Yes, I might lack impartiality, but I think these instrumental tunes written and produced by drummer Gary Dates are pretty darn good. And I'd feel the same even if he wasn't my husband.

He's accompanied by a few guys you may be familiar with - since they were all members of Line Drive: Chris McKevitt, Tim Boyce, Rick Brunermer and Chris Plunkett, playing under the name Desperate Measures.

Why does a bass guitar only have four strings? Why do audiences in Moscow love jazz? This week world class bassist Tony Cimorosi and I discuss these issues and the thrill of gigging around the world, jerks in the music industry and why bass players love to play solos.

Thirty seven years ago Line Drive drummer Gary Dates was told he'd never get back the use of his left arm after a devastating car accident damaged the nerves in his left arm. Today, that neurologist can eat his words because Gary has become as one of the best and most musical drummers in the area.

In this episode I speak to my husband of 35 years about how he dealt with that crisis. But our conversation goes from that near tragedy to everything from photographing Barbie and Ken to playing the drums in the back of a van.

Anyone who has heard Jose Loo perform knows just how multi-talented he is. Singing is just one facet of that glittering jewel; the songs he's written and arranged reveal his love and understanding of music. And his keyboard skills - evident in the last cut - are often overlooked because of the magnitude of his other performance skills.

I never get tired of listening to him.

https://www.amazon.com/Coulda-Been-Contenders-Line-Drive/dp/B0084IZ1GI

https://www.amazon.com/product-reviews/B001IAKV5K

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iDsXy_ol7Qg

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_THub_pbge4

Billy Van Zandt started in community theater and became one of the world's most produced playwrights, parlaying those skills into a career writing and often executive producing hit TV series, including The Bob Newhart Show, Martin, Anything But Love and Daddy Dearest.

We talk about what it takes to get a TV writing gig, his decades working with his long-time writing partner Jane Milmore,  a zany almost-meeting with Lucille Ball and an quasi deja vu moment when he actually did meet his comic idol.

https://www.amazon.com/GET-CAR-JANE-Adventures-Wasteland/dp/1734401710/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3J1LCIWQZ80QE&dchild=1&keywords=billy+van+zandt&qid=1615924749&sprefix=billy+van+zan%2Caps%2C151&sr=8-1

Bassist Cody McCorry performs with multiple bands, including We Used To Cut the Grass. In this INTERMEZZO he flaunts his unconventional approach to music with the group in these Frank Zappa-influenced tunes. 

Watch the official music video here.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kzLcydIftj0

And explore some other cuts here.

https://weusedtocutthegrass.bandcamp.com/

When fine art photographer Jill Pesciotta lost her mother, Trudy Maran, it was all the more bittersweet. Because Jill’s mom was also her creative muse. 

This week's INTERMEZZO features musician and songwriter Chris Plunkett, with three songs from his CD, "Sunday Shuffle."

https://www.amazon.com/Sunday-Shuffle-Chris-Plunkett/dp/B0071LENKE

After opening and closing more stage theaters than most of us have even visited, Jade Greene talks about her love of acting, the trials of running a theatre company and her future plans.

Oh. And her psychic abilities. With a promise to bring her tarot cards next time.