It was the mid Eighties when I first heard the Rainmakers. They first recorded as a trio called Steve, Bob & Rich and recorded an album under that name in 1983. After they added Pat Tomek to their lineup they changed their name to the Rainmakers. The group was from Kansas City. The lead singer and writer of the material was Bob Walkenhorst. Not long after the name change they were signed to Polygram and released their first album under the name Rainmakers.
The Rainmakers became favorites of critics. Newsday called them "America's Next Great Band." Other major magazines joined in the praise, but outside some minor action on the charts their sales didn't match the acclaim. Stehpen King declared himself a fan.
They followed their first album with a second and a third. Even though their music never caught on in the States overseas they were becoming a hit. Their song "Let My People Go-Go" became a top 20 hit in England. In Norway the band were big enough that with the release of a new album it went gold within a month's time.
Their popularity overseas enabled them to release a live album that appeared only in Europe. After the live album the group decided to take a break in 1990 and the individual members went on to other projects.
In 1994 the group got back together to record a new album Flirting with the Universe. In 1996 they released what appears to be their final album Skin. Since than Bob Walkenhorst has recorded and tours on his own.
This week's song is from the band Bloodkin and taken from their album The Bloodkin Community Gospel Rehab and is called "Crosses By The Highway." Bloodkin is a band from Athens Georgia that have been playing together for over twenty years.
We just talked about Kelly Richey in our Spotlight and now we have a Simply Six with her.
1. For many artists, they cite a defining moment for themselves when they knew they wanted to be a singer. For many it was the appearance of Elvis on the Ed Sullivan show, to another generation it was the Beatles’ appearance on Sullivan half a decade later. Is there such a defining moment for you?
Listening to my parents Tom Jones records. I also had the Monkey's record with Last Train To Clarksville!!! I still love that song. I grew up playing piano and singing, I loved to sing and knew it was something I would do at a very young age!
2. When you’re not creating music what are you listening to? Who are some of your favorites?
I love to listen to ambient music through internet radio. I love traditional jazz and a great jazz trio is my favorite!
3. What would you say is your greatest moment so far as an artist, either on record or live?
My 3rd CD titled "Live At Tommy's On Main".
4. Do you believe music can change the world or is just something to listen to? How much can music influence current events?
Yes, I feel that music has changed the world in many ways and it has changed my life on many occasions. It's one of the greatest art forms that we have!!! Music allows us to express our deepest feelings both with and without lyrics. Music is universal. When we engage in our world, music is a powerful tool, capable of communicating our thoughts, feelings and beliefs, without which, democracy would surely suffer the effects
5. How has technology affected the music industry? How has technology affected your career as a musician?
I believe technology has effected the music industry in so many ways, both positive and negative! It has made things possible in the recording world that were not imaginable only a few decades ago. Technology has allowed me to be an independent artist and to record and release my own CDs. The outcome of technology whether in music or any other field, depends of us, the user and the listener. If we are responsible and honest, technology will help to make many more things possible in the years to come while preserving the integrity of the music each o us loves.
6. Now for my Barbara Walters question: If you were a pair of shoes what type of shoes would you be?
My favorite pair of black Harley boots that I've worn for 12 years...they just keep getting better!!!
This song is "The Longest Road" from her album Speechless.
Kelly took up the piano as her first instrument of choice as a youngster before moving on to the drums. Her Dad decided any other instrument had to be quieter for her to practice at home and told her he would buy her whatever other instrument she wanted to learn. She picked the guitar and was soon inseparable from it. Practicing wherever she went, she was never without her guitar.
In 1986 she joined the group Stealin' Horses. By 1990 she had formed her own band, The Kelly Richey Band. She has built her reputation on endless touring throughout the United States and Europe. She has created her own label, Sweet Lucy Records, and has released ten albums between herself as a solo artist and with her band.
Her newest album is Carry The Light. You can read her blog here.
Annie Clements is from New Orleans and the daughter of noted blues guitarist Cranston Clements. She began playing bass at 13 and is currently the bassist and background vocalist for the country group Sugarland.
1. For many artists, they cite a defining moment for themselves when they knew they wanted to be a singer. For many it was the appearance of Elvis on the Ed Sullivan show, to another generation it was the Beatles’ appearance on Sullivan half a decade later. Is there such a defining moment for you?
I was always involved in something musical ever since I was a small child. Having Cranston Clements for a dad will pretty much guarantee that. If I had to pick a particular moment though, I'd say it was in 5th grade. I was cast as the lead in the school play and sang a solo piece in front of the entire lower school. I made my teacher cry! It was the first moment where I felt like, "I can do this. This is what I want to do."
