413 - Ryan White

Ryan White is a writer and has written for newspapers and magazines. He is the author of Springsteen: Album by Album and recently wrote the book Jimmy Buffett: A Good Life All the Way. Relative to his success as a touring and recording artist, not much serious scholarly work exists about Jimmy Buffett. White's book was well researched and he did a number of interviews with people associated with Buffett.

Do we know the real Jimmy Buffett? This interview was interesting because we got to exploring some unexpected realms. Originally broadcast on FM radio, you are invited to listen.

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.

#412 - Pam Tillis May 25, 2020

Show notes

412 - Pam Tillis

Welcome to the Pam Tillis episode my friend. On this episode we are joined by a timeless artist, a songwriter and singer of soulful songs. Pam Tillis has released more than a dozen acclaimed albums and has sold more than 7 million records. You could possibly say music is in her blood. Her father was the legendary Mel Tillis and her brother Mel Tillis Jr. is also a singer.

The songs of Pam Tillis are instantly recognizable. She's performed countless concerts across the country and is a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Her 2020 album is entitled "Looking for a Feeling." It is a great honor that we welcome an icon of music: Pam Tillis! Along with the interview we'll play a couple of excerpts from her new album.

#411 - Lukas Nelson May 22, 2020

Show notes

411 - Lukas Nelson

This interview with Lukas Nelson was originally broadcast on the radio. Lukas is a singer, songwriter, recording artist and an exceptional guitarist from Paia, Hawaii. He also fronts the band Lukas Nelson & The Promise of The Real. The band has collaborated with singer-songwriter Neil Young. Lukas and I did this interview when they had released their album “Wasted.” I’ve had the chance to meet Lukas in person. He’s a very friendly, sweet guy.

By the way, I heard that Lukas Nelson will be appearing on Jimmy Buffett’s album Life on the Flip Side which will be out soon. That’s a natural fit. I can imagine them making some great tracks in the studio.

It would be great to interview Lukas Nelson again someday. He's sure to be writing and recording great music for decades to come. In the meantime, I hope this is a nice introduction if you aren't familiar with him.

#410 - Ed Berghoff May 20, 2020

Show notes

410 - Ed Berghoff

Ed Berghoff is welcomed on The Paul Leslie Hour. He is a musician, composer, singer, songwriter, record producer and music publisher. Some of the top recording artists have interpreted his songs: Garth Brooks, Billy Ray Cyrus, Wynonna, Michael English, Engelbert Humperdinck, Doug Stone and others. Berghoff was also the bandleader for Deana Carter (of Strawberry Wine fame) for a time. These days Berghoff composes music for hit TV shows and is also working on a solo record and a book.

Listening to Ed Berghoff talk is a pleasing thing. He communicates in a laidback style. I'm looking forward to him returning to the show at some point, perhaps to perform some of his great songs. As for now, he's right here on The Paul Leslie Hour. Happy listening.

#409 - Michael Utley May 18, 2020

Show notes

409 - Michael Utley

This is an interview that dates back to the year 2007. It’s an interview with Michael Utley, the musical director and keyboardist with Jimmy Buffett. His association with Jimmy Buffett goes back to the 1973 album A White Sport Coat and a Pink Crustacea. He’s been on every album since then. He is Jimmy Buffett's main musical guy. He's produced approximately a dozen Buffett records and has co-written several songs including the fan favorite "Last Mango in Paris."

The focus of the interview was a combination CD/DVD, the Mailboat Records release LIVE IN ANGUILLA, recorded on Rendezvous Bay in Anguilla. A live Buffett album recorded in the Caribbean? It's a natural fit. Through talking about the experience in Anguilla, Utley reveals some very interesting tidbits in the interview.

Side note, Michael Utley is the co-producer of an upcoming Jimmy Buffett studio album, "Life on the Flip Side," which will be out May 29, 2020. Check out www.mailboatrecords.com for more information.

#408 - Jim Shaw May 15, 2020

Show notes

408 - Jim Shaw

Jim Shaw is a keyboard player, music engineer and songwriter. He was the business manager and keyboardist for Buck Owens and Buckaroos. He keeps the legacy of Buck Owens alive with Buck Owens Productions. Jim has lived a storied life. In addition to performing with the legendary Buck Owens, his path has lead him to do things like appear on The Ed Sullivan Show to working with the likes of Ringo Starr. As a songwriter, his songs have been recorded by everyone from Tom Jones, Garth Brooks, Buck Owens, Janie Fricke and Susan Raye to name a few.

