Songs & Stories

In this interview on Backstage Sonoma, host Steven Roby chats with Americana singer-songwriter Noah Guthrie about his music career and upcoming show in Napa, California. The discussion begins with Guthrie's early influences, particularly his father's musical background, and how he transitioned from casually strumming a guitar at 14 to becoming a professional musician. Guthrie shares insights into his unique blend of soulful voice and Southern influences and his experiences opening for renowned artists like Ed Sheeran and Willie Nelson.

The conversation also delves into Guthrie's appearances on TV shows such as "Glee" and "Dancing With the Stars," detailing how these opportunities came about unexpectedly and what they taught him about the entertainment industry. Guthrie reflects on his musical journey, including his recent European tour, where he performed in distinctive venues like the historic St. Pancras Church in London.

Furthermore, Guthrie discusses the inspiration behind some of his songs, including "Blue Wall," a tribute to his South Carolina roots, and "Carry It Well," a song about life's challenges and personal growth. The interview wraps up with information about Guthrie's concert at Blue Note Napa on August 1st, highlighting his preference for intimate acoustic shows and his connection with his audience during these performances.

In this engaging interview, the California-based quartet Color Green sits down with host Steve Roby to discuss their latest album 'Fool’s Parade,' musical influences, and the creative process behind their unique sound. The members share personal anecdotes about their journey in the music industry, their experiences performing live, and how living in California has shaped their artistry. Through lively conversation and insightful questions, Steve Roby delves deep into the band's stories and aspirations, providing listeners with an intimate look at the band Color Green.

In this insightful interview on Backstage Sonoma, musician Rachel Garlin joins host Steve Roby to discuss her musical journey and latest project, "The Ballad of Madeline and Therese."

Rachel shares her experiences growing up with a passion for storytelling and music, leading to her current role as a singer-songwriter based in San Francisco. She delves into her latest album's inspiration and creation process, explaining how it began as a song cycle and evolved into a historical fiction narrative about forbidden love in 1940s America.

Rachel also discusses the challenges and rewards of transforming the album into a one-woman show and her approach to live performances. She further shares a unique songwriting exercise inspired by a random book paragraph and discusses the deeper meanings behind her songs.

Further, Rachel touches on her diverse endeavors, including her appearances on NBC's "American Ninja Warrior," her work as a songwriting instructor at Berkeley Rep and ACT, and her upcoming performances at the Sweetwater Music Hall. 

Throughout the conversation, she emphasizes the importance of connecting with listeners and students through music and shared stories, showcasing her talents and passions beyond just performing.

In this episode of Backstage Sonoma, host Steve Roby is joined by Tom Rigney, a renowned fiddler, composer, and Bay Area music legend. Rigney discusses his extensive music career, beginning with his early days playing bluegrass in the 1970s, leading into his time with The Sundogs in the mid-1980s. He shares intriguing anecdotes, such as how he started playing with Queen Ida and her Bon Temps Zydeco Band, which set the stage for his future endeavors in Cajun and Zydeco music.

The interview concludes with a discussion of Rigney's recent European tour and his plans for future performances. Listeners are encouraged to check out his website for more information on his music and tour schedule.

The interview features ukulele virtuoso Vince Esquire and bassist Uncle Don Lopez from the band Kanekoa. Known for their unique blend of ukulele-powered Hawaiian jam rock, Kanekoa has been praised as the "Hawaiian Grateful Dead." With nearly 20 albums over their 25-plus-year career, the band continues to captivate audiences.

During the interview, Vince and Don discuss the band's origins, from a humble coffee shop open mic to becoming a staple in Hawaiian music culture. The conversation touches on their various influences, particularly the blues and the Grateful Dead. It highlights significant moments, such as Vince's collaboration with Greg Allman, which led to performances with the Allman Brothers Band.

They also share their award-winning accomplishments, including winning a Nahoku Award for Best Reggae Album and being nominated for Best Christmas Album. The conversation then shifts to their experiences performing at esteemed venues like the Kennedy Center, where they were pleasantly surprised by the overwhelming turnout, further solidifying their status in the music industry.

The members discuss their highly anticipated upcoming show at the Sweetwater Music Hall and offer a glimpse into their latest project, a re-recording of an old album with guest appearances by notable musicians. They underscore the nature of the jam band’s performances, renowned for their spontaneity and energy, leaving the reader eager for more.

The interview concludes with information about where fans can find more details about their music and upcoming events, ending on a note of gratitude and aloha.

The interview features Craig Irwin, also known as Doodlebug, from the pioneering hip-hop trio Diggable Planets. The conversation begins with a discussion about the group's influential debut single, "Rebirth of Slick (Cool Like Dat)," and the creative process behind it, highlighting the group's innovative use of samples and their advantageous track development.

Doodlebug shares insights into the enduring popularity of their music, attributing it to its originality and authenticity, which continues to resonate with fans. He recounts a pivotal moment when the group's performance on "In Living Color" helped launch the song into mainstream success.

