Johnny Rzeznik And The Goo Goo Dolls Have "Something For The Rest Of Us"

Here's a new June 2010 interview with Johnny Rzeznik of The Goo Goo Dolls. This one was done in advance of their August 2010 show in Scranton, PA. Coolest part of the chat did not get on tape - I told Johnny this was for their Scranton show, and he proceeded to tell me about how be bought a Lionel Polar Express train in Scranton (I knew the exact store) a few years back, and had a friend of his crash it to pieces! Anyway, Johnny talks here about the band's upcoming new CD, "Something For The Rest Of Us," due August 31st. He also talks about the band's motivation to hit the road months before the record would even be out. Other topics include a really great couple of minutes on his alternate guitar tunings (I purposely had to ask him this, as a guitarist I admire his offbeat tunings in "Slide," "Name," etc.) We also cover a bit about the band's history and musical progression over the years, even the band's influence on the current rock scene. Johnny was in great spirits and was a very personable interview subject. Thanks so much to him for the chat, and make sure you look up the Goo Goo Dolls online at www.googoodolls.com.

Listen To The June 2010 Interview With Johnny Rzeznik:

John Nemeth "Name's The Day!"

Here's a brand new May 2010 interview with the super funky, soul/blues hybrid John Nemeth. John's got a new record out on Blind Pig Records called "Name The Day," where he ups the ante on his calssic. Memphis-inspired, horn-laced soul attack. I like to think of John as a blend of James Brown and Junior Wells, sprinkled with a helping of Solomon Burke - the guys's a monster for sure. In this interview, John chats in depth about the new record, the machanics behind it, and also his take on songwriting - he emulates the great soul ballads and dance floor-ready anthems of the golden age of soul. He also talks about his musical history, from growing up in Idaho, to moving to San Francisco, where his musical vision really began to take shape. John also shares his thoughts on the current roots music climate in America - he's pretty upbeat about it. John says we're in the midst of a revival of sorts, and I agree. John's one of many talented artists ensuring that the blues, and that funky old soul, are with us for years to come. If you're in the Pocono northeast this June (June 19th exactly,) check out John at the Honesdale Roots and Rhythm Festival at Central Park in Honesdale, PA - a free day of great music. Thanks so John for a great interview, and make sure to visit him online at www.johnnemethblues.com.

Listen To The May 2010 Interview With John Nemeth:

Moreland And Arbuckle's "Flood" Of Blues

Here's a new May 2010 interview with Dustin Arbuckle, of the roots/blues duo Moreland and Arbuckle. The band has released an amazing record called "Flood" on Telarc Records, which combines the best of throbbing, Mississippi hill country blues, with haunting, delta style and traces of country and rock as well. It's a brilliant sonic landscape. Dustin talks in delth about the new CD - what it was like going into this record with a now decade-old musical partnership with bandmate Aaron Moreland. Dustin also chats about the history of the band (and how bringing in drummer Brad Horner marked an evolution in the band's sound). There's a great instrumental flair that this band has. Dustin is a harmonica ace, and Aaron Moreland plays a fuzzed-out cigar box guitar, along with a host of other sounds that combine for a pulsating, often times eerie vibe - devilishly cool. Dustin talks about all of that as well. Make sure to check these guys out at www.morelandandarbuckle.com for more on their history, and their smoking back catalog. Thanks so Dustin for the interview, it was great to talk music with him. Note - the band will be playing in my area in July at the Briggs Farm Blues Festival. If you're anywhere near the area, try to stop by.

Listen To The May 2010 Interview With Dustin Arbuckle:

Jonny Lang Still Smokin' On "Live At The Ryman"

Here's a brand new April 2010 interview with guitarist/bluesman/songwriter (not sure what to call him these days) Jonny Lang. Jonny has been through a fantastic evolution during the course of his career - from straight-up blues artist, to slick and passionate soul man. This evolution is seen on Jonny's latest, "Live At The Ryman." The new live disc, which was recorded with Jonny's white hot backing band, captured at Nashville's legendary Ryman Auditorium - is the bulk of the conversation. Jonny talks about the gig itself, the chemistry with his band, and his philosophy for recording his live gigs. We also talk about one of the most interesting parts of his career - the period surrounding his "Lie To Me" record, where Jonny broke out big in the U.S., and toured with some of the biggest names in the business, including the Rolling Stones (you may also remember a guest spot on The Drew Carey Show). Jonny also reveals that he is writing material for a new studio record, but not making any concret plans as of yet. Check out Jonny's website at www.jonnylang.com for more on the live record. Thanks to Jonny for being a cool interview, and Amanda at ABC PR for the setup.

