Tales of the Road Warriors
On Tales of the Road Warriors, Hal in Philly explores the world through conversations with entertainers and musicians … guitarists, bass players, keyboardists, managers, roadies, recording engineers and people who spend a lot of time traveling to and from gigs.
Thu, November 26, 2020
Michael Winslow
Michael Winslow Show Notes Talking Points: Twitter handle @Noizey_Man Grew up on several Air Force bases Moved around a lot as a kid. Killed the boredom by imitating the sounds of machinery around the military bases. Including typewriters. Take this video for example… 32 Typewriters 32 Typewriters??? I couldn’t tell the difference between a Remington Noiseless Portable or a IBM Executive Model 42 or a Smith Corona Word processor Books: Whack to the Side of the Head Kick to the Seat of the Pants Lesson learned - there’s more than one right answer Tik Tok Jimi Hendrix Comics stealing jokes. Robin Williams Multiple languages Cheech and Chong no longer PC? But what makes your impressions so unique are the facial expressions. You seem to be listening to the headphones, where i imagine someone is feeding you the recording for reference The afterwards, you look at the two mics as if you’re trying to decide which one to eat first. Did your parents ever try to discourage you/ I mean, making all those sounds around the house s a little kid, didn’t yell, Hey Mikey, cut it out, I’m trying to watch Star Trek here, and you’d be making laser gun sounds. At what point did your mom or dad say, Hey now — THERE’S a career! Looks like you won’t be needing college, son. List of noises: ’Scuse me while I kiss this guy - attribution. Michael was the first that I know of to use that line. Matre D’ at the Great American and Poppy’s Star (along with Alan "Walk This Way" Feinman as Groucho, and Billy Scudder as Charlie Chaplain) Dupars after Cheech and Chong’s Next Movie Sky Trails Open Mic My Sharona Just What I Needed by the Cars Michael Winslow and folk pop-musician Odd Nordstoga performed Whole Lotta Love on the Norwegian talkshow Senkveld - with Thomas og Harald The Russia Story Slight incident while filming Police Academy: Mission to Moscow in Russia Killing Hasselhoff Completely unexpected. It was a total delight seeing you pop up in a cameo! My rating went up a star. Mention on THE GOLDBERGS… Dana: I don't get it. This is part 5. Shouldn't they have graduated the Academy after the first o
Fri, November 20, 2020
Smokey Miles
Today my guest is Robert Smokey Miles... He knows Bob Dylan personally and even used to be his house sitter as a teenager Around 1987 he began hosting open mics and acoustic music showcases at the Breakaway Gardens in Venice, CA, much like I did in the San Fernando Valley several years later. Although I had been to the Breakaway, on many occasions before I left Venice, I don’t recall having ever met Smokey, although in retrospect, I must have. While editing this episode, I determined it would have been almost impossible for me not to have crossed paths wit this guy! As Count Smokula, a quirky vampire sporting a fez and playing accordion, he was a male counterpart to Elvira, MIstress of the Dark. Although Elvira had a more massive following, Smokula has a pretty fair cult following of his own. He continues to perform in the Annual Pasadena Doo Dah Parade with The Radioactive Chicken Heads. He’s worked in some bizarre cult films such as “Magics”, about a very unique magician who entertains sick and injured Palestinian and Jewish kids thoughout Israel's pediatric hospitals. Original music performed by bob as Count Smokula on his accordion Appears in several Troma Films from Troma Entertainment which is an independent film company that produces low-budget independent films. Mostly flicks that pay homage to the 1950’s horror films - lots of farcical parodies with gratuitous fake blood, guts and gore. These include: Trasharella with Rena Riffel; and he even did a couple of songs with Ron Jeremy, the porn star for TromaDance Festival one year. For links to my Smokey’s website and Youtube videos, go to www.talesoftheroadwarriors.com/smokey-miles where you’ll find them right under the show notes! So yeah, Smokey’s done his fair share of hosting music showcases, playing his guitar and the accordion, doing sketch comedy in the persona of the immortal Count Smokula, and cameo appearances in movies and music videos with the likes of Bob Dylan, himself. So, ‘nuff said… Here he is to talk about it - Robert “Smokey” Miles! Links to some of Smokey’s stuff (right under the Show Notes, where I said they’d be): Smokey Miles Official Website <a href="https://youtu.be/cnR4VBVL6a4" t
Tue, November 03, 2020
Essra Mohawk
ESSRA MOHAWK Pt. 1 Show Notes Essra Mohawk has had a very long and storied career. To describe her music as eclectic is a gross understatement. Her songs run the gamut from pop to avant garden, and in between she covers a lot of bases including rock, folk, folk rock, motown, jazz, tv jingles, rhythm and blues, and beautiful, heartfelt ballads about love and lust. Born Sandra Elayne Hurvitz, her earlier influences were her parents, Anne and Henry. Through them she grew up listening to an eclectic list of artists such as Judy Garland, Nina Simone, The Coasters, Frankie Lymon and the Teenagers, Little Anthony & the Imperials, Thelonius Monk, Erik Satie, Billy Holiday, Otis Redding, The Beatles, The Stones, Ravi Shankar among others/ In 1964 she released a single as Jamie Carter titled “The Boy With the Way” which I personally think is a really cool song. It pronbably could have been a hit hat it received proper publicity and marketing. Essra sounded a little peeved talking about it. I don’t blame her, and it would turn out not to be the first time here career hit a snag or detour. Essra was also the first female member of the Mothers of Invention. In fact, she spent about a year in a relationship with Frank Zappa who thanks to band member Ray Collins suggestion for a rock star name, dubbed her, Uncle Meat. When I first met Uncle Meat, she was in Philly on hiatus, and I had no idea who Frank Zappa and the Mothers of Invention were at the time. I would shortly discover them through Philadelphia DJ Michael Tearson, and eventually make the connection. But, I was happy to finally talk to her again so I could tell her the story of my first Essra Mohawk encounter. At this point, I should probably apologize for hijacking the conversation, for which I was duly busted by Essra. As I mentioned, her career is multifaceted, so the Show Notes page at talesoftheroadwarriors-slash-Essra-Mohawk includes some Essra Mohawk Career Highlights, discography ands links to some of the songs we talked about in this conversation. In my conversation, BTW, I barely scratched the surface of her career, so this is really just a little slice of life in which I hopefully captured some of her essence and got a couple pretty good stories from her. Due to technical difficulties, I just couldn’t get good enough audio, so I’ll just tell you some things that were to garbled to include in the podcast. I did manage to capture a little about her “crazy courage” as a Philly girl, and her propensity to stick up for others against bullies - and her mom. The main story I was hoping to have her retell was how she was scheduled to be one of the performers at Woodstock, but her manager missed the turn, causing Essra to miss her debut on the most well known world stage of all time. <p class="p1
