Stereo Embers The Podcast 0214: James Mastro (The Bongos, Ian Hunter, Health and Happiness Show)

"There’s Room On The Street For More Than One Restaurant" James Mastro’s musical CV is a string of highlights—over the course of his career, he’s worked with Patti Smith, John Cale, Steve Wynn of the Dream Syndicate, Phoebe Snow, Richard Lloyd of Television, and The Jayhawks. In between all that, he formed the Health and Happiness Show who put out two fabulous albums on Bar None and for almost twenty years he’s been playing guitar, mandolin and sax for Ian Hunter’s band. He also owns and operates the Guitar Bar in Hoboken and he’s readying his debut solo album for a Fall release. His new single is "My God,” a moving ballad that was produced by Tony Shanahan who plays in the Patti Smith band. The song is reflective, honest, deeply moving and decidedly melodic. As a guitar player he’s got the perfect blend of muscle and grace and as a singer songwriter he’s deft and intuitive. In this conversation, James talks to Alex about his friendship with Ian Hunter, the guitar playing of Brian Setzer and playing softball with Yo La Tengo. He also talks about the impetus behind his new single, whether or not there will be a new Bongos record and his admiration of Jesse Malin. www.jamesmastro.bandcamp.com www.guitarbar.com www.velvetelkrecords.com www.bombshellradio.com www.alexgreenonline.com