songwriting history, and how Kathy Mattea ended up covering his song "33, 45, 78 (Record Time)" on her debut record.
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A look back a last month's American River Music Festival, a preview of my October shows, and a chat with Duane English and Brynne Albanese of Cafe Musique. For links that go with this episode, go to http://www.michaelgaither.com/home/archives/318.
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Sherry Austin talks about her new record, "Love Still Remains", a tribute to the late California songwriter Kate Wolf.Listen to this episode for details on how to get a free audiobook from http://www.audiblepodcast.com/stories.
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Southern California duo Sabrina and Craig discuss their new CD, "One Home...One Heart", talk about their diverse musical backgrounds, and reveal which one of them is an Olympic gold medal. Listen to this episode for details on how to get a free audiobook from http://www.audiblepodcast.com/stories.
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Songwriter Rachel Sedacca discusses her "soulful, bluesy, Americana" style, life on the road with Patience (her school bus), and the details of booking your own tour. Listen to this episode for details on how to get a free audiobook from http://www.audiblepodcast.com/stories.
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A chat with lead singer Aoife (EE-fuh) O'Donovan and bassist Corey DiMario of the string band, Crooked Still. Listen to this episode for details on how to get a free audiobook from http://www.audiblepodcast.com/stories.
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Matt Semonsen talks about this year's American River Music Festival, held in Lotus CA on September 17-19. The festival combines river rafting and hiking with workshops and main stage performances from the likes of Slaid Cleaves, Jesse Winchester, and Karla Bonoff. Listen to this episode for details on how to get a free audiobook from http://www.audiblepodcast.com/stories.
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David Wilcox plays three songs off his new record, "Open Hand", and discusses working through songwriting blocks. Listen to this episode for details on how to get a free audiobook from http://www.audiblepodcast.com/stories.
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Sharon Allen plays (and talks about) "Jarrod's Song" and "Live Forver" off her new solo record, "Along the Way". Listen to this episode for details on how to get a free audiobook from http://www.audiblepodcast.com/stories.
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Santa Cruz songwriter Sharon Allen talks about her musical journey from the east coast to California, and what led to her new solo record, "Along the Way". Listen to this episode for details on how to get a free audiobook from http://www.audiblepodcast.com/stories.
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James Hurley discusses his musical upbringing and his latest CD, "Tempest in a Teapot".
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James Hurley performs "Mountains" and "Mushroom" off his new CD, "Tempest in a Teapot". And listen for details on how to get a free audiobook from http://www.audiblepodcast.com/stories.
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Keith Greeninger and Dayan Kai return to "Songs and Stories" to discuss their new CD, "Make It Rain".
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Keith Greeninger and Dayan Kai perform "That's What Makes You Strong" and the title track from their new CD, "Make It Rain".
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Producer Cookie Marenco describes her history with digital recording and why she now works exclusively on two-inch analog tape.
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An audio tour of Producer Cookie's studio. With this tour, we get even more insight into Cookie's approach to music, analog recording, and her engineering intern program.
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The bay area's "High-Octane Americana" band Houston Jones discuss the new record, "Jericho Road".
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I'm interviewed by KVMR's Wesley Robertson. Includes live takes on several songs from my "Dogspeed" record and a cover of Warren Zevon's "My Ride's Here" performed later that night at Evangeline's Cafe.
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Dorian Michael talks about his folk and blues influences, how he uses familiar songs styles to pull an audience in, and why he only sings when he plays the blues. Dorian (and mandolinist Kenny Blackwell) will play a special in-store concert at Jansen Music in Watsonville on January 29th. Listen to this episode for concert details.
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An audio tour through some of the late night "gorilla" (I still can't spell "guerilla") showcases at the 2009 FAR-West Folk Conference held in Irvine, CA. Includes performances by Dana Hubbard, Cindy Kalmenson, and James Hurley and brief interviews with Maggie McKaig, Jay Howlett, and Walter Strauss.
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A talk about creating your own gigs at local businesses and a replay of a recent Michael Gaither interview on KSCO 1080 AM. Includes live performances of "Tupelo Honey", "Unsuperpokeable", and "Highway 17".
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Lila Nelson plays "Parellel Lines" off her new CD "Letter Home" and talks about working with the legendary Kenny Edwards.
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Boston songwriter Eilen Jewell talks about her influences (Loretta Lynn, The Zombies, Buddy Holly), her latest release "Sea of Love" and her roots-gospel side project, "The Sacred Shakers".
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Wisconsin songwriter Johnsmith talks about recording his new record, Gravity of Grace, his upcoming shows, and why he loves playing out here on the west coast.
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I play live on wildwestradio.com and chat with host Jeff Scammon. This episodes includes the stories behind my songs "Spotted Mule", "I Miss My Town", and "Where'd the Time Go?".
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Jeff Scammon discusses the evolution of Wild West Radio, which started as a folk show on KKUP FM in Cupertino CA and now streams on the Internet www.wildwestradio.com.
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California songriter John Batdorf plays (and tells the stories behind) What D'Ya Got" and "That Don't Seem Right To Me" off his new release, "Old Man Dreamin'".
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California songriter John Batdorf tells about moving from the duo "Batdorf and Rodney" in 70s, to staff writing jobs in the '80s and '90s, to his work today as a solo artist.
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California songriter Brad Colerick performs (and tells the stories behind) the songs "My California" (off "Lines in the Dirt") and "Paper in Heaven" (off the upcoming release "When I'm Gone").
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Brad Colerick discusses assignment writing, the founding of DeepMix (his music licensing company) and his return to singer-songwriter mode with the albums "Cottonwood", "Lines in the Dirt", and the upcoming "When I'm Gone"
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Singer/bassist John Cowan talks about his years with Newgrass Revival, the latest incarnation of The John Cowan Band, his upcoming compilation "8742 Feet".
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Chuck McCabe talks about his work with the Young at Heart Project, an organization that brings live music into (primarily) senior convalescent and residential care facilities throughout the Central Coast and South Bay.
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Fingerstyle guitarist Edgar Cruz plays Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody", one orignal tune, and talks about making a living as a musician while being able to stay close to home.
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ISongwriter Dana Hubbard talks about the festival circuit, what lead to the dimming of the bay area club circuit, the pros and cons of RV life, and his latest release, "The Grounds Keepers".
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Dana Hubbard plays (and tells the stories behind) the songs "Pretty Little Farmer" and "Woody's Guitar" from his latest release, "The Grounds Keepers".
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I get interviewed (for a change) here on "Good Morning Monterey Bay". This includes live performances of "Highway 17" (with new verses), "Roselle", and a new song, "Santa Cruz State of Mind".
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Songwriter/humorist Kacey Jones talks about her new release., "Donald Trump's Hair".
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Jay Howlett plays "Long Black Dress" and "King of the Parking Lot" off his upcoming release, "Carnival Lights".
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Bay area songwriter Jay Howlett discusses his new release "Carnival Lights", the songwriting collective BlahBlahWoofWoof, and the alternate-tuning sounds he gets by using multiple capos.
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Singer/songwriter Annie Moscow discusses her musical journey from being a classically-trained pianist who eventually found herself in L.A. writing for such varied clients as Sister Sledge and Disney. These days, she's based in Arizona and tours frequently.
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Annie Moscow plays "11 Blocks from the Beach" and "Buy the Bitch a Cadillac" off "Wolves At My Door" (2001) and "Make Believe" off "Visible" (2007).
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"Strings" and Martin Giles (of the former British band "Strings") discuss their musical influences, their tour of the western U.S. last fall, and some of the logistics of keep a band together back home.
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Martin Giles and Strings (of the former British band "Stryngs") perform (and tell the stories behind) "Frank's Song" from The Thrill of Maintaining Momentum (2003) and "Run My Pen Dry" from Love and Other Vices (2006).
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Songwriter Arthur Godfrey recalls the Wooden Nickel Open Mic (which I took over in 2004), talks about his new record "Broken Wing", and provides some songwriting tips.
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Songwriter Arthur Godfrey plays the title track and "Richard's Song" off his new release, "Broken Wings". Want to win a copy of "Broken Wings"? Listen to this episode for details.
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Songwriter Chuck Brodsky Chuck explains the freedom that a narrative story gives him when writing and tells some of the stories behind songs on his new live record, "Two Sets".