Thu, August 13, 2020
Ben Vaughn Part 2
Ben Vaughn Part 2 - Show Notes Hey, howzit going everybody? Had enough of this lockdown yet? I know, I know, there’s nothing funny about it and you’re running out of ideas. Well, at least you have me to keep you entertained for a little while. I’m Hal in Philly and this is my podcast. Welcome to it. In case you forgot , it’s called… TALES OF THE ROAD WARRIORS! If you listened to the last episode, my conversation with Ben Vaughn - Part 1 then you know I ended it wth a kind of a cliff hanger. Ben was telling me that his father would not allow him to have a guitar i the house if he couldn’t get his grades up in school. Well, Ben had a hard time getting better grades, Instead choosing to be a juvenile delinquent. A rebel with an axe to grind, but he couldn’t bring his axe home with him. So, in part two, Ben goes on to tell us how he got around the Vaughn house rules… Talking Points No guitar allowed… E.J. Korvettes Silvertone guitars The Relay Shack The Rambler Revisited My Essra Mohawk story The Hippie scene in Philly, 20th and Sansom Street, The Plain Dealer - free underground newspaper Sugar Cane Harvest in Cuba Venceremos Brigade Songs we thought we had only imagined Underground Radio, The Marconi Experiment with Dave Herman John Sebastian was a bad influence on me Ben and I preach against smoking (Sorry, smokers) Norristown and the Zep The Delaware Valley More on The Geeter The Mojave Desert Santa Monica, Rent control, Ocean Park The Blue Lagune Saloon Kenn Kweder live shows on Facebook Music scene in Philly - Past and present, the next generation Charlie Gracie World Cafe Live Coronavirus effect on gigs ____________________________ TIP JAR
Thu, July 30, 2020
Ben Vaughn Part 1
Ben Vaughn, rock and roll star and DJ.. known throughout Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware Tri-state area and parts of New York. A fixture around these parts for a very long time. Listeners of NPR radio stations across the country can listen to his show, The Many Moods of Ben Vaughn” Musical influences include Kenn Kweder and Jerry Blavat aka The Geeter with the Heater, the Big Boss with the Hot Sauce.
Tue, July 07, 2020
Dave Kanyan
Hal in Philly talks with truck driver and podcaster, Dave Kanyan, host of Dumbing it Down With Dave, about driving a truck, podcasting at 85 mph, milk, comedy and some music. Episode Links and Resources Dave's Podcast Dumbing it Down With Dave Stream or Download - I'm Going For A Drive Tales of the Road Warriors Coffee Mug I'm Goin' For A Drive Travel Mug
Sat, May 16, 2020
Henry Phillips
Hal in Philly interviews Henry Phillips on Tales of the Road Warriors. He is a comedic singer/songwriter, actor and filmmaker. He has released comedy albums of his music, and has produced several series including The Loner for IFC, a cooking show on Patreon called Henry's Kitchen . Also on Patreon for 2020, a comedy series, The Highway Man . ---------------------------- Talking Points Sorry, wrong number Discovering Henry - Music reviewer Jonathan Widran Chimneysweep Jerry’s Deli Stories - Marlon Brando Saturday Night Live, Adam Sandler, Rob Schneider John Ritter, Amy Yasbeck Mark Cohen The Devil and Donny Most The Loser on IFC Henry’s Kitchen Jose Suicidio Hecklers New Show The Highway Man Singer songwriter Eric Schwartz Doug Stanhope Misogonistic lyrics John on Silicon Valley Mike Judge Links: Henry Phillip’s Official Website http://henryphillips.com/ Song: End of the World Henry Phillips Youtube Channel Henry’s Kitchen The Highway Man _______________________________ The Devil and Donny Most https://easywhenyouknowhal.weebly.com/ep-22-devil-and-donny-most.html
Mon, April 13, 2020
Kendal Conrad
Kendal Conrad is a country singer/songwriter/recording artist from outside of Philadelphia Pennsylvania.She has shared the stage and opened for the likes of Blake Shelton, Charlie Daniels Band, Chris Lane, Trace Adkins, Phil Vassar and many others and even sang a duet live onstage with Keith Urban. READ MORE
Wed, March 25, 2020
Andrea Nardello
Philly's Andrea Nardello has been compared to Melissa Etheridge, Shawn Colvin, Sheryl Crow and Brandi Carlisle. Influences in folk, rock & pop. Nardello recently won a contest and sang with Brandi Carlile at Carlile’s all women’s festival in Mexico. Also won Philadelphia Songwriter's Project Contest and the Tri-State Indie's "Acoustic Artist Of The Year." She has toured extensively opening for Colbie Caillat, Brandi Carlile, Gabe Dixon, Emerson Hart of Tonic Fame, Toby Lightman, Tim Reynolds of The Dave Matthews Band and Ron Pope. ANDREA NARDELLO FULL SHOW NOTES & LINKS
Fri, March 13, 2020
Toby Lightman Pt 1
Today is the first of three episodes in a row featuring Women Road Warriors in honor of International Women’s Month on Tales of the Road Warriors. My guest is Toby Lightman . In our brief talk we touched on another problem men never experience, the struggle to have a child. Though a man can share some of the emotional weight of this struggle, we can never know the physical and internal anguish that a woman experiences. Toby recently captured this in her song ‘Begin Again”. I had no idea what the song was about going into this conversation, so you’ll hear me getting woke in real time. Go To Show Notes Page
Mon, March 02, 2020
George Bunnell
Talking Points Band history and foundation of Strawberry Alarm Clock How they arrived at the name. Oingo Boingo connection Venice Beach Writers of Incense and Peppermints getting “jacked” Bad practices in the music businesses by music biz types. More personnel swaps and other Alarm Clock stories Similarity to the Doors. Ray Manzarek and Robbie Krieger. Comparisons with other bands. Other songs - Curse of the Witches and World on Fire The Unjust Drug Bust Ontario Motor Speedway gig with Ben Balloon Other names that came up: Frankie Avalon,Connie Stevens, John Walmsley, Richard Marx and Madonna. Remaking Incense and Peppermints, Licensing woes Roger Ebert, Valley of the Dolls The Seeds Tribute to Sky Saxon Playing unplugged Links to Strawberry Alarm Clock Website, Videos and Other Resources Full Transcripts (Scroll down some)
Fri, February 21, 2020
Cowboy Mach Bell
This is the first full-length interview of 2020 and my guest is Cowboy Mach Bell . Since this is a longish episode, I’ll just give you a brief rundown about who I’m talking to, and the rest, you’ll discover during our conversation. Full Show Notes: https://talesoftheroadwarriors.com/cowboy-mach-bell/
Sun, February 16, 2020
Best of 2019
Best excerpts from Tales of the Road Warriors podcast episodes from January through December of 2019. Guests include: Chad Watson, James Lee Stanley, Chad Watson, Liz Miller, Kenn Kweder, Jon Michaels, Jay David, Dan May, Lee Totten and Laura Cheadle,
