The Hot Jazz Network Podcast

Dublin, Ireland born Melanie O'Reilly has become one of Ireland’s internationally known jazz singers. Now based in Wexford, she has performed extensively throughout France, Britain, Ireland, Wales, Norway, and the USA, including representing Ireland at the Schoenburg Hall Los Angeles and again at the European Heritage Festival in Normandy in 2019. She was a Visiting Scholar /Musician in Residence at UC Berkeley's Celtic Studies and received an award for "Artist with Extraordinary ability” by the US. While in the Bay Area, she was known as a Bay Area Treasure.  While in CA recently, she sang at Keys Jazz Bistro in SF, with the SImon Rowe Organ Trio and has performed regularly with the Bay Area jazz pianist legend Frank Martin. also with George Brooks, Fred Randolph, Jack Dorsey, Deszon Clairbourne, John R Burr. The late Larry Coryell was special guest on her celtic jazz album Enchanted Island.  She recently was Jazz Artist in Residence at Wexford Arts Centre, created Jazz Appreciation and Outreach series, performed her own unique song compositions for Culture Night Wexford, and has performed a special Swing Jazz in the Afternoon series in Ireland.  She is the creator and host of the award-winning radio series "Jazz on the Bay", originally broadcast on RTE Radio 1, which is has been broadcast monthly on the California jazz station KCSM.org

LINKS

https://melanieoreilly.com/

https://wexfordartscentre.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows/873639047

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/celtic.jazz.9/

https://www.facebook.com/melanieoreillymusic/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melanieoreillymusic/  @melanieoreilly

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melanieoreillymusic/

It was another excellent afternoon in the Hot Jazz Network studio, this time with the one, the only JOHN CUNIBERTI. His career highlights stretch to infinity.

Here’s links to his full biography, the OneMic YouTube channel, and excerpt of his wikipedia entry:

Bio: 

http://www.johncuniberti.com/about/

OneMic Series: https://www.youtube.com/c/OneMictheminimalistrecordingseries

American recording engineer and producer John Cuniberti was the drummer for The Rockets in the early 1970s, the original band for Eddie Money. He later managed Hyde Street Studios, where he was the recording engineer for the early albums of the punk group Dead Kennedys. He also remastered several of these albums for re-release later in his career. His first recording sessions with the band took place in a converted mom-and-pop grocery store. He was also the engineer for albums by other early punk acts, such as Victims Family and Flipper. Cuniberti co-produced Joe Satriani's debut album Not of This Earth, and in 1987 he then co-produced Satriani's Grammy nominated Surfing with the Alien, which was became a platinum-selling album. He has continued to partner with Satriani on future albums over his career. Starting in 1989, he produced albums for heavy metal band Xentrix, including their debut album Shattered Existence at Sinewave Studio in Birmingham and their second album For Whose Advantage? at Loco Studios in Wales. In 2007, he mastered the Mickey Hart and Global Drum Project album Global Drum Project, which received the Grammy Award for Best Contemporary World Music Album. In 2013, he produced the album Sammy Hagar and Friends, which features Sammy Hagar, Kid Rock, and members of bands including Heart, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Santana, Van Halen, Journey, and Brooks & Dunn. 

In 2018, Cuniberti produced Paul Gilbert's album Behold Electric Guitar. They connected through Cuniberti's OneMic Series, where Cuniberti produces tracks with musicians only using a single microphone. Other bands he has recorded as a part of the series include The Dozens, Jackie Greene, Essence, Boo Ray, The Rubinoos, David Grisman Sextet, and George Cole. Other bands that Cuniberti has produced or engineered include PJ Harvey, Neville Brothers, Train, and Aerosmith.

Cuniberti invented the Reamp, which was the first commercially available reamping device. He has also created home recording studios for musicians including Sammy Hagar and the band Chickenfoot. Between 2000 and 2008, Cuniberti ran The Plant Mastering in San Francisco, which has mastered recordings for musicians such as Tracy Chapman, Thomas Dolby, and DJ Shadow. Cuniberti also designed the mastering studio himself. In 2008 he opened his own mastering studio Digital Therapy Lab in Oakland, California.

