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High-brow conversations with movers n’ shakers in the music industry, and beyond. Exploring diverse realms of sound art and festival culture, with a decided focus on inspiration and human resilience. Hosted by music journalist B.Getz
Episodes
Wednesday May 20, 2020
Wednesday May 20, 2020
Episode 033 of *The Upful LIFE Podcast* welcomes the legendary DAVE from DOPEY PODCAST! This conversation is a couple of years in the making, and is one helluva heart-filling, harrowing, ultimately heroic story of human resilience and the magic of recovery. Dave has been a fearless leader of the Dopey Nation for a few years now, and his wildly-popular podcast just clocked it’s 4 MILLIONTH DOWNLOAD about a week ago. Just an astonishing story with inspiring highs juxtaposed with some of the darkest lows, brutal losses and excruciating sacrifices along the way. Absolutely riveting 100-min conversation with Dave. Followed by a topical, personal journal entry from yours truly, we hear from KEITH GRINER, a successful music photographer also in recovery. WARNING: This episode contains graphic content with regard to drug use and addiction. Please enter with caution, big heart and an open mind.
DAVE of DOPEY PODCAST intro @ 8:00
SOMETIMES IT SNOWS IN APRIL - B.Getz - 2:00:00
KEITH GRINER @ 2:17:00
Dave built the Dopey Podcast with his friend Chris, and the show has found unbridled success, though at great cost to Dave, and those around him. From Long Island, NY, he checks in for a 100-minute chat that runs the gamut of his entire journey. We touch on a number of topics, including his personal and career paths, the evolution of Dopey Podcast, his musical tastes and experiences, the tragic deaths of two people very close to him, and the descent into the abyss of his own struggle with heroin and other drugs. Before ultimately partnership, fatherhood, and 4-plus years of recovery deliver us the Dave of today, happy, healthy and radiating. Listening to Dopey Podcast every week for a couple of years, Dave has become one of the most inspiring cats in my life, real talk, and it’s nothing short of an honor and privilege to give him a platform to share his story, straight no chaser. A beautifully human tale of darkness, depravity, recovery and rebirth.
After Dave’s interview, I took the opportunity to read a journal entry from about a month ago with regard to conquering my own demons. Titled “Sometimes It Snows In April”, its a four-year reflection written on the anniversary of the day that Prince passed away.
To wrap things up on Ep.033, I reached back to late December 2019, well before all this virus madness, to a conversation I had with rock photographer KEITH GRINER. Keith is someone I’ve worked with in the music media on a few epic festivals & other occasions. He also has several years in recovery, and it was wonderful to give him the chance to reflect on his own journey, personally & professionally, and share some wisdom with regard to overcoming his addiction.
If you or anyone you know is struggling with substance abuse and addiction, please reach out. There are numerous resources to assist. Feel free to hit me up directly at B.Getz@upfullife.com
Vibe Junkie JAM of the Week
“Down In A Hole” by Alice In Chains from MTV Unplugged in 1996.
EMAIL the SHOW! B.Getz@UpfulLIFE.com
![032: ADAM DEITCH, + BOBBY & DENISE DEITCH, + RYAN ZOIDIS [Lettuce / BrkSci / AD4 / BDB] - Isolation Station v.4 : Adam Deitch BDAY Extravaganza](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/ep-logo/pbblog3558807/94100744_239582793790567_5859156945973280768_n_300x300.jpg){kind=logo}
Saturday Apr 25, 2020
Saturday Apr 25, 2020
ADAM DEITCH B-DAY EXTRAVAGANZA! Episode 032 of *The Upful LIFE Podcast* is proud to welcome the one & only ADAM DEITCH to the show! It's an honor & privilege for this esteemed gentleman to slide through for a proper powwow. To celebrate his 4/26 b-day, we dig into a pair of fresh records: Lettuce's new LP Resonate (5/8), & his own forthcoming solo electronic EP The Age of Imperfection, AND check-in with his fam. Literally! His wonderful parents BOBBY & DENISE DEITCH hop on the phone to discuss all things Deitch. Bobby Deitch Band new album dropping 5/15, so we get the scoop on that, plus loving parental reflections on Adam & his boys. Ep.032 finishes strong with the great RYAN ZOIDIS (sax - Lettuce, AD4, BrkSci Live Band). Zoid has collab'd with Adam Deitch for nearly a quarter century, he's a world-class musician & vibrant conversationalist. This episode is a family affair. HAPPY BIRTHDAY ADAM! #DeitchBeatsDontQuit - ISOLATION STATION v.4
ADAM DEITCH intro - 6:00
BOBBY & DENISE DEITCH intro - 41:00
RYAN ZOIDIS intro - 1:17:30
Adam Deitch needs no introduction. He's steadily among the more celebrated drummers in the game for over two decades, laying the foundation for modern funk music. He pushes the art skyward, prolific in hip-hop, electronic, and jazz. He's been the iconic engine powering Lettuce ever since the future-funk cosmonauts first took flight, back in the mid-1990's at Berklee College of Music in Boston. Their collective trajectory has been astonishing, as has his own journey in music. In addition to slaying with LETT, Deitch has collaborated with everybody from John Scofield to Pretty Lights to Redman & beyond. The GRAMMY-nominated artist is dropping new music left & right, even on quarantine. Deitch stays perpetually in motion, getting busy with his electro-soul duo Break Science, plus his own soul-jazz group Adam Deitch Quartet (featuring Ep.024 guest Wil Blades, and Lettuce's Ryan Zoidis (interviewed later in this program) & Eric Benny Bloom (Ep.017).
