Brokedown Podcast

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Liam Grant Oct 24, 2023

Show notes

Greetings Dead Freaks!

We are back with guest Liam Grant, a fine guitar player and composer int he American Primitive tradition. We discuss his background, his new record, and touring. I also take a minute to discuss a couple recent albums that I've enjoyed and, of course, we've got a dose of Grateful Dead.

You can find Liam Grant's album, "Amoskeag" via Carbon Records at Bandcamp or via Feeding Tube Records. He's also got a couple 7" records out now which you can find via Liam's Bandcamp page. I've got all of this stuff myself and highly recommend it. You should also consider following his Instagram page for tour dates and whatnot.
As for the other terrific music that I spoke about in this episode, heres a few links to fill your record shelves:

Jeffrey Alexander & The Heavy Lidders - "New Earth Seed" (Arrowhawk Records): Bandcamp
Seawind of Battery & ragenap - "Chaos Life Preserver" (Eiderdown Records): Bandcamp
Settings - "Shone A Rainbow Light On" (Paradise of Bachelors): Bandcamp

You can also gram my latest album, "So Below" from my Bandcamp page: JMHart.bandcamp.com

If you would like a BrokedownPod t-shirt or sticker or other merch in that vein, please head over to my Redbubble virtual merch table. All proceeds go straight toward hosting costs and are much appreciated.

The Brokedown Podcast is on Mastodon! My account can be found @rowjimmy@shakedown.social. I still have an Instagram account under the handle, @brokedownpod. If you like pictures of things, you can find that here: BrokedownPod Instagram. Also, if you use Apple Podcasts, please consider posting a review as it really help get the word out.

Also, please keep sending your metaphorical cards and letters. Leave a comment on the blog or hit me up on any of the above social media. Let me know what I'm doing right, wrong, or horribly wrong.

Matt LaJoie Oct 03, 2023

Show notes

Greetings Dead Freaks!

On this episode, I am proud to have Matt LaJoie join me to discuss his work as a guitarist, an improviser, and more. We unpack his many projects, dive into his history and that of his label, Flower Room Records and manage to spin a little music along the way. Also in this episode, I shamelessly plug my own upcoming album, and we manage to get a hefty dose of weird and wonderful Grateful Dead.

You can find Matt LaJoie's vast catalog on the Bandcamp page for his label, Flower Room Records. His upcoming releases (Such as "Lilac of The Valley", out October 6!) will be there soon and the recent release, "On Garudan Wing" can be found directly here. Additionally Matt mentioned a few other projects such as his brother's group, Heron Hemingway and his own group, Water Babies. Do check those out.

The depth of the Flower Room Records catalog is impressive and well worth your time. It's worth noting that the vinyl pressings are always lovely sounding and beautiful.

As mentioned at the top of the show, my latest album, "So Below" comes out on October 6. You can find it on my bandcamp page, jmhart.bandcamp.com. There are CDs, lathe-cut LPs and, digital downloads available.

Also, please keep sending your metaphorical cards and letters. Leave a comment on the blog or hit me up on any of the above social media. Let me know what I'm doing right, wrong, or horribly wrong.

Catching Up Aug 15, 2023

Show notes

I've been catching up on so much listening these days that I thought I'd share with you a few choice releases that I've been enjoying from The Jauntee, Dave Heumann, and The Modern Folk Trio Band. Afterwards I pay tribute to the late Robbie Robertson. This all adds up to a set of interesting tunes including a closing medley of Phil & Friends, Jerry Garcia Band, & (of course) Grateful Dead.

It was difficult to narrow things down but, as usual, leaving something unmentioned doesn't mean I haven't loved it. Instead, we're focusing on a few artists that I've spoken to on the show who've released some great new music.

The Jauntee's brand new album "Anything" is available on streaming services and directly via their website TheJauntee.com.

Dave Heumann's latest, "Themes From Blue Honey" is available via his bandcamp page.