Thu, January 23, 2020
Discovering-David-Bowie
Hal Aaron Cohen aka Hal in Philly recalls the time he discovered the album Man Who Sold The World by an unknown recording artist named David Bowie in the 99 cent bin of a record store i Center City Philladelphia in the early '70s
Tue, December 24, 2019
Dan Navarro
Dan Navarro best known for being in the super duo Lowen and Navarro - writers of We Belong, the mega hit for Pat Benetar. It has since been recorded by several others and featured in many movies, tv shows and including Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby , Pitch Perfect 2 , Deadpool 2 , and the season one finale of Dynasty and In the season 3 Finale of Santa Clarita Diet and just recently in a new Pepsi commercial. Unfortunately, we lost Eric Lowen in 2012 to ALS otherwise known as Lou Gerhigs Disease. It was a terrible blow the songwriting community. But Dan Navarro continues to soldier on. He is a true road warrior in every sense. In fact , w hen I talked with Dan, he was in his car on the way from a gig the night before in Lancaster, Pennsylvania - to Baltimore, 45 miles. Full Show Notes, Liks and transcript: https://talesoftheroadwarriors.com/dan-navarro/
Thu, December 12, 2019
Steve Schalchlin Part 2
In Part Two , Steve Talks about his miraculous recovery. Then, going on to write his internet diary, Living in the Bonus Round - and then, his award winning, long-running Off Broadway play, The Last Session . Later, he learns how to compose and write a Mass under the tutelage of Mark Janas, plays John Lennon's "Imagine" piano and then, shares a secret to attaining true success. Full show notes and transcripts here
Fri, December 06, 2019
Steve Schalchlin Pt 1
Steve Schalchlin is a singer/songwriter, a playwright, composer, a survivor of one of the worst epidemics to hit mankind since the plague... AIDS. Steve went on write the music and lyrics to the multi-award winning musical ,The Last Session with his lifetime partner and husband,Jim Brochu with additional lyrics by John Bettis and Marie Cain. The musical is about a singer/songwriter who has decided to commit suicide to end his battle with AIDS, but only after one last recording session in the studio. It first debuted off-Broadway in 1997. Full show notes and transcripts here
Fri, November 22, 2019
Ronstadt Brothers
Talking Points $40,000 dollar bow Aunt Linda Ronstadt Sound of My Voice Documentary Ronstadt Generations Growing up in the Ronstadt Family Travelling with a cello Tales of the Road Songwriting What's next? Current Projects Links to Ronstadt Brothers Websites Official Ronstadt Brothers Facebook Page Michael Ronstadt Website PD (Peter Dalton) Ronstadt The Foolish Fox Video
Fri, November 15, 2019
Lyra Project
Rick and Deb - Zero Emissions Musicians [caption id="attachment_768" align="alignright" width="248"] Debra Lee and Rick Denzien of Lyra Project[/caption] Lyra Project is a music duo fronted by Debra Lee with husband and music partner Rick Denzien , since 2001. They have collaborated together and with others, create & perform music with a universal humanitarian and spiritual message of compassion, peace, forgiveness, tolerance and inner transformation. Themes have expanded to include social and environmental issues. Full Show Notes Lyra Project Links Lyra Project Music bäh-fō Studio World class recording engineer, Rick Denzien, P.O. Box 567 • Ambler, PA 19002 DenLee Studio DenLee Music Studio is affiliated with Bah-fo Recording Studio, a professional-fully commercial production recording facility, located in the same building.
Sun, November 10, 2019
James Lee Stanley
This was recorded just days before James was scheduled to have a Squamous Cell Carcinoma removed from the base of his tongue along with some surrounding nodes. He's resting uncomfortably and trying to sleep sitting up with a tube down his throat according to a recent post he wrote on his Facebook page. You can help him out by purchasing James Lee Stanley CDs and merch. Links are below to his website. Full Show Notes Links James Lee Stanley Website - News, Links, News, The Man, The Music, Store, etc. DATAMUSICATA - The JLS Blog All Wood and Stones CD All Wood and Doors CD
Fri, November 01, 2019
Brett Perkins
Brett is an energetic, outwardly bubbly, positive guy who has a Paul McCarneyish vibe and his songs run the gamut of styles and emotions. He plays as a solo, as a duet with his lovely french lady named Magali Michaut, or his band the Pawnshop Preachers. He’s also often joined on stage by his daughter, 10-year-old Liva. ------------Read More Here-------------- Full Show Notes_________
Thu, October 24, 2019
Jodi Krangle
The intro was recorded by today’s guest, voice actor Jodi Krangle Jodi is a different kid of road warrior and I know her from traveling an entirely different kind of road… the Information Super Highway. Cyberspace, The Internet… Jodi Krangle, like me was an early adapter and like me, created and published one of the earlier online resources for songwriters. Full show notes and live links at: https://www.talesoftheroadwarriors.com/jodi-krangle
Sun, October 20, 2019
Reflections and Don Rickles
A Don Rickles Encounter I often talk about how musicians invented the gig economy. The word GIG used to apply pretty much to musicians and comics or others in the entertainment biz. But the word gig is used for uber driving, pet sitting, food delivery. Even some professional contractors refer to a job as a gig these days. As a musician I’ve worked quite a variety of gigs. I was working an interesting side hustle when I had one of my many celebrity encounters… Full Episode show notes: https://www.talesoftheroadwarriors.com/reflections-and-don-rickles
Sun, October 06, 2019
Philly Podfest
Dan May, Lizanne Knott, and Ciara Grace Live at the Tattoed Mom at 535 South Street in Philadelphia Welcome to TotRW live - presented by the Philadelphia podcast Festival at the Tattooed Mom on South Street in Philadelphia PA Guests Dan May, Lizanne Knott and her daughter Ciara Grace. Congratulations to Lizanne who just released her brand new album “Bones and Gravity” and it’s already getting stellar reviews. Daughter Ciara is working on her debut album and the buzz is crazy good. Dan’s starting work on a new music project, too, but even more exciting, he’s also putting the finishing touches on his new book. Topics we talk about include, Tattooed Mom’s Poutine Fries Cheese curds Changing strings (or not) Changing strings on a lute Pets and gigs Staying hydrated. Billy Eilish Cds, streaming, and vinyl How we listen to albums now vs then What to include in a musician’s survival kit? Favorite places to perform. cell phones at concerts Dan’s book James Taylor’s Fire and Rain Update Parking issues There’s a whole lot of me talking too much and not doing a very good job at moderating. It was about the 5th day in a row of a heat wave (about 102 degrees that day. I had never done a podcast with more than one other person before, so I apologize in advance for the looseness of this episode. Still, we did get some good stuff out of this little bull session. LINKS TO THINGS WE TALKED ABOUT Dan with Lizanne and Ciara - “Imagine” at Sellersville Theater July 5th, 2019 DAN MAY Beacon Dan’s Previous Conversation with Hal on Tales of the Road Warriors LIZANNE KNOTT Lizanne’s Website Lizanne’s Music Video Be Careful With My Heart Lizanne Knott Video <a href= "https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_con