2. When you’re not creating music what are you listening to? Who are some of your favorites?
All time favorites include The Beatles, Stevie Wonder, The Beachboys, The Continental Drifters and Aimee Mann. I'm currently really into the new Racconteurs record, the new Kings of Leon, and this crazy band called Black Joe Lewis and the Honey Bears. They're awesome!
3. What would you say is your greatest moment so far as an artist, either on record or live?
I've been fortunate enough to have a few of these. Theresa Andersson and I got to play the 50th Anniversary of the Fender Stratocaster at Wembley arena alongside David Gilmour, Brian May, Ron Wood, Joe Walsh and other legends. We got to spend a week rehearsing on a soundstage in London with them, hanging out. Standing onstage for the finale with those guys was one of the defining moments of my life. Another was the first time my band with my dad - The Chillun's - pulled off "Good Vibrations" at Tipitina's in 2004. It was one of the most triumphant musical moments of my life.
4. Do you believe music can change the world or is just something to listen to? How much can music influence current events?
I think music can dramatically effect change. I recently posted a video on my youtube channel and Warner Brothers muted the sound because I'd used a 20 second clip from En Vogue's "Never Gonna Get It" and they claimed copyright infringement. The video was completely lifeless without the music. Once the music was added back in, the video made people laugh and cheer. I think that microcosm of an example works one hundred fold in the larger scheme of things. When presidents are elected it seems like the first thing they do is plan a huge concert. People want to come together and celebrate their victory with good music.
5. How has technology affected the music industry? How has technology affected your career as a musician?
The music industry has been turned upside down by technology. Sugarland may be one of the last bands out there that can still make money selling cd's. Labels are having to re-work their entire infrastructure and most of them are going down. It's a crazy time, but at the same time there's so much more opportunity for anyone and everyone to be heard. It's scary but it's exciting. Technology affects my life every day. You contacted me here on a social networking page. How on earth would we have gotten in touch before all of this? I've made so many connections with people as a result of all this new media stuff. I can even sing background vocals on someone's project, post the files online, and be a part of a record for someone I've never even met. Plus I'm totally addicted to Twitter now which is so much fun.
6. Now for my Barbara Walters question: If you were a pair of shoes what type of shoes would you be?
Hmm... Shoes... I'd probably be like a pair of Doc Martin's or something. I'll bet Susan Cowsill answered that too. Or maybe she said moccasins? Those were the only two shoes I ever saw her in all the years I nannied for her. Mostly she was barefoot. I'll have to check her answers! Yeah, Doc Martin's. Sort of rebellious, a little goth, waterproof. Sounds like me!
Today at the French Quarter Fest Susan Cowsill performed another amazing show. Paul Sanchez sat in for a couple songs. Mary LaSang played bass with the band and did one of her own songs.
Susan, as always, put on a great show. Her shows are always good and they are so much fun. She likes to talk to the audience and let them know what she's thinking and what was on her mind when she wrote some of the songs she's playing. This is her first show I've seen in awhile and she's brought a new mix of songs to the table. For the first time that I've seen she does an old Cowsills number. She drops in more than a few Continental Drifters songs and quite a few new ones from her upcoming album. The new songs sound great and I can't wait for the new album.
Everytime I see her live though I come away with one burning question. Why isn't this woman a star? She writes some of the best pop songs ever and her voice is as good or better than just about anyone on the radio today. I just can't understand why she is still struggling to put her music out and so much of what we hear on the radio is dreck.
This week's song is an old familiar done new. The song is Paul Simon's "American Tune" from his second solo album There Goes Rhymin' Simon. It is done today by New Orleans' John Boutte and Paul Sanchez and is from their collaborative effort Stew Called New Orleans.
Just recently we did a Spotlight on Brother Joscephus and the Love Revival Revolution and today we're doing a Simply Six with the leader of the group, Brother Joscephus himself.
1. For many artists, they cite a defining moment for themselves when they knew they wanted to be a singer. For many it was the appearance of Elvis on the Ed Sullivan show, to another generation it was the Beatles’ appearance on Sullivan half a decade later. Is there such a defining moment for you?
I grew up worshipping music. My younger brother and I would listen to the Beatles and Elton John and would sing and harmonize all the time. We also did a weekly ranking/arrangement of our collection of 45’s, spreading them out all over the floor in order of how we felt that particular week.
Believe it or not, the defining moment for me was when I had a visual to go with the audio – in my case it was MTV – back when MTV really was music television, when it was JUST starting out. I remember being around 10 years old and watching the guy from Men at Work play guitar and thinking – yep, time for guitar lessons.