Transmitting from Denver, CO., Adam brings us into the Resonate recording and mixing sessions with super-producer Russ Elevado, as well as the band's writing and studio processes. Deitch discusses how LETT creative vibes coalesce, a general modus operandi for the current squadron, and highlights Elevado's dutiful influence. The drummer teases some possible dream collabs, with insightful backstories of how & why they might just happen. Adam gets into the "Funkin from Home" project, then pivots into his own production concepts, ideas, and compositions with regard to new electronic EP The Age of Imperfection. The dude waxes philosophic about sampling traditions, newer trends in the culture, then shows love to some young gunners pioneering the wave in that lo-fi hip-hop space. He tickles the fans with some clues about a new Nigel Hall solo album in the works. Maybe more Break Science acoustic? Towards the end, AD reveals his thoughts on the myriad of emotional elements ever-present in his rhythms & compositions. Universal language inherent in so much that he studies & loves. Always humble, forever a student, yet effortlessly the teacher. Fantastic, fulfilling, & deeply informative Adam Deitch interview! Here's to another ring around the sun, shogun!
Bobby & Denise Deitch were kind enough to make time for the podcast from their home/studio in Nyack, NY, just outside the city. Topics include: how the duo is sheltering-at-home, forthcoming album from Bobby Deitch Band titled Work With Whatcha Got, due May 15. Bobby Deitch breaks down his band, process, collaborators, song ideas, themes and intentions in rolling out this new record, which features Michealangelo Carubba & Shira Elias from Turkuaz (both guests on this show in the past), in addition to living legend George Porter Jr., Lettuce's Nigel Hall, among other special guests. Denise frequently chimes in with some funny tidbits on their shared creative energy and how the couple carefully builds a song from scratch. Naturally, I asked Adam's parents for some reflections on their son, his bands, their brotherhood, and his ever-prolific output. Get the latest on Bobby & Denise Deitch music HERE
ENTER THE ZOID VOID: The final conversation is a profound exchange with my dear friend RYAN ZOIDIS, whom I reached super late on 4/20 night at his home in Portland, ME.. Zoidis is another LETT co-founder, & part of Adam Deitch Quartet, Break Science Live Band, Soulive's Shady Horns, critically-acclaimed Rustic Overtones, & Royal Hammer (Portland roots-reggae crew). Zoid gets personal how the relationship with his young daughter has evolved and transformed during quarantine. How the virtuoso saxman has improved as both musician & teacher. We revisit Russ Elevado's Voodoo touch, how the venerable producer magically elevated the LETT sessions with poignant palette cleansing of the highest order. Zoidis pulls the curtain back on a couple of favorite Resonate joints, floats dreamy ideas for a psychedelic improv/instrumental LETT release, and how the band's recent jaunt through Europe brought the squad even closer, vibrations onstage and off.
Zoid kicks knowledge & drops science on natural wines, & introduces his new 'natty-wine' distribution company Benny & Zoid Selections, with bandmate Eric Benny Bloom. Meanwhile, what's up with a rumored wild collab project with Tycoon & Jesus Coomes!? We wrap up this sesh with a string of enlightening topics, beginning with Ryan's beautiful recollections & ruminations on his relationship with the Deitch family. Zoid offers parting thoughts on Still Bill, and seminal dancehall DJ Toyan's timeless classic LP How the West Was Won. Large Up Ryan Zoidis! One of my favorite dudes on earth, hands down.