S2 E1 · Thu, September 26, 2019
Decompressed
Hal in Philly returns after a nearly two-month hiatus! Topics: Philadelphia Podcast Festival (Philly Podfest) Podcast Movement 2019 (PM19) Woodstock 50th Anniversay Atlantic City Po Festival 1969 ______________________________________ Resources and Links Talked From This Episode Steve Stewart – Learn to Edit Podcasts With Audacity Dave Jackson & Jim Collison – Ask the Podcast Coach Dave Kanyan – Dumbing it Down With Dave Be sure to comment. Dave loves comments (and so do I!!) Full show notes and transcript: https://talesoftheroadwarriors.com/podcast-movement-2019-and-woodstock-50th-anniversary/
Thu, August 08, 2019
Ghost of Marilyn Monroe
Marilyn Monroe, Jamie Sheriff and Me Hi, this is Hal Aaron Cohen and welcome to my podcast Tales of the Road Warriors No guest, today. Just me, Hal Aaron and I’ll be driving solo. You still get a great story , though. One of my own Tales of the Road Warriors. Fun times! Today, I want to share what’s ahead for the Tales of the Road Warriors podcast, but first, let me tell you a little about what’s been going on, as well as what’s going on right now. First, I want to thank all of you for listening, especially those of you who follow and share the show with your friends and on social media. I also want to thank everyone who has been a guest on the show, and thanks in advance to those who will be joining me on future episodes. Oh, and lest I forget – I’d like to give a big shoutout to my old friend Joe Walla for allowing me to use his instrumental, PLAYA DEL SPAIN, featuring his fretboard virtuosity and signature, Hola Gente! – as the opening theme music. By the way, “Hola Gente” is Spanish for “Hello, People” A couple of weeks ago, I recorded a live episode of TotRW with Lizanne Knott, her daughter Ciara and Philly folk-rock music icon and author, Dan May. It was a sweltering 102 degree day and I can’t thank them enough for participating. It was recorded live by Kev Gallagher at the Tattoed Mom on 5th & South Street in Philadelphia as part of the Philadelphia Podcast Festival. Kev is the host of a podcast called, Everything is Awesome and is the co-host of The Zombcast . Kev also writes for Dark Knight News and is working on a science fiction series and probably more projects I’m not privy to. He’s ALSO a dad to two kids. Despite all the stuff he’s got going on in his life, Kev volunteered to record all of the podcasts at the Tatooed Mom during the week of the Philly Pod Fest. So a HUGE thanks to Kev . Also a big thank you to Nathan and Taegan Kuruna the organizers of Philly Podcast Festival – for including a new, still-in-the-baby-stages Tales of the Road Warriors. I am grateful for the opportunity, even if I did choke a little and probably squandered my opportunity a little bit. Tell you what… I’m blaming the heat. In the meantime, Dan, Lizanne and Ciara were the perfect guests. I haven’t edited that show yet and I apologize for getting behind, but, I got a healthy dose of last minute music gigs, and that combined with trying to get ready for the live podcast and a big event in Orlando, Florida, I’ve just been short on time. I try to get an ep
Fri, July 19, 2019
Bob Malone
Bob Malone. In case you don’t know the name, I am happy to be the one bringing this remarkable and talented keyboard wizard into your orbit… There are some people you encounter in life who immediately stand out in some inexplicable way. You may have heard it described as the X Factor, or that “IT” factor. An aura. Bob has that. I still remember like it was yesterday… several members of the National Academy of Songwriters (now The Songwriters Guild) had volunteered to help repaint their offices. Bob and I were among that group and so I was on the floor placing masking tape along the wall above the molding. Malone was coming from the other direction and we met in the middle where we struck up a conversation. Turned out he was a keyboard player. A new kid in town from New Jersey who like many of us , had trekked out to L.A. to seek their fame and fortune. We immediately struck up a friendship. Eventually, I ended up recording some demos for him (and with him) at my home studio in Venice and helped him get a steady gig at the Chimneysweep, where I was acting as entertainment coordinator. I played there on Sunday nights, myself. The Hal Show. Acoustic Sunday. Bob eventually started making a name for himself in L.A. as a music transcriber, singer/songwriter, arranger, session musician, and music supervisor. He has performed and or recorded with living legends, and in fact he’s been touring with John Fogerty, a founding member of Creedence Clearwater Revival, for the last decade. He’s opened for the Neville Brothers (recently, we said goodbye to Art Neville). On their last tour, Bob got to share the stage with Mr. Springsteen, himself. I wish I had more time to talk to Bob – – – When I finally caught up with him, he was on his way back from a recording session on a new project. What else is new? Mr. Malone is ALWAYS working on something new. That’s why he’s always got such good stories! So, our conversation barely touched the tip of the iceberg. Talk a bout a road warrior? He was literally in his car during the entire conversation, so the audio might have been a little funky in patches. Which is fitting, because Bob Malone really knows how to bring the funk! Some the topics we covered include: Old Bob Malone songs. New Bob Malone songs. A brand new video called Good People (and I’M in it!). Yay! … for about a second. The iconic accordion solo he before John Fogarty and the rest of the band break into Looking’ Out My Back Door Touring Europe - Italy and Paris in particular. Shark week and the Sparkly Shark song by Bob’s wife, Karen Nash who is also a shellologist. Bob’s epic photos of the crowds taken from a stage-eye view An encounter with Jackson Bro
Fri, July 12, 2019
Jay David