2. When you’re not creating music what are you listening to? Who are some of your favorites?
I’m a total iPod geek. I’ve spent years and years honing my iPod collection – sometimes up to 10 hours a day when I was really researching the importance of the iPod collection and trying to leave no stone unturned in the musical history archives. Every track in my iTunes is meticulously labeled and has the correct year of creation (live performances trump release date), original album, artwork, etc. If I download something that’s a compilation I have to find the original albums that the songs appeared on.
I like to make all kinds of intricate playlists and pretty much listen to everything on shuffle.
3. What would you say is your greatest moment so far as an artist, either on record or live?
I once sang the National Anthem at Safeco Field in front of 30,000 people which was pretty cool. But seeing the evolution of Brother Joscephus and the Love Revival Revolution Orchestra – the righteousness and originality of the music and what we’re doing and the way we’re doing it… nothing I’ve done in my 20+ years as a musician compares.
4. Do you believe music can change the world or is just something to listen to? How much can music influence current events?
Music changing the world is kinda my thing. I mean, we ARE the Love Revival Revolution – we ARE actively trying to start a revolution here. Sure, why can’t music change the world? Art is a form of expression and has been influential in shaping world views since the dawn of time, if you think about it.
I think living in the information age and the worldwide accessibility to media and, hence, art makes the ability to change the world through music more viable and powerful than ever before in the history of mankind.
5. How has technology affected the music industry? How has technology affected your career as a musician?
I’m still trying to figure out how to actually make money with this new technology thing. But I think it’s ultimately really evened the playing field. There’s good and bad and I think the whole thing is still sorting itself out. But to go along with my previous statement, I believe in my heart that making music and art much more accessible to everyone throughout the world is a good thing. Especially if you’re trying to change the world or just spread love and music to as many people as possible. In that respect, it’s really great.
6. Now for my Barbara Walters question: If you were a pair of shoes what type of shoes would you be? Well, I really have two personae, David Mendelsohn who’s the reality anchor behind the project, and my alias/alter ego/stage personae, Brother Joscephus.
David would be comfy sandals. BroJo would be alligator skin boots with 3 inch heels.
This interview was found over at Artistshouse Music. This interview with Shannon McNally tells the hard work and almost surreal life of an artist when they first are signed to a recording company. The interview is from 2004, so it's a few years old but it still rings true. Shannon McNally is in my top five of musical artists. Her album Windswept Moon was supposed to be out over a year ago, but so far no sight of it. Does anyone know what the story is? Is she still signed to Back Porch Records. I've heard the album and it would be one of the best albums of the year.
Today's Song of the Week is from Alejandro Escovedo and his album A Real Animal. The album is a song story of his life and his career in music and Alejandro has been around for awhile, since he was a young man in the punk band the Nuns. This song is "Chelsea Hotel '78" and is about the time he lived at the hotel and other punkers like Sid Vicious and his girlfriend Nancy Spungen lived there. For the previous decade No Depression magazine named Alejandro the Artist of the Decade.
Leslie is a three man band that showcases the best of Southern Rock.
1. For many artists, they cite a defining moment for themselves when they knew they wanted to be a singer. For many it was the appearance of Elvis on the Ed Sullivan show, to another generation it was the Beatles’ appearance on Sullivan half a decade later. Is there such a defining moment for you?
I think the defining moment for me was when my parents took me to Farm Aid 96 in Columbia, SC. I was about ten years old, and Neil Young & Crazy Horse was the the last act. Seeing Neil electric changed my life, the volume and power was so much that it rattled my chest, thats when i realized thats what i want to do
2. When you’re not creating music what are you listening to? Who are some of your favorites?
I like to listen to old blues , old soul, and classic rock when i'm not creating music, we like everything!! Since we play rock and roll, some of our favorites are Nick Drake, Stevie Wonder, all over the map
3. What would you say is your greatest moment so far as an artist, either on record or live?
I think the greatest moment in our career so far is the release of our new EP "Rebel Souls" It just has a lot to say on it, and i feel like people are getting the band that we've always been but this is the first time they can hear it in a quality way.
4. Do you believe music can change the world or is just something to listen to? How much can music influence current events?
Music is universal language. Its not the question of can it change the world, it already has! Elvis, The Beatles, The Clash, U2....Music can definitely affect current events because people listen to the artists
5. How has technology affected the music industry? How has technology affected your career as a musician?
Technology affects everything. Now you have more ways than ever to get music and hear about bands, the band thing is that you have so many ways to get it for free! But I feel good to know that if someone is getting it for free at least they're getting the music, but if everyone was getting it for free, i wouldn't be able to have a career in music! There's a lot of blood sweat and tears that go into making records and I don't want to be stolen from on the ground level. Lars can screw off!
