The music of Algiers is intense. Its rooted in drums and percussion that create mesmerizing rhythms. Rumbling bass adds momentum and depth while slashing guitar adds texture and urgency. Commanding vocals deliver lyrics that rail against post-colonial power imbalance and injustice. There is anger and intelligence. I spoke with lead […]
WFUV Radio
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Here comes a Sydney, Australia outfit led by singer-songwriter Tim Rogers, aka Jack Ladder – he of the weighty baritone voice and wryly melancholic delivery – and supported by his accomplished backing band, The Dreamlanders, featuring guitarist Kirin J. Callinan who has a solo career as well. (Try his album […]
Zach Williams’ first NYC gigs were at the Rockwood Music Hall and it was the beginning of a beautiful relationship. He was the first guy to play Stage 2 when it opened and when it came time to record his band‘s debut album, they converted the venue into a studio […]
To open their self-titled second album released last spring, The Apache Relay recorded something of a masterpiece in the song “Katie Queen of Tennessee.” Singer/guitarist Michael Ford Jr. and Brett Moore (keys/guitar/mandolin) were quick to share credit with the string arranger Jimmy Haskee (who has an Emmy and three Grammys) and Johnathan […]
The Kooks fourth album Listen surprised me – not because I like it so much which I expected to because I was on board with the first three – but why I did, which I couldn’t have seen coming. The songs that made me a fan of these guys like Always Where […]
Holiday Cheer for WFUV is a brilliant annual event – the last 5 years of its 10 year life at The Beacon Theatre – that raises dough for non-commercial New York City rock radio station WFUV, as well as her sister The Alternate Side. The last few years have featured […]
In October, Yusuf released his third album under that name, Tell ‘Em I’m Gone, which followed 11 albums released between 1967 and 1978 as Cat Stevens. The new record was produced by Rick Rubin and features appearances by Richard Thompson, Charlie Musselwhite, and Tinariwen. That same month, his first concert dates […]
When the new album from The Decemberists, What A Terrible World, What A Beautiful World comes out in January – it will have been just over four years since their last release so there was a lot to talk about with Colin Meloy. The singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist has hardly been idle. He wrote […]
When The Wytches’ Kristian Bell tested his microphone before this interview and session for WFUV’s The Alternate Side in The Bronx, he said “We Have Assumed Control!” Evidently this is KB’s preferred phrase for checking levels because he applauded me as the first person who recognized that he was referencing the […]
The irrepressible Billy Bragg dropped by the FUV studios in The Bronx to give a taste of his philosophy as well as his latest album. Full radio interview and three complete songs on video HERE.
Stars were really great when they stopped by WFUV and even bought pizzas! Full interview and video of two songs HERE.
I’m all about Dr. John and enjoyed him wildly recently in New Orleans and at Prospect Park so I was relishing the chance to see him in a venue with acoustics as opposed to outside. The circumstances were special – a three week residency (consecutive Thursday through Saturday engagements) at […]
Jonathan Meiburg is a fascinating guy and a wildly talented singer. He and the touring lineup of Shearwater favored me with four songs from their latest Animal Joy in WFUV’s Studio A this past Friday (2/24/12) before a show with Sharon Van Etten who, JM explained to me after the […]
As I told Dan Zanes, Warren Zanes, and Woody Giessmann in Studio A on February 9, 2012 – Boston, Mass was a…nay THE defining album in my high school experience so to have them roll into the Bronx after not playing for 20 years was astonishing and a little surreal. […]
Recently I had the chance to interview Umphrey’s McGee – the Chicago stalwarts and ballsy newcomers Howler. It was the same day – Friday, January 20, 2012 and UM turned up in the late morning before the first of their two gigs at Best Buy Theater. Unlike the usual sessions, these guys […]
After seeing the first ever Horrible Crowes show at the Bowery Ballroom on Thursday evening, I was fortunate enough to host a session with them Friday. They were fantastic on both occasions and a bunch of good eggs. Brian Fallon (in the plain white T-shirt), whose established himself as a […]
For your amusement – A very enjoyable Whole Wide World show last night: Back Door Man – Howlin’ Wolf I’m Your Hoochie Coochie Man – Muddy Waters I’m a Man – Yardbirds I’m a Man – Spenser Davis Group It’s A Man’s World – James Brown Piano Man – Billy […]
This was, of course, a fun show… Iggy Pop: Avenue B Bob Dylan: Talkin’ NY & Spanish Harlem Incident Avett Brothers: I and Love and You Garland Jeffries: Rollercoaster Town Cat Power: New York Ray LaMontagne: NY Is Killing Me Gil Scot Heron: NYC’s Killing Me Jim Croce: NYs Not […]
Every Friday night from 7-10, Rita Houston hosts a show on WFUV called the Whole Wide World. It’s a free-form show. In the past when I’ve filled in, I’ve introduced themes like all-jazz or afro-beat. Last night, I did maybe the most personal radio show I could ever do and […]