(Zoidis painting in thumbnail by Aaron Schwartz)
-Vibe Junkie JAMZ of the Week-
Lettuce - 'HOUSE OF LETT' off their forthcoming LP Resonate, due May 8.
Adam Deitch - 'SPACE DUST' off next EP The Age of Imperfection (date TBD)
hidden track- "Judy"-WRD (Robert Walter, Eddie Roberts, Adam Deitch - Color Red Music)
EMAIL the SHOW! B.Getz@UpfulLIFE.com
Thursday Apr 16, 2020
Thursday Apr 16, 2020
The Upful LIFE Podcast proudly presents LIVESTREAM 101. This program intends to be a resource to the live music culture and music communities across genre, scene, and geography. Episode 031 - ISOLATION STATION v.3 will focus on blanketing the wild wild west of live-streaming, in the voices of four esteemed professionals in the digital music space, each certifiable live music lifers.
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TED KARTZMAN (YouTube, co-founder of JamBase) & LIZ MOODY (digital music rights attorney, has worked wth Pandora, YouTube, Spotify, artists, festivals) - intro at 8:00, discussion at 13:00.
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JOSH BLAKE (iamavl, JBOT, GFE) intro at 51:00
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CHRIS GELBUDA (Nashville-based songwriter/guitarist) intro at 1hr 39min
ISOLATION STATION v.3
TEDDY KARTZMAN is a huge reason why I even have a modicum of a career in the music industry. As co-founder of JamBase back in 1999, TK (unwittingly) blazed a path for me and numerous others into the world of digital music journalism. Along with his partners Andy Gadiel, Deanne Herman and others, he opened a door to chase my passion and follow my muse with sharing words about music experiences. Like so many, I am forever in his debt, and Teddy is nothing short of a pioneer. TK has been a major presence in the digital music space for two decades, having worked with Rhapsody, Google, YouTube, and a number of other tech music endeavors. For several years he managed The SLiP, among others, and has been a tireless champion for independent and underground artists. Ted Kartzman founded & remains on the JamBase Board of Directions. This roundtable discussion on the real-time realities of Livestreaming was as much (if not more) his brainchild than my own.
This podcast is honored and privileged to host a professional of the stature & resume of one LIZ MOODY. A quick Google of her name will show you just why, as she’s been a major player in the digital music space for roughly 20 years, too. Currently the Chair of New Media at Granderson Des Roches, she’s an attorney who has worked with industry giants like Pandora, Spotify, YouTube, and a number of endeavors that came before. As such, she’s uniquely qualified to share her experiences on these salient topics of the day. When I was researching her bonafides to prepare for this dialogue, I was struck by how impactful her work in the streaming/music rights sector is. It seems any time she took a new job at a major organization, or announced a partnership or project, it was covered by the industry news agencies. Wherever she went, whatever she did, it was reported. So naturally, I was super stoked that she felt like this show was worth her time. Her perspective is as fascinating as it is informative; I believe the proof is in the pudding. Liz Moody is the EF Hutton of our current reality; when she speaks, everybody should listen.
JOSH BLAKE is another pioneer in the digital music space, as well as a thriving musician and an essential cog in the cosmic art community that makes Asheville, NC such a beacon of light in the SouthEast. He’s been rooted and growing there for 23 years. Josh is a founder and partner in iamavl, the pre-eminent independent concert-broadcasting/live-streaming company of its kind, a total unicorn of sorts. Find out why that is, who they are and how they got there in this revealing, inspiring conversation. Josh Blake is a tremendous musician in his own right, and he pulls back the curtain on his latest album Nothing’s in the Way, in addition to a number of other musical irons in the proverbial fire. Of course, we had to get into his OG squad, Granola Funk Express (GFE) with a brief but beautiful saunter down memory lane with Josh about his seminal squadron, a (pure) light years ahead of it’s time misfit live hip-hop ensemble that was born in a Rainbow Family kitchen, a group and their music that changed the game, and people’s lives. Josh Blake was kind to revisit those glory days, and a whole lot more. Check him out at www.JoshBlakeMusic.com & https://iamavl.com/
CHRIS GELBUDA is a music maker and happiness-bringer. A successful songwriter from the Chicago area who calls Nashville home, Buda packs an enigmatic personality into his music that can make you laugh and/or cry, sometimes in the same song. He’s also a treasured buddy to many, a real force of nature to his friends, peers, and several music communities. Chris lets us know about some of his very special charity livestreams, and how performing in that medium feels to him. We also get a little peek into his Nashville career, big-time songwriting in the world of pop country music. Gelbuda was an essential member of Van Ghost on their magnum opus The Ghost Unit, an album recorded in Trey Anastasio’s famed Barn studio in Vermont.. He’s worked with and wrote songs for mega stars like John Legend, Meghan Trainor, Mike Gordon & Phil Lesh. Chris is also a fantastic follow on social media, where he lets his phanaticism fly with no-holds barred commentary about the performances of his favorite band. Naturally, we had to check in with him about the latest happenings with our beloved boys , The Phish from Vermont. Follow all things Chris Gelbuda here ---> http://www.chrisgelbuda.com/
Vibe Junkie JAM of the Week
2016 Kendrick Lamar freestyle from HOT97 remixed by JD REID. A murderous flip of Notorious B.I.G.’s iconic war-dub ‘Who Shot Ya’, Kung Fu Kenny given the future-Trap on steroids treatment. This is certified heatrocks. PEEP GAME.