The latest Modern Folk Trio Band release, "Always Be Recording ii" is available as a digital download as well as a bonafide compact disc via the label's Bandcamp page, bud tapes.bandcamp.com.

Please consider supporting these wonderful artists by purchasing their music.

The Brokedown Podcast is on Mastodon! My account can be found @rowjimmy@shakedown.social. I still have an Instagram account under the handle, @brokedownpod. If you like pictures of things, you can find that here: BrokedownPod Instagram.Also, if you use Apple Podcasts, please consider posting a review as it really help get the word out.

Also, please keep sending your metaphorical cards and letters. Leave a comment on the blog or hit me up on any of the above social media. Let me know what I'm doing right, wrong, or horribly wrong.

Organ Fairchild Jul 18, 2023

Show notes

This episode features a chat with Dave Ruch of Organ Fairchild. A fairly new organ trio out of Buffalo, New York, Organ Fairchild features three players who have been jamming together for about 40 years. Their sound blends classic Organ groove with jam band sensibilities stretching their grooves out live and making danceable new sounds to thrill the listener. I talked with Dave about the group, their history together, playing in Dead cover bands in the 80s, how he came to know Tony Rice(!), and more. tune in for our wide ranging chat, stick around for a taste of Organ Fairchild's music and, of course, some Grateful Dead.

The big news from Organ Fairchild is not only are they releasing their second album "Leisure Suit" in September, but they will be embarking on their "Dead of Summer" tour playing sets of originals and Grateful Dead music. The tour kicks off on July 28 in Baltimore, MD and rolls through the Days Between wrapping up on Aug. 6th in Worchester, MA. You can see all of the dates on their website: OrganFairchild.com.

I'm pleased to share both the original single, "Chamelonious Monk" and a teaser of the upcoming single "He's Gone" in this episode. Be sure to watch your favorite streaming platforms and, of course, their Bandcamp page for the new album which comes out soon.

Also, please keep sending your metaphorical cards and letters. Leave a comment on the blog or hit me up on any of the above social media. Let me know what I'm doing right, wrong, or horribly wrong.

Aaron Feder May 23, 2023

Show notes

It's episode 120 and my guest is Aaron Feder, Barcelona-based leader of Afro Dead and music director for Guinean singer Sia Tolno. Afro Dead merges the Grateful Dead material we love with the sounds of African music and Aaron Feder breaks it down for you and I. We'll hear a sample of their work and then get into a dose of Good ol' Grateful Dead.

Sia Tolno's website is http://siatolno.com. Head over there for more information and some tunes or check your favorite streaming service for her music. I cannot recommend it enough.

You can find the full scoop on Afro Dead at their website http://afrodead.com/. In addition to sound-clips you'll find the tourdates (do check over there for updates, additions and more) and other news.

Sia Tolno/Afro Dead U.S. Summer Tour dates are:
6/16 - France Rocks Presents - Lincoln Center: David Rubenstein Atrium, NYC
6/17 - Zen Barn - Waterbury Center, Vermont
6/18 - Next Stage & The Stone Church Presents - Putney, Vermont
6/20 – Black Iris – Richmond, Virginia
6/21 - Get Tight Lounge – Richmond, Virginia
6/22 - The Hill Center – Washington, DC
6/24 - Highlands Center At Cape Cod National Seashore - North Truro, Massachusetts
6/30 - Relix & Brooklyn Bowl Presents - Brooklyn Bowl - Brooklyn, NYC
7/6 - The Goodfoot - Portland, Oregon
7/7 & 7/8 - Oregon Country Fair - Veneta, Oregon
7/11 – Moe’s Alley – Santa Cruz, California
7/12 - Sweetwater - Mill Valley, California
7/15 - Humboldt Brews – Arcata, California
7/18 - Winston’s – San Diego, California
7/21 - The Lodge Room - Los Angeles, California
7/26 - On Tour Brewing Co. - Chicago, Illinois (Trio Show: Sia, Yaya & Aaron)
7/28 - Underground Cocktail – Chicago, Illinois
7/29 - Atwood Fest - Madison, Wisconsin
8/2 - Teddy O’Brian’s – Highwood, Illinois
8/3 - Bob Stop – Cleveland, Ohio
8/5 - Founder’s Brewery - Grand Rapids, Michigan
8/6 – Dancing In The Streets Festival - Chicago, Illinois

