The last time Brendan Johnson of Stella Ruze was on the show, it was with his bandmate Katie O'Donnell, and it was less than a week before the world shutdown in March of 2020 (Dan didn't have another in-person guest for nearly a year and a half). It's been almost five years, but Brendan comes back to talk to Dan about the band, some line-up and life changes amidst them, and how embracing improvisation and extended instrumental sections gave them their latest LP, 'Origin'. Brendan and Dan get into their love of live improvisation, namely the band Phish, and the difference between proper "jamming" and just extended soloing. 'Origin' is available December 20th wherever you get your digital music, and on vinyl through the band's website. Stella Ruze will play an LP release show at Ardmore Music Hall on December 21st with Hezekiah Jones and Brittany Ann Tranbaugh.