Icon Fetch

She was part of the reality series “America’s Next Top Model” on the CW back in 2007. Chicago native Sarah Vonderhaar is also a singer/songwriter, who has released a brand new digital-only EP called P.D.L. (Pretty Damn Lucky). One of the highlights is “Howling at the Moon” which has a real classic pop sound to it. Vonderhaar talks about the drama that surrounded the TV show, her custom-made Fender guitar, and how she’s a self-admitted “goof.”

Richard Barone fronted the new wave band the Bongos in the early eighties, then went on to a critically-acclaimed solo career, which Rolling Stone dubbed “chamber pop.” He took several years off to work on projects for other people. He also wrote a book called Frontman – Surviving the Rock n’ Roll Myth. Now, he’s set to release his first studio album in 16 years, Glow. Icon Fetch talks with Barone about working with legendary producer Tony Visconti (David Bowie, T.Rex), his new toy – the Digital Les Paul, and writing songs with legendary tunesmith Paul Williams.

Teeny Tucker’s dad was the famous bluesman Tommy Tucker, who had a hit with “Hi Heeled Sneakers” back in 1964. Teeny, who stands only 5’1″, is continuing in her father’s tradition with her new release, Keep the Blues Alive. She talks with Icon Fetch about her new CD, her writing process and the true story behind the song “Old Man Magnet.”

She is the youngest daughter of Tony Bennett, Antonia Bennett has just released her debut EP called Natural. Not surprisingly, the material is very reminiscent of her dad’s classic, piano-dominated sound. Yet, she’s also no clone of her parent either. Antonia’s voice is, at times, playful, and others, sultry, showing off a unique, interpretive quality befitting of her pedigree. She’s currently touring the world, opening shows for her father. Icon Fetch talks Ms. Bennett about following in her dad’s footsteps, playing the famed Royal Albert Hall, and having to sing the “Hokey Pokey” on stage as a kid.

He is the son of Ray Charles, yet for most of his early life, his dad was not around; constantly out on the road. Ray Charles Jr. has just written the book “You Don’t Know Me,” which delves deeper into the story of his father than the movie “Ray” ever did. He talks candidly about how his dad’s transgressions had a lasting impact on he and his brothers, and how despite seeing firsthand the dangers of drug abuse, he traveled down that very same destructive path. Ray Jr. talks to Icon Fetch about his memories of his dad in the studio, his thoughts on the “Ray” movie, and how his own daughter has a chance to carry on the legacy left by her grandfather.

Boogie rockers Foghat, best known for hits “Slow Ride” & “Fool For the City,” have always had their roots in the blues, but they’ve never done an entire album of blues music until now. Last Train Home is a great mix of classics and originals, all featuring the fierce playing of a well-seasoned band. Icon Fetch talks with founding member, drummer Roger Earl about recording the new record, and the crazy story of the front-cover photo shoot for their classic LP Fool For the City.

Guitarist Peter Parcek is what you might call a late bloomer. At 60 years old, he’s just released his first national release. Hailing from the New England area, his post-high school years were spent abroad, soaking up the British blues of Eric Clapton and Peter Green, and avoiding the Vietnam combat. Once things calmed down, Parcek returned to the States and took jobs as a school counselor and instrument salesman. A chance meeting with blues legend Pinetop Perkins resulted in Parcek leading Perkins’ band for awhile. After gaining more confidence, Parcek decided to strike out on his own. The Mathematics of Love, only his second solo album, showcases his varied style, something he calls “soul guitar.” He gets help from another legend, Al Kooper, on several of the tracks on the album.

British songwriter Joan Armatrading has been blazing her own musical trail for almost 40 years. She’s been nominated for three Grammy’s and two BRIT awards. She’s also one of the very few artists who’ve never done a cover song; she’s only ever performed music that she’s written herself. Her brand new release, This Charming Life, is a collection of melodic songs with a rock edge to them. The album finds her playing almost all the instruments herself. Icon Fetch talked to Armatrading while she was on the way to a recent gig about her new CD and getting the chance to meet Wallace and Gromit.

Drummer Ray Luzier joined Korn in 2008 and did two massive worldwide tours with the band. Now, Korn has released their ninth album, Korn III: Remember Who You Are, and Luzier’s monster drumming is all over it. The band is currently out on the road with Rob Zombie in the Mayhem Festival. Icon Fetch talks with Korn’s newest member. As an added bonus, we also talk with Rob Zombie’s bassist Piggy D.

Delbert McClinton has been playing his own mix of blues, country and rock n’ roll for almost 50 years with no sign of slowing down. His latest release, Acquired Taste, was a gritty collection of songs and another triumph. He talks with Icon Fetch about where he still gets inspiration for his songs (he co-wrote almost every song on the album), plus his upcoming Sandy Beaches 17, a cruise vacation that he started that’s in it’s, that’s right, seventeenth year. In addition, he sets to rest the rumor that he taught a young John Lennon how to play harmonica.