Songs & Stories

Show Notes

In this episode of Backstage Sonoma, host Steve Roby sits down with Brian Moss, guitarist and founding member of the renowned jam band Spafford. Known for their genre-blending sound and incredible improvisational skills, Spafford has built a loyal following of "SpaffNerds" nationwide. 

With two upcoming shows at the Sweetwater Music Hall on October 30th and 31st, Brian shares insight into the band’s creative process, setlist curation, and how the group locks into unforgettable grooves during their live performances.

Brian also dives into the story behind some of the band’s fan-favorite songs, including “Gold Glitter Hat” and “Duncan’s Uncle,” and gives us a glimpse into his prized custom guitar, "The Crow."

Tune in for a deep conversation about Spafford's evolution, the joys of improvisation, and how each live show takes on a unique life of its own.

 Episode Highlights:

- The Magic of Spontaneous Jams: Brian explains how Spafford’s extended improvisations come together and the musical intuition that guides these moments on stage.

- Custom Guitar Spotlight: Learn about Brian’s custom hollow body guitar, "The Crow," and the inspiration behind its name.

Fan Favorite Songs: Brian discusses the personal stories behind tracks like "Gold Glitter Hat" and "Duncan's Uncle."

- Halloween Surprises: A hint of what fans can expect during Spafford’s Halloween show at the Sweetwater Music Hall.

- The SpaffNerds Community: How Spafford's dedicated fanbase influences the band's performances and approach to releasing music.

 Featured Songs:

- “Dirtbath”

- “Gold Glitter Hat”

- “Duncan’s Uncle”

 Links:

- Tickets for Spafford at Sweetwater Music Hall: https://www.sweetwatermusichall.com

- Spafford Official Website: (https://www.spafford.net

 Social Media Hashtags:

#BackstageSonoma #Spafford #BrianMoss #JamBand #LiveMusic #GoldGlitterHat #DuncansUncle #TheCrow #SpaffNerds #Improvisation #SweetwaterMusicHall #HalloweenShow #CustomGuitar

Show Notes:  

In this episode of Backstage Sonoma, host Steven Roby dives into the world of Bearly Dead with guitarist and vocalist Nick Swift.

Known for their powerful renditions of Grateful Dead classics, Bearly Dead has captured the hearts of Deadheads with their authentic yet fresh interpretations. Nick shares what it’s like to be part of a tribute band dedicated to preserving the Grateful Dead’s iconic sound while keeping the energy alive with their own musical style.

Nick discusses how Bearly Dead recreates the Grateful Dead’s magic on stage, balancing setlists between fan favorites and deep cuts, and why improvisation is at the heart of everything they do.

As the band gears up for their upcoming show at Sweetwater Music Hall on October 22, Nick offers a behind-the-scenes look at life on the road, connecting with the Deadhead community and delivering performances that stay true to the Grateful Dead’s legacy.

Episode Highlights:

- Bearly Dead’s formation and evolution in the Grateful Dead tribute scene

- Nick’s thoughts on honoring Jerry Garcia’s guitar work while adding his personal touch

- The band’s dynamic setlist creation and how they keep each performance unique

- Memorable stories from live shows and the tight-knit bond with the audience

- Anticipation for Bearly Dead’s upcoming Sweetwater Music Hall show on October 22

Featured Songs:

- "Mississippi Half Step"

- "New Speedway Boogie"

- "Playing in the Band"

Concert & Artist Links:  

- Bearly Dead Official Website: https://www.bearlydead.com

- Nick Swift on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nickswift/  

- Bearly Dead Tour Dates:(https://www.bearlydead.com/tour)

- Tickets for Sweetwater Music Hall show: https://sweetwatermusichall.com

Social Media Hashtags: 

#BearlyDead #GratefulDeadTribute #NickSwift #SweetwaterMusicHall #BackstageSonoma #JamBands #DeadHeads #GratefulDead #LiveMusic

Show Notes:
In this episode of Backstage Sonoma, host Steven Roby sits down with the core members of Smooth Jazz Alley—keyboardist and producer Marco Montoya, drummer and producer Kevin Lewis, and saxophonist Otoe Mori. Together, they share the journey behind the band's unique sound and their efforts to push contemporary jazz's boundaries. With years of experience and collaboration, these talented musicians open up about the dynamics of their creative process and the inspiration behind their latest work.

The trio discusses their studio experiences, the synergy that fuels their music, and the importance of evolving while staying rooted in the jazz tradition. They also reveal what fans can expect from their upcoming Blue Note performance in Napa and the exciting new music they plan to release in the coming months.

For smooth jazz and instrumental fusion fans, this episode offers a deep dive into the minds of three accomplished musicians making waves in the genre.