The Brokedown Podcast is on Mastodon! My account can be found @rowjimmy@shakedown.social. I still have an Instagram account under the handle, @brokedownpod. If you like pictures of things, you can find that here: BrokedownPod Instagram. Also please keep sending your metaphorical cards and letters. Leave a comment on the blog or hit me up on any of the above social media. Let me know what I'm doing right, wrong, or horribly wrong.

Jordan Perry May 09, 2023

Show notes

Back once again with a talk with guitarist & composer, Jordan Perry. Jordan has a terrific new album, entitled "What Do You See Everyday?", coming out June 16th on Feeding Tube Records & 20/20 Records. We discuss the album, his background, his work as a music educator and, of course, the Grateful Dead.

You can find "What Do You See Everyday?" on vinyl at Feeding Tube Records. Digital purchases can be made via Jordan's Bandcamp page where you will, of course, find a great deal more excellent music.
Please check out the cool work that Jordan and his colleagues are doing at Charlottesville, Virginia's Music Resource Center.

Also in this episode, I spoke about the excellent new EP from Dogwood Tales, "Rodeo". You can find that along with the physical release that includes their previous EP, "13 Summers, 13 Falls"on the Warhen Records Bandcamp page.
Lastly, if for some reason you are not aware, the terrific new releases from the Grateful Dead are always available via Dead.net.

Also, please keep sending your metaphorical cards and letters. Leave a comment on the blog or hit me up on any of the above social media. Let me know what I'm doing right, wrong, or horribly wrong.

James Toth Apr 26, 2023

Show notes

James Toth joins me again (his previous visit was in episode 30) to discuss his new album "James & The Giants". We dig into songwriting, improvisation, touring, and more. We go pretty deep and then wrap with some listening recommendations followed by a taste of the album before I spin a nice mix of Grateful Dead.

You can find "James & The Giants", which will be released on June 30 by Kill Rock Stars, via Bandcamp (of course) at WoodenWand.bandcamp.com. It is available digitally as well as on LP.
European listeners should check out the One Eleven Heavy tourdates over at One Eleven Heavy's website.

Also, please keep sending your metaphorical cards and letters. Leave a comment on the blog or hit me up on any of the above social media. Let me know what I'm doing right, wrong, or horribly wrong.

Mark Neeley Mar 28, 2023

Show notes

Back again and this time with excellent guest, Mark Neeley an animator and frequent contributor to one of my favorite online publications, Aquarium Drunkard. We talk about his work, Grateful Dead, and more. After the talk, I play you an extremely relevant selection of Grateful Dead music. Also in this episode, I have a stack of outstanding new and upcoming music to share with you so, get ready to fill up your Bandcamp carts with some terrific new tunes.

You can find a bunch of Mark's work on Aquarium Drunkard but you can find so much more via his own website, MarkNeeley.com.

Here are those all-important bandcamp links I promised:

Tacoma Park's new, self-titled album is available here.
Turner Williams Jr.'s "Briars On A Dewdrop" is available here or at Feeding Tube Records.
John Andrews & The Yawns' "Love For The Underdog" is both on Bandcamp and at Woodsist Records.
James Waudby's "On The Ballast Miles" can also be found at Bandcamp.
Joe Westerlund's "Elegies For The Drift" is available via Bandcamp.

