Michael Brewer of Brewer & Shipley

In 1973, six hundred thousand people gathered in Watkins Glen, New York to see The Grateful Dead, The Band and The Allman Brothers. Donna Swarthout was there and recalls her concert experience. We also chat about the numerous other memorable concerts she has attended over the years. (Some of her photos are incorporated into this video and yes, there is a picture of Donna and radio personality Wolfman Jack).

If you have would like to share your concert memories with us, please let us know . . . . and keep on rockin!

 Richard Solomon interviews Richard Taylor the owner of Moonshine Records at the time and was in the audience.  We play some segments and reflect back on great music!

To Meat Loaf - Thank you!

Meet the band "Spirits Republic" interviewed on WCWP 88.1 FM

For more information on this Nashville music group, please visit:

https://spiritsrepublicmusic.com/

Frank Carillo is a musician whose career has spanned decades. Along the way, he has played with George Harrison, Eric Clapton, and  Petr Frampton. He has played with Golden Earring and has opened for Van Halen. In this episode we look back at vinyl records, 45s, record stores, radio (WMCA, WABC, WNEW, WLIR), and touring and performing in venues like CBGBs . If you love music from the classic rock era, this is a show for you!

GIANNI RUSSO has made a career of playing tough guys in movies. Although remembered most for his portrayal of Carlo Rizzi in “The Godfather”, his first acting job, his career has spanned over 40 films including such hits as The Freshman, Rush Hour, Any Given Sunday and Sea Biscuit as well as television roles in Kojak, The Rockford Files and Prison Break.

In this riveting interview, we discuss his book: Hollywood Godfather: My Life in the Movies and the Mob

For more information:

https://www.giannirusso.com/

Did you know that Kerry toured with Marty Balin?  You will hear some great stories from Kerry interviewed by Richard Solomon... and you will hear some great music! (Kerry actually played some live acoustic material in the studios of WCWP where this piece was recorded).

Mike Reilly of Pure Prairie League looks back at an incredible career (five decades) and look forward to the current 2019 tour.

Recognized as one of the most successful folk rock duos of the 70's, Brewer & Shipley have remained true to their original form throughout five decades.

Constantly touring Brewer & Shipley could be found performing in such notable venues as; Carnegie Hall, The Bottom Line, The Troubadour, The Roxy, Keil Opera House, and Arrowhead Stadium.  Because of their broad appeal, they became a favored support act for major tours, sharing the stage with a diverse list of artists, including:  Elton John, The Eagles, Bruce Springsteen, Billy Joel, Bonnie Raitt, Electric Light Orchestra, Jethro Tull, Humble Pie, Ted Nugent and Black Sabbath among others.

 In 1979 after more than a decade of writing, traveling, and performing, Brewer and Shipley parted company to pursue personal interests.  Michael Brewer continued to make music, recording a solo album for Full Moon Records entitled "Beauty Lies".  This release featured guest artists such as Linda Ronstadt and J.D. Souther, and was produced by longtime friend Dan Fogelberg.  Tom Shipley began working as a television producer/director, eventually forming his own production company (Tarkio Communications).  He later founded the Oral History of The Ozarks Project, a not-profit organization producing documentaries about life in the Missouri Ozarks.

 In 1986, at the request of  a Kansas City classic rock station the duo reunited for a concert to celebrate the stations first birthday.  Unsure of what to expect having been out of the public eye for so long, the duo was overwhelmed as they walked on stage to over 10,000 cheering fans welcoming their return.  Having come full circle from their days as staff songwriters living in Los Angeles, Brewer & Shipley began writing together again.  Their first project?  The soundtrack for one of Shipley's documentaries...the award winning, "Treehouse - An Ozark Story".

In recent years, the duo has witnessed rejuvenated interest in their music, beginning with BMG's purchase of their catalog and subsequent re-issue of the critically acclaimed "Tarkio" release.  This was soon followed by the inclusion of "One Toke Over The Line" on the "Fear And Loathing In Las Vegas Limited Edition 25th Anniversary CD" (Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville Rcds).   The same song was later featured on the "Fear And Loathing In Las Vegas" motion picture soundtrack (Geffen Rcds.).  In addition, the duo contribute guest vocals to their trademark song on "Hempilation II" (Capricorn Rcds.).

 Brewer & Shipley continue to tour and record regularly, having released 2 albums since reuniting - "Shanghai" and "Heartland.”  Regarding Brewer & Shipley, Ron Sylvester (The Branson Note) wrote,  "An actual group from the 70's still capable of making vital music...For a duo best remembered as 70's folkies, this is a solid blast into the present...undeniable proof these guys can still make evocative music".

www.brewerandshipley.com

On her sultry and soulful debut EP What We Had, Rebecca draws from a fresh whirlwind of classic and contemporary influences.

With every swaying breeze of her distinctive voice, the multi-talented artist makes each track an opportunity to dream, love and reminisce wistfully about beautiful times gone by. She weaves this laid back magic over old school soul.Renowned producer Jason Miles adds his retro sounds on the Fender Rhodes, Vox Continental and Wurlitzer.

“I really appreciate the opportunity to work with Jason and so many incredible musicians in making the dream of recording my first full-fledged project. Their incredible musicianship and craftsmanship inspired me every time I was in the studio.”

After opening the EP with a dreamy and sensual twist on Hoagy Carmichael’s rarely covered gem “Winter Moon,” Rebecca keeps the sense of traveling nostalgia going with “What We Had.” This lush and graceful look back at a joyful romance was penned by Rebecca, her father Dennis and guitarist Jonah Prendergast. Rebecca and Dennis also co-wrote the set’s other original “Feel Alive,” a charming declaration of love and how it changes the heart.

Also included on the EP is Rebecca’s 2016 single of "Jet Samba,” marking the first time legendary Brazilian composer Marcos Valle’s 2005 instrumental hit was recorded as a vocal. The track received a 4 star review in the January issue of the United Kingdom's premier jazz publication, Jazz Journal.

"Angel's vocal and her band's combined musicality masters the jazz samba and pop fusions perfectly…An expressive EP taster.”-Jason Balzarano

"Whether I’m performing live or recording, I’ve always been driven by my desire to evoke a meaningful emotional response.It’s all about connecting with people and bringing them together to make them feel they’re not alone. Music has always been part of how I think and do things in my life, and moving forward, I simply want to touch these audiences with the stories I tell.”

Paving the way for Rebecca’s emergence as an artist in her own right, the 22-year old singer performed gigs with her father’s band at NYC hotspots including The Iridium,The Metropolitan Room and Café Noctambulo.

“My dad has had a huge impact on my taste musically. Growing up he would play Peggy Lee, Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald, Elvis and the Beatles on my car rides to school. I loved it all.”

Rebecca recently graduated with a degree in Vocal Jazz Studies from Ithaca College. She credits her immersive studies with giving her the practical skills to develop her individually inspired style.