Episode Highlights:

Featured Songs:

Related Links:

Social Media Hashtags: #SmoothJazzAlley #MarcoMontoya #KevinLewis #OtoeMori #BackstageSonoma #JazzFusion #ContemporaryJazz #MusicInterviews #JazzGroove

In this episode of Backstage Sonoma, Steven Roby sits down with the ever-inspiring multi-instrumentalist Ron Artis II to explore the intersection of music, spirituality, and authenticity.

With an upcoming show at the Hop Monk Tavern in Novato, Ron opens up about the creative process behind his latest release, We Are Not Machines, offering insights into the layers of influence that shape his sound—from Delta blues to gospel, rock to R&B. Raised in a musical family in Hawaii, Ron’s journey is as soulful as his music. In this interview, he shares the stories that have paved his way as an artist who defies boundaries.

During the conversation, Ron dives deep into how he approaches songwriting, why staying true to yourself is essential for artistic success, and the emotional weight of playing music that connects people. Whether you're a long-time fan or new to his work, this episode will resonate with anyone who believes in the transformative power of music.

Episode Highlights:

Featured Songs:

Links:

Social Media Hashtags: #RonArtisII #WeAreNotMachines #BackstageSonoma #SoulMusic #LivePerformance #HopMonkNovato #StevenRobyInterview #MusicPodcast #SpiritualMusicJourney

In this episode of Backstage Sonoma, host Steven Roby welcomes Keith Roberts, The Young Dubliners's charismatic lead vocalist and guitarist. With 30 years of electrifying performances, The Young Dubs have become legendary for their unique fusion of Celtic music and rock, captivating audiences worldwide. In a candid conversation, Keith opens up about the band's incredible journey from their humble beginnings as a duo in Santa Monica to headlining international stages. Along the way, they’ve crafted a distinctive sound, blending Irish traditional influences with the raw energy of American rock.

Keith shares fascinating behind-the-scenes stories from their extensive discography, highlighting songs like "Rosie," a fan favorite, and "We The Mighty," a powerful anthem that resonates with their audience's spirit. The discussion also dives into the band's latest single, "Drive," reflecting their forward-thinking ethos in life and music. As they prepare for their 10th studio album, produced by longtime collaborator Tim Boland, Keith talks about how crowdfunding has provided the band with creative freedom, offering fans a direct role in shaping their new music. Whether you're a longtime fan or discovering the band for the first time, this episode is filled with energy, insight, and a celebration of three decades of Celtic rock.

Episode Highlights:

Featured Songs:

Links:

Social Media Hashtags:
#BackstageSonoma #YoungDubliners #CelticRock #Rosie #WeTheMighty #Drive #30YearsOfMusic #SweetwaterMusicHall #FanPoweredMusic #CrowdfundingMusic #TimBolandProductions #LiveMusic #MillValleyConcerts

In this episode of Backstage Sonoma, host Steve Roby welcomes the acclaimed folk singer-songwriter Brett Dennen. Known for his introspective lyrics and soulful sound, Brett shares insights into his musical journey and the inspirations behind his latest album, If It Takes Forever. The album, set for release on October 11th, reflects on themes of loss, love, and life's winding paths, including personal challenges like the passing of his father and other life-altering events. 

Throughout the interview, Brett reflects on his evolving songwriting process, his love for acoustic folk rock, and how his life experiences have shaped his music. He also discusses his creative methods, how collaboration with other artists has influenced his sound, and how his live performances offer an intimate connection with fans. With tracks like “Dharma Baby” and “Chipping Away,” Brett takes listeners on a profound yet joyous journey through his personal reflections and musical exploration.

Episode Highlights

- Brett Dennen shares his personal journey in creating If It Takes Forever.

- The impact of losing his father and its influence on his songwriting.

- How Brett balances deep, emotional content with upbeat musical styles.

- The importance of collaboration and learning from other musicians on the road.

- Brett’s upcoming performance at the Mystic Theater in Petaluma on October 13th.

Featured Songs

- "See the World" (from Brett's 2021 album)

- "Dharma Baby" (from If It Takes Forever)

- "Chipping Away" (from If It Takes Forever) 

Links

- Purchase tickets for Brett Dennen's show at the Mystic Theater: https://mystictheatre.com/

- Follow Brett Dennen on Instagram: [@brettdennen]( https://www.instagram.com/brettdennen/)

- Stream Brett Dennen’s latest album: Spotify

Social Media Hashtags 

#BackstageSonoma #BrettDennen #FolkMusic #IfItTakesForever #MusicInterview #MysticTheater #PetalumaMusic #IndieFolk #SongwritingJourney

In this episode of Backstage Sonoma, host Steven Roby sits down with iconic alternative-country artist Robbie Fulks to dive deep into his latest album, Bluegrass Vacation. Fulks, known for his storytelling prowess and sharp musicianship, shares the inspiration behind his shift into pure bluegrass and what it was like working with legends like Sam Bush and Jerry Douglas. From songwriting processes to collaborations with artists like Jenny Scheinman, Fulks provides an intimate look at the creation of his music.

