Roots Rednecks and Radicals

Twisted Pine is a bluegrass band based out of Boston Massachusetts. They have been playing together for some time now and got their start with musicians from the Berkeley Academy of Music. Their instrumentation combines traditional bluegrass instruments with the flute which adds a really interesting layer to the music. Their most recent record is called “Right Now” and was released in 2020I had a chance to catch a set of their tunes and chat with them about the band on tour recently. I hope ya dig it!

AJ Lee and Blue Summit is a bluegrass band based out of San Francisco California. The group got its start as The Tuttles with AJ Lee. That group was a family band made up of father Jack, siblings Molly, Sully and Michael, and AJ Lee. That formation morphed over time into the current lineup that is AJ Lee and Blue Summit. (explain my ignorance here) 

The lineup of AJ Lee and Blue Summit is AJ on vocals, Scott Gates on guitar, Sully Tuttle on guitar, Chad Bowen on bass, and Jan Purat on fiddle. I caught up with them after their set at WinterWonderGrass. The set blew me away, their stellar musicianship is impressive to say the least. We had a good talk about the band, their music, and touring. I hope you dig it!

For over thirty years The Mother Hips have been making music and touring. Originally from Chico California, the group has developed a sound that is truly their own. In 2021 they released an album named Glowing Lantern which incorporates their vast influences. Their rootsy 70s rock sound is reminiscent of groups like “The Band” and they’ve developed their own blend of California rock and soul. I had a chance to chat with Greg about their most recent release, and their upcoming show in Lake Tahoe. I hope ya dig it! 

Hey all this is a special episode. I'm announcing the launch of my Patreon page! I'm excited to be able to share some new content with everyone, and have you join this journey. Thanks to everyone who listens! 

Town Mountain is a bluegrass band based out of North Carolina. The band has been together now for over a decade and in that time they’ve become known for a hard driving bluegrass sound that draws on many sources for inspiration. I had a chance to chat with them on tour recently about their music, their live shows, and their songwriting. I hope ya dig it!

The Kitchen Dwellers are a bluegrass band based out of Bozeman Montana. The quartet are all fans of the great outdoors and incorporate those themes in the lyrics of their songs. I had a chance to catch them on tour and talk about their songs, their new album, and the impact the American West has on their songwriting. I was born and raised in Nevada, and there’s an interesting connection between the people of rural Western states. One thing I want to mention is the topic of suicide does come up. It’s dealt with in a tasteful way, but I wanted to mention it in case that is difficult for you. That being said, it was a great conversation. I hope ya dig it!

Keller Williams is a stalwart singer/songwriter and performer. His music crosses genres combing bluegrass, folk, reggae, jazz and funk. His career dates back to the mid 90s and in that time he’s recorded and toured all over the world. I recently caught up with him before his set at WinterWonderGrass. We met backstage and talked about his music, and his most recent album. I hope ya dig it! 

I was lucky enough to have Reno roots musician Charlie Marks live in the studio to talk about their new album that got released this week. This is the interview we did. Charlie played some songs, we talked about their songwriting and the new recording, and we had a great time. I hope ya dig it! 

Fruition is an Indie Folk Rock band from Portland Oregon. Their most recent studio releases were a pair of albums the band released in conjunction with one another, Broken at The Break of Day, and Wild as The Night. The band has been together for some time now forming a sound that harkens back to 60s Folk music, while keeping their sound fresh and current. I had a chance to catch up with them at the Winter Wondergrass Festival in Tahoe California. Kellen talked to me about the band, their writing style, and what to look for in the future with the band. I hope you dig it!

Shovels and Rope is a folk rock duo made up of Cary Ann Hearst and Michael Trent. Over the last decade they’ve put out 6 full length records, along with many live recordings and other projects. Their sound is unique, and catchy. It’s pop-oriented without sound derivative. Their harmonies and beautiful and sometimes dissonant, but always seem to get stuck in your head. Their most recent album is called “Manticore” and it’s fantastic. I had a chance to talk with the duo recently about their album. I hope ya dig it!