Rock And Roll Confessional

Formed in Toronto in 1968, Rush became one of the most popular and best-selling bands in rock history, thanks to their tireless effort and imaginative, ever-evolving music. This richly illustrated and entertianingly written book from Rush expert and music journalist Dan Bukszpan pays tribute to the trio on the 50th anniversary of their debut album by curating and examining 50 of the most significant milestones in the bands career.

Daniel covers everything down through the decades. And in this interview we talk with him about : The band's formation by bassiest Geddy Lee and guitarist Alex Lifeson in the suburban Toronto and their early gigs and tours opening for the likes of KISS. We also talk about the breakthrough in the United States thanks to a Cleveland DJ. Plus, the role of co-founding drummer, John Rutsey. Plus much more.

In examinging 50 touchstones, Bukszpan presents a unique look at Rush's Career from Toronto bar band to international mega-platinum stadium fillers. Every page is illustrated with stunning concert and candid offstage photography, including gig posters, 7 - inch picture sleeves, ticket stubs and more.

As one of the founding members, lead singer, lead guitarist, and wrote more than 90% of the Grand Funk Railroad music catalog, Mark Farner has always been known as the energetic driving force on stage, the engine that pulled the original Grank Funk Railroad to the top of the charts. From his soulful voice and power rock riffs, to fueling the Funk with his atomic stage presence. His story and his imprint on music starts with Flint and since 1969 from his humble beginnings and a blue-collar outlook, Farner has captained a global crusade for love, peace and freedom and became a rock 'n' roll icon.

Mor the 60 years later - he commands the stage with the same intensity performing epic hits that defined a generation - "I'm Your Captian (Closer to Home)", "Bad Time", "Some Kind of Wonderful", "Foot Stompin' Music", "Heartbreaker", "Rock & Roll Soul", "Locomotion", "Mean Mistreater" and  "We're An American Band"

Mark will be releasing his latest solo album, "Closer To My Home" on November 8th , and we had the opporutnity to speak with him regarding the album along with his musical career.

Joanne Shaw Taylor, discovered at 16 by Dave Stewart of the Eurythmics, quickly ascended as one of the world's leading rock guitarists. Championed by legends like Stevie Wonder, Annie Lennox, and Joe Bonamassa, her powerful songwriting and distinct vocals first captivated audiences with here 2009 debut, White Sugar. Over the years, Joanne has released numerous acclaimed albums, including the UK Top 20 hit Reckless Heart and the #1 Billboard Blues Chart toppers The Blues Album and Blues From The Heart Live. Her most recent studio album, Heavy Soul, launced under Bonamassa's Journeyman Record earlier this year.

Joe Bonamassa is not a household name. But if you ask any musician one of their top favorite guitarist, Joe will surely be included. Only in his 40s, Bonamassa has become a living legend with an astounding multi-genre catalogue. Collectively, Joe has over 40 albums to date with studio and live recordings, collaborative albums with blues sensation Beth Hart and his adventurous side projects: Black Country Communion and Rock Candy Fund Party. A prolific writer always on the hunt to expand his eclectic musical horizons, Bonamassa has a limitless work eithic whether it's in a studio, on the road or working with other artists to spur new music.

The New York state native opened for B.B. King when he was only 12 years old and has since played alongside such artists as Eric Clapton, Stephen Stills, John Lee Hooker, Warren Haynes, Steve Winwood, Peter Frampton and Buddy Guy, among others. B.B. King might not have guessed it at the time, but that 12-year-old prodigy would go on to become an industry powerhouse.

Building on their 30-year parnership, Joe and manager Roy Weisman created their own record label, management, marketing and concert promotion company called J&R Adventures almost two decades ago. Together, the two mavericks devised a 360-degree independent business model that has survived and thrived during one of the music industry's most uncertain eras. 