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(Part one of two) Ansty McClain discusses the Trailer Park Troubadours record, "New Good Old Days", how he came into songwriting as a visual artist, and how KPIG radio saved the band.
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(Part two of two) Ansty McClain of the Trailer Park Troubadors plays "Right Side of the Dirt" and "New Good Old Days" off his new record and explains the "laughing in the face of death" idea that runs through the CD.
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With nine self-released CDs to her credit - her latest is 2007's "The Spiritual Kind" - Texas singer-songwriter Terri Hendrix is the gold standard when it comes to the independent artist. That also makes her the perfect interview for this mini-milestone, episode #50 of "Songs and Stories". In this chat recorded backstage at Don Quixote's Music Hall, Terri talks about what she's still learning after her ninth CD, her annual "Life's A Song" workshops, touring with producer Lloyd Maines, and gives some great tips to artists who might not have that first CD quite done yet.
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Multi-instrumentalists Chojo Jacques (The Waybacks, Houston Jones) and Billy Bright (Two High String Band) discuss their new release, "Texacali Blues". Listen to this episode for a chance to win a copy of the record.
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Nashville songwriter Claudia Nygaard talks about talk about what house concerts have brought to independent music, the good old days of vinyl records, and that ongoing argument about the "death of the CD" in the wake of dropcards and iPods.
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I've said this more times than I can honestly count, but I'm convinced that the real dividend in this music path is all the folks I keep meeting along the way. Case in point: This podcast is a song circle, a gathering of other players (some old friends, some new) recorded at the American River Music Festival back in September of this year.
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Joziah Longo (from Gandalf Murphy and the Slambovian Circus of Dreams) discuss "The Great Unravel", their new record, and Joziah's "index card" method of songwriting.
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In the second half of this two-part interview, Corinne West talks about (and performs) "Handful of Gold" from her CD "Second Sight".
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In the first of this two-part interview, Americana singer/songwriter Corinne West talks about her vagabond upbringing, why she made the move from playing in bands to becoming a solo artist, and how your first CD (her 2004 debut "Bound for the Living") becomes your business card.
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The new TV season always has a "Fall Preview", so why not do the same for the band and this podcast? This episode is a rundown of where we're playing in October (KSCO 1080 AM, Roudon-Smith Winery, Don Quixote's) and a quick look at the next few episodes I have lined up for the podcast (interviews with Corrine West and Joziah Longo).
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Sherry Austin spent time in Hawaii doing covers in the "steak and winehouse" scene, but it wasn't until she moved back to her native California, settled in Santa Cruz, and discovered "the mighty KPIG" (and folks like Fred Eaglesmith and Robert Earl Keen) that she became the singer/songwriter folks around here are so fond of. Contest Note: This month's contest is a chance to win a Grateful Dread Radio cloth shopping bag. Listen to this interview for details.
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In another "Songs and Stories" look at local songwriters, Santa Cruz's Mary McCaslin talks about her folk and western influences, her fondness for alternate tunings (many of which are documented on her web site), and why she plays "Pinball Wizard" on a banjo. Contest Note: This month's contest is a chance to win a Grateful Dread Radio cloth shopping bag. Listen to this interview for details.
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In another "Songs and Stories" look at local songwriters, Santa Cruz's Mary McCaslin talks about her folk and western influences, her fondness for alternate tunings (many of which are documented on her web site), and why she plays "Pinball Wizard" on a banjo. Contest Note: This month's contest is a chance to win a Grateful Dread Radio cloth shopping bag. Listen to this interview for details.
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A question many artists often ask themselves is "When do I leave my day job?" (Not that I have ever thought that. No, never. Ever. Well...maybe that's a topic for a future podcast.) Anyway, in Songs and Stories #39, I talk with songwriter Vienna Teng. Vienna and I worked at the same company several years ago, and I still remember the day she left, record deal in hand, to give up the corporate life and go after music full time.
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Chuck McCabe plays the title track and "I'd Rather Be in Redding", from his new release "Creatures of Habit In World of Change". This episode of "Songs and Stores" concludes with the CD version of McCabe's "My Prayer for You", also from the new CD.