Jay David Cover of the AARP and Other Stuff Things we discuss in this episode: My flooded basement apartment. Playing venues in Philadelphia… There’s a section that got a little garbled, I guess due to a bad connection, Maybe Jay was walking through a dead zone in his house. For whatever reason, you may not be able to understand the audio. Don’t tune out, it gets clear again for the remainder of the show. He was telling me how he started at the age of two singing not the Horn & Hardart Children’s Hour. Horn and Hardart was a “food service automat”, where all the food came out of vending machines. I remember how my mother would never let us go in. She used to tell us, you won’t like anything in there. I wasn’t crazy about eating baked beans anyway. Or a slice of pie that had been sitting inside of a vending machine of who knows how long? Anyway, Jay went on to say how he started out banging out drumbeats on the dining room table and annoyed the hell out of people with his incessant drumming on everything. He eventually took lessons but got bored. So he learned by listening to the records, eventually giving lessons the same way he wanted to learn. Taught drums by having drum students bring him the records with the songs they wanted to learn and just teach them to play those songs. I know some music teachers who hate guys like that. If you’re not teaching the fundamentals, they look down their noses at you. Personally, I think there’s room for both teaching styles. Hey, what’s wrong with learning to play your favorite songs? We swapped stories about his mom and Frank Sinatra’s mom Drum Corp competitions. Reilly’s Raiders in Willow Grove, PA (Still there!) Shelter dogs, Carnegie Hall, the Navy, Hospital Corps, Dolly Sinatra, Frank Sinatra, Nancy Sinatra. Boots. Dorsey Brothers, Jimmy and Tommy Dorsey, Brenda Lee, The Wagon Wheel, Mercury Records, Dr. Hook and the Medicine Show, getting signed by Clive Davis Links to Videos, etc. The Last Morning</stro
Thu, July 04, 2019
Phil Leavitt
Show Notes and Talking Points Las Vegas roots. Started out on piano, went immediately to drums. Played in a lot of bands, including a cover band that played Hawaii, followed by a rough stint in Alaska I first met Phil at an outdoor festival. Phil was the drummer in a group called Films About Women . I was bassist/lead singer for a band called The Fever and we were also performing that day. Phil was an ex-grade school student of our rhythm guitarist and main songwriter, Graham Becker. So I got to hear Films About Women then and man, I know an exceptional drummer when I hear one. Years later, Phil joined an amazing, high energy alternative rock trio called Dada. It consisted of Joei Calio, Michael Gurly and of course, Phil Leavitt. They had an international hit with a song called I’m Going to Diz-Knee-Land . The toured extensively, opening for Sting. Michael Gurley left to tour with Keifer Sutherland, causing scheduling problems during their 25th reunion tour. We talked about Darius Dehger and the Special Deluxe Combo The team behind the videos. The image, look and attitude behind 7Horse music. (Dada was anti-image”). A little about Phil’s dad. The Bowler Hat. Present day peacocking. The Vegas influences. Liberace and Elvis. Tales From the Hollywood Freeway The Bob Dylan Story The Bill Murray Story (and their super fan, Pro Golf Champion Scott Simpson) Phil Leavitt and 7Horse Links and Resources 7HORSE on YouTube 7Horse Facebook Page
Sun, June 30, 2019
Lisa Nemzo Pt 1
During the 80’s, I bartended at a rock club called the Blue Lagune Saloon in Marina del Rey, California. I saw a lot of great bands during my time there, the Plimsouls, Etta James, The Moore Brothers (Joe Cocker’s backup band during the Mad Dogs and Englishmen tour), Billy and the Beaters, The Bus Boys; Kathy Valentine of the Go Goes celebrated her 21st birthday there to a virtual who’s who of the 80’s rock and roll elite. Yet one young lady stood out to me back then among all of these 80’s pop rockers and hard rocking’ and r&b bands. I’m talking about Lisa Nemzo. Today, on Tales of the Road Warriors! Lisa Nemzo. She did this acoustic guitar solo during a song called Try and Run, in which she used harmonics to create an exciting instrumental break before going back into the final chorus. I was serving drinks to a thirsty audience; business as usual when she broke into that amazing solo. I stopped waiting on customers and just watched with my note open like everybody else who became an instant fan that night . Harmonics are created by lightly touching the string and then pulling away as you pluck or strum. A lot of us use them as an accent, but I had never seen anyone take it and run with it like that before. So, that became her signature. She has toured Europe and the U.S. in several incarnations. Read her bio here to get an idea of the full scope of this talented lady. In her other life, Lisa works as a healer in Polarity Therapy and works to raise money for the American Polarity Therapy Association. She is also an activist and works with war veterans to make sure they are not forgotten and receive the benefits and treatment they truly deserve. Some folks talk about it. Lisa Nemzo is a doer. Some of the things we talked about include: Visiting the east coast. The Weather - East Coast vs West Coast Body surfing the Atlantic Ocean in Cape May Boogie boarding in the Pacific Ocean Lisa Nemzo’s dad’s secret musical life (What?!) Lisa’s actress/singer mom/ Lisa’s first school play Musical instruments in the family… piano, trumpet, coronet, baritone horn, clarinet, ukulele and guitar Going to L.A. after college to pursue a jazz career, but ending up in a session with Mike Botts from Bread and starting songwriting career Touring for ten years with no product (no album, no cassette, no cd… nothin’). Harmonics. Getting schooled by Tom Rush and developing the Lisa Nemazo signature sound A mentor teaches Lisa to survive as a female musical artist in a man’s world Touring and or opening for Hall and Oates, David Crosby, BB King, David Lindley, Tim Weisberg and many others <p class=
Fri, May 24, 2019
Jon Michaels
Jon Michael Show Notes Jon is originally from Los Angeles, Where I met him. Well, Encino to be exact. About 1980 He had just recently come off a tour with the New Christy Minstrels which… fuck! I totally forgot to ask him about! HIS MUSICAL INFLUENCES are Jim Croce and Harry Chapin. You can clearly hear that in his writing and performing. Both those boys would have been proud to count Jon as a protege. PERSONAL INSPIRATIONS - His mom; wife, Jeannie; and Daughter, Jennings “For the longest time, my sole concentration was on my music and to pursue my music career, I thought I had to be single and uncommitted. Today, I’ve discovered I can have both and it’s truly inspiring.” … And I can tell you, because I’ve known Jon a long time, and as one of his Facebook friends who reads his posts - he dotes on his family- BIGTIME! Christina Pirello , a Philadelphia TV cooking show show hostess heard Jon play his music one night at the Bluebird Café in Nashvilland invited him to perform on “Christina Cooks,” her natural foods cooking program on PBS. The response was so overwhelming that Christina invited Jon to sing on every episode. The show is carried by more than 150 PBS affiliates and has introduced Jon’s music and warm personality to a coast-to-coast audience. Talk about singing for your supper. ________________________ LINKS John Michael’s Website Jon Michaels Music Videos I HEAR A CLOCK CHECK PLEASE performed by Paul Jefferson ________________________ Please subscribe to the Tales of the RoadWarriors Newsletter if you haven’t already and “LIKE” the TotRW Facebook Group on Facebook .