Since their debut in 2011, Orange County's Robert Jon & The Wreck have captivated audiences worldwide, turning the Southern Rock sound on its head and making it distinctly their own. With Robert Jon Burrison's lead vocals and guitar, the band's synergy on stage is undeniable. As they embark on this next phase with their new release: Red Moon Rising coming out June 28, they invite both longtime followers and new listeners to join in the celebration of their ongoing evolution and the invincible spirit of rock 'n' roll. The band has toured in the past with Joe Bonamassa, Peter Framption, Buddy Guy and Rival Sons. Their current tour is extensive and goes through December including dates in the U.K. Robert Jon & The Wreck just recently signed to Joe Bonamasssa and Roy Weissman's label: Journeyman Records.

Rock 'n' roll at it's finest. This episode is with the legendary Buck Dharma of Blue Oyster Cult. The band started as BOC in 1967 and has been releasing albums and touring ever since. They have a new album titled "Ghost Stories", which features rare and unreleased music from as far back as the late 70's. These songs, for the most part were never offically released and have been sitting in a vault since they were originally preformed. Now, with the help of A.I., the music has been cleaned up and put onto this one special album. Buck is one of the original founding members, guitarist and vocalist and performs such hits as "Don't Fear The Reaper", "Godzilla" and "Burnin' For You". He shares his history with the band along with insight to how this new album was created.

This episode is with rock and blues legend George Thorogood.  George is celebrating his 50th year in music. He has released 15 studio albums, toured extensively over the years with great bands like, Muddy Waters, ZZ Top, Jonn Hammond, The Rolling Stones, Johnny Winter, BB King and he played at Live Aid in 1985. George and the Destroyers will be touring this summer with John Fogerty. 

George has always given praise to some of his musical heros by recording their rare songs and bringing them into the publics eye. Plus he has written such classic tunes like: Bad To The Bone, I Drink Alone and You Talk Too Much. George talks about his musical influences along with some of his DJ friends from the past years in radio. 

For reference, George talks about Jim Ladd. Jim was best known for being a Free Form DJ in the Los Angeles radio market starting in the 70s. Both Rita And CW worked with Jim for many years. Jim passed away in December of 2023.

This episode is with the band Venice. We were able to reconnect with the band at this year's NAMM show. Venice is known mostly for their amazing harmonys, ones you might hear from Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, The Eagles or Steely Dan. But they have made a mark for themselves in the music world. Following their sisters (and Aunts) the Lennon Sisters, this band has been together since the 80s, impressing the likes of Jackson Browne, David Crosby & Steely Dan. They have worked with such great as Cher, Stevie Nickes, Bruce Springsteen, Elton John, Brian Wilson, Sting & Phil Collins. Infact they were chosen as the backup vocals for Roger Water's The Wall tour from 2010 - 2013. The band has a new album titled "Stained Glass" which features 16 new songs written by the band and recorded in Micahel Lennon's backyard during the pandemic. We were lucky enough to get all 4 members on this interview: Marky, Kipp, Michael & Pat! Please enjoy, and if you do like it, find two previous episodes - a two part with Kipp Lennon back in 2020. 

This episode is with C.F. Martin, IV, or "Chris" as he prefers, who is the Executive Chairman of the world-renowned C.F. Martin & Co. and 6th generation of the Martin family to run the business. Martin acoustic guitars are prized worldwide for their exceptional tone, design, crafsmanship and attention to detail. Under Chris Martin's direction, the Company has maintained its integrity and industry wide respect while growing and prospering to unprecedented manufacturing and sales levels. Martin Guitar was founded in 1833 and is headquartered in Nazareth, PA. In this interview, Chris talks about some of the famous Martin guitars belonging to Willie Nelson, Joan Baez, Post Malone, Eric Clapton and more. Plus we talk about some of the new models that have just be released or re-issued.

This episode of Rock And Roll Confessional features the original drummer and founding member of Foghat; Roger Earl. The band was formed in 1971 after Roger and Lonseome Dave left Savoy Brown. Over the years, Foghat earned eight Gold Records, one Platinum Record and one Double-Platinum record. With such incredible songs like: Fool For The City, Slow Ride, Honey Hush, I Just Want To Make Love To You, and Drivin' Wheel. Now the band has just released their 17th album: Sonic Mojo. Which by the way, just became number one on the Billboard Blues Album chart: The album is full of great Americana blues sound with 6 new songs and 6 remakes from some of the great master songwriters and performers.