Dave Hoekstra visits with Alex Orbison, son of the legendary Roy Orbison for a talk about the late singer/songwriter’s life and work, and the path that led to his unearthing of a lost Roy Orbison album, “One of the Lonely Ones“.  He also talks about the personal tragedy that led his father to write the record’s songs, Roy’s contemporary presence and more.  

Dave Hoekstra heads out on the Nocturnal Journey to New Orleans, LA and the Southern Food and Beverage Museum; co-founder Liz Williams talks about the museum’s mission to tell the story of the South (and America as a whole) through food and drink.    

Dave Hoekstra shares some conversation and music with drummer Mike Medina and his band; Medina talks about late session drummer and Chicago native “Fast” Eddie Hoh and his influence, his work with The Monkees and other classic recordings, his sudden retreat from the music world and more.  

Dave Hoekstra talks with Omar Dominguez of AM Mexican Goods in Little Village.  Dominguez talks about AM’s custom-made pinatas, reacting to trending topics and how the business helped put him through college; we also get a look at pinatas of El Chapo and Donald Trump (who does not survive the segment).    

Dave Hoekstra talks with acclaimed music writer and author Peter Guralnick about his new book, Sam Phillips: The Man Who Invented Rock and Roll.  They discuss the legendary producer and his approach to life- in and out of the recording studio, his love of the raw sound of Howlin’ Wolf, Ike Turner and John Prine, his goal to cross boundaries with “race music” and more.  

Dave Hoekstra heads down to Nashville, TN and Skull’s Rainbow Room, a bar that’s revitalizing the Printer’s Alley section of downtown Nashville.  There he talks with owner David Wileman and burlesque dancer Kitana Louise about the bar’s long history (including the murder of original owner David “Skull” Schulman), bringing the club (and neighborhood) back from the dead and the current establishment’s unique offerings. For a more in-depth look at Skull’s and the story’s principal players, check out Dave’s website.  

Guitarist Ricky Baker brings his band Rico in for some live Latin-flavored rock; he talks with Dave Hoekstra about constructing a multi-ethnic band, keeping a wide scope of influences, and the band’s upcoming Birthday Bash gig on January 29 at FitzGerald’s in Berwyn.    

Dave Hoekstra talks with Cayenne Harris, Director of Lyric Unlimited at Lyric Opera Chicago about Lyric’s new “Chicago Voices” initiative that will celebrate the wide array of vocal traditions in Chicago’s musical and cultural fabric.  

The Nocturnal Journal pays tribute to a friend of the show, the legendary soul singer Otis Clay, who passed away January 8 at the age of 73. Bluesman Billy Branch and guitarist Dave Specter offer remembrances, and we get some live music from members of the Christ Temple Church of the Apostolic Faith in Maywood: Teresa Beaver Allen (vocals), Kenny Coleman (drums), Peter Ingram (bass) and Brian Brown (keys). The band, along with Pastor Michael Bellamy talk about gospel music […]

From February 7, 2015: Nocturnal Journal features legendary R&B singer Otis Clay, who shares some stories from his long career, including tales from the old Burning Spear on Chicago’s West Side, and his encounters with other prolific musicians and producers.  Clay also provides some live music , complete with his 8-piece band in tow. Otis Clay died January 8, 2016. He was 73.