Thu, May 09, 2019
Lee Totten
Lee Totten has been performing and in several incarnations as solo acoustic act as well as with a full band. He’s one of the original contributors to the Tales of the Road Warriors section of Li’l Hank’s Guide for Songwriters, my award winning website during the nineties which is how we first met. We bonded online, but I later met Lee in person when he flew out to California - - - I was hosting the Acoustic Soup Open Mic and Showcase at the Book Grinders in Van Nuys. where he popped in and performed some of his originals songs. It’s been a long time since then, so in this conversation, we get caught up with a lot of things Lee’s been up to over the years and of course, he shares some of his very entertaining stories. You’ll laugh. You’ll cry, you’ll be a blubbering emotional wreck… okay, well, I may have exaggerated that last thing… Anyway… Lee Totten is headlining a show for the first time in a long time … on May 25th, 7PM at Waypoint Spirits in Bloomfield, CT. His friends LSD (Lead Singer's Disease) and albinoTree will be opening the show. They’re donating all ticket sales to Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation . Great Waypoint Spirits cocktails, beer from <a href= "https://www.facebook.com/swingoilbeer/?__tn__=K-R&eid=ARDXzYomDlBC7F0PwrIfjEXpFAXN29Vyc8iTEcBbHB7A4-ZmFb3XaUwlDs5Odl6SF_lOJKHN-SrbhZSH&fref=mentions&__xts__%5B
Sat, May 04, 2019
Joe Walla
While freelancing as webmaster for an adult website, and I met Joe Walla when I accompanied my boss to a gigantic adult video, toy and clothing warehouse, where he shopped for items to stock the online store. Sitting behind a desk in the sales office was Joe. He gave us each card that read “ Joe Walla The Million Dollar Man” . You can hear me and Joe talkin' about the porn industry, rockin' and racing, open mics, biker bars, songwriting, reminisce about the old days and - get caught up on some of the stuff Joe's doing now. He also has a Youtube show where he combines the world of rock ’n roll with the combustible world of racing. It’s Called: Rockin & Racing With Joe Walla and Chris Seaward Discover Joe, listen to and buy his music on his official site: https://joewallaband.com/ or... Joe Walla Music on BroadJam https://www.broadjam.com/JoeWalla Rockin & Racing With Joe Walla and Chris Seaward ________________________ Be sure to visit the Tales of the Road Warriors Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/TalesWarriors/
Thu, April 25, 2019
Tzach Gefen
I’m talking about Israel and music with Tzach Gefen - one half of the team that hosts the TBI Podcast aka Talkin’ Bout Israel and stuff with his co-host: Mike Leibsohn Tzach and I talked mostly about music. His music. My music, Israeli Music, Irish bar music, Japanese music and we might have talked a little about the food, too. Spoiler alert... in this episode, I share my Donny Most story. For links to all of the things we talked about, music, websites, Youtube videos, etc. go to the show notes page for this episode on the Tales of the Road Warriors Website https://www.talesoftheroadwarriors.comtzach-gefen Support this podcast with a few shekels... Please contribute to the gas can: https://talesoftheroadwarriors.com/tip-jar/ Enjoy!!!
Thu, April 18, 2019
Johnny Koolrock
And now, for something completely different… This past week, I accompanied the near-legendary James Lee Stanley to Teaneck New Jersey where he did a radio interview/live in-studio concert on WFDU with the host of the Traditions radio show, Ron Olesko. I had intended to interview James Lee for a future episode of the Tales of the Road Warriors podcast, but due to technical difficulties, I couldn’t complete the mission. However, on the way back home from the radio station, James and I talked about many things, and during the course of the conversation, among other things, we swapped stories about our past gigs. Which lead to me telling hime about something that happen to me, and it’s on of my favorite TALES OF THE ROAD WARRIORS!!!! Johnny Coolrock Show Notes https://talesoftheroadwarriors.com/johnny-koolrock/
Fri, April 12, 2019
Andy Cahan
This is episode number 14 in which Andy Cahan, aka The Most Famous Musician You Never Heard Of, talks about his upcoming autobiography by the same name in which he recounts his youth, his adventures in music and exploits with the fabulous rock group, The Turtles and countless others he has played, toured and recorded with. Fro the full show notes go to the official Andy Cahan Show Notes Page
Thu, April 04, 2019
Tony Gamble
Tony first became know for his chops on the guitar. He’s what was known as a “ shredder” - a guitarist with impeccable skills and playing speed. He taught guitar, wrote guitar instruction books and toured with rock bands throughout the world. Unfortunately, Tony didn’t really want to talk about the more decadent period of his rock and roll life life, which would have made for great podcast fodder. However, as a friend, I didn’t want to press him to talk about those days. We mostly discussed what Tony has been doing lately , which is writing and recording new material for his latest project… an as yet untitled, but soon to be released album of original ukulele music for Warner Brothers Latin division. This latest project has ignited new passion in Gamble and he is very excited to talk about his latest creation. MORE
Thu, March 28, 2019
Kenn Kweder
During the late seventies, while I was working as a singing waiter in Los Angeles and cutting my own teeth as a performer, I was missing a phenomenon in my own home town of Philadelphia… a guy by the name of Kenn Kweder. While I was bartending, bussing, waiting, and singing Beatles songs tableside to my customers, Kenn Kweder and the Secret Kids was taking Philly by storm on every stage in town. Now here we are in 2019 and, Kenn Kweder, like me, is still actively gigging all over the tri-state area. He sometimes performs solo, sometimes accompanied by a friend or two, and occasionally with his full band, the Men From Wawa. Read more...
Fri, March 22, 2019
Johnny Roquemore
If you have been listening to some of previous Tales of the Road Warriors podcast, then you already know that the GA or Great American Food and Beverage Company is where I worked as a singing waiter in the 70’s. Johnny Roquemore was one of my favorite coworkers there. Before we got into sharing our “how we got fired from the GA” stories, we start out like a couple of old men talking about our respective surgeries. Turns out that we are (as John puts it) “bowel brothers”. I swore when I was younger that I would never turn out to be one of those old geezers who goes on and on about their medical condition and bore people with long drawn out descriptions of gross surgical procedures and shit. But Johnny brought it up, so we did end up talking about that stuff in the beginning. So if this ain’t what you signed up for, just skip to about 8:44. Personally, I think some of that 8 minutes is the best, but, hey… totally up to you. NOTE: On the podcast, I said 6:44 minutes. At the time, I hadn't yet added the intro. Sorry :-) Eventually, we get into trading stories about our current gigs…. me at a hotel in Wayne, PA and private parties here on the East Coast, and Johnny at private parties and local festivals. More Show Notes __________________________ Music In This Episode Intro (most epsiodes): Playa del Spain by Joe Walla Joe Walla music availble on Broadjam Outro (most epsodes): I’m Goin’ For a Drive by Hal Cohen Produced by Barry Keys for Xenon Records Piano: Barry Keys Lead Guitar: Aaron Wolfson
Fri, March 15, 2019
Earl Okin
Earl Okin has done an extensive amount of traveling during his career as a working and touring musician. He is still best known as the only person to have toured with as opening act for Paul McCartney and Wings. It all started when Earl wrote an open letter to the SongTalk mailing list. It was titled, “Tribute to Linda McCartney”. It was a heartfelt tribute to Linda, who had recently died of cancer. Later, when I put out a request for essay's for my new website, Earl must have seen it, because he submitted the letter to and gave me permission to reprint it in the Tales of the Road Warriors section of my fledgling website, Lil Hank’s Guide for Songwriters, which was one of a handful of early online resources for songwriters and musicians in the mid 1990’s. So, in January of 2019, when I first started creating the Tales of the Road Warriors podcast, which gets its name from that section of Li’l Hank’s Guide, I went in the WABAC machine to reread some of the essays - and came across Earl’s Tribute to Linda. This got me to thinking… hmmm, why don’t see if he’s still around and invite him to be a guest on my podcast. So, I searched Google and Facebook for Earl Okin and found out that not only is he still around, he’s just turned 72, fit as a fiddle, still doing concerts AND, he even has his own podcast More Show Notes...
