The Grammy-nominated drummer and bandleader of Cha Wa first encountered the rhythms of the Mardi Gras Indians during a lesson with Idris Muhammad while studying at Berklee. After a move to New Orleans and years spent playing with the Wild Magnolias and Big Chief Monk Boudreaux, he decided to strike out on his own. With Cha Wa's new record "Rise Up" coming out, Joe enters the Feral Zone with René and guest cohost Jeff Treffinger to recount his odyssey.

Topics include an open permit, a parking lot crash, Italian ancestry, a Westport childhood, a spiritual quest, the Meters, Nirvana, the Mingus Big Band, Paul Newman, jam bands, Boston, Galactic at the Mermaid Lounge, a gospel gig, Lettuce, body language, Trent Reznor at Snake and Jake's, Geechie Johnson, Honey Banister, playing in the street, a tradition of innovation, Bo Dollis, Irma Thomas, Donald Markowitz, making amends, Louise Goffin, and much more.

Break and Outro Music: "Here We Come" and "Why You Wanna Do Me Like That (feat. Irma Thomas)" by Cha Wa from "Rise Up"

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