Stay ConnectedBlowing Smoke with Twisted Rico, hosted by music industry veteran Steev Riccardo, brings you weekly conversations with the people who make the music world go round — musicians, songwriters, producers, label execs, roadies, publicists, and more. Each episode also serves up fresh new music picks, honest song reviews, and no-shortage-of-stories rock ‘n’ roll road tales
Follow along on Instagram @blowingsmokewithTR, or reach out to Steev directly at twistedrico@gmail.com.
Copyright: © Steev Riccardo
Darren Hill started his career in New Orleans as bassist for punk legends The Red Rockers, then went on to play with The Raindogs, Klover, The Stardarts, and Paul Westerberg. He later made the jump to management, founding Ten Pin Management and working with Westerberg, David Johansen, The Dropkick Murphys, Roky Erickson, and The Mighty Mighty Bosstones. Along the way, he played a key role in the reunions of two iconic bands — The Replacements and The New York Dolls.
Music
The Charms "So Pretty"
The Guts "Let It Go"
Recorded by Mike Nashawaty on May 13 at Voice Motel, Somerville MA
This episode is dedicated to someone who both Darren and I both knew well, Terri Engeron.
Please support the podcast: patreon.com/twistedrico
This is a special BONUS episode of the show recapping many highlights of past shows dating back to our debut in January 2019 when we started this journey back in Pittsburgh PA! If you like name dropping and shouts-outs, you are gonna love this one! We also play a brand new song from Margaret Garrett (Mr. Airplane Man) putting the lovely icing on the cake.
Music
The Charms "So Pretty" (theme song)
Margaret Garrett "Clouds"
Recorded on May 10 by Mike Nashawaty at Voice Motel, Somerville MA
please support the podcast at patreon.com/twistedrico
On this episode of the show, we are joined by Keith Bennett, who shares some insanely funny stories about his youth including how the KISS "Rock And Roll Over" album changed his life and led him to be the rocker he still is today. We also talk about the Boston hardcore scene, Wrecking Crew, PanzerBastard, Motorhead, sitting in with the Gang Green all-star band, and what recovery has been like for him. Its a real dose of reality and honesty, the way we like it...
Music
The Charms "So Pretty"
PanzerBastard "Grave Robber"
The Outlets "Bright Lights"
Recorded on April 28 by Nick Z. at New Alliance East, Somerville MA
please support the podcast at patreon.com/twistedrico
On this episode of the show, we are joined by one of our favs Margaret Garrett and chat away about her new recordings, play an obscure Mr. Airplane Man track, share our mutual love for The Lyres, and remember the old days in Inman Sq in Cambridge MA. where she met Morphine's Mark Sandman and how it all started for her...and yes...the 1369 Coffee House....
Music
The Charms "So Pretty"
Mr. Airplane Man "Louisiana"
Margaret Garrett "Dance With Me
Recorded on April 28 by Nick Z. at New Alliance East, Somerville MA
please support the podcast at patreon.com/twistedrico
On this episode of the show, our good friend Rev. Hank Peirce, who's path in life took him from a being a punk rock kid in a sleepy Southeastern Mass town to becoming a roadie for bands like Slapshot and The Straw Dogs(The FU's) to his current and ultimate life as the ordained Minister he is today. On his encore appearance on the show, Hank talks current affairs and tells us an insane story on how he thinks he may have started an all out brawl at a Slapshot show in Sarajevo.
Music
The Charms "So Pretty (theme song)
Government Issue "Caring Line"
The Freeze "Warped Confessional"
Recorded on April 21, 2021 by Nick Z, at New Alliance East, Somerville MA
Support the podcast: patreon.com/twistedrico
On this episode of the podcast we are joined by Nat Freedberg, who has been playing in bands and delivering great songs since the early 80's. Nat tells us about his latest project Freeloader and we go back and discuss some of the legendary bands he has played in, including The Flies, The Titanics, The Satanics, and of course his internationally known and loved band The Upper Crust! We also talk about Nat's two solo records which have also been released in the last two years and show a different side of his songwriting talents.
Music
The Charms "So Pretty" (theme song)
Freeloader "Ten Songs Make an Album" (RumBar Records)
Freeloader "Gimme Whats Left Of Your Love” (RumBar Records)
Recorded on April 12, 2021 by Nick Z. at New Alliance East, Somerville MA
Support the podcast here: patreon.com/twistedrico
On this episode of the podcast, we are joined by Leah Callahan, who has played in some really cool bands over the years such as Turkish Delight, Betwixt, The Glass Set, and has just released her second solo album entitled "Simple Folk". We touch all the bases leading up to the release of "Simple Folk" and what lies ahead for the talented singer/songwriter.
Music
The Charms "So Pretty" (theme song)
Leah Callahan "I Don't Relate"
Leah Callahan "Blameless"
Recorded on April 7 at New Alliance East by Nick Z
Support the podcast: patreon.com/twistedrico
On this episode, we're joined by "Malibu" Lou Mansdorf, the man behind RumBar Records — and quite possibly the biggest name-dropper in podcast history. Lou lights up the room with great stories about growing up in Astoria, NY, navigating the music business, and building RumBar into what it is today. We dig into the label's roster too, talking up some of its coolest acts: Geoff Palmer, The Connection, The Shang Hi Los, Freeloader, Genya Ravan, The Dirty Truckers, Muck and The Mires, and more. Two music industry lifers, zero filters — it's one helluva hoedown.
Music
The Charms "So Pretty"
Shang Hi Los "Sway Little Player"
Muck And The Mires "I'm Your Man"
Recorded by Nick Z at New Alliance East on March 31, 2021
support the podcast patreon.com/twistedrico
On this episode of the Blowing Smoke with Twisted Rico podcast we are joined by Denver Co. based Milquetoast & Co front man James McAndrew and Boston fashion designer Cibeline Sariano. James tells us about his early days in Boston and his move to Denver which gave him a musical resurgence when all seemed hopeless, while Cibeline offers her tasteful spin on the Milquetoast & Co video "Cigarette Burns" and talks about her dream to open an art space on how its all coming into fruition...
Music
The Charms "So Pretty"
Milqetoast & Co "Cigarette Burns"
Recorded by Nick Z on March 24 at New Alliance East in Somerville MA
support the podcast patreon.com/twistedrico
On this episode of the podcast we are joined by Wargasm's singer/bassist Bob Mayo, who takes us through the band's history and details their five year legal battle with their label Profile Records to get released from their deal, which kept them from accepting offers from other labels.
Special guest co-host Duncan Wilder Johnson(Destruct-A-Thon) comes along for the wild ride and adds his take and insight like only he can. Its a heavy ride through the early Boston metal scene and how Wargasm opened for bands like Slayer, Anthrax, Biohazard etc. culminating with nearly all the bands releases now available in one sweet place on Bandcamp...
Recorded on March 17 by Nick Z. at New Alliance East.
Support the podcast at patreon.com/twistedrico
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