A Chat With Legendary Songwriter Jim Vallance

Here is a December 2007 interview with one of my all time favorite songwriters - Jim Vallance. If you're not familiar with his name, chances are you're familiar with his work. Jim's written most notably with artists like Bryan Adams and Aerosmith, but his collaborations have extended to bands/artists like Loverboy, Ozzy Osbourne, Glass TIger, Joan Jett, Ted Nugent, and so much more. Some of the big hits he's penned are Bryan Adams' "Summer of '69" and "Heaven", Heart's "What About Love", and Joe Cocker's "When the Night Comes". Now that's impressive. In this interview we talk about Jim's beginnings in the business, the process of writing with other artists, the current state of songwtiting, as well as his recollections of working with some of these artists. It's almost 30 minutes of audio - Jim was most gracious to grant me a great conversation. Check out Jim's website after you listen to the interview at www.jimvallance.com. There you'll find a comprehensive list of songs Jim's helped create.

Listen To The December 2007 Interview With Jim Vallance:

Chris Cornell Opens Up About "Carry On"

Here's a new November 2007 interview with Chris Cornell. Here Chris goes in depth about his latest solo CD "Carry On" - the writing, recording, inspiration, even talking about the studio musicians used on the record. Chris also talks about his current tour and selecting a setlist out of a catalog consisting of Soundgarden, Audioslave, and solo material. I only got in a few actual questions in my limited window with Chris (he had a full day of interviews), but his in depth answers and explanations more than make up for the number of questions I got in. Thanks to Chris for the chat - it was great to talk to one of the best rock vocalists of the last 20 years. Check out Chris online at www.chriscornell.com.

Listen To The November 2007 Interview With Chris Cornell:

Bill Leverty Provides Some "Southern Exposure"

Here's a new November 2007 interview with Firehouse guitarist Bill Leverty. Bill's got a great new solo instrumental CD out called "Southern Exposure", which we got the chance to chat about in depth. Bill talked about writing and recording for the CD, his guitar sound and technique on the CD, as well as his affiliation with Grem guitars (like the one pictured in the photo). We also talked about Firehouse, who by the way keeps on tearing it up on the road. What else? You'll have to listen to the interview. Thanks to Bill for the interview - he's a great guy to talk to and a truly underrated guitar player. Pick up a copy of "Southern Exposure", available at Bill's website: www.leverty.com.

Listen To The November 2007 Interview With Bill Leverty:

Drinking Some "Sloe Gin" With Joe Bonamassa

Here's a brand new October 2007 interview with blues guitar gunner Joe Bonamassa. In this one Joe chats about his new CD "Sloe Gin", and the process that went with recording it. He also gives insight on working with producer Kevin Shirley, and how Shirley played a role in Joe gaining confidence with his vocal style. Other topics include how Joe feels about being one of the "new guitar heroes", his current "Blues in the Schools" program, and touring with current road mates Sam Bush and Crosby Loggins (yes, the son of Kenny). I found Joe to be a cool, laid back interview subject, even after my cell phone cut out mid interview! Do yourself a favor and check out "Sloe Gin" - you won't be disappointed. In addition to Joe's guitar work and his original tracks on the CD, there are a few interesting choices of cover tunes (including Chris Whitley's "Ball Peen Hammer" and Bad Company's "Seagull"). Don't forget to check out Joe on the net at www.jbonamassa.com.

Listen To The October 2007 Interview With Joe Bonamassa:

A Chat With Soul/Blues Diva Shemekia Copeland

Here's a brand new Sept. '07 interview with second generation soul/blues songstress Shemekia Copeland (here dad was blues great Johnny Copeland). Shemekia has been compared to al time great soul singers like Aretha Franklin, Etta James, and Tina Turner (Robert Plant actually made that last comparison!) And yes, she does have the voice to back it up. Here, Shemekia chats about her musical roots, her studio records, her love of being on the road, as well as her band and more. Thanks to Shemekia for the chat - she was a gracious interviewee. After you listen to the interview, check out Shemekia online www.shemekiacopeland.com for tourdates, and to pick up her latest CD "The Soul Truth" on Alligator Records.