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Chuck McCabe discusses "Creatures of Habit In a World of Change", his fifth record. We sat down this afternoon to discuss how the theme of family and roots from his last album, "Sweet Reunion", evolved into the topic of change in "Creatures of Habit. In episode #37 we talk about the new record and some of the stories that led to it.
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Part one of a two-part chat with singer/songwriters Alisa Fineman and Kimball Hurd. Check the web site at www.michaelgaither.com for notes that go with this interview. Want to win a "Grateful Dread Radio" T-shirt? Listen to this podcast for details. I'll randomly pull a name at the end of the month and notify the lucky winner.
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Part two of a two-part chat with singer/songwriters Alisa Fineman and Kimball Hurd. They perform "Corridor" and "Stepping Stones". Check the web site at www.michaelgaither.com for notes that go with this interview. Want to win a "Grateful Dread Radio" T-shirt? Listen to this podcast for details. I'll randomly pull a name at the end of the month and notify the lucky winner.
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"Dark, Appalachian dance music". That's how I've always described The Crooked Jades, a bay area-based collective of musicians dedicated to keeping old-tyme string-band music alive and quite well. Check the web site at www.michaelgaither.com for notes that go with this interview. Want to win a "Grateful Dread Radio" T-shirt? Listen to this podcast for details. I'll randomly pull a name at the end of the month and notify the lucky winner.
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Another kitchen-table talk, this time a two-part interview with Chris Kee and Travis Jones of the bay area Americana band Houston Jones. Want to win a copy of Houston Jones' latest release, "Calico Heart?" Listen to this interview for details. I'll randomly pull a name at the end of the month and notify the lucky winner.
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Highlights from the Spring Strawberry Breakfast Club 2008: Michael Gaither and Friends and Jim Dyar and Friends. And a chance to win a Tshirt from Grateful Dread Radio. Listen to this episode for details. I'll randomly pull a name at the end of the month and notify the lucky winner.
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Chris Kee and Houston Jones perform "Calico Heart" and "If Not for the Darkness". Want to win a copy of Houston Jones' latest release, "Calico Heart?" Listen to this interview for details. I'll randomly pull a name at the end of the month and notify the lucky winner.
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Since this is my 30th "Songs and Stories" podcast, I thought I'd flip things around and have me interviewed for a change. This episode is a replay of a recent appearance on KVMR radio in Nevada City, CA. I was a guest on Wesley Robert's "Rockin' and Stompin'" show and played solo versions of "Broke", "Spotted Mule", "Jack of All Trades" from my "Spotted Mule and Other Tales" CD. Wesley has been listening to "Songs and Stories", so we also talked a lot about this little show, the recent interviews, and how's it's grown into a big part of the web site. Listen to this podcast for info on how to enter this month's drawing.
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"I don't want to paint with just one color". That's how Cillette Swann describes the Americana genre's ability to let artists mix Celtic, folk, and even country influences on the same album. Cilette, along with husband Roman Morykit, are better known as "Gypsy Soul", a duo who call southern Oregon their home, have been recording together since 1995. Listen to this podcast for info on how to enter this month's drawing.
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In the first half of this chat with Santa Cruz songwriter Keith Greeninger, he how he gravited towards music in a family where no one else played and about his collaborative efforts with other musicians such as Dayan Kai. Want to win an authographed copy of Keith Greeninger's latest CD, "Glorious Peasant"? Listen to this show for details.
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In the second half of this interview, Keith plays two personal favorites of mine, "Ruby and Rosie" and "Arsenal of Doves" and explains the stories behind those songs. Want to win an authographed copy of Keith Greeninger's latest CD, "Glorious Peasant"? Listen to this show for details.
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The rest of my talk with Dayan Kai and Steve Uccello. This time we dicuss the pros and cons of independent music in the age of Myspace and the world wide web. Want to win an authographed copy of Keith Greeninger's latest CD, "Glorious Peasant"? Listen to this show for details.
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Another "kitchen table" interview, this time with singer/songwriter, multi-instrumentalist Dayan Kai, along with bass player Steve Uccello. Want to win an authographed copy of Keith Greeninger's latest CD, "Glorious Peasant"? Listen to this show for details.