EMAIL the SHOW! B.Getz@UpfulLIFE.com
Thursday Apr 09, 2020
Thursday Apr 09, 2020
The Upful LIFE Podcast - Episode 030 : Isolation Station v.2 welcomes JAMES CASEY (Trey Anastasio Band), SHIRA ELIAS (Turkuaz) to the show for fascinating conversations. In light of the current situation at hand, this podcast has transitioned to focus on what we are living through, both collectively and in quarantine. These are our stories. In addition, we also hear from a beloved member of the music community DJ Richie G, plus the long awaited return of J.A. To lift spirits, the pod wraps up with a magical personal reflection from the host.
RIP Ellis Marsalis, Bill Withers, John Prine
ISOLATION STATION v.2
DJ Richie G intro at 6:00
Leading things off is DJ Richie G, a Lettuce superfan and longtime member of the jam/funk music community. He’s also a multi-genre DJ in his spare time. Richie Grossman has already contracted, battled and recovered from the corona virus, so we check in with him to hear his story, the gory details and inspiring recovery. Plus Richie's efforts livestreaming DJ sets to bring peeps together to celebrate birthdays virtually, & raise money for PPE masks for healthcare workers.
JAMES CASEY intro starts at 30mins
Then we touch base with JAMES CASEY of TREY ANASTASIO BAND, who checks-in from Hawaii, where he’s been quarantined for several weeks. I’ve known James for about a decade now and have been a big fan of his for even longer, so it was an absolute joy to get a chance to interview him, though we both wished it were under different circumstances. James was among the first people in my network warning and informing people about the oncoming pandemic, as far back as mid-February. He lets us know just why he was alarmed before most of us, and how he’s dealing with the current reality. Part of that has to do with severe asthma, which stems from a near-death experience, an astonishing tale from James! Of course, he speaks about his joining TAB and his tremendous trajectory with that ensemble. why he admires and envies Trey, and a little bit about his own music, too. Thanks to James Casey!
SHIRA ELIAS intro at 57min
SHIRA ELIAS of TURKUAZ, who was a fantastic interview on Episode 013 of this podcast, jumps on the phone from the desert in Arizona. Shira tells the story of relocating her whole life from NYC to Los Angeles while the virus was taking hold in the US. She takes us through journeying cross-country, then retreating to the desert for some peace and space. We get the scoop on her forthcoming EP/project Shira Elias’ Goods & Services, and the debut single “Burnin’” that drops Friday 4/10. Shira reflects on Turkuaz “None’s A Ton” concert film, and why this downtime, though difficult, has been good for her in a number of ways. The Upful LIFE Podcast ADORES Shira Elias!
THE Return of J.A. - intro at 1hr 17min
FINALLY. Jason Abrams has come BACK to The Upful LIFE Podcast. What a heart-filling chat with my boy back in Philly. A music-culture encyclopedia/philosopher, pro wrasslin’ authority, Delaware Valley noted Phishtorian, J.A. is the most loyal and hilarious friend anyone could ever be blessed enough to have. After over a year since his last appearance, Jason comes back to the show to discuss what’s goin' on right now in Philly, The Phish from VT: Island Tour revisited & Sigma Oasis, plus the music business and pro-wrasslin’s future in a post-COVID entertainment industry climate. Great personal story from J.A to close out his long-awaited re-emergence.
Vibe Junkie JAM of the Week
Break Science “Once In A While” (acoustic)
This phenomenal rework of their Seven Bridges classic is preceded by an emotional, personal anecdote from yours truly. If you make it to the end of this podcast, once in a while you’re rewarded with something very special from the inner sanctums of my heart. Thanks to Borahm Lee & Adam Deitch. Yes, Indeedy!
EMAIL the SHOW! B.Getz@UpfulLIFE.com
PLEASE LEAVE A REVIEW on iTunes!
Theme Song: Mazel Tov by CALVIN VALENTINE
Wednesday Apr 01, 2020
Wednesday Apr 01, 2020
Episode 029 of *The Upful LIFE Podcast* switches the script in light of the COVID-19 global pandemic. Welcome 2 ISOLATION STATION v.1. For this episode, we'll have three shorter form interviews that directly address the fallout from the virus and it's paralyzing effect on the music culture, industry, and communities. I wanted to give people a platform and program that can communicate and connect different geographic areas, artists, activists, producers, promoters, movers, shakers, fans and the like. My intention is for this podcast to transition, and organically be in service to anyone it can reach, educate, entertain, inspire, and humor. Now is the time to live our Upful LIFE.
DONATE TO BACKLINE HERE!
Kendall Corso Intro @ 9:00
We kick things off by checking in with KENDALL CORSO of BACKLINE, a non-profit that connects music industry & mental health professionals. Kendall comes on to discuss Backline’s Case Management Program, wherein trained mental health professionals work one-on-one with individuals to connect them with mental health resources specifically catered to the music industry lifestyle. Also : “Come Together: COVID-19 Crisis” initiative, offering bi-weekly support groups, movement and meditation sessions in partnership with like-minded organizations to help bring mental health and wellness to the music industry. Beyond the work, Kendall brings her own brand of everyday sunshine and positive energy, (as well as a sailor's vocab) to the enlightening dialogue, with a few silver linings taboot.
CHRIS PERELLA INTRO @ 30 Min
After Kendall, we hear from another former boss and forever friend, CHRIS PERELLA, owner/talent buyer at Ardmore Music Hall, just outside Philly. The legendary CP, who hired me at now-defunct Philly haunt The Blockley, returns to the show to break down how he and his teams have deftly navigated the concert industry grinding to standstill. Includes very profound perspective on how things might shape up differently for independent/small businesses and regional/local concert promoters and talent buyers, once we enter a new normal, whenever that may be. Astute observations and hella hot takes from the one & only Chris Perella. DONATE to the ARDMORE MUSIC HALL STAFF FUND HERE
BILLY IUSO INTRO @ 1hr 11min
Batting third is BILLY IUSO, our old friend and rock n'roll troubadour down in the great city of New Orleans. We take a few minutes to check in with Billy on how things have been for him as the virus and fallout have really put NOLA in a vice grip, on a lot of levels. Billy talks chill time, family hangs, live streams, and the foggy future, plus a good dose of positive vibes from the Crescent City. Check out Billy Iuso on Facebook for live streams, links to merch and more.
Vibe Junkie JAM of the Week:
LUTAN FYAH - STILL DRE - SPECIAL FI IRIE ITES RECORDED 2003 LE MANS, FR
ISOLATION STATION. NorCal, USA
EMAIL the SHOW! B.Getz@UpfulLIFE.com
Wednesday Feb 19, 2020
Wednesday Feb 19, 2020
Episode 028 of *The Upful LIFE Podcast* welcomes JESSICA DORE (@thejessicadore) to the show. On Twitter and Instagram, my longtime friend is a new-school tarot superstar, Jessica has hundreds of thousands of followers for her unique approach to tarot as a therapeutic tool. She's a licensed social worker, tarot practitioner and journalist/author interested in using tarot cards to help people understand the interplay between internal and external life. I'd seen a variety of media features about her in recent months, and made a mental note that she'd be an ideal guest for this show, which came about rather serendipitously.
Introduction to Jessica Dore @ 8:00, Conversation @ 12:30
Jessica and I go way back to Jazz Fest in NOLA some years ago, and we've stayed in touch sporadically. She's always been a friend on my radar, in spite of the many moons or miles between. Not long ago, we randomly bumped into one another on the streets of Oakland, and I knew it was a cosmic re-connection. Jessica was kind enough to invite me up to her idyllic treehouse studio in the Berkeley Hills for an interview that was really like a conversation between friends catching up.
She has been influenced by the people and landscapes of the places she’s lived and traveled including New Orleans, Jamaica, Central America, India, Northern California and New England. In just over an hour-long powwow, we share a dialogue that touches on her time in New Orleans, and Mardi Gras gone by. Plus her passion for Jamaican dancehall music, why she moved to Kingston, JA, only to subsequently leave dee-jaying behind. That narrative provides a launching point for an enlightening rabbit hole on the topics of roots, culture, family heritage, and the nature of our collective appropriation. From there, we briefly explore her daily and unwavering devotion to ashtanga yoga.
Yet the majority and priority of our conversation is focused on tracing the embryonic roots and rapid evolution of her work as @thejessicadore on Twitter and IG. She combines her knowledge from years of studying psychology, behavioral science, tarot and mysticism to support people during times of both change and stuckness. Her ideas and tarot practice have become wildly popular across social media over the past few years, and she's at the forefront of a revolution in tarot and psychology, so much so that she's out here in the Bay writing a book on the topic, contracted to a major publisher. In a language that everyone can easily understand, Dore breaks down how tarot entered her life, the connections she first discovered while working in psychology book publishing, and how they organically blossomed into @thejessicadore daily readings. How she interprets and interpolates self-help principles and therapeutic concepts into her practice and profession. The study of the soul at once ancient and brand-new.
Jessica Dore's avant-garde, revolutionary tarot practice has been featured in The New York Times, New York Magazine‘s The Cut, VICE, Teen Vogue, Yoga Journal, Philadelphia Magazine, The Philadelphia Inquirer, NPR’s Weekend Edition and more. Her writing has been featured in O, The Oprah Magazine, VICE, and Psych Central. Jessica has studied behavioral therapies extensively and holds a level 1 certificate for essential skills in energy psychology.
Tuesday Feb 11, 2020
Tuesday Feb 11, 2020
Episode 027 of *The Upful LIFE Podcast* welcomes the legendary STEVE GORMAN (Black Crowes) for a very special edition of this program. The longtime drummer and co-founder of The Black Crowes is doing a ton of media work, podcasts and live appearances in support of his riveting rock n' roll bio "Hard 2 Handle: The Life & Death of The Black Crowes, A Memoir". I was honored and truly touched when Steve personally reached out and asked me to host/moderate his book talk in San Francisco. The event took place on January 19, 2020 and was recorded with a live audience in the SF Ferry Building Book Passage, moments after Steve's beloved Tennessee Titans lost in the AFC Championship Game.
STEVE GORMAN Live Q&A @ 20min mark
I've been a fan of The Black Crowes since we covered "Jealous Again" at my Bar Mitzvah back in 1991, and saw them for the first time at the Tower Theater in Philly back in 1993, and another two dozen or so times through around 2013. Steve Gorman was a founding member of TBC, and his masterful drumming an essential component to their sound and identity as a band. He drove the train, and provided the swing that defined their swaggering grooves. He permanently left the band (again) in 2013, and they apparently disbanded in a dust cloud of sibling rivalries and greed. Only to see Chris and Rich Robinson reconstitute a version of the Crowes without him, or any previous band members for that matter, last fall. Before the brothers could announce a Live Nation summer shed tour, and now some acoustic dates to help move tickets in the softer-selling markets, Steve dropped a bomb in the form of his fascinating book, and with it burned that proverbial feathered bridge by bearing his truth, once and for all.
As has been the case with all of his book interviews - and the book itself, Steve pulls no punches and leaves nary a stone unturned in his various recollections, delivered straight no chaser. This book talk was more of an opportunity to let Steve just tell stories, so I prepared a dozen or so questions for him, then opened it up to the audience for some of their personal inquiries, of which I edited some for length/clarity. Most of the content from the conversation is rooted in his tremendously detailed memoir, or random asides from the cutting room floor. Steve reflects on everything from Ringo Starr to Jimmy Page, recording the Crowes' legendary run of 90's albums, including 2 which never came out until many years later. Steve goes down different random rabbit holes, explores the concepts of co-dependence & closure, he sets the record straight about a number of hot topics in the Crowes community. Much like the book itself, you need not be a Crowes fanatic to enjoy this colorful interview about an American rock band that is as iconic as it is divisive, and whose catalog, legacy, and career narrative should stand the test of time. It's certainly an afternoon I will never forget! Thank You Steve Gorman!
WATCH THE BOOK TALK Q&A VIDEO! CLICK HERE
Vibe Junkie JAM of the Week:
"Descending" by The Black Crowes, off of 1994's Amorica
Email the show! B.Getz@upfulLIFE.com
Monday Jan 13, 2020
Monday Jan 13, 2020
After a brief pause for the cause, *The Upful LIFE Podcast* is back with Episode 026 featuring Ryan Jalbert of The Motet. In late December, on the heels of The Motet's co-headline funkstravaganza at the Fillmore with KDTU, Ryan and I finally caught up for an hour in downtown San Francisco. Jalbert was on his way to a jazz show at the Black Cat, but took timeout to make sure we got the proper time for a powwow. I've been a fan of his for several years now, and Ryan has been a listener to this podcast since almost the beginning too, as such it was a pretty cool dynamic for the interview. We basically just kicked it for a while, chopped it up about his path taken, with some attention to detail and the typical musical/cultural rabbit holes.
RYAN JALBERT INTRO > CONVO begins at 14:30
First, a contest giveaway! VI Jam Fest in St. John, US.VI!! Enter to win two free tickets with camping, value $630 USD! Just share this post on the Upful LIFE Facebook page, OR LEAVE A REVIEW ON UPFUL LIFE iTUNES & send an email to B.Getz@upfullife.com
After the contest information, we jump into the interview with Ryan Jalbert. This conversation covers his entire musical journey, from his childhood in Western Mass, learning the guitar, loving the blues as a kid, up through college, Phish tours, the music scene in the Northeast in the early 2000s, working with Brett Dennen, Leslie Helpert, joining The Motet, and then his 15-year odyssey that continues up through their most recent LP Death or Devotion. We finish with a little bit on his side project Jalbatross with brother Colin, as well as some of his recent favorite artists.
Vibe Junkie JAM of the Week:
"When You Feel It, Grunt If You Can" from the The JB's 1969 demo tape More Mess on My Thing. Recently uploaded after being vinyl-only for a couple of years. Otherworldly 22-minute excursion into the netherworlds of primordial funk, rock, and soul.
Email the show! B.Getz@upfulLIFE.com
The Upful LIFE Podcast is available on iTunes!
Theme Song: Mazel Tov by CALVIN VALENTINE
Saturday Nov 23, 2019
Saturday Nov 23, 2019
Episode 025 of *The Upful LIFE Podcast* welcomes the legendary Eric Krasno to the show for a pretty sweet powwow on a number of salient topics from the guitarist/producer's illustrious career. Co-founder of Soulive, co-founder and former guitarist of Lettuce, Kraz was in the Bay Area in late September for a quick run with E3- (Eric Krasno Trio), at Sweetwater Music Hall in Mill Valley, a club owned by Bob Weir of the Grateful Dead. In between soundcheck and the gig, Kraz and I sat down and chopped it up for nearly an hour, and trust it was a thrill to have this conversation after so many years of being a superfan of so many of his projects.
Krasno Introduction & KRAZ "Leave a Little" at 7:30
Eric Krasno Interview at 15:00
We start chatting about the present tense, beginning with his formation of E3, a little about his bandmates and loosely defining what the mission is. From there we pivot to his brand new KRAZ project, and the album Telescope, released on Sept.27. Eric lets us in on why KRAZ is such a departure from his established norm, and what went into the creation of this new lane for the longtime Soulive shredder. Krasno also details his departure from Brooklyn after 20 years, and how that figured into the conception and realization of the concept album Telescope. We also touch on his stoke for his new digs and studio in Los Angeles, and some super funky neighbors.
Since we were at Bob Weir's club, it only felt perfect to get into the Grateful Dead. With reverence, Kraz takes us back to his first GD shows in the late 80's, all the way up through sharing the stage with Phil Lesh, Bobby and the Rhythm Devils. Kraz also tells a few stories about father and son, his own pops, & later Phil and Grahame Lesh for a couple nights out on the NOLA town over Jazz Fest. Naturally, we had to dive into two decades of Soulive, and why they were such a revolutionary band at the turn of the century. Kraz walks us down memory lane a little, but chooses to focus on how fiery the most recent Soulive performances have been.
After taking the temperature of Soulive, Kraz opens up a bit about Lettuce. The guitarist reflects on the early days, their meteoric ascent, his decision to walk away (and why), and brings it full circle back at LOCK'N when LETT paid tribute to JGB with Bobby, John Mayer, Oteil and others back in August 2018. Eric then takes a few moments to explain what was behind the difficult decision to step up and perform with Circles Around the Sun, in honor and memory of his dearly departed friend Neal Casal. We finish up our riveting conversation with some guitar shop talk, focusing on the PRS Silver Sky, John Mayer signature model.
LEAH CONCIALDI Inteview begins at 1hr 11m
Following that interview is a short, sweet conversation with Leah Concialdi, a saxophonist (and more) with ATOMGA and Tnertle, as well as a major cog in the wheel that is Color Red Music out in Colorado. Over the summer, we got a chance to hear all about the label, the concept and the people behind Color Red, as well as a little bit about both of her bands and her experience in the music industry for the past decade.
*Vibe Junkie JAM of the Week* - "Telephone" by Erykah Badu. Enjoy my look back at Badoula's 7-minute elegy to J-Dilla, written the day after his funeral, about how ODB acted as Dilla's visionary guide to the afterlife. Celebrate Tonight!
Email the show! B.Getz@upfulLIFE.com
Tuesday Nov 05, 2019
Tuesday Nov 05, 2019
Episode 024 of *The Upful LIFE Podcast* welcomes Hammond B3 organ maestro WIL BLADES to the show for a lengthy conversation about his career, Bay Area music culture, saddling up to jazz and funk legends, the Adam Deitch Quartet, Amendola vs. Blades, and beyond. From bright eyed young cat in Chicago, to one of the rising stars in jazz and groove music, he's among the more impressive organ players in the culture today.
Just a few days before he was moving to SoCal, Wil invited me over to his home in Berkeley, CA to have a spirited discussion, and was game to go deep about his own journey, the nuances of Hammond B3 organ, his passion for rare groove, the oral tradition of music, the history of the Boom Boom Room, and so much more. It was an honor to give Wil a chance to really let the people know who he is and how he got to be such a respected and celebrated musician, and to shed a lot of light on historical cats along the way.
7:00 - Wil Blades INTRO
12:45 - Amendola vs. Blades "Hi Lo"
15:00 - WIL'S INTERVIEW STARTS
1:33:30 "Art Bar" - Adam Deitch Quartet
We start the conversation in Wil's youth growing up near Chicago in Evanston, IN, learning both the drums and guitar as a youngster, taking ques from his older brothers. We also spend some time talking about how we discovered music as kids in the 90’s, and how that is so markedly different from how Wil’s teen children find their favorite artists today. From there, he takes us back to the late 90’s, moving across the country to the Bay Area to join an Oakland jamband and attend college. Wil explains how SF and Oakland were very different back in those days, and how a particular college professor with a heavy resume and unique teaching style put him on to the importance of the oral tradition in music.
At the time of the interview, Wil was preparing to move to Los Angeles after twenty years in the Bay. Wil gives us a colorful reflection on the music scene when he first arrived in the Bay Area, and for much of the convo he continues to tell the tale about how the music and culture would evolve over the next two decades. Wil was/remains also a huge part of the scene at renowned SF venue Boom Boom Room, a hotbed for blues when he arrived, but later evolving into the epicenter for all things NOLA and funky here in NorCal. Wil breaks down what it was like as John Lee Hooker’s Boom Boom Room, and how talent buyer Alex/Xander Andreas's vision has helped the club to continue to flourish with the funk.
Wil Blades has studied with some of true legends, and talks in great detail about his time with master organist Dr. Lonnie Smith, the late iconic funk/jazz drummer Idris Muhammed, an beloved late hollow-body guitarist Melvin Sparks. Wil has spent time with and performed alongside each of these giants, and it was riveting to hear how he organically and serendipitously came to connect with such luminaries, and what a thrill it was to hear of ho w each of them put him on game.
Wil makes sure to explore the essential particulars of organ/drums relationship. Two thirds of the way through the interview, we finally arrive at the Adam Deitch Quartet, Wil’s fantastic project with the Lettuce/Break Science drummer wunderkind. We play a portion of the Blades-penned "Art Bar", then return to our dialogue.
Wil retraces the steps on how that relationship came together, and gets into the magic that makes it all happen with Deitch, Eric Benny Bloom (trumpet) and Ryan Zoidis (sax). We discuss the making of their critically-acclaimed LP Egyptian Secrets, and reminisce on some classic AD4 gigs thru the years. Wil spends some time discussing his tremendous Amendola vs. Blades project with Bay Area groove merchant Scott Amendola, and their new LP Everybody Wins (Royal Potato Family), and their short West Coast tour. Wil Blades finishes out this phenomenal interview by talking about what’s he excited about in moving down to LA after two decades as a prodigal son of the Bay.
Vibe Junkie JAM of the Week (2:04)
"11th Hour" by DROPICAL, off his new EP Circling Out (Jumpsuit Records)
Email the show! B.Getz@upfulLIFE.com
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Theme Song: Mazel Tov by CALVIN VALENTINE