Listen To The September 2007 Interview With Shemekia Copeland:

Scott Bradoka - Instrumental Guitar Bliss

Scott Bradoka is one of those musicians who is able to capture your mind with an instrumental melody -and he does it well. Through several instrumental guitar CD's like 2003's "Create Your Own Reality", Scott has demonstrated his high caliber musicianship by not only making great music - but by creating sonic landscapes. The Bethlehem, PA based guitarist chats here in this new Sept. '07 interview about his musical past, his current projects, what is was like touring Germany opening for Jeff Beck, and of course - creating melody with six steel strings. After you listen to the interview, check out Scott online at www.scottbradoka.com.

*NOTE - THIS ONE WAS NOT ORIGINALLY INTENDED FOR LISTENING, SIMPLY RECORDING A PHONE CALL FOR A PRINT ARTICLE, WHICH EXPLAINS THE ROUGH AUDIO!

Listen To The September 2007 Interview With Scott Bradoka:

Kevin Martin Speaks Out About The Reunited Candlebox

Here's a new August 2007 interview with Candlebox vocalist Kevin Martin (far right in photo). In this interview, Kevin discusses the highs and lows of Candlebox's career - from selling millions of copies of their 1993 debut record, to their 2000 breakup, leading up to their eventual reformation and return to the road in 2006. Kevin states in the interview that Candlebox is currently at work on a new CD, due early 2008 (he was on his way to a writing session when we spoke). Thanks to Kevin for the interview, it was great to chat with him. He even remembered a 1998 Scranton, PA Candlebox show I witnessed where the band was being drowned out by a techno dance club on the next floor of the venue they played! After you listen to the interview, check out Candlebox online at www.candleboxrocks.com.

Listen To The August 2007 Interview With Kevin Martin:

Dave Meniketti - Still Flexing His Hard Rock Muscle With Y&T

Here is a brand new July 2007 interview with vocalist/guitarist Dave Meniketti of Y&T. In this interview, I had the opportunity to ask Dave about all things Y&T - including his memories of the band's early days, their hectic record/tour cycle of the 1980's, the band's devout fan base, and even the legendary Hear 'n Aid benefit Dave was a part of. He also talks about Y&T's scorching new DVD: "Live - One Hot Night". If you're a Y&T fan, or even if you're not, listen to this interview. Dave's a musician who's been there /done that and is a testament to perseverence in the fickle world of the music business. It was great to hear Dave's thoughts on music. Thanks for the chat Dave! After you listen to the interview, visit www.meniketti.com for all the Y&T info you may need - and also to pick up the new DVD!

Listen To The July 2007 Interview With Dave Meniketti:

Deep Purple According To Ian Gillan

Here's a brand new July 2007 interview with Ian Gillan. Unfortunately, I only had a limited window to chat with Ian, and due to my own stupidity actually called a few minutes late, which cut my time with him even more. But, I did get in a good chat with Ian - who was a warm, personable interview subject. He chats here about the current lineup of Deep Purple, his thoughts on the last few Purple studio records, as well as his own current "Gillan's Inn" album. Thanks to Ian for this one, and to Sarah the tour manager for hooking me up. Listen to the interview to hear a story about Purple drummer Ian Paice's feet! Check out Ian and Purple at www.deep-purple.com

Listen To The July 2007 Interview With Ian Gillan:

A Chat With One Of New Jersey's Best - Southside Johnny

Here's a June 2007 Interview with Southside Johnny. Here John talks about his band The Jukes and their history, his philosophy on being in the studio, the band's notorious high energy live shows, and even about what's it's like jamming with his buddy Bruce Springsteen. Johnny's a true Jersey shore original, and he's still going strong for over 30 years. He was a fun guy to talk to. Thanks for the interview Johnny! After you listen to the interview, look up The Jukes at www.southsidejohnny.com

Listen To The June 2007 Interview With Southside Johnny: