Featuring top names in blues, soul, jazz and roots music with a unique, artist-to-artist interview perspective along with live studio performances.
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EPISODES:
BOB STROGER
One of the elder statesmen of Chicago blues, bass player extraordinaire and vocalist Bob Stroger talks about his new album "That's My Name" and shares memories from his long and storied career in the blues, playing with Otis Rush, Sunnyland Slim, Jimmy Rogers and many more.
KATHERINE DAVIS
Chicago blues vocalist extraordinaire Katherine Davis shares stories from her early days growing up in Chicago’s Cabrini Green housing project surrounded by music, through her career in theater, teaching and performances around the world.
BROTHER JOHN KATTKE
A triple threat talent on today’s Chicago blues scene, vocalist, keyboardist and guitarist John Kattke has toured the world with Buddy Guy, Otis Rush, Koko Taylor. John has been a longtime bandmate of Dave Specter’s and also leads his own band, where he combines influences from New Orleans, Texas, Chicago and all points in between.
DEVIN THOMPSON
Chicago Soul singer extraordinaire Devin Thompson shares stories of his musical journey; from his early days growing up in a very musical family in Joliet, to his evolving career and the making of his latest album, Tales of the Soul, on Severn Records
RICK ESTRIN
One of the premier harp players, singers and songwriters on today’s blues scene, Rick shares great stories and memories from his early days growing up in San Francisco and his move to Chicago in the 1960s. Music from his latest album, Contemporary on Alligator Records is featured in the podcast.
DICK SHURMAN
Grammy winning producer, writer and blues historian Dick Shurman takes us on his fascinating blues journey starting in Chicago in the late 1960s, sharing great stories from his many decades on the blues scene, producing acclaimed albums from artists such as Albert Collins, Fenton Robinson, Johnny Winter, Jody Williams, Lurrie Bell and many more.
JIMMY VIVINO
Guitarist, producer, arranger, bandleader and keyboardist Jimmy Vivino lights up the podcast with great stories from his amazing career on the road, in the studio, and on TV with legendary artists including: Levon Helm, Al Kooper, Johnnie Johnson, Hubert Sumlin, Max Weinberg and more!
JORMA KAUKONEN
Jorma Kaukonen joins Dave on the podcast from Fur Peace Ranch sharing great stories from his amazing career. The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame guitarist takes us on his journey from the early days of Jefferson Airplane and Hot Tuna through his solo career, sharing stories and anecdotes about friends and players from John Hammond to Jimi Hendrix, Mike Bloomfield to Jerry Garcia.
BILLY FLYNN
One of the most sought after guitarists on today’s blues scene, Billy Flynn takes us on his blues journey from his early days growing up in Wisconsin through his long and distinguished career performing and recording with an epic list of blues greats.
TAD ROBINSON
One of the finest singers on today’s blues and soul scene, Tad Robinson talks with Dave about his new album, recorded in Memphis with the legendary Hi Rhythm Section along with stories from his cool career, influences and inspirations.
JIMMY BURNS
Mississippi born, Chicago blues/soul man extraordinaire Jimmy Burns reminisces about growing up in the south, his early blues experiences in both Mississippi and Chicago, hanging out at Curtis Mayfield’s house in Cabrini Green and shares great stories from his fascinating career.
SHEMEKIA COPELAND
Enjoy a great conversation with Shemekia Copeland, one of the most dynamic, original and powerful blues singers in today’s music scene. Shemekia shares stories about her recent album America’s Child, lessons learned from her father Johnny Copeland, her relationships/collaborations with Koko Taylor, Dr. John, Will Kimbrough, John Hahn, and hosting her own radio show on Sirius XM.
JOHN MAYALL
John Mayall, the legendary Godfather of British Blues, reflects on his epic career with stories about his early influences, performing with T-Bone Walker, having Eric Clapton, Peter Green and Mick Taylor in his band, his love for jazz and his feelings about the blues today.
JOHN SCOFIELD
Jazz guitar giant John Scofield shares memorable stories about his early days playing the blues, hearing Mike Bloomfield, Paul Butterfield, auditioning for and working with Miles Davis, his collaborations with artists from Jon Cleary to Phil Lesh and his current band, Combo 66.
JIMMIE VAUGHAN
Texas blues legend Jimmie Vaughan shares stories from his early playing days in Dallas to playing in the house band at Antone’s in Austin, hearing Lightning Hopkins, Muddy Waters, working in the studio with Nick Lowe and Dave Edmunds, his current studio/live rig and his long time love for Fender Stratocaters.
JIMMY JOHNSON
Legendary, 90 years young Chicago bluesman extraordinaire Jimmy Johnson joins Dave in a cool and intimate conversation covering Jimmy’s early days from Mississippi to Memphis, and shares great stories about his incredible music career in Chicago.
ELVIN BISHOP
Enjoy some great stories and fascinating blues history from Rock and Roll and Blues Hall of Fame member Elvin Bishop. Elvin reflects on his early days in Chicago in the 1960s and his friendships with bluesmen like Paul Butterfield, Otis Rush, Smokey Smothers and many more. He also talks about his latest album, 100 Years of Blues with Charlie Musselwhite.
NICK MOSS
Chicago bluesman, Alligator recording artist and multiple BMA Award winner Nick Moss shares stories from his celebrated career, taking us from the South and West Sides of Chicago to his songwriting, studio work, guitar playing and lessons learned from some legendary bluesmen.
