Brass Balls Podcast

This Season 1 finale is also our first episode taped during the Sars Cov 2 pandemic lockdown, wherein we dial up from our respective homes, unable to see one another. Andrew and Eric play catch up and receive a special call from an old friend. Please rate, review, recommend, and follow us on instagram @brassballspodcast if you would like to hear a season 2.

In our final pre-covid taping the brass balls boys are joined by a versatile veteran trumpeter, Jeff Pierce, who can fall on his face and keep playing the set like it's nothing.

As if an interview with ace trombonist Ray Mason (Antibalas) wasn't already awesome enough, we get interrupted by a very special call-in guest.

Jordan McLean, founding trumpeter of Antibalas, discusses his life's philosophy.

A long-form interview with William Schalda Jr., who played in more than one precursor to The Budos Band, and who has since played with Charles Bradley, with NY garage rock legends The Realistics, with his family band The Sha La Das, and while wearing many hats for his solo project Billy Swivs. Will tells us funny stories from growing up in Staten Island, during which time he suffered tuba in the high school marching band.

Andy and Eric get high… courtesy of Oregon’s Cannabis Concierge, Mr. Joshua J. Taylor, who is the most knowledgable person you’ll ever meet when it comes to marijuana. Josh lays out the facts, drawing from his vast experience as a medical cannabis caregiver, columnist, event producer, and CEO. Our hosts – hanging onto their seats – add a musician’s perspective and together we learn how all this knowledge is rooted in American history and how it can be applied today. (Recorded on location at an outdoor musical festival in San Francisco.)

Andy and Eric go on location to interview another New York heavyweight: Michael Leonhart, a trumpeter, composer, and big band leader.  Here we get to know Michael the human, rather than just Michael the player with a very long CV.

The producers bring out Rich Terrana and Preet Patel from revered NY reggae band, The Frightnrs, a group which lacks brass altogether. Our hosts react by challenging their guests to a competition. (Rich and Preet are Daptone Records label mates who have both subbed in Budos Band on occasion.)

Eric and Andy get deep with fellow trumpeter Dave Guy from The Roots.  Dave is a modern-day New York legend who has played on just about every recording from Budos Band, Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings, and Menahan Street Band.

In which hosts Eric Biondo and Andrew Greene interview themselves. Hear these trumpet players from The Budos Band in their natural element: getting drunk and talking shop.