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A chat about the balancing act between the "art" and "business" halves of music with Americana duo Rick Di Dia and Aireene Espiritu. Want to win a DVD and autographed CD from Rick and Aireene? Listen to this show or go to www.michaelgaither.com for details...
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Lacy J. Dalton was a huge part of the Santa Cruz music scene in through the '60s and '70s. She moved to Nashville in the late '70s, and after a string of charting hits - including "Takin' It Easy", "Crazy Blue Eyes", and "Sixteenth Avenue" - she gave into being "homesick for the west" and headed back this way. In this first of a two-part interview, Lacy J. Dalton describes her moves east and west and talks about the plans for her next two CDs. Read the show notes and listen to more episodes like this one at http://www.michaelgaither.com.
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In part two of my interview with Lacy J. Dalton, she talks about the epiphany of discovering Nevada's wild horses, the formation of Let 'em Run, and the story behind the song "She Could Run" (which you'll hear in this episode). Read the show notes and listen to more episodes like this one at http://www.michaelgaither.com.
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Harmony is a big part of The Wailin' Jennies, but it doesn't stop there. The (mostly) Canadian folk trio is made up of three equally talented songwriters and multi-instrumentalists: Ruth Moody (guitar, banjo, accordion, bodhran) and Nicky Mehta (guitar, harmonica, ukulele, percussion) are the founding members of the group. The newest "Jennie", U.S.-born Heather Masse, joined them last year for the tour of "Firecracker", their latest release. I chatted with them by the hiss and pale light of a lantern at Camp Mather during last Fall's Strawberry Music Festival in Yosemite. Read the show notes and listen to more episodes like this one at http://www.michaelgaither.com.
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Last Fall, we played a few benefits for some notable local charities and events. It was great being able to bring music to a cause, and it also gave us the opportunity to play for new people. In this show, you'll hear a KSCO radio interview with me and Peter Goodman of the band Cooper Street. (Our bands did a co-bill to help Felton Library Friends). Paul Machlis talks about the effort to fund a new library. And you'll also hear live versions of both of my car songs: A solo version of "Highway 17" from the KSCO interview, as well as a band version of "Good God Man How Big a Car Do You NeedRead the show notes and listen to more episodes like this one at http://www.michaelgaither.com.
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This third in a series of talks with Texas singer-songwriters is a visit with second-generation artist Colin Gilmore. Besides obvious influences (his dad Jimmy Dale Gilmore and folks like Joe Ely), Colin talks about how choir, classical guitar, The Clash, and even Michael Jackson's "Thriller" album shaped his musical tastes. Read the show notes and listen to more episodes like this one at http://www.michaelgaither.com.
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She quit the University of Texas (while attending on a scholarship), formed the band Little Sister (which evolved into Sister Seven), and has been writing, playing, and touring ever since. This second of three "Songs and Stories" episodes with Texas songwriters features a conversation with Dallas native Patrice Pike. Read the show notes and listen to more podcasts like this one at http://www.michaelgaither.com.
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An interview with Texas singer/songwriter Darden Smith, in which he chats about "discovering what a songwriter" is, the differences between narrative Texan and English pop music, and the craft of songwriting itself. Read the show notes and listen to more podcasts like this one at http://www.michaelgaither.com.
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Highlights from the monthly open mic at The Wooden Nickel Bar and Grille in Watsonville CA featuring me, Penelope Shibley, and Dayan Kai. Read the show notes and listen to more podcasts like this one at http://www.michaelgaither.com.
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A visit with Canadian (by way of Nashville and back) songwriter Tia McGraff and her husband Tommy Parham. Read the show notes and listen to more podcasts like this one at http://www.michaelgaither.com.
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A chat with singer/songwriter Stevie Coyle of The Waybacks. Read the show notes and listen to more podcasts like this one at http://www.michaelgaither.com.
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This time out, I'll pick apart "Still Walkin'", the opening track on my CD "Spotted Mule and Other Tales". I'll explain how this came about and describe how structurally, it's a bit different than my usual verse, chorus, verse, repeat chorus, etc...songs. I'll talk you on an audio tour of a "walk" up to Half Dome. Read the show notes and listen to more podcasts like this one at http://www.michaelgaither.com.
