Icon Fetch

John Waite is best known for a couple of #1 hits “Missing You,” and “When I See You Smile” (with Bad English) from the Eighties. He’s just released a brand new disc called Rough and Tumble, which returns him to the rock roots of his late Seventies band the Babys. Icon Fetch talks to Waite about the bare-bones approach he took with the new album, collaborating with Kyle Cook, guitarist for Matchbox Twenty, and the inspiration behind “Missing You.”

Hailing from the Pacific Northwest, Handful of Luvin’s new CD is called Life In Between. The four-piece band’s secret weapon is Andrew Joslyn, who plays the violin with the fire of a guitar virtuoso. The band mixes elements of folk, reggae, and even Celtic influences into their rock sound. Icon Fetch talks with singer / guitarist David John about recording the new CD, the impressive artwork that adorns the disc cover, and including excerpts of English philosopher Allan Watts in a couple of their songs

The O’s have taken the do-it-yourself attitude and ran with it. Both members (Taylor Young and John Pedigo) play several instruments, often at the same time. The acoustic duo has just released their second album, Between the Two, a blend of cheerful bluegrass, twangy country, and stompin’ blues, sprinkled with some Louvin-Brothers-inspired harmonies. Both guys are veterans of several other bands (Young is still the drummer for the Polyphonic Spree). Young sums their sound the best: “Well, we sweat too much for a folk band, drink too much for a pop band, and rock too much for a country band. Our music lies somewhere in between.” Icon Fetch talks with both halves of the O’s about their new CD, having their tour van break down, and playing the opening of the Eight Track Museum.

Bucks Burnett has just opened an 8-Track Museum in Dallas, Texas. Along with Bell Bottoms and the Pinto automobile, nothing screams the 1970’s quite like the 8-track tape. For those who were old enough to remember them, those bulky cartridges provided the soundtrack for many a road trip or party. Titles like Saturday Night Fever and Frampton Comes Alive! just sound better when played on them. And, way before the mp3, the 8-track was the very first portable form of music. Unfortunately, their ill-fated design caused the tapes to often get mangled in the players, and they were soon supplanted by the smaller and more efficient, cassette tape. Burnett, who also managed Tiny Tim toward the end of his life, talks to Icon Fetch about how he started collecting 8-tracks, which ones are the rarest, and why he doesn’t actually play the tapes himself.

Big Joe & the Dynaflows have just released their brand new CD You Can’t Keep a Big Man Down. As we find out from lead singer & drummer Big Joe Maher, the title refers to an accident he had in North Carolina where he seriously injured his back. But, through rehab and perseverance, the big man was back on his feet. The new CD is an excellent mix of originals and obscure blues covers. Icon Fetch talks with Maher about his great sidemen in the band, chumming with Delbert McClinton, and tells some great stories of working with some legendary bluesmen.

John Popper, the frontman for Blues Traveler, grabs together some of his buddies while his band is on a little hiatus. The resulting project, John Popper & the Duskray Troubadours, allows him the chance to stretch out and explore some new territory. He also talks about what Blues Traveler has in store for the future.

Japanese pianist Keiko Matsui has sold over a million and a half albums, released 22 solo records, and has toured the world incessantly. Her latest effort is appropriately titled The Road…, and features guest appearances by Kirk Whalum and Richard Bona. The album is a mix of many different styles that the instrumentalist has tried over the years. Icon Fetch talks with Matsui about recording the new disc with some great sidemen, how she titles her instrumental songs, and how this is the beginning of her “new journey.”

Mitch Easter is best known as the co-producer for the first two REM albums, Murmur and Reckoning from the early Eighties. That exposure helped him land numerous other production gigs. At the same time, Easter was leading his own fine band, Let’s Active, who released four records for IRS. After that band’s breakup, it took him almost 20 years to release new material — 2007’s Dynamico was Easter’s first release under his own name. Icon Fetch talks to the influential producer about why it took him so long between releases, the story behind hooking up with REM, and how he feels about the state of the recording industry now.

Tad Robinson knows soul music – and it shows. His latest CD, Back in Style, harkens back to a time when sweet, string-laden R&B ruled the charts. And, people are taking notice. Robinson’s new disc has just been nominated for three Blues Music Awards (in the “Soul Blues” category). He talks to Icon Fetch about his roots, collaborating with the great musicians for this album, and working with Wayne Jackson of the Memphis Horns.

Marshall Crenshaw had an MTV hit with “Someday Someway.” That slice of retro-pop came from his self-titled debut, released in 1982 to critical acclaim. Since then, he’s released ten studio albums and built up a cult following for his unique melodic songwriting. Crenshaw has also dabbled in Hollywood, penning songs for soundtracks, as well as making cameo appearances in such films as La Bamba, where he played Buddy Holly. Icon Fetch talks to the power pop pioneer about his roots starring in Beatlemania!. the influence of John Lennon, as well as upcoming new material.