Lucky me! I had the honor to meet up with Emily Day for this episode of the Hot Jazz Network Podcast. A long time friend and musical collaborator, Emily is a talented arranger for her 6 piece band the Cosmo Alleycats, top notch performer, dynamic business person, and Bay Area's best female vocalist/jazz singer.

About Emily Day: Emily Day's voice carries the history of American music. On stage, she combines her deep knowledge of jazz with her vocal acrobatics — simultaneously wild and precise. “Ella reincarnated”, “Sultry and wonderful”, and “Her voice is outrageous” are just a few comments from captivated audience members nationwide. Emily has been performing jazz since the age of 16. She holds a BFA in Jazz Voice from The New School and an MA in Popular Music Studies from the University of Liverpool. She served as an adjunct lecturer in Jazz Studies and music fundamentals at several Northeastern colleges and Universities while running her own private vocal studio for ten years. Upon moving to San Francisco in 2012, she fell in love with the city’s vibrant Swing scene and has been reconnecting to her Big Band roots ever since. 

UPCOMING APPEARANCES: 

Cosmo Alleycats, Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025, The Sausalito Center for the Arts. 

Emily Day Swingtet, Thursday, Feb 13, 2025 at Mr. Tipple's in San Francisco, she will be joined by guitarist Luca Pino, and jazz violinist Nora Germain. 

WEBSITE and SOCIAL

MEDIA: www.cosmoalleycats.com https://www.instagram.com/emilydaymusic/ https://www.instagram.com/cosmoalleycats/ 

VIDEOS: 

Maybe I Do 

https://youtu.be/Q8tskeV9hkE?si=yobIHv7_ODamjVxM

In A Dream 

https://youtu.be/Uxp2ilaRSyQ?si=QSiogQeFb5qKy4aF

Old Sweet Song

https://youtu.be/eM63uv05xh0?si=cw527G4vgiezWNO8

Problème C'est Moi

https://youtu.be/u6DF8Nn0vp0?si=fOcTP7fmDO70eCRH

Great Podcast with my friend Johnny. For those who aren't familiar, Johnny Beane is a versatile guitarist, musician, talk show host, guitar gear reviewer, and IRL streamer known for his passion for music. As a podcaster, YouTuber, and Twitch gamer, Johnny combines his love for music and gaming, creating engaging content for fans of guitar, gear, and gaming alike. Whether he’s breaking down legendary riffs, exploring iconic gear, or connecting with fans on live streams, Johnny brings energy and expertise to every platform.

David "Dawg" Grisman: Stéphane Grappelli told me that, when he and Django first met and started playing together in between sets at a big hotel in Paris, he said they were basically trying to imitate Eddie Lang and Joe Venuti.

George Cole: Thank you. Thank you for saying that. Listeners out there in podcast land, that is a very important piece of information, because if you read the books, people will try to tell you that Django was mostly influenced by Duke Ellington, who's great, and Louis Armstrong, who's great. We love all that. But I've always thought the same thing as you just mentioned.

Welcome, welcome to the Hot Jazz Network Podcast. I'm your host, George Cole. On our show today, we have one of the most important musicians in American history. He's a legendary mandolinist and composer, but more important, he's also my friend. He's the creator of Dawg Music, has recorded with Jerry Garcia, The Grateful Dead, Doc Watson, Del McCoury, and countless others.

Ladies and gentlemen, the one and only David Grisman, the man we call Dawg.

Today on the Hot Jazz Network Podcast, Dave Lopez and George Cole announced an important benefit/fundraiser for the Jason Becker Creative Care Project. Jason Becker's story, if you haven't heard it, is one you'll never forget—a tale of brilliance, talent, determination, adversity, and ultimate triumph. A child prodigy on guitar, Jason rose to prominence as a teenager when he was one half of the legendary rock guitar duo Cacophony (with his great friend Marty Friedman). After wowing audiences worldwide with his amazing guitar skills and deep compositions, Jason auditioned for—and secured—the coveted position with David Lee Roth, following in the footsteps of Eddie Van Halen and Steve Vai. He wrote and recorded the DLR album "A Little Ain't Enough" and was poised to take over the rock guitar world when a nagging pain in his leg was diagnosed as ALS, or Lou Gehrig's Disease, a debilitating and fatal condition with a life expectancy of approximately five years.

