Where The Living Room Used To Be

On this episode, I talk with Ben Shaw about his new album + novella, Madeline. In our conversation, we discuss how the concept for this project came about where we really get into the album's evolution in the studio, the message he's working to convey with the story, and the important role of women in his life.Madeline comes out on December 9th and will be celebrated with a release party that evening at Machines With Magnets. Chrissy Stewart will be opening and tickets & more information are available now at benjaminshawmusic.com Interlude song order: "Hurricane" by Ben Shaw from his album, Madeline "Madeline" by Ben Shaw from his album, Madeline "A Better Game" by Ben Shaw from his album, Madeline "The Trials" by Ben Shaw from his album, Madeline // Interview recorded November 28th, 2022 at Ben's home// Intro music by Cedros// Hosted by James Toomey // /// If you enjoy the episode please leave a rating or review wherever you're listening right now! ///

On this episode I got to speak with world-renowned saxophonist, Scott Hamilton! In our conversation we talk about his musical roots here in Rhode Island, plus his experience playing with some big acts through the years. We also touch upon a handful of the nearly 200 albums he's been apart of across his 50+ year career including his own approach to recording. Scott will be performing alongside his longtime friend and fellow legend, Duke Robillard on November 18th & 19th at Chan's in Woonsocket. And in November 20th Scott Hamilton is being inducted into the Rhode Island Music Hall of Fame!This truly is one of my favorite interviews because of the history it covers and insight Scott provided... and I hope you all enjoy it Interlude song order: "Same Thing" by Bottomland Blues Band "Fruit Boots" by Hamilton-Bates Blue Flames "Still In Love With You" by Roomful of Blues Scott Hamilton Quartet  Live in Barcelona "Long Ago And Far Away" performed by Dave McKenna, Scott Hamilton, and Jake Hanna  "Blue Harlem" by Scott Hamilton featuring Duke Robillard "Pennies from Heaven" by Scott Hamilton & Duke Robillard // Interview recorded November 5th, 2022 via Zoom// Intro music by Cedros// Hosted by James Toomey // /// If you enjoy the episode please leave a rating or review wherever you're listening right now! ///

I was happy to finally connect with John Boles to talk about his impressive post-rock project, Align in Time! In our conversation, we discuss how he creates these elaborate instrumentals by himself, why that usually means long gaps between albums, doing some recording at Strangeways in PVD back in the day, and what people can expect from Align in Time's first show in 10 years. Plus, he teases a little more about some fun stuff he's got planned for the future! Make sure to catch Align in Time with Secret Gardens, Circus Trees, and Strip Mall at Fete on Saturday, November 12, 2022!!! Interlude song order: "Men Without Chests" from Align in Time's album, Me & My Arrow "This Is Later" from Align in Time's album, On a Spiral " I Go Too (Acoustic)" from Align in Time's acoustic EP // Interview recorded November 7th, 2022 via Instagram Live// Intro music by Cedros// Hosted by James Toomey // /// If you enjoy the episode please leave a rating or review wherever you're listening right now! ///

I have another special guest for you on this episode! Jonah Matranga from bands such as Onelinedrawing, Far, New End Original, and Gratitude, joins me for a conversation about balancing art & life as a professional musician, what matters most to him about his songwriting, and how his latest album, Tenderwild, came together. Jonah will be heading out on tour with other Iodine Recordings artists Her Head's On Fire and Joe McMahon from Smoke or Fire very soon. They have dates taking them down the east coast from Boston to Gainesville for The Fest with a stop here in Providence on Saturday, October 22nd at AS220! Enjoy the episode, and Please check out Jonah's new album as well his entire body of work at jonahmatranga.com and pick up some cool vinyl over at iodinerecords.com Interlude song order: "Got My List" by Onelinedrawing from their album Sketchy EP #2 "What I've Wanted To Say" by Far from their album, Tin Cans With Strings To You "14 - 41" by New End Original from their album, Thriller "Everyday Angels" by Onelinedrawing from their album, Tenderwild "Prayed For You" by I Is Another from their self-titled album "Tenderwild" by Onelinedrawing from their album, Tenderwild   // Interview recorded October 14th, 2022 via Zoom// Intro music by Cedros// Hosted by James Toomey // /// If you enjoy the episode please leave a rating or review wherever you're listening right now! ///

I have a very special guest for you on this episode! Joseph Grillo from bands such as Garrison, Instruction, Gay For Johnny Depp, I Hate Our Freedom, Judas Knife and now, most recently, Her Head's On Fire joins me for a conversation about his path in music, the perspective he tends to write from with regard to his lyrics, and why all his bands seem to be groups indie emo rock all-stars.   Her Head’s On Fire have a new album out now on Iodine Recordings called College Rock And Clove Cigarettes... so we spend a good amount of time delving deeper into the start of this band, their surprising practice and recording schedule, and their upcoming tour with Onelinedrawing and Joe McMahon from Smoke Or Fire.   This tour is taking them down the East Coast on their way to The Fest in Gainesville with a stop here in Rhode Island at AS220 on Saturday, October 22nd. Please mark your calendars as this is a show you will not want to miss!!! Interlude song order: "Serious Heavy Drama" by Garrison (from their EP The Bend Before The Break) Sans Sympathie" by I Hate Our Freedom (from their album This Year's Best Disaster) "Common Shame" by Her Head's On Fire (from their album College Rock And Clove Cigarettes) "Matchsticks" by Her Head's On Fire (from their album College Rock And Clove Cigarettes) "Rising Tide" by Her Head's On Fire (from their album College Rock And Clove Cigarettes) // Interview recorded October 6th, 2022 via Zoom// Intro music by Cedros// Hosted by James Toomey // /// If you enjoy the episode please leave a rating or review wherever you're listening right now! ///

Beth Barron shares some of her favorite things in Rhode Island! From her top pizza place, to where she likes to spend her time in the state, and even the brewer she used to work with back in college!! At the end of this mini-episode, I've included her song "Kiss My Check" that you can also find on a benefit comp I worked to put together for Galactic Theatre called "Surviving The Friggin' Apocalypse". Enjoy!!   // Interview recorded August 20th, 2022 on Cutler Street in Warren, RI// Intro music by Cedros// Hosted by James Toomey // /// If you enjoy the episode please leave a rating or review wherever you're listening right now! ///

Beth Barron shares her thoughts on music advice and what inspires her as an artist. The end of this mini-episode includes her cover of Bob Dylan's "Don't Think Twice, It's Alright" which was recorded live at Burnside Park during the 2022 PVD Fest (audio credit: M-Tron) // Interview recorded August 20th, 2022 outside Warren Folks Festival on Cutler Street in Warren, RI// Intro music by Cedros// Hosted by James Toomey // /// If you enjoy the episode please leave a rating or review wherever you're listening right now! ///

On this episode singer-songwriter, Beth Barron, and I connected outside of the Warren Folks Festival for a quick chat to talk about her path in music, how she's overcome some artistic hurdles, and we give you a little preview of what you can expect at The 8th Annual Rhode Island Folk Festival that she is a part of planning. The festival takes place at Rose Larisa Park in East Providence on Sunday, August 28th and we look forward to seeing you there! At the end of the episode, I've included Beth's song "I'm Alive" available now wherever you stream music // Interview recorded August 20th, 2022 on Cutler Street in Warren, RI// Intro music by Cedros// Hosted by James Toomey // /// If you enjoy the episode please leave a rating or review wherever you're listening right now! ///