The conversation transitions to another significant track, "May 4th Movement," inspired by a historic Chinese student rebellion. Doodlebug explains how the group's interest in global rebellions influenced their music and how this song encouraged listeners to think freely and question the status quo.

Craig and Doodlebug also discuss the trio's connection with the Bay Area music scene, mentioning collaborations with local artists and the region's vibrant cultural history. Doodlebug advises upcoming hip-hop artists, emphasizing the importance of a supportive and driven team.

The interview wraps up with a preview of Diggable Planets' upcoming shows at the Blue Note in Napa, promising fans an intimate and energetic experience. Doodlebug expresses enthusiasm for performing live and engaging closely with the audience. Craig concludes by thanking Doodlebug and expressing excitement for the upcoming Blue Note Napa shows. Get Tickets Here.

In this engaging interview, Grammy Award-nominated singer and songwriter Leslie Mendelson discusses her musical journey, influences, and her latest album, "After the Party." Leslie shares anecdotes about her musical upbringing, including how her father's record collection and musical household inspired her early passion for music. She talks about her love for artists like The Beatles, Radiohead, and Joni Mitchell, which shaped her sound over the years.

Leslie dives into the creative process behind "After the Party," revealing how a 1979 Andy Warhol picture influenced the album's title and themes. She explains how the pandemic period, initially a mix of inactivity and introspection, ultimately inspired her to write songs that offer hope and look toward the future.

Highlighting her stellar band, Leslie mentions working with renowned musicians like Waddy Wachtell and Leland Sklar, assembled by producer Peter Asher. She also talks about collaborating with three talented producers: Peter Asher, Tyler Chester, and Steve McEwen, who each contributed uniquely to the album.

Leslie reflects on her connections with music legends like Jackson Browne, Bob Weir, and Roger Daltrey, sharing the serendipitous moments that led to these collaborations. She also gives a sneak peek into her current tour, promoting "After the Party," and invites listeners to her performance at Sweetwater Music Hall.

Overall, the interview captures Leslie Mendelson's candid reflections on her career, creative inspirations, and the exciting potential of her forthcoming shows.

 Tickets for Leslie Mendelson’s show at the Sweetwater Music Hall on Thursday, July 18, can be found here.

In this interview, Grammy Award winner Jim Kimo West discusses his musical journey and the rich history of Hawaiian slack key guitar. He elaborates on how slack key guitar strings are tuned differently than standard guitars, a practice that originated in the 19th century when Spanish cowboys introduced guitars to Hawaii. West recalls his first encounter with Hawaiian music in the remote town of Hana, Maui, which influenced his style and led him to create music that resonates deeply with the Hawaiian landscape.

West also shares a poignant personal story about how he found solace in slack key guitar playing after the sudden death of a close friend. His compositions, initially a personal tribute, gradually gained widespread recognition, culminating in his participation in the Hawaii Slack Key Festival and the release of multiple albums. Despite not having won a Na Hoku Hanohano Award, often dubbed the Hawaiian Grammy, West's music continues to touch hearts and be an influential force in Hawaiian music, a testament to the power of music as a form of expression and healing.

The conversation shifts to West's collaboration with Ken Emerson and their upcoming San Francisco and Santa Rosa shows. West highlights their spontaneous performance style, which often includes improvisation and reimagined covers of classic songs. He also mentions their shared Grammy win and the virtual experience of the award ceremony during the COVID-19 pandemic. As the interview concludes, West provides information on where to find his music online, ensuring listeners can easily explore his extensive catalog of work.

This is not just an interview with Paul Kamm, the singer, songwriter, and guitarist for Achilles Wheel. It's a conversation about the inspiration that led to the formation of this group, a journey that we invite you, the audience, to be a part of. We also delve into what you can look forward to at their Sweetwater Music Hall show in Mill Valley on Wednesday, July 10.

Achilles Wheel is a California band that blurs the lines between genres with infectious high-energy dance beats and stark lyrical ballads—Roots Rock storytelling combined with dance hall psychedelia.

Much like life, their music breathes in and out with joy and pain, hurtling forward like a wheel, intent on hope and love. They play hard as a way to break down walls and celebrate life. Their idealism is not diminished by the harsh light of the modern world as we struggle to live free and have a good time… and, in the end - hopefully make a difference. Achilles Wheel fearlessly sings out to these times, the here and now.

This is an interview with guitarist Stephen Dunne and vocalist Dana Morey, who are part of the legendary Bay Area band Cold Blood. We discussed their upcoming show in Santa Rosa (Fridays at the Hood) on July 5th and their music.

Cold Blood, as a whole, features a stellar group of musicians who have been playing together for nearly 20 years, including Steve Dunne on guitar, Steve Salinas on keyboards, a gritty-growling horn section comprised of John Hablieb and Rob Zuckerman along with a stellar rhythm section featuring Evan Palmerston on bass and T Moran on drums. The band members are all veteran Bay Area musicians who have played with many great artists, including Elvin Bishop, Jefferson Starship, Boz Skaggs, Albert Collins, and more.