Where The Living Room Used To Be

Jesús Andujar is a highly respected Latin percussionist that's toured the world and, though he grew up in the Dominican Republic, has made the choice to call Rhode Island home over 20 years now. 
In our interview we talk about how being a farmer as a child helped him with his skills, the wonderful opportunities afforded to him because he's a musician, and the current state of live Latin music. 
Interlude songs*:"No Me Sigas Mas" by La Gran ManzanaJesus Andujar and Grupo Sazón with Anthony Carrillo live at Burnside ParkImprovised jam with Anthony Carrillo on conga and Jesús Andujar on shekereGrupo Sazón demoMy Blue Heaven merengue
Recorded January 30th, 2020 at Blackstone Valley Visitor Center in PawtucketIntro music by CedrosHosted by James Toomey
*for demonstration purpose only

Paul Dube shares a unique spot in Rhode Island to get records and the benefits of him moving from the woods to the city.
Includes a favorite song of mine featuring Paul as a sideman by Sharks Come Cruisin' (definitely one I always enjoyed playing with them) called "Randy Dandy O" recorded live at Jake's in Providence back in 2006.
Recorded February 1st, 2020 at Paul's home in PawtucketIntro music by CedrosHosted by James Toomey
 

Paul Dube explains what friends like Atwater~Donnelly mean to him, the skill needed to be a good sideman musician, and the gratification of jamming with others!
This bonus episode includes an unreleased rough cut of an original song by Paul called "Hitchhiker"
If you've been enjoying this show, please do me a favor and leave a positive review wherever you listen to your podcasts. It would really mean a lot!
Recorded February 1st, 2020 at Paul's home in PawtucketIntro music by CedrosHosted by James Toomey
 

Paul Dube is a talented multi-instrumentalist known for his work as an accordion sideman for many RI singer-songwriters, a bluegrass slow jam instructor both locally and at premiere festivals such as Greyfox and Joe Val, and he also happens to be my father in law.
We run through what he's looking to achieve with his classes, how he got to be in The Gobshites - a celtic band that's played consistently for nearly 20 years, and his thoughts on intentional improvisation. 
Interlude songs:"I Can Wait" by Joanne Lurgio"Hard Pressed" (Hot Rize cover) by Loose RootsThe Gobshites live at Chesters"God's Favorite Song" by Bill Petterson"Red Shores of France" by Mary Ann Rossoni"Morning Light" (Paul Dube cover) by Bernard John
Recorded February 1st, 2020 at Paul's home in PawtucketIntro music by CedrosHosted by James Toomey
 

Al Diaz shares where he likes to hang in Rhode Island... the place he used to use change to buy records... and his favorite house of pizza (hint: it's "fantastic! fantastic!)
This bonus episode includes one of my favorite songs from a project Al is a part of at the end. The song is "Close My Ears" by The Benji's
Thanks for listening!!! Please rate & review wherever you're currently reading this!
Recorded January 8th, 2020 at James' apartment in ProvidenceIntro music by CedrosHosted by James Toomey

On this bonus pod Al Diaz talks about staying positive and persistent with regard to music, and shares what his band practice schedule looks like.
Also included is a song by Consuelo's Revenge that was recorded live at The Parlour in Providence back in 2017.
Live track from a video shot by Kyle Shellmer
Recorded January 8th, 2020 at James' apartment in ProvidenceIntro music by CedrosHosted by James Toomey

Through his career Al Diaz has been both an award-winning singer and highly sought-after drummer. In our interview we talk about his upbringing in Central Falls, what he did to teach himself to play music, and how he got to be in so many bands.
Interlude songs:
"Last Night Of Our Lives" by Al Diaz
"Silent Struggle" by Kanerko
"Romeo" by The Dust Ruffles
"All Fall Down" by Consuelo's Revenge
"What It Takes" by SEXCoffee
"Torn Away" by The Benji's
Recorded January 8th, 2020 at James' apartment in ProvidenceIntro music by CedrosHosted by James Toomey

Learn the RI restaurant where Jen Long gets her favorite drink, the places she enjoys in the state, and what one author means to her.
I've also included a favorite track of mine that Jen's been a part of. It's a song called "Red River" by SwampBirds 
Recorded December 27th, 2019 at Jen's office in ProvidenceIntro music by CedrosHosted by James Toomey