So The Story Goes with Brian Chartrand

I sit down with Chad Gregory for an update... This once Phoenix-based troubadour has relocated to Yucca Valley, CA where he pursues some new interests. We talk music, sourdough bread, healing, and psychedelic medicine. For more information about Chad's work visit: https://www.joshuatreebufo.com/

And we're back! Starting off with another Saint George Spirit (Alameda, CA) aka "that round sweetness." Matthew shares some of his industry secrets. We talk about our favorite songs about whiskey. We talk about the concept of the corner bar. We dissect "Breaking and Entering." Single Barrel vs. Small Batch. Special guest Steff Koeppen chimes in. We also taste Hood River Distillery and another Balcones. Not surprising.. things get squirrely. Buckle. Up.

On this episode, our booze sherpa Joseph Reginald Joyce shares several American whiskeys that are not Bourbon or Rye... or Tequila for that matter. Joey shares 9 different, unique (and quite tasty) American whiskeys. What makes Bourbon, Bourbon? Do you know how temperature affects the aging process? Do you know what Alligator char is? See?! You need to listen. We start with Bainbridge Organic Distillers (Bainbridge Island, WA), Balcones Distillery (Waco, TX), and Saint George Spirits (Alameda, CA). This is just part I, buckle up.

Massachusetts native Jon Berman joins us for a chat. From drums, to sax, to singer/songwriter, Jon comes on to talk about the anniversary of his tune "Corona in My Coffee Cup." We reminisce about the MA music scene in the 90s, what hooked him with music, his evolution as a working musician which involves battling cancer and discovering the power of a capo, and his approach to recording music. Check him out https://jonberman.bandcamp.com/

Ben Thompson, aka Mr. Ben, stops by for a chat. This singer/songwriter, originally from Madison, WI, performs and writes children's music in Portland, OR. Full disclosure, I've known Ben for almost 20 years, but I did my best being objective and genuinely curious. We talk early musical memories, his time working at Fender and Pickathon, and his sweet tattoo. Buckle up kids, this one got a little zany. Anyone surprised? No. Me neither. Wanna know more about Mr. Ben? Drive to Portland.

Arizona's own Sophie and Alex Dorsten stop by for a chat. We talk early influences and how they developed their unique sound and instrumentation. We talk about touring in Europe and in the states. Sophie also shares her experience on American Idol. We talk about their future plans and the singles on the horizon. Dig in. For more information, visit www.dorstenmusic.com.

Singer, songwriter, guitar player, producer Aaron Charles stops by the crib for a chat. We talk early musical moments (how about singing "Easy" at his Kindergarten talent show) in his hometown of Whittier, CA. We talk about the first day of the rest of his life (his first John Mayer concert). His decision to attend GCU and his life as a professional musician here in AZ. We also fan boy over John Mayer and the Grateful Dead. Tune in friends. For more info: https://www.youtube.com/@aaroncharlesmusic

Introducing Sebastian Lorenz, all the way from Thüringerberg, Austria by way of Los Angeles, CA. This classically trained guitar player, now cuts it up on guitar and pedal steel with some heavies in LA. We talk about his early obsession with the blues, oddly enough, NOT The Sound of Music and/or skiing after school.. Ever wonder what the gigging scene is like in Austria? Don't worry, we talk about that. We also talk about his journey to LA and what interesting projects he's a part of now. Dig in friends.

Mixologist, and self proclaimed "nerdy bartender type," Joey Joyce joins Brian, Matthew Thornton and Steff Koeppen for an Amaro tasting. What is Amaro? What makes Amaros delicious? After a brief history of the spirit, we taste, describe, and rate several tasty Amaros. I hope you find this discussion valuable and now, go get yourself some Amaros. Tasting in order:

1: Amaro Montenegro, Bologna, Italy

2: Averna, Sicily

3: Vecchio Amaro Del Capo, Calabria, Italy

4: Ischia Sapori Rucolino, Ischia Sapori, Italy

5: Ramazzotti, Milan, Italy

6: Cynar, Milan, Italy

7: Bràulio, Lombardy, Italy

8: Amaro Alta Verde, Triveneto, Italy

9: Fernet Branca, Milan, Italy

10: Becherovka, Karlovy Vary, Czechia

11: Amargo-Vallet, Hidalgo, Mexico

Matt and I discuss what to do when you are asked by friends to sit in on their gig. "Come on and play a tune! And make sure its awesome...." Here's what you need to know...