Jason did indeed lose the ability to play guitar, walk, talk, and breathe on his own. However, he never lost his will to live or his desire to create music. Communicating through a series of eye movements with a system developed by his father, Jason spells out words as well as musical notes and chords. He imparts his musical vision to his team, who then input the notes into a computer, edit the parts to his exacting standards, and generate charts for session musicians. Through this remarkable process, Jason composes his profoundly beautiful music, rich in melody and counterpoint, brimming with emotion. His inspiring music and life story have been the subject of countless news articles, magazine cover stories, and an award-winning documentary, "Jason Becker: Not Dead Yet."

Not only is Jason still alive, but he's busier and more prolific than ever. His release, "Triumphant Hearts," showcases his gift for melody and deep knowledge of classical composition and orchestral arrangement. The album features Jason's signature, amazing guitar playing (recorded in the '80s and '90s) as well as performances by a who's-who of guitar virtuosos, including Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, Neal Schon, Steve Morse, Paul Gilbert, Joe Bonamassa, and many others.

Jason Becker isn't just an extraordinary musician; he's also one of the most positive, upbeat, and inspiring individuals alive. "I really feel lucky," says Jason. "I am surrounded by loving people, and I can still make music."

DAVE LOPEZ Born in Chile, David Lopez's musical journey began when his brother introduced him to the world of guitar, rock, and Latin music. Growing up in Richmond, CA, Dave developed a passion for the diverse sounds of hip hop and heavy metal. Learning from the legendary musician and composer Jason Becker, Dave further honed his skills and later worked in studio management at the renowned Jackson St. Studios and Sound Wave Studios with artists ranging from 2Pac to Metallica. In 2003, he formed Flipsyde and toured worldwide with acts such as Snoop Dogg, Black Eyed Peas, and Busta Rhymes. Flipsyde's success included platinum and gold records, such as their 2005 debut album, "We the People" (Interscope). Their song "Someday" was chosen as a theme song by NBC for the 2006 Winter Olympic Games and appeared on the soundtrack for the 2008 film "Never Back Down."

Jason Becker Creative Care Project Launch Party Fundraiser Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024, 2:00 PM to 6:30 PM Baltic Kiss, 135 Park Place, Point Richmond, CA 510-260-0571 https://www.baltickiss.com/ https://jasonbecker.com/

Today's Hot Jazz Network Podcast finds host George Cole delving into the intricate mastery of expert luthier, RYAN THORELL, of Thorell Guitars.

ABOUT Ryan Thorell:

Ryan Thorell is known for worldclass original guitars collected and coveted by some of the best musicians around the planet including Frank Vignola, John Pizzarelli, Tommy Emmanuel and many others. Thorell guitars are all built one at a time by luthier Ryan Thorell in Logan Utah. Ryan built his first guitar in 1994 and opened his shop and started selling fine handmade instruments in 2003. He has averaged 10 guitars a year ever since putting around two hundred Thorell guitars all around the world where they are collected and valued among the best instruments available.

LINKS:

Website: https://www.thorellguitars.com/

Great balls of fire! On this VERY Hot Jazz Network Podcast, host George Cole talks with international Rockabilly star, Darrel Higham. Endorsed by Gretsch Guitars and Peavey Amps, Darrel Higham has worked with Jeff Beck, Robert Plant, Jools Holland, Imelda May, Billy Lee Riley, Rocky Burnett, and more. Listen to George and Darrel wind their way through the intersecting paths of musical interests and discuss guitars, great guitarists, and the music that makes them "tick"!

ABOUT Darrel Higham: Born in Bedford, England in 1970, Higham grew up listening to the music of Elvis Presley and Eddie Cochran. Through the influence of these artists, Higham took up the guitar in his early teens and joined his first band whilst still at school.