6. Now for my Barbara Walters question: If you were a pair of shoes what type of shoes would you be?
I would be a pair of good boots, cuz they are good in any types of weather and they look badass'
It's been awhile since we've done a Spotlight here, the Simply Six have kind of taken over, but we want to get back to just Spotlighting some great artists also. Today's Spotlight is on an unusual band, Brother Joscephus and the Love Revival Revolution Orchestra. The group lists New York as their home state, but their musical home is New Orleans. The group is lead by singer Brother Joscephus.
On their webpage they describe their sounds as:
BroJo blends together the perfect gumbo of New Orleans party music, Soul in the style of Ray Charles and Al Green, a good helping of jam-bandy Roots Rock and a righteous splash of good, upbeat Gospel without the religious overtones (we like to call it "Secular Gospel").
Their first album was just released on Feb 24 of this year. The group's intention is to do more than just create great music. Their stage shows are a spectacle in themselves. The group second lines through the auidence, throws mardi gras beads from the stage, in other words they have a good time Nawlins style. The group comprises of twelve members with additional members when needed. They have a horn section, a gospel choir section and the rhythm section.
In addition to its music and stage show Brother Joscephus tries to pass along the message of love. He reminds me a lot of the artists from the sixties that thought their music could pass a message of love and faith along with the feel good sounds of their music.
This month Brother Joscephus is touring throughout the New Orleans area. He has already played with such local greats as Trombone Shorty, New Orleans Klezmer All-Stars and Eric Lindell.
Lastly I'll leave you with a list of the members of the group:
Brother Joscephus - lead vocals, acoustic guitar
The Right Reverend Dean Dawg - piano, organ, conducting
Pastuh Peace – drums
Reverend Deacon Big Bottom - bass guitar
Friar Paisley - electric guitar
Lost Prophet of the Ivories - backup vocals and organ
Patti is a talented artist from New York. She recently released her new album Double Standards.
1. For many artists, they cite a defining moment for themselves when they knew they wanted to be a singer. For many it was the appearance of Elvis on the Ed Sullivan show, to another generation it was the Beatles’ appearance on Sullivan half a decade later. Is there such a defining moment for you?
I used to sing to myself in my plaid pants on the lawn of my parent's home when I was only 3 It might be my earliest real memory. But the defining moment in culture may have been when Olivia Newton John was a rollerskating singing muse in Xanadu, 1982 or so.
2. When you’re not creating music what are you listening to? Who are some of your favorites?
3. What would you say is your greatest moment so far as an artist, either on record or live?
That might be a tie between the solo that flew from my fingers on Looking 4 a Girl, and my ridiculous spoken word event in the fade of Eggshells on Candelabra Cadabra (my second record). Frank Zappa would have been proud.
4. Do you believe music can change the world or is just something to listen to? How much can music influence current events?
I believe music changes the world every day. It only takes one set of two ears to hear and believe in someone like say, Bob Dylan and play telephone...pass it on until soon music, fashion politics and the world are affected!!! Political messages thru music are like the medicine that make the spoonful of sugar go down.
5. How has technology affected the music industry? How has technology affected your career as a musician?
Video killed the radio star. The internet killed video. everything is much too diluted now. Next!?
6. Now for my Barbara Walters question: If you were a pair of shoes what type of shoes would you be?
Part of me would be stilletos or 70s platform boots, the other part would be barefoot!
This week's Song of the Week is from the Drunk Stuntmen. The Drunk Stuntmen are from Northampton Massachusetts and this song is from their fifth studio release State Fair. It's called "Every Third Thing."
I just posted her video yesterday and today I get her answers to the Simply Six. Put simply Theresa Andersson is one of my favorite performers. And if you ever get a chance to see her live make it a point to go. She puts on one of the best live shows I've seen.
1. For many artists, they cite a defining moment for themselves when they knew they wanted to be a singer. For many it was the appearance of Elvis on the Ed Sullivan show, to another generation it was the Beatles’ appearance on Sullivan half a decade later. Is there such a defining moment for you?
I think I've always known that I wanted music to play a major role in my life. At the age of 7 one of my friends entered a talent contest and I felt deeply jealous because I didn't know about it and had to wait another year to sign up.
2. When you’re not creating music what are you listening to? Who are some of your favorites?
Nina Simone, Duke Ellington, Air, Aphex Twins and Wildbirds and Peacedrums at the moment.
3. What would you say is your greatest moment so far as an artist, either on record or live?
My most recent record "Hummingbird, Go!" really feels like an artistic arrival for me.