Thu, March 07, 2019
Peter Tork Tribute
This is not just a recap of Peter Tork’s career with the Monkees. Or a history of Peter’s life. You can find a lot of great articles, interviews and music videos of his all over the internet. But Peter was the sum of many parts before, during and after his association with the iconic band that propelled him to stardom. This is my little piece of the Peter Tork story, and I feel honored and fortunate that I entered his orbit, however briefly. I also encountered several people within that orbit that have agreed to share their stories of working with or just hanging with Peter. A few of the words that come up a lot when talking with the people that ever met him… kind, humble and gracious. I never heard anyone utter an unkind word about him. For all of the Show Notes and links to websites, music and videos mentioned in the podcast visit: Peter Tork Tribute Show Notes
Thu, February 28, 2019
THANK YOU
Hi this Hal Aaron Cohen and I want to welcome you to Tales of the Road Warriors. Today’s episode is going to be relatively short because I was hoping to be dropping a Tribute to Peter Tork today. However, I got a little behind due to the time it took me to get a few people I wanted to participate in remembering Peter, and I didn’t want to rush to merely get out a couple of sound bytes about someone who deserves more than that. So, for that reason, this week, you get two episodes. This first one is just to say thank you. I’d like to humbly thank everyone who has been listening to my Tales of the Road Warriors podcast, and those who have been apologetically telling me they haven’t checked it out yet, but they will. To you I say - Hey! NO WORRIES. I’m not going anywhere. I’m happy to be the one introducing you to the world of podcasts and more specifically, to my world of musical road warriors. Those brave souls who brave the elements, with a carload of musical instruments, PA systems, mics and cords and cable and pedals, doggedly dragging them inland out of bars, restaurants, churches, theaters, concert halls and all kinds of other venues inn attempt to bring joy into the lives of friends, family and more often, roomfuls or stadiums full - of complete strangers. And when the show is over, unless you’re in a famous rock band, you’re driving home after midnight, trying to keep your eyes open so you can live to play again another day. And some of you. like me, who finally gets home after playing four sets, and driving 2 hours each way only to have to walk the dog before you can take your shoes off! So, yes! Thanks for the support from my musicians friends. Some of who have bought and sold so many guitars on Craigslist, your spouse is planning to kill you in your sleep if you bring home one more. And thank you to those who play an open mic one pr more nights a week just to keep that flame alive within. And thank you to those listeners that just appreciate music. You come to our gigs, you’re truly interest ed in us and our well being and buy our CD’s or download our songs or watch our videos on Youtube. THANK YOU (Transcript) This Tales of the Road Warriors podcast is for all of you. My goal is to release an episode every Thursday, by hook or by crook and introduce you to some amazing people. And hopefully, bring some humor along with it! All right so -THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU! I hope to have the Peter Tork Tribute out tomorrow. I was hoping to have done today, but Well
Fri, February 22, 2019
Rick Denzien
Live from bäh-fo Studio in Ambler, PA. a great little burb outside of Philly home to great music food and artsy little boutiques and street fairs and festivals. Today, Rick Denzien talks to me about his parents, who were amateur race car drivers. That’s right, he’s the son of a real hard drinkin’ and smokin’ Nascar Mama. Formula E events regular formula racing, all electric cars that go 200 miles an hour. I asked about the lack of that smell of fuel and cars exploding. Then we talked a little about his younger days as a guitar slinger, but the green activist Rick shortly kicked back in and took a short detour to speak briefly about littering. To be honest, I admire Rick’s commitment to keeping the planet free of poisons and garbage and burning fossil fuels, but I have to admit, I haven’t been one of the Earths greatest stewards myself. I do clean up after my dog. Well on one hand I do that, but on the other hand, I use aplastic bag. Sorry, Rick! Then we got into the world of phony phone calls, because, well, let’s face it, what else did we do with our very first tape recorder in those days? Just a heads-up. You better beware, because I told him about the celebrity sound boards on Ebaum’s World, so I may have awakened the prankster within. Sorry folks. I didn’t know. We then talk some more about recording and winning contests, reckless driving and a crazy invention that allowed you to safely jump out the window of a skyscraper. And where are our jet packs? Or a firehose that we could ride like in the show “Jackass”. Or Marty McFlys’s air board from “Back to the Future”. Once again, we talk about recycling and repurposing bags and eating utensils and people pissing in streams, before getting to some stories about pissing off club owners and promoters across Europe before ultimately making friends with the guy. An old girlfriend tells Rick she’s pregnant just before he’s about to go on stage! And finally, he tells the story about how the lens falls out of his glasses but one of the backup vocalists saves the day when she repairs the glasses by using her fingernail as a screwdriver. Which leads us to come ups with a new invention! We end up talking about the Lyra Project, the original duo of Rick Denzien and his Wife, Debra Lee, with a little shout out to American Idol runner-up, Justin Guardini. Then I drop a few names for good measure and the whole thing </s
Thu, February 14, 2019
Dan May
DAN MAY SHOW NOTES I spoke with Dan May in December, shortly after he had celebrated his 60th birthday! In this fascinating episode, Dan talks about the early days in Sandusky Ohio, working summers with the family at the local amusement park. First garage band and girls. Early influences, studying opera in Philadelphia and being a professional opera singer for 12 years (until vocal cord surgery put him on a different course). HE also talks about 3 years as dancer in a Russian touring company. Meanwhile, in all this time as an opera singer, he was suppressing this wonderful songwriter hiding within. What happened years later when Dan May allowed all those songs to emerge from the depths. His meeting Liz Miller at a TAXI Song Expo in L.A., which lead to the road to his becoming the beloved singer/songwriter he is known as through ought the world today! As if that isn’t enough, Dan is an author, too! In 2016, his book Adventures in Grocery Shopping: And other short stories from a cereal aisle aficionado, immediately made the “Philadelphia Inquirers Best Books of 2016” list. Dan continues to perform live, in and around Philadelphia. And he often visits his home town of Sandusky, Ohio where he performs for his longtime friends and fans. For more about Dan May or to purchase his music or books, visit DanMayCD.com Read my personal review of: Adventures in Grocery Shopping by Dan May