Listen To The April 2010 Interview With Jonny Lang:

Rob McNelley Invites Us To Dick 50's "Late Show"

Here's a new April 2010 interview with guitarist/vocalsit Rob McNelley of the band Dick 50. Dick 50 is a cool story, in that they've been Delbert McClinton's backing band for a long time, gaining a reputation as one of the most diverse, hard working side units in the business. Now, they've branched out to release the debut disc "Late Show." The CD is an eclectic fusion of blues, rock, and soul, and should do well within the roots genre. McNelley talks about the inception of the new CD, as well as the recording and writing process behind it - it sounds like it was truly a great experience to be a part of. He also talks about Dick 50's time with Delbert McClinton, and what it takes to back one of roots music's best frontmen. Rob, in addition to a member of Dick 50, is also a Nashville session musician, currently heard on Lady Antebellum's latest material. He talks about his musical life in Nashville as well in this interview. Dick 50 is still going strong with McClinton, but Rob says they're planning some shows this summer, and you can pick up a copy of "Late Show" on Itunes or also via this link from Amazon.com. Do check out the record - if you're a fan of Delbert's, you wont be disappointed. This record will appeal to a broad spectrum of rock/soul/blues fans. Thanks to Rob for the chat - best of luck with the CD!

Listen To The April 2010 Interview with Rob McNelley From Dick 50:

Morgan Rose Previews Sevendust's "Cold Day Memory"

Here's a brand new March 2010 interview with Sevendust drummer Morgan Rose (seated in middle of photo). Sevendust has an amazing new CD due out April 20th, called "Cold Day Memory" (first single "Unraveling" has blown up at rock radio), which marks the return of guitarist Clint Lowery to active recorded work with the band after a five-year departure. The new CD is, in the band's words, a complete turn from the last studio record "Hope & Sorrow," and is definitely a sonic evolution for the band. Morgan talks about Clint's return to the fold, and how Clint's an integral part of the Sevendust writing team, as well as a key component of the band's signature sound. Morgan also chats about the band's recording experience for the new record, which was done in Chicago with producer Johnny K (who's worked with Disturbed and Three Doors Down among others). I also ask Morgan about Sevendust's creative process, and the powerful emotion that's always laced the band's music. Other topics of discussion include touring, Sevendust's longevity and influence on other artists, as well as Morgan's thoughts on playing music with the band in general. Be sure to check out "Cold Day Memory" on April 20th, and head over to Sevendust's website at www.sevendust.com. Thanks to Morgan for the chat, as well as Amanda at ABC PR for setting it all up.
*Photo Credit - Jeremy Adamo

Listen To The March 2010 Interview With Morgan Rose:

Mark Wenner Puts The Nighthawks On The "Last Train To Bluesville"

Here's a brand new March 2010 interview with Mark Wenner - vocalist and harmonica master for Wasington, D.C. area roots rock legends The Nighthawks. Mark and the band have a fantastic new CD out called "Last Train To Bluesville," which is a stripped-down, acoustic affair, recorded at XM/Sirius Studios. The band is in fine form on the record, and Mark talks about the idea behind recording and performace of the all-acoustic project. Mark and I also discuss the history of The Nighthawks, going back to the band's inception in the early 1970's. through the course of lineup changes and critical praise. That history truly does some brilliant moments, including playing and/or recording with some of the greats of the blues world, like Pinetop Perkins, John Lee Hooker, and Hubert Sumlin. True road dogs, the guys have always dug deep to win over a crowd, and their musical dexterity has made them one of the great live bands of the roots/blues genre - they're the real deal. Make sure to check out www.thenighthawks.com for a full history and discography of the band, and do pick up "Last Train To Bluesville." Thanks to Mark Wenner for the chat - he was a great guy to talk to and a true musical survivor. Thanks also to Mark Pucci for setting things up.
* photo credit - Linda Parker

Listen To The March 2010 Interview With Mark Wenner: