Music Makers and Soul Shakers with Steve Dawson

Ariel Posen joins me on the show this month to talk about his new album Headway, as well as his relatively young career growing up and cutting his teeth in the clubs of Winnipeg. From there, Ariel went on to tour the world with the Bros Landreth before setting out on his own as a solo performer and songwriter. Ariel is an incredible guitarist and we get into his technique and style, his recording and writing process, as well as some of his favorite music. Enjoy, share the episode, and don’t forget to leave us a review, and subscribe to the show. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Ross-Spang joins me on the show this month from Sam Phillips Recording Service in Memphis, where he has set up shop as an engineer and producer over the last number of years. Matt cut his teeth as the house engineer at the historic Sun Studios before moving into Sam’s old digs and working on records for artists like John Prine, Margo Price, Jason Isbell, The Allman Betts Band, and Al Green. Matt was also tapped to mix a series of newly released recordings by Elvis Presley. His roots in Memphis music run deep, and he is a master of unique and vintage-inspired recording techniques and sounds, while embracing all of the advantages of modern technology in his recordings. We talked about many of his projects, his influences and early experiences in studios, as well as some of his upcoming adventures in his brand new studio that is about to open in Memphis. Enjoy, share the episode, and don’t forget to leave us a review, and subscribe to the show. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Robert Finley’s new album “Sharecropper’s Son” is a powerhouse soul album that draws on Delta Blues, R&B and greasy funk. Working again in the studio with the Black Keys’ Dan Auerbach, the singer, who’s debut came out at the age of 62, delves into his story growing up as a young sharecropper in Louisianna. Robert’s path included stints in the army, leading gospel groups, becoming a carpenter, losing his sight to glaucoma, and a late start to a successful recording career. Robert and I talked about all of this as well as the process of creating his new album in Nashville. Enjoy, share the episode, and don’t forget to leave us a review, and subscribe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I’ve known Allison Russell for over 20 years now through first crossing paths in the Vancouver music scene. She is a remarkable person in every way - an incredibly gifted singer, empathetic human, and is extremely kind and generous. She is a pleasure to work with, and I should know as I spent the better part of the last 3 years out on tour with her in Birds of Chicago. Allison has just released her debut solo album “Outside Child” which is a personal and stunning work of art that she co-wrote most of the material for with her husband JT. The album is a true journey through a troubled past that she lays out in song in a very unique and engaging way. From her early life in Montreal, to her begginings in the music scene in Vancouver, her bands Po’ Girl and Birds of Chicago, we get into it all. Enjoy, share the episode, and don’t forget to leave us a review, and subscribe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Part 2 of my conversation with Bill Payne of Little Feat. Be sure to listen to Episode 1 from last week if you haven’t already! Enjoy… Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Little Feat founding member Bill Payne joins me on the show this month for a 2-part interview. Not only is Bill a core member of one of my all-time favorite bands, he has also had a stellar career as a session musician, playing on countless recordings for artists like Bonnie Raitt, Emmylou Harris, Pink Floyd, Bob Seger, Stevie Nicks, The Doobie Brothers and many more. From his almost random first encounter with Lowell George that came from a record label’s phone referral, to crafting some of the most creative, funky, and intricate music of the 70’s with Little Feat, to playing organ, piano and other keyboards on so many classic sessions, Bill has always operated at the highest level. Not to mention, he’s a very generous fellow who was happy to share some of his exploits with me for the podcast. Enjoy, share the episode, and leave us a review. We’ll be back for Part 2 next week. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

New Orleans funk legend, bass player, bandleader and founding member of The Meters, George Porter Jr. joins me on the show this month. George has such a rich history that goes deep into the history of funk and rock music. From their humble beginnings as a cover band on Bourbon Street in the early 60’s, to being top call session players for Allen Toussaint and playing on albums for Dr. John, Paul McCartney, and The Neville Brothers, not to mention their own epic catalog, The Meters developed a style and sound that is solid, funky, and unique. George’s history with amazing drummers is also well known, so we got to talk about his partnership with Zigaboo Modeliste, lots of his classic albums and sessions, a bit of the history of New Orleans music, and what he has been up to during COVID, particularly his new album “Crying for Hope” with his band Runnin’ Pardners. Join us! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Part 2 of my conversation with Peter Rowan. Be sure to listen to Episode 1 from last week if you haven’t already! Enjoy… Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bluegrass and roots music legend Peter Rowan joins me on the show this week to officially kick off Season 5. Peter has been involved in so many stellar projects over the decades, and is one of our last true and active links to the first generation of bluegrass, having spent a number of years touring and recording with Bill Monroe. After his stint in the Bluegrass Boys, Rowan went on to work with David Grisman in several incarnations, including the groundbreaking Old & In The Way with Jerry Garcia and Vassar Clements. Rowan has remained prolific over the years, recording and touring with Tony Rice, Jerry Douglas, and many solo configurations that allow him to explore his other passions for rockabilly, reggae and blues. We get into lots of deep dives and this episode is Part 1 of 2. Part 2 will be released next week. Enjoy! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to Season 5, music nerds! I hope you’ve all been keeping well. This quick episode is just a bit of an update on the schedule and what’s been happening the last few months. The Season will officially kick off next week and will continue with new episodes on the first Wednesday of every month. Thanks for tuning in, don’t forget to subscribe to the show, and we’ll see you next week. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.