Music
**The Paul Leslie Hour**

For 22 years, The Paul Leslie Hour has been about one thing: helping people tell their stories. From legends of arts and entertainment to today’s cultural voices, Paul Leslie brings conversations you won’t hear anywhere else. New episodes every week.

Latest Episodes:

#423 - John Gill Jun 19, 2020

Show notes

423 - John Gill

Introducing John Gill, longtime drummer with the Eddy Davis & Woody Allen New Orleans Jazz Band! John Gill is one of those people who is a complete music lover. Growing up in New York City, John Gill’s eclectic musical tastes ranged from country singers like Gene Autry to greats like Liberace. Music has brought him to live and perform in many different parts of America, from San Francisco to New Orleans where has has played everywhere from the French Quarter’s Bourbon Street bars all the way to the famed Preservation Hall. John Gill’s interest in jazz is in the traditional form, and his playing and grasp of the New Orleans style earned him a spot in the Woody Allen and Eddy Davis New Orleans Jazz Band, with which he performed every Monday evening at the Carlyle in New York City.

In addition to drums, Gill plays trombone, banjo, and guitar. His love of music runs deep and with several groups (including The Jazz Kings, the Yerba Buena Stompers, the Delta Stompers) he has recorded and preserved older styles of jazz that is sadly becoming more and more rare.

The Paul Leslie Hour is a talk show dedicated to “Helping People Tell Their Stories.” Some of the most iconic people of all time drop in to chat. Frequent topics include Arts, Entertainment and Culture.

#422 - Jerry Zigmont Jun 17, 2020

Show notes

422 - Jerry Zigmont

This is the interview which got me more fascinated with traditional jazz music. Jerry Zigmont is a “premier trombonist of the New Orleans style." For many years, he performed and toured with Woody Allen & The Eddy Davis New Orleans Jazz Band. The band performed from a repertoire of over 1,200 songs ranging from early 20th century popular tunes, hymns, spirituals, marches, blues and rags. The musical director was the late Eddy Davis, a legendary hall of fame 4-string banjo player and the band also featured film director, writer, actor, and comedian Woody Allen on clarinet.

Zigmont is featured on the band soundtrack recording Wild Man Blues and performed extensively with the group bringing the rare, traditional and authentic New Orleans Jazz to many countries around the world. For many years, the Eddy Davis New Orleans Jazz Band with Woody Allen performed traditional New Orleans style jazz. The band drew inspiration from the artists Woody Allen has admired since his youth including Sidney Bechet, George Lewis, Johnny Dodds, Jimmie Noone and of course, Louis Armstrong.

Jerry Zigmont's trombone playing is steeped in the classic New Orleans tradition, with its trademark raw power and "straight form the heart" approach. He began recording and touring with renowned British clarinetist Sammy Rimington in 1987 and went on to work with many legends in the Jazz world.

Zigmont's insightful historical perspectives on music make for an intriguing interview and he gives an inside look into one of the only bands in the world performing this style of jazz.

#421 - D'Jalma Garnier Jun 15, 2020

Show notes

421 - D'Jalma Garnier

D’Jalma Garnier hosts the radio program Passports to Modern Jazz on KRVS 88.7 FM and he joined The Paul Leslie Hour for a freewheeling, eclectic flow of an interview where a diversity of subjects were explored. Mr. Garnier is a musician, performer, composer, a multi-instrumentalist known as a proficient fiddler, vocalist and guitarist. He is a teacher and has contributed numerous articles on the cultural roots of Louisiana's musical traditions. He is an author and radio personality.

It's an honor to welcome writer, scholar, broadcaster and ethnomusicologist D’Jalma Garnier!

#420 - Austin Church Jun 12, 2020

Show notes

420 - Austin Church

Jimmy Buffett's been in the news a lot lately for his new album Life On The Flip Side, which just came out on Mailboat Records, it debuts at #2 on Billboard Top 200, #1 Country Album, #1 Americana Folk Album, #1 Independent Album and #5 in Digital Albums.

Very interesting, but Jimmy Buffett has also announced he’s making his Grand Ole Opry debut on June 27th, 2020 with Mac McAnally and Country Star / Grand Ole Opry Member, Brad Paisley.

The Grande Ole Opry will be broadcast live on Circle and will also be available also stream live stream on Circle All Access Facebook and YouTube channels. I’ll be curious to hear what you all think about it.

Hearing about this made me think … Jimmy Buffett, Brand New Country Star. Are you familiar with that song? It’s Buffett song from way back and made me think of this interview heard on FM radio back a few years ago.

