The Great UnSung

Alison interviews her good friend and bandmate Pat Shaughnessy, an accomplished and first rate drummer. They discuss day jobs, cover bands, and Bun E. Carlos. And…Pat absolutely kills a game of Mad Libs! 

Alison interviews Tom Stahl, an award-winning folk-rock musician, superb songwriter, and fellow Buffalo Music Hall of Fame inductee.  They talk about Tom’s long road to the stage and the effect a supportive partner has on the life of a working musician. Next they discuss their friend and mentor, Buffalo promoter and legend Michael Meldrum. 

Alison interviews the incredible George Scott of the George Scott Big Band and the historic Colored Musicians' Club in Buffalo, New York. They discuss the rich history of the CMC and the remarkable array of talent that has passed through its doors, including the Queen herself, Aretha Franklin. Alison and George discuss the history of musicians' unions in Buffalo and other major cities, as well as George's ancestral path to music.

This week, Alison interviews Robby Takac from the Goo Goo Dolls. Robby & John Rznezik formed their iconic punk/rock/pop band in 1985 and they’ve sustained an incredibly successful career ever since. Alison and Robby discuss a wide range of topics, including Robby’s important friendship with Buffalo legend Lance Diamond.

This week, Alison interviews ace guitar player Jamie Holka. They discuss the roles fate and sheer determination often play in the lives of working musicians. Jamie reflects on his work with Captain Beyond and as a solo artist, and then Alison and Jamie talk about the remarkable Rory Gallagher.

This week, Alison travels to South Pasadena, CA to interview the incomparable George Schwindt, former member of Celtic punk band Flogging Molly. In this interview George discusses his innovative drum style, his early choice to play Yamaha drums, the importance of education in a music career, and much more. 

Alison sits down with her brother Damon, who discusses his life as the founder of Los Angeles' only 80s/Irish/Dance/Rock band, Flogging Seagulls. Then Damon and Alison go back in time to remember their roots with their punk-ish, rock-ish  band The Monas.

Alison changes things up this week with award-winning singer-songwriter and fellow adjunct professor Maria Sebastian. The two musician/educators discuss Maria’s diverse music career and her poetry, then deep-dive into how contract and adjunct work has affected many sectors, including education. 

Alison interviews her sisters Gabrielle Pipitone Hangen  and Natalie Pipitone Howes about the effect music had on their tumultuous childhood. They discuss the rock and roll gene and why several Pipitone siblings were (and continue to be) inspired to pursue music. Alison and Natalie then discuss the tragic story of Buffalo-born songwriter and musician Jackson C. Frank. 

In this episode, Alison interviews Grace Stumberg, a talented singer-songwriter who is also a backup singer on tour with Joan Baez. Alison and Grace discuss self-care on the road as a working musician, how some songs are written, and the life and career of contemporary folk musician Joan Baez.