KIRK FLETCHER
One of the finest guitarists on today’s blues scene, Kirk Fletcher joins Dave on the podcast and shares stories from his early days playing in his father’s church to stints with The Fabulous Thunderbirds and The Mannish Boys, through his solo career and powerful new album My Blues Pathway.
RONNIE BAKER BROOKS
One of the brightest stars on today’s Chicago blues scene, Ronnie Baker Brooks joins Dave for both an audio and Zoom video interview sharing stories from his fascinating career. Ronnie talks about his early days growing up and learning from his dad Lonnie Brooks, shares great stories from Chicago and his life on the road, working in the studio with Steve Jordan, Eddy Clearwater, Bobby Bland and much more.
RICK HOLMSTROM
Enjoy an in-depth conversation with Rick Holmstrom, whose career includes spending the last 13 years as guitarist and bandleader for Mavis Staples, long stints with Rod Piazza, Johnny Dyer and William Clarke, as well as a solo career as an acclaimed recording artist.
STEVE FREUND
Steve Freund takes us on his deep blues journey from his early days growing up in New York, moving to Chicago in the 1970s where he played, toured and recorded with an amazing array of artists including Sunnyland Slim, Big Walter Horton, Luther Allison, winning a Grammy with Koko Taylor, to his current home in California where he’s been a fixture on the West Coast blues scene. Hope you enjoy this shelter in place, Blues From the Inside In, phone interview.
JOANNA CONNOR
Enjoy our first “Blues From The Inside In” shelter in place phone interview with Chicago based and world renowned guitar star Joanna Connor. From her early days on the Chicago blues scene playing at the Checkerboard Lounge and Kingston Mines to her recent collaboration with Joe Bonamassa, Joanna shares great stories from her cool career.
BOBBY RUSH
Recorded backstage at the 2019 Chicago Blues Festival, Grammy winner and legendary bluesman Bobby Rush shares stories from his incredible career.
CHARLIE MUSSELWHITE
Recorded backstage at the 2019 Chicago Blues Festival, Grammy winning bluesman Charlie Musselwhite shares memorable stories of his early days on the Chicago blues scene in the 1960s, his friendship with Little Walter, Muddy Waters, Magic Sam, Big Joe Williams, recording his first album, his burgeoning acting career, radio show and more.
DONALD KINSEY
Donald Kinsey takes us on his incredible musical journey from his early days in Gary, Indiana playing with his father Lester “Big Daddy” Kinsey, becoming bandleader in Albert King’s band as a teenager, meeting Bob Marley and joining the Wailers and playing with his brothers in The Kinsey Report.
MUD MORGANFIELD & RICK KREHER
Born and raised with the blues as the eldest son of Muddy Waters, Mud Morganfield talks about his own approach to music, his new album “They Call Me Mud” and his father’s legacy. Guitarist Rick Kreher shares stories of playing in both Mud’s and Muddy’s bands.
BILLY BOY ARNOLD
Billy Boy Arnold, a recent inductee into both the Blues Hall of Fame and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame shares stories about growing up on the south side of Chicago, learning harmonica in Sonny Boy Williamson’s living room, auditioning for Chess Records with Bo Diddley and his remarkable career spanning the last seven decades.
ALBERT LEE
Grammy winning British guitarist and multiple poll winner of Guitar Player magazine's Best Country Guitarist talks with Dave about his early days on the London music scene in the 1960s and his storied career working with the likes of Eric Clapton, The Everly Brothers, Emmylou Harris along with his many solo projects....and of course they talk guitars and amps!
BILLY BRANCH
Chicago bluesman Billy Branch shares stories of his fascinating career from his early days with Willie Dixon, nights at Theresa’s Lounge with Junior Wells and tells us what he considers to be the greatest blues festival that ever happened in Chicago.
JOE BONAMASSA
Blues/rock guitar slinger Joe Bonamassa talks with Dave backstage at the Chicago Theater, sharing stories about some of his favorite Chicago blues, lessons learned from B.B. King, his choice guitars and amps, and his charitable work with the Keeping the Blues Alive Foundation.
SAM LAY AND CORKY SIEGEL
Chicago blues legend and 2015 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Sam Lay and harp player, composer, entertainer and musician extraordinaire Corky Siegel join Dave in a 2-part interview discussing their musical collaborations and remarkable careers. Featuring a live studio performance from Sam, Corky and Dave!
TORONZO CANNON
Chicago bluesman and CTA bus driver takes us from his early days growing up in the shadows of the legendary Theresa's Lounge on Chicago's south side to currently balancing his thriving music career with the demands of being a full-time, inner city Chicago bus driver. Featuring a live studio performance with Toronzo and Dave.
KERMIT RUFFINS
New Orleans trumpet master, vocalist, composer and co-founder of the Rebirth Brass Band shares stories of his early days playing street parades and parties in the Big Easy, touring the world, owning a club in NOLA and rare insights into his southern cooking.
Podcast Video: Donald Kinsey interview!
Podcast Video: Sam Lay and Corky Siegel join Dave for an interview and jam session in the SPACE studios.
Coming soon: Mike Wheeler!
Interested in guitar lessons with Dave and don’t live in Chicago?
Check out Chicago Blues Network for details