This was a well received interview with Austin Church, who was born Vernon Arnold. He is a singer-songwriter who has released four albums. He is a concert performer and formerly a radio personality. He co-wrote Jimmy Buffett's song "Brand New Country Star," that I had mentioned which appeared on the album "Living and Dying in ¾ Time." Austin Church’s songs have also been recorded by Lyle Lovett and Del Reeves.

#419 - Dr. Douglas Young Jun 10, 2020

Show notes

419 - Douglas Young, PhD.

Douglas Young, PhD is a professor of Political Science at the University of North Georgia. He has spoken and written at great lengths about politics and elections. A dedicated writer, he has on a variety of subjects, both non-fiction and fiction. A regular contributor to newspaper columns, Young also wrote a novel and poems. In this diverse conversation, numerous topics are explored. It's a long-form interview with a great thinker and writer. There's lots of food for thought on this episode of The Paul Leslie Hour.

#418 - John Clayton Jun 08, 2020

Show notes

418 - John Clayton

Plug into the John Clayton episode on The Paul Leslie Hour! If you had to categorize John Clayton? It may be hard to do with just a few words. He's known as one of the greatest bassists in all genres. He's a composer, arranger, conductor, producer, educator, performing & recording artist.

The greatest artists have collaborated with John Clayton: the list includes Paul McCartney, Diana Krall, Gladys Knight, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Charles Aznavour, Whitney Houston and others. He co-founded the Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra and with his brother Jeff Clayton: the Clayton Brothers Quintet. It's an honor to have John Clayton right here on The Paul Leslie Hour!

#417 - Walter Marks Jun 05, 2020

Show notes

417 - Walter Marks

Songwriter Walter Marks has written songs recorded by Sammy Davis, Jr., Lorna Luft, Liza Minnelli, Steve Lawrence, The Temptations, Tony Bennett, Michael Jackson, Barbra Streisand, Ella Fitzgerald, Little Anthony & The Imperials and others.

He is also a playwright and novelist. He has written three books in the thriller/mystery genre. He is probably best known for writing the song "I've Gotta Be Me." It's a great pleasure to welcoming a creative spirit: Walter Marks.

#416 - Chubby Checker Jun 03, 2020

Show notes

416 - Chubby Checker

Chubby Checker is one of the most iconic singers in rock and roll music. Recorded and broadcast on FM radio in 2010, this interview was included in a show in celebration of the Twist. This interview is being presented to the podcast listeners 10 years later, and now we celebrate 60 years of The Twist.

As one of the most recognizable voices in rock and pop music, Chubby Checker is a legendary vocalist, dancer, performing and recording artist. I hope we can welcome him again.

#415 - Dennis King Jun 01, 2020

Show notes

415 - Dennis King

Dennis King is known by many as DK the DJ. He is an award-winning veteran radio personality who hosts the Island Time Radio Show heard on WBWC "The Sting" in Ohio and streaming online internationally. The Island Time Radio Show features 3 hours of musical escapism, featuring songs with a Caribbean or tropical theme. Dennis spins a variety of music from rock and pop to reggae, soca, calypso, beach music, surf instrumentals, and more. In addition to the debut broadcasts on FM radio, encore broadcasts are heard via online radio and on other radio stations.

Having been involved in radio for more than 20 years, Dennis King's energetic, uplifting personality has won him a devoted listenership and much respect from the artists who he interviews in the studio or via phone. A variety of interesting guests have been welcomed on the Island Time Radio Show, including everyone from legendary studio drummer Hal Blaine to Beach Boy Al Jardine.

On this episode of The Paul Leslie Hour, it was a great and intriguing opportunity to interview a man who is usually the interviewer. We get to the heart of Dennis King. His efforts and talents at presenting artists and great music will continue to be appreciated and enjoyed by his audience. In a time of increased disconnect, a positive show of tribal connection is invaluable. Dig the DK vibe. He's right here on The Paul Leslie Hour.

#414 - Vic Latham May 29, 2020

Show notes

414 - Vic Latham

Vic Latham inspired some of the most notable people of the 20th Century, including Jerry Jeff Walker, Jimmy Buffett and Phil Caputo. He was also the co-owner of the Full Moon Saloon in Key West. He was born in 1935 and passed away in 2013.

This is the kind of interview I have always found particularly fascinating. Although Vic Latham wasn't necessarily "pop culture famous," in certain circles he was renowned. I continue to hear from people (his friends and family) who have heard this interview and remarked what a memorable character Vic Latham was. I hope you enjoy this interview from the archives.