The interview also touches on Robbie's evolution as a songwriter and performer, reflecting on personal memories, career highlights, and his passion for creating music that defies traditional genre boundaries. With a special preview of his upcoming performance with Jenny Scheinman at Hop Monk Tavern, this episode is a must-listen for fans of bluegrass, Americana, and heartfelt storytelling.

Episode Highlights:

Featured Songs:

Links:

Social Media Hashtags:

#BackstageSonoma #RobbieFulks #BluegrassVacation #AlternativeCountry #JennyScheinman #Bluegrass #AmericanaMusic #HopMonkTavern #LiveMusicCalifornia

In this exciting episode of Backstage Sonoma, host Steve Roby sits down with Christian Gates, the multi-talented artist known as The Philharmonik.

Christian shares the inspiring journey behind his rapid rise to success, including his recent win at the NPR Tiny Desk Contest and his triumph at last year’s American Songwriting Contest. With a background in multiple instruments and a deep love for music, Christian’s creative process is as eclectic as his sound.

During the conversation, Christian opens up about his challenges, unique songwriting approach, and the concept behind his hit songs "What's It All Mean?" and "Pay Me." He also discusses the intricacies of managing a nine-member band and what fans can expect from his upcoming show at the Mystic Theater in Petaluma. This episode is filled with insightful reflections on his life in music and the passion driving his art.

Episode Highlights:

Featured Songs:

Links:

Social Media Hashtags:

#BackstageSonoma #ThePhilharmonik #ChristianGates #TinyDeskWinner #WhatsItAllMean #MysticTheater #PayMe

In this episode of Backstage Sonoma, host Steven Roby has an in-depth conversation with renowned Brazilian guitarist and singer Badi Assad.

With over 35 years in the music industry, Badi shares the triumphs, challenges, and personal growth that have shaped her career, including her battle with focal dystonia and deep connection with the San Francisco Bay Area.

Through compelling stories and musical insights, Badi discusses her diverse musical influences and collaborations and how she continues to captivate audiences with her unique blend of jazz, Brazilian rhythms, and world music.

The conversation also highlights Badi’s upcoming concerts, her reflections on the powerful messages behind her songs like "If I Want to Talk to God" and "Island of Flowers," and her exciting new project featuring 22 immigrant and refugee musicians. Whether you’re a fan of her music or new to her work, this interview offers a rare glimpse into the heart and soul of one of the world's most innovative musicians.

Episode Highlights:

Featured Songs:

Links:

Social Media Hashtags: #BackstageSonoma #BadiAssad #BrazilianMusic #WorldMusic #Jazz #RomeroLubambo #IlhaAlbum #IslandofFlowers #LiveMusic #BlueNoteNapa #EveryBlueMoonConcerts #GuitarArtistry #MusicHealing

In this episode of Backstage Sonoma, host Steve Roby interviews acclaimed violinist and composer Jenny Scheinman. Jenny shares insights into her latest album, All Species Parade, which is deeply influenced by her return to the remote Lost Coast of Humboldt County. She reflects on how reconnecting with nature and rural life, especially during the pandemic, has reshaped her musical direction. The conversation also explores the challenges of balancing her artistic career with motherhood and how the isolation of 2020 led to a period of creative growth. 

Jenny also discusses her long-standing collaborations with guitarists Bill Frisell, Julian Lage, and Nels Cline, highlighting how their unique styles contributed to the album's sound. The episode delves into her approach to genre-bending, improvisation, and composing music that reflects the natural world and her journey. As a special preview, Jenny shares details about her upcoming performances at Mr. Tipple's Jazz Club in San Francisco, offering fans a glimpse of what to expect from these intimate shows.

Episode Highlights:

- Jenny’s transition from the urban landscape of New York to the rural beauty of Humboldt County.

- The inspiration behind her new album All Species Parade and its connection to nature.

- Collaborations with Bill Frisell, Julian Lage, and Nels Cline and their impact on the album.

- Navigating the challenges of motherhood and creativity, especially during the pandemic.

- Details about her upcoming performances at Mr. Tipple's Jazz Club in San Francisco.

Featured Songs:

- “Nocturne for 2020”

- “Ornette Goes Home”

Links:

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