Where The Living Room Used To Be

***PICK UP JESSE THE TREE'S LATEST ALBUM "SPACE TOMATOES" ON LIMITED EDITION CASSETTE at  bit.ly/WTLRUTBmerch  *** Jesse Ramos shares the attitude toward live shows that he learned from touring with Jared Paul , his thoughts on why you don't have to be hurtful to be an expressive artist, and how he draws upon the human condition in his music. This bonus episode includes the track "Slow" from the r...

***PICK UP HIS LATEST ALBUM "SPACE TOMATOES" ON LIMITED EDITION CASSETTE at bit.ly/WTLRUTBmerch  *** On this episode I chat with Jesse Ramos... who you more likely know by the name Jesse The Tree . Jesse and I talk about his start writing rhymes back in high school, drawing influences from both 90s hip hop as well as the folk scene for some of his music, and how his new record "space tomatoes" got...

On this bonus episode I learn what is likely to be my next favorite drink, and that... in addition to both being badasses... Roz Raskin and Chachi Carvalho have very similar pizza choices! Also included is a song I've been really digging off the new NOVA ONE album called "close encounter" which is actually a remake of a song originally released by their earlier band, Roz and The Rice Cakes. Interv...

Roz Raskin shares the power of positive reinforcement, how a diversity of voices are moving to the forefront in music, and some of what they were feeling while writing their new record "lovable". Includes an in-studio performance at WBRU by Roz and The Rice Cakes of their song "Castle" that was recorded in 2014. ( video credit:  WBRU Providence ) Interview recorded April 1st, 2020 via Zoom Intro m...

Roz Raskin is known for their work in bands such as The Rice Cakes and Nova One. In our conversation we talk about the start of these bands, learning piano at an early age and what they've done to develop their voice, the importance of building a solid local following as a musician, and their approach to songwriting. We also cover the experience of recording at Big Nice Studio and winning the WBRU...

Rich Lupo and I talk about some things from back in the day, what originally being from Massachusetts means for pizza preference, and a certain place in Rhode Island that means a lot to him. I've included a live track recorded at Lupo's Heartbreak Hotel in 1999 by one of my favorite bands, Gruvis Malt . I can talk more about it someday, but in short, they're the first RI band I came down to see an...

Rich Lupo discusses the reason why he runs his clubs the way he does, how he's stayed in business for so long, and why he continues on. Includes a live version of "Ashamed" by Deer Tick at their curated multi-artist showcase Dudesmash Too* held on September 14th, 2013 outside in the courtyard of The Met in Pawtucket, RI. ( video credit:  B West ) *Also on this show were other RI locals  The Low An...

Rich Lupo is a legendary club owner here in Providence for nearly 45 years. In our interview we cover why he got into the business, some of his favorite bands and personal memories over the last few decades, and even how Lupo's Heartbreak Hotel got its name! Interlude songs: "Welcome To Lupo's" by Roomful of Blues (from their album: Live At Lupo's Heartbreak Hotel, Providence, RI 17-19 April 1986)...

Jesús shares where he likes to practice and his favorite spot to grab a drink in Rhode Island. Includes a favorite track of mine by Grupo Sazón from their 2 song demo! Recorded January 30th, 2020 at Blackstone Valley Visitor Center in Pawtucket Intro music by  Cedros Hosted by James Toomey 

Jesús shares how being a musician needs to be more than your persona and image, as well as the gifts of learning from many different influences and being versatile.  Includes a live performance by Grupo Sazón with Anthony Carrillo live at Burnside Park in Downtown Providence. Check out the video HERE ! Video Credit: Richard Snyder  Recorded January 30th, 2020 at Blackstone Valley Visitor Center in...

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.  In...

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 Pawtucket Intro music...

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 m...

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 consist...

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! R...

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 Providence Intro music by  Cedros Hosted by J...

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...

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 Providence Intro music by  Cedros Hosted by James Toomey

Jen Long shares some advice about how much to engage with your instrument, the beauty of exploring new music, and the impact poetry has had in her life. I've also included a live song by Assembly of Light Choir from a performance at Machines With Magnets back in 2012. The main voice you'll hear is Assembly of Light's founder and director - Crissy Wolpert - and the song is their version of The Velv...

Jen Long is a musician, activist and designer based in Providence. In our interview we talk about the hurdles she's overcome to become a musician, what Girls Rock RI (now known as RIOT) means to her, and how The Whale Guitar project came about and what it's looking to achieve. Interlude songs: "Let Me Pretend" by SwampBirds "Double Drowning" by SwampBirds "Into The Woods II" by Assembly of Light C...

Chris Carrera and I take a deep dive into pizza strips and you'll find out the shop that he got his first tattoo at! Includes track by Bloodpheasant from their second album "Grieve" The song is called "I am the vulture and I am home" and it's a favourite of mine Recorded July 18th at James' home in Providence Intro music by  Cedros Hosted by James Toomey

Chris Carrera passes along some advice he first heard from his father...as well as his rationale for what he puts into his live performances. Includes an alternative version of "I Do Believe We're Naked By Funky See, Funky Do" by Weak Teeth that was part of Atomic Action! Records' Rhode Island hardcore compilation " You Can't Kill Me, I'm Already Dead " Please support two great RI record labels - ...

You may know Chris Carrera from numerous bands including Weak Teeth , Bloodpheasant , Deleted Arrows and Yavinfive . In our conversation he talks about diy shows and punk matinees in Providence, his experience playing Weak Teeth's "final show" before his move to Denver, and why AS220 is a special place to him.  Interlude songs: "A Red State of Mind" by Yavinfive "Repetition Implies Importance, Imp...

Learn about John Allmark 's war with RI pizza, how his record collection got so big, and what you should be doing on the night before Thanksgiving. Recorded September 25th at Blackstone Valley Visitor Center in Pawtucket Intro music by  Cedros Hosted by James Toomey

John and I chat about music advice and his thoughts on the state of music today. We also discuss the high standards he has... as well as what coming to America showed him.    Includes a track by the John Allmark Jazz Orchestra live at Bovi's Tavern - the home of Monday night big band jazz for over 40 years before it closed in 2015. Audio credit: Mike Palmer Recorded September 25th at Blackstone Va...