Preserving America's musical history is important. Hats off to Jim Shaw for keeping the legacy of the iconic singer Buck Owens continuing. It's an honor to have him join The Paul Leslie Hour in sharing a few of his tales. Discussed are his beginnings, meeting Buck Owens, writing songs with the great Larry Bastian, working with Ringo Starr and a bit of his own philosophy. Jim Shaw is not one to miss.

#407 - Flaco Jiménez May 13, 2020

Show notes

407 - Flaco Jiménez

Flaco Jiménez is a master musician. He is an icon of conjunto music, an accordionist and singer, he's been performing across seven decades, starting with performances as a child. His music has been recognized throughout Latin America, the United States and the world. A veteran recording artist, Flaco Jiménez has won multiple Grammys and is a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award winner, a founding member of the Sir Douglas Quintet. Some of the greatest musicians and singers have worked with Flaco Jiménez: Dr. John, Ry Cooder, Peter Rowan, Bob Dylan, Buck Owens, Dwight Yoakam and the Rolling Stones.

It's a great honor to welcome Flaco Jiménez: legendary musician, performer and recording artist. He's right here on The Paul Leslie Hour and it would be an honor if you listened. 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.

#406 - Steve Forbert May 11, 2020

Show notes

406 - Steve Forbert

Steve Forbert is one of the greats in American music. Acclaimed as a prolific songwriter, he is equally known for his singing. Bob Harris of BBC2 said of Forbert that he has "one of the most distinctive voices anywhere." His song "Romeo's Tune," from his second album was an international hit, but Steve Forbert has not stopped.

He visited The Paul Leslie Hour to discuss his 21st studio album "Early Morning Rain" on Blue Rose Music. This time Forbert interpreted songs he didn't write. This album is a stunning collection of Steve's masterful interpretations of classic songs everything from a traditional song, to a Gordon Lightfoot classic, as well as songs from Elton John, Bob Dylan and Leonard Cohen. The first single from the album is a cover of Danny O'Keefe's "Good Time Charlie's Got the Blues." In fact, Danny O'Keefe joined us in the middle of this interview to discuss the song and Steve's interpretation. Along with the interview some excerpts from the album are presented for your listening pleasure.

#405 - Marshall Chapman Returns May 08, 2020

Show notes

405 - Marshall Chapman Returns

Marshall Chapman has her fanatics, and I am one of them. Certainly a lot of people consider her one of our great American songwriters. One past guest, Fred Koller told me he thought she was the best there is. Marshall is certainly an original and an entertaining interview subject. She's just released a splendid album entitled "Songs I Can't Live Without." This time on her 14th album, "Marshall Chapman the vocalist" is front and center. She interprets a great variety of songs, in rock and country music, a standard from the American Songbook and even a traditional spiritual hymn. She's got reach and depth on this record. When Marshall sings someone else's songs, you don't think about the original.

Marshall Chapman is a soulful and creative artist. Known for being a singer-songwriter, performing and recording artist, she also acts, authors great books and is a contributing editor to Garden & Gun magazine. Her songs have been interpreted by everyone from Irma Thomas, Joe Cocker, Jimmy Buffett, John Hiatt and Conway Twitty. That's a testament to the one of a kind nature of her songs.

It's the kind of interview I like. She let me ask whatever I wanted and as you'll soon hear, Marshall answered sincerely. The album is discussed, but along the way we find out a lot about the woman. You'll get a good shot of her on the album, and this audio spoken arts experience is a wonderful companion.

#404 - Augie Meyers May 06, 2020

Show notes

404 - Augie Meyers

Augie Meyers is one of the living legends in the world of music. A founding member of the Texas Tornados as well as the Sir Douglas Quintet. A multi-instrumentalist, he's proficient on keyboards, guitar, accordion, and vocals. Meyers is a singer-songwriter, performing & recording artist, producer, studio session musician and a great storyteller. He's recorded with the best of the best: Flaco Jiménez, Bob Dylan, Tom Waits, and many others. There is hardly a genre his work hasn't influenced. It's an entertaining ride with one of the greats.