nine-volt-heart

Stephen Kellogg previews his Shea Theater all-request show on Nine Volt Heart.

Stephen Kellogg appears for the first time at Turners Fall’s Shea Theater on December 19. He was kind enough to join me on NineVoltHeart to talk about his career and this unique show. We began with his song, “If Anyone is Listening”, from his most recent release “Keep It Up, Kid”. Our conversation touched on a wide variety of topics including his early start in our Valley at both U Mass and as an intern at the Iron Horse Music Hall. We talked about his ability to learn from these early experiences and see the ecosystem of music as a possible career. We also touched on the importance of his family life (he has four daughters!) and how he’s been able to create a better work/life balance over the years.

We also talked about some of his most recent albums which lean towards “concept” albums such as his “South West North East” which was recorded in four different studios across the US with different producers, different bands and different musical vibes! His newest work, “To You, Old Friend”, not yet released features the concept of friendship from different angles.

Stephen Kellogg is not afraid to take calculated risks. He explored Job satisfaction in a TEDX talk, he wrote a book on his perspectives on life and family based on his album, “Objects in The Mirror”. He’s been a stand up comedian, a storyteller in addition to being a musical troubadour. His latest approach will be debuted at the Shea, Stephen is doing an all-request show! Fans write down their favorites and he picks from a hat to determine the setlist. That’s a considerable challenge considering his 17 album catalog plus random requests for covers? Should make for a fun night for his fans (and Kellogg, I hope).

We finish the segment with the song Kellogg had finished his shows with….”See You Later, See You Soon”.

Tickets and information at Sheatheater.com or Stephen Kellogg.com

December 19th, Shea Theater, Turners Falls, MA

Maggie Shar brings her Clawhammer skills to the Solstice Show, Parlor Room 12/12.

Maggie Shar, Winston Salem NC native, brought their banjo in-studio to play a few tunes on NineVoltHeart. Maggie will be part of the Winter Solstice concert along with the Low Lily on December 12 at the Parlor Room in Northampton, Massachusetts. We chatted about her early influences in NC finding her way to the banjo. We discussed why she enjoyed playing in this style as well as her teaching style and philosophy. Maggie teaches private lessons in person or online at MaggieShar.com

She started off with a tune called “Half Irish” and followed that with some of her important influences and teachers. Maggie Shar is in a number of creative projects such as The Ephemeral Stringband, The Moon Shells, and Little Roots; a music education program for young players. Little Roots has appeared locally many times at Luthiers, The Parlor Room, The Academy of Music, the Iron Horse. The Little Roots program has been featured many years at both Arcadia Folf Festival and the Green River Festival.

We talked about the upcoming Parlor Room show that Maggie will be playing, along with fellow-“MoonShell”-er, Brian Slattery on fiddle. We played a version of “Sally Ann in C” that Brian and her recorded as well as a song from the Moon Shells called “Fireworks”. Maggie played a spirited tune called “Goldrush” solo banjo style and we finished the segment with a Moon Shell tune appropriate for the Solstice show called “Let Out the Light”.

The remainder of the hour featured songs from We Banjo 3, Mark Erelli, Mark O’Connor and Tony Trischka; all in the wintery spirit.

Tickets for the Winter Solstice show on December 12 can be found at ParlorRoom.org

Low Lily brings the Light. Solstice Show at the Parlor Room 12/05.

Low Lily visited the studio to preview their upcoming series of Winter Solstice shows including a 12/05 date at Northampton’s Parlor Room. Liz Simmons, Flynn Cohen and Natalie Padilla comprise the band who will feature songs from their catalog along with seasonal favorites that focus on the Solstice; songs of darkness and light! They begin our segment with the appropriately titled original, “We Bring The Light”. The trio have a large repetoire of songs and tunes to choose from. Flynn and Liz have three albums as Low Lily as well as two as Annalivia. All three players have solo projects too. Among the live in-studio versions of four songs, we chat about the upcoming tour, the concept of a solstice celebration, as well as the mentors that helped each member’s careers. Natalie Padilla features a fiddle tune, the title cut from her album, “Fireweed” and the band finishes with a powerful acappella version of “Hope Lingers On”.

We premiere a brand new song for the Winter Solstice show, it’s a Kate Rusby song called “Night Lament” to finish.

Please join me at the Parlor Room on December 5 at 7:30. Details at Parlor Room.org

Deep River Ramblers preview new release and upcoming Parlor Room show 11/14

The Deep River Ramblers are Chris Brashear, Jim Henry and Paul Kochanski. They’ll be appearing this Thursday, 11/14, at the Parlor Room with their friend; the legendary Jim Rooney. The band just finished their debut EP for release in the Fall but listeners can hear most of the songs this week at the show. The band visited in-studio to play some favorites such as “Deep River Blues” which opened the segment. This Doc Watson favorite is responsible for the band’s name and their origin story. Signature Sounds suggested a tribute to Doc Watson as part of a Back Porch Festival lineup and these valley veterans were amazing. Ten tribute shows later and they continue to be the house band for the series.

One of the series centered on the music of Nanci Griffith and featured Nanci’s good friend and producer Jim Rooney. Chris Brashear’s history with Rooney goes further back to his early album recorded in Nashville with Jim Rooney producing. Jim Rooney has received LifeTime Achievement Awards from both the International Bluegrass Music Association and the Americana Music Association. Jim is a great story-teller, author, singer, and picker. The night promises to be a very special one.

Ticket info at ParlorRoom.org

Kathleen Parks of Twisted Pine previews their Iron Horse debut, October 18.

Twisted Pine is playing a CD Release Party at the Iron Horse on Friday October 18 with the emphasis on PARTY. Kathleen Parks and her bandmates will be celebrating “Love Your Mind” which is released on the local label, Signature Sounds, for the occasion. The disc is full of upbeat songs and tunes guaranteed to turn the Iron Horse into a room of happy fans; new and old. Kat visits with Nine Volt Heart along with a batch of new songs! “Goosebump Feeling” and “Chanel Perfume (with Ali McGuirk)” from the new album along with “Ragin’ Cajun” from Kat’s latest solo work, “Rolling Down the Line” open up the segment.

Kat talks about the development of the band over time; personnel changes prompting stylistic decisions which lead to the latest album. It’s a mix of all the members influences as well as a collaborative effort, There’s fiddle tunes, danceable pop songs, special guests and even a Frank Zappa cover! We chat about the making of the album with co-producer Dan Cardinal at Dimension Sound. This is the third album in a row at his recording studio and the comfort level shows. There’s a great mix of instrumentals and songs; great mix of instrumentation with bass, guitar, mandolin, fiddle and flute throughout. The band sounds cohesive without being bored. They all are credited with songwriting as well on most cuts. There’s party songs, love songs, and everything in between.

Kat introduces our last song, “After Midnight (Nothing Good Happens)” as a phrase her Dad mentioned off-hand. He was a trumpet player in a jazz band so likely know this bit of advice first hand. It discusses the dilemma all players experience when the urge to pick all night at a festival clashes with the need to sleep and be ready for an important set the next day. You’ll have to listen to find out what choice gets made!

Twisted Pine with Ali McGuirk at the Iron Horse. Friday night October 18. IronHorse.org for details.