4. Do you believe music can change the world or is just something to listen to? How much can music influence current events?
Well I think music can have a theraputic and inspiring quality. We all listen to music in a different way, so I can only speak for myself. I cannot imagine a world without music. I do like movies that are quiet though ( must be my Strindberg influence). I once bought an iPod because of the song in the commercial.....
5. How has technology affected the music industry? How has technology affected your career as a musician?
If by technology you mean the Internet I say it's been fantastic! Sites such as YouTube makes it possible for the independent artist to showcase her stuff without first bring judged by a small panel. It let's the people decide. And THAT is a beautiful thing.
6. Now for my Barbara Walters question: If you were a pair of shoes what type of shoes would you be?
A comfortable yet stylish shoe made out of high quality leather. I would be made for walking. I would be hugging the foot of my bearer and supporting her weight putting a spring in her step. My color would be chocolate.
I've spotlighted Theresa Andersson and more recently reviewed her latest album very favorably. I can say over time the album holds up and I am still enjoying it immensely. Since the release of her album Theresa has been out on the road and getting a lot more recognition than normal. She appeared on Conan's late night show. This is good for her, bad for us around here, since she used to do so many local shows. But I'm glad to see her getting a wider fan base. Here's the video that started her one woman show. To clarify she doesn't do her entire concert like this. She starts out as a one woman band and than after a few songs the rest of the band comes out and joins her. For the past decade Theresa has played the Gretna Heritage Fest until last year. The people behind the Fest were afraid that the public wouldn't like her one woman band act and told her either it went or she did. She didn't do the show. I guess she's good enough for Conan but not the city of Gretna. This video is closing in to a million views, which is great.
![Reblog this post [with Zemanta]](http://img.zemanta.com/reblog_e.png?x-id=b5ef09c7-8c78-4b08-8063-a6903ff44deb)
![Reblog this post [with Zemanta]](http://img.zemanta.com/reblog_e.png?x-id=ad40a3b4-93be-49e5-ba3d-1ec5c94df061)
![Reblog this post [with Zemanta]](http://img.zemanta.com/reblog_e.png?x-id=32a66da1-1a03-402c-bef7-9ac65a295cdf)
![Reblog this post [with Zemanta]](http://img.zemanta.com/reblog_e.png?x-id=db2c59fa-f09b-441e-b1fd-e10b5a18fc3d)
![Reblog this post [with Zemanta]](http://img.zemanta.com/reblog_e.png?x-id=ab474783-f499-4891-bc73-e5bc450b2f89)
![Reblog this post [with Zemanta]](http://img.zemanta.com/reblog_e.png?x-id=e6d35435-e32a-4a8b-8ca4-7817d8b9a123)
![Reblog this post [with Zemanta]](http://img.zemanta.com/reblog_e.png?x-id=7f82a856-0754-464a-97ac-28c95b8277ad)
![Reblog this post [with Zemanta]](http://img.zemanta.com/reblog_e.png?x-id=089e424c-b54b-4d3c-901e-01b99a29374c)
![Reblog this post [with Zemanta]](http://img.zemanta.com/reblog_e.png?x-id=59389165-1b98-49f6-a863-836b8db70418)
![Reblog this post [with Zemanta]](http://img.zemanta.com/reblog_e.png?x-id=220db12d-6f5f-474c-b37b-3ad150ef9ed4)
![Reblog this post [with Zemanta]](http://img.zemanta.com/reblog_e.png?x-id=e2cbaa57-2b24-4564-b5bc-cf375990d73c)
![Reblog this post [with Zemanta]](http://img.zemanta.com/reblog_e.png?x-id=a7a26378-7cc1-4349-acb9-ed7bfc60aed4)
![Reblog this post [with Zemanta]](http://img.zemanta.com/reblog_e.png?x-id=ec4b7575-812f-4751-b823-3471b42003cb)
![Reblog this post [with Zemanta]](http://img.zemanta.com/reblog_e.png?x-id=d935ba28-e3c6-47e0-b9e1-47465d5fca67)
![Reblog this post [with Zemanta]](http://img.zemanta.com/reblog_e.png?x-id=c5f4246c-c892-44f9-a3aa-fa5ba0f5473b)
![Reblog this post [with Zemanta]](http://img.zemanta.com/reblog_e.png?x-id=303dd457-8ea5-4ee1-8861-207679fd95f6)
![Reblog this post [with Zemanta]](http://img.zemanta.com/reblog_e.png?x-id=3a1a8423-7dad-45b9-bc42-8bb13f33ffd6)