Thu, February 07, 2019
Liz Miller
Liz Miller Today, Liz and I talked about – driving, listening to podcasts vs. terrestrial radio, sleep, being a nurse and a songwriter, growing up in a musical family which allows Liz to drop a few serious names: Bobby Scott (writer of “He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother” and “A Taste of Honey”), Andy Williams, Steve Lawrence and Eydie Gorme, mom on the Steve Allen Show. Sarah Vaughan, Peggy Lee. Dad was a Mad Man and music lessons with the meanest teacher in New Jersey. WHERE DO SONGS COME FROM? Even though Liz is a serious songwriter, she has a few extremely funny songs in her catalogue. One of them, and one of my personal favorites is called Code Brown . So today, you’ll get the back story on this hilarious song and Youtube video. Turns out story of the song is as funny as or funnier than the song itself! How does Liz manage to balance a nursing career and a songwriting career, yet still finds the time to be a wife, and mother of two kids? Find out now on Tales of the Road Warriors! Links to Sites We Talked About: The Xconditionals The Alternative Pop/Rock duo of award winning songwriters Liz Miller and Margaret McClure. Produced by Andy Machin Liz Miller on Reverbnation Liz Miller on Broadjam NSAI – Nashville Songwriters Association International (Philadelphia Chapter)
Thu, January 31, 2019
Chad Watson
Chad Watson is a world class bass player, songwriter, sideman and sidekick (just ask his lovely wife, Pam Loe). Artists he’s tour and /or records with include John York, Ronnie Milsap and Charlie Rich, Freebo and Bonnie Raitt, Ja mes Lee Stanley, Chris Hillman, The Burrito Brothers, Janis Ian, Ezra Mohawk and others. Some of the things I talk about with Chad include: Playing at one of my favorite venues, Kulak’s Woodshed in North Hollywood with Freebo who used to be Bonnie Raitt’s bass player, and the Kulak’s Woodshed archives, which have been relocated to their Youtube channel, where you can still see live performances from some of the performers mentioned in our conversation. He also takes about his days on the road with Ronnie Milsap; A brush with Kim Fowley, reminisces about some of the old clubs like the Palomino and a missed opportunity to sit in with Stuff, the original house band from Saturday night live when we swapped stories about missed opportunities. I mentioned the I chickened out when Marty Rifkin invited me to sit in with the house jam at the Palomino. And then there’s great tale about country star Dale Watson - sorry, no spoilers. Chad is currently working on a few recording projects and has just tapped up a project with James Lee Stanley. He continues to perform live with his lovely wife, Pam Loe. Chad’s Website: http://www.chadwatson.us Your best bet in viewing it is with the Firefox browser. It requires the Flash plugin. KULAK’S WOODSHED ARCHIVES https://www.youtube.com/user/paulkulak1/featured James Lee Stanley - Freelance Hyman Being https://jamesleestanley.com/
Thu, January 24, 2019
Gary MIchael Mazzola
Gary Michael Mazzola From, the bio on his website… “Gary Michael Mazzola is a talented Tehachapi songwriter with an exceptional voice and a gift for writing lyrical, approachable songs about life and love. He’s has played with many talented musicians during his long musical journey and honed his craft in numerous band incarnations since his father gave Gary his first real guitar when he was just 13 years old." Mazzola has been writing songs all his life and for the past few years since developing Parkinson's disease, he's devoted all his time to the art form. "The way I see it as long as I can still control the tremors and play I have a responsibility to myself to do what I love. I get up each morning, get ready for the day, go into my studio, and start writing. That's my life and I love it." One of the topics I talked about with Gary is Parkinson’s Disease. Gary has had this debilitating disease for years. It attacks a person’s motor skills, so they are not able to move as fast as they can think. It can be extremely frustrating. One of more unpredictable results of the effects Parkinson’s has had on Gary was unintended, unpredictable yet not all bad - he has become proficient at playing slide guitar because it has become too difficult for him to form chords on the neck of the guitar. These days, he is considered an accomplished bottleneck slide guitar player. One door closes and another opens. Gary is now directing plays as well, and he went into some detail about his current project, Young Frankenstein, the Musical. It seems Mel Brooks wrote a musical stage version of his famous movie, complete with songs and choreography and Mazzola is directing a theatrical group in Tehachapi where it is being performed by the local talent. BTW - One of the names that came up during the conversation is DJ. DJ is DJ Barker, a singer songwriter and mutual friend. As a matter of fact, He's my oldest friend from Philadelphia, was instrumental in my moving to California and he helped get me my first job as a singing waiter at the Great American Food & Beverage Company - the same place where he first met Gary. You’ll be hearing from DJ in later episodes of the Tales of the Road Warriors. Check out Gary’s music and learn more about his other upcoming projects visit his website at GaryMi
Thu, January 17, 2019
Laura Cheadle
Today I’m talking to funkadelic singer/songwriter and Jersey Girl, Laura Cheadle , who has been kicking off the new year with several performances. As a matter of fact, tomorrow, Friday, January 18th she’ll be appearing at the Union Firehouse in Mount Laurel, NJ. For more information and to get the skinny on all of her upcoming gigs, go to lauracheadle.com and click on DATES in the MENU.
Sun, January 13, 2019
Introducing Tales of the RoadWarriors
This is a pilot episode. This is where I introduce myself, Hal Aaron Cohen as host of the weekly podcast, Tales of the Road Warriors, exploring the world through the eyes of entertainers, musicians, singer/songwriters, recording engineers, managers, venue owners and people who make a living on stage and behind the scenes. There are no guests in this episode. Just a brief story behind the creation of the show followed by a short promo featuring audio clips from a few upcoming guests. My first guest will be Laura Cheadle from New Jersey. The show drops tomorrow(Thursday, January 17th). Laura writes original funk/blues based rock and performs as a solo and with her band. You can see Laura Cheadle live at these upcoming events: Fri, JAN 18 The Union Firehouse Mt Holly, NJ Sat, JAN 26 3rd & Lindsley- Opening for World Turning Nashville, TN Sat, FEB 23 Do The Right Thing 4LIFE-AIDS Delaware Banquet Claymont, DE Fri, MAR 29 Broadway Theatre- Opening for Marc Broussard Pitman, NJ For more information and tickets: lauracheadle.com
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