Also, please keep sending your metaphorical cards and letters. Leave a comment on the blog or hit me up on any of the above social media. Let me know what I'm doing right, wrong, or horribly wrong.

rootless Feb 21, 2023

Show notes

The most recent rootless release is entitled "What The Truth Leaves Out" and is available on cassette via Feeding Tube Records (FeedingTubeRecords.com). You can also find that and many more releases digitally at rootless.bandcamp.com.

As mentioned in my tribute to the late Tom Verlaine, here is a link to Patti Smith's remembrance of her friend as published by the New Yorker. "He Was Tom Verlaine"

The Brokedown Podcast is leaving Twitter! You can find my unified (personal and podcast) account on Mastodon! My account can be found @rowjimmy@shakedown.social. I still have an Instagram account under the handle, @brokedownpod. If you like pictures of things, you can find that here: BrokedownPod Instagram. Also, if you use Apple Podcasts, please consider posting a review as it really help get the word out.

Also, please keep sending your metaphorical cards and letters. Leave a comment on the blog or hit me up on any of the above social media. Let me know what I'm doing right, wrong, or horribly wrong.

December 2022 Dec 13, 2022

Show notes

Greetings Dead Freaks!

The last episode of 2022 is here with a variety of new (and old) music recommendations coming straight from my playlists to your earholes. Its definitely been a year over here at Shrunken Road Studios and I thank you for sticking with me through it all. In addition to the recommendations, I'm taking one last chance to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Grateful Dead's 1972 shows with a healthy mix that gets good and weird.

Please check out these fine releases as heard in the episode:
Phil Cook "From The Kitchen" is a terrific 2xLP live album available from Warhen Records. Cook and company create a charming blend of blues, soul, and gospel that touches the heart and lifts the spirit. I had the pleasure of talking to him for episode 21(!) and continue to love his work. Grip your copy today via the Warhen Record Bandcamp.

Sunburned Hand of the Man is a psychedelic/experimental music collective that has had many members, many forms, and many sounds over the years but they have consistently made great, weird, music for decades. The recent reissue of "Headdress" from Three Lobed Recordings throws back hard to the sound of the band 20 years ago but it could well have been recorded last week. Or next. Grip that here. Or go to the Sunburned Bandcamp page and check out "Archive Dive" which contains the fuller excerpt of the excerpt played on the show as well as a few other live cuts which, you'll find, are not the same as what I presented. That's who these guys are; an ungoverned morass of sound and spirit. Ride along or get off the bus. Get Archive Dive or, even better, their entire digital discography for the cost of an album at subunrnedhandoftheman.bandcamp.com.

Spiral Joy Band is a long running group leaning here with their traditional instruments into the outer realms. Making spiritual, meditational, music with traditional instruments is not new but it's a zone they homesteaded upon for some time as their existence and personnel intertwine through the years with Pelt. This latest is called "In The River" and is a bit of an homage to Paul Metzger (get to know him!) whom they had just seen perform when this was put to tape. You can grip the LP via bandcamp

SpiralJoyBand.Bandcamp.com or from the label, Feeding Tube Records.

Lastly but by no means least, Mike Gangloff (Pelt, Black Twig Pickers, Eight Point Star) has released a beautiful solo album; his first for some time; entitled "Evening Measures". Released by VHF Records, "Evening Measures" cleaves closer to traditional than the selections above but still leans into drone capturing a unique work of beauty. This one is out now and has done many a turn on my turntable. Get yours from VHF Records.

The Brokedown Podcast is part of Osiris Media. Osiris is creating a community that connects people like you with podcasts and live experiences about artists and topics you love. Check out osirispod.com for more!
If you would like a BrokedownPod t-shirt or sticker or other merch in that vein, please head over to my Redbubble virtual merch table. All proceeds go straight toward hosting costs and are much appreciated.

Also, please keep sending your metaphorical cards and letters. Leave a comment on the blog or hit me up on any of the above social media. Let me know what I'm doing right, wrong, or horribly wrong.

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