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Singer/songwriter Paul Thorn was raised the son of a Pentecostal preacher, spent years working in a chair factory, and was even a professional boxer - at one point he was ranked the 29th best middleweight in the world. Let's just say he has a lot of backstory to draw from as a writer. Read the show notes and listen to more podcasts like this one at http://www.michaelgaither.com.
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He's recorded with everyone from the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and Steve Earle to Yo-Yo Ma and Bela Fleck. Last week, I had the rare opportunity to talk with composer/musician Mark O'Connor on the eve of the debut of his first complete symphony. Read the show notes and listen to more podcasts like this one at http://www.michaelgaither.com.
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Pretend you've been up all day cavorting (yes, "cavorting") in the sun, listening to music, and hanging out with friends. Then, with only the light of one stubborn latern remaining, take a walk around Camp Mather and have a listen. Read the show notes and listen to more podcasts like this one at http://www.michaelgaither.com.
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Here are two more podcasts from material collected at last May's Strawberry Music Festival. This time, we do a big "thank you" to the Breakfast Club crew. Read the show notes and listen to more podcasts like this one at http://www.michaelgaither.com.
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In this second of two podcasts from The Strawberry Breakfast Club, you'll hear my pal Jim Dyar, along with me and Steve Bachman, playing the earlier morning set at The Strawberry Breakfast Club. Read the show notes and listen to more podcasts like this one at http://www.michaelgaither.com.
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In this podcast, I talk with Joziah Longo, lead singer and songwriter for Gandalf Murphy and the Salmbovian Circus of Dreams. He explains the intention behind the band's name (there is no Gandalf Murphy), how starting on the folk circuit gave them freedom with their lyrics, and their multiple-genre approach that allows them to play any style of music they wish. Read the show notes and listen to more podcasts like this one at http://www.michaelgaither.com.
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We just finished a very fun (and full) weekend of music at Roudon-Smith Winery in Scotts Valley. After Saturday's show, and after we tore down all the soundgear, I sat down and chatted with Bev Barnett and Greg Newlon abou their new CD, "Any Doorway Will Do". Read the show notes and listen to more podcasts like this one at http://www.michaelgaither.com.
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It's amazing what one little bluegrass song about a mule can do for you. "Spotted Mule" pretty much wrote itself, became the title track to my CD, a video on YouTube, and people are still discovering it. Well folks, Icing, the spotted mule herself, is now up for sale. In this podcast, you'll hear some background on the song and an interview with Krista Koenig, Icing's owner/trainer. Read the show notes and listen to more podcasts like this one at http://www.michaelgaither.com.
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What comes first? The music or the lyrics? That's probably the most-asked question about songwriting, and the answer is simply, "yes". (As in, "Yes, the music or the lyrics definitely come first".) Every song is different, and every one has a different starting point. Some songs - most of mine, actually - start with a title. In this podcast, I talk about how the song "High and Lonesome" came about. Read the show notes and listen to more podcasts like this one at http://www.michaelgaither.com.
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I run a monthly open mic night at the Wooden Nickel Bar and Grill in Freedom, California. In this podcast, I'll talk about how I ended up doing that and play a recording of something very very cool that happened there a few months ago. (You'll have to listen to the podcast to hear the story.) Read the show notes and listen to more podcasts like this one at http://www.michaelgaither.com.
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This episode looks at my song "Jack of All Trades" and walks through how a tune can change between the original draft and the demo - which is included in the podcast - and even in the final recording session. I also explain the story behind the lyric, "I even wrote for Jay Leno one time". You can hear more podcasts like this one at http://www.michaelgaither.com.
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In Songs and Stories episode #2, I talk about our band and how we sort of formed by accident (a happy accident). You'll also hear what folk musicians sound like at 10:00 am on a Sunday morning as I play highlights from our recent appearance on "Please Stand By", a live weekly show on KPIG radio out of Freedom, California. Please visit this podcast at http://www.michaelgaither.com/
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In this premiere episode, I pick apart my song Highway 17, give you a little history of the windy mountain highway that connects Santa Cruz and San Jose, California, and take you on an audio tour of the morning commute. Please visit this podcast at http://www.michaelgaither.com/
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