In 1992 he spent 6 months living in the USA; touring and recording with Eddie Cochran’s original backing band, The Kelly Four. His first solo album was released in 1995 on Nervous Records, entitled Mobile Corrosion. Higham played lead guitar in the West End production of Elvis: The Musical in 1996. He co-wrote the first biography on his musical hero, Eddie Cochran for Mainstream Publishing in 2000. Along with solo albums and records released with his Rockabilly band, The Enforcers, throughout the 90s and 00s, Higham also played lead guitar and produced many other artists. He co-owns Embassy Studio in Hampshire and oversees a great many sessions there. In 2007, Higham started work with Stray Cats drummer, Slim Jim Phantom. Together they recorded 2 albums and toured Europe, even making an appearance on BBC’s Later With Jools in 2012. In 2011 he shared the lead vocal duties with Imelda May on the Jeff Beck DVD and subsequent CD, A Rock 'n' Roll Party. He has played guitar for Robert Plant, Jools Holland, Imelda May, Sharon Shannon, Shakin’ Stevens, Jeff Beck, Billy Lee Riley, Rocky Burnette, Bono, Paul McCartney, to name but a few. Darrel is endorsed by Gretsch guitars, Peavey amplifiers and TV Jones pick-ups. Darrel also helped design The Rockingham semi-acoustic guitar for Peavey.

LINKS

Website: darrelhigham.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Darrel-Higham/100044555554168/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/darrelhighammusic/

X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/DCHigham

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/darrelhighammusic

Strings Darrel Higham Rockabilly Signature Strings newtonestrings.com

Latest Recording: Darrel Higham, a Tribute to Gene Vincent. https://www.musicking.co.uk/collections/foot-tapping-records/products/darrel-higham-a-tribute-to-gene-vincent-cd A Superb salute to the great Gene Vincent & The Blue Caps. The vast majority of the songs included here are from the glorious 1956 to early '57 period, they capture the spirit of these monumental recordings, all the instruments recorded by Darrel himself.

Darrel Higham PERFORMANCES:

November 2, 2024; Spain. Gene & Eddie Show with Cliff Edmonds.

November 16, 2024; France. Rockin' Gone Party, RockaRocky. Near Lyon.

Interesting episode of the Hot Jazz Network Podcast with host George Cole picking the brains of a musically dynamic duo, Miss Maybell (Lauren Sansaricq) and Charlie Judkins.

Currently engrossed in a fun project researching unrecorded songs from 1899-1929, working with the Library of Congress and sourcing sheet music from antique shops or relatives of songwriters. They'll be recording a selection of these songs on an album with Rivermont Records. Lauren and Charlie perform as Miss Maybell & The Jazz Age Artistes playing a large repertoire of early Jazz and Blues from the 1910’s - 30’s. They source their tunes from dusty old 78 records and antique sheet music and give new life to songs from bygone eras. Miss Maybell sings (beautifully!), plays the washboard, banjo, and the guitar. Charlie Judkins plays piano.

WEBSITE: https://www.missmaybell.com/

LATEST RELEASE: https://rivermontrecords.com/collections/new-releases/products/102?variant=41457771282493

UPCOMING APPEARANCES: Sept. 22; Birdland Jazz Theater, 315 West 44th Street, New York, NY 10036

https://www.birdlandjazz.com/tm-event/miss-maybell-the-jazz-age-artistes/

https://www.birdlandjazz.com/tm-event/miss-maybell-the-jazz-age-artistes-2/

Great episode of the Hot Jazz Network Podcast with host George Cole taking time to converse with Kurt Ribak and learning a lot about him and his musical universe.

ABOUT KURT RIBAK:

Kurt describes his music as “Charles Mingus meets The Meters. They go to Duke Ellington’s house to jam, and Cachao and Thelonious Monk sit in.” Kurt has three albums as the Kurt Ribak Trio, and two more as Kurt Ribak. The albums feature his own compositions, which are original yet accessible. 

Kurt grew up singing and playing classical music. He began playing jazz while attending UC Berkeley. After a battle with tendinitis, Kurt won scholarships to Berklee College of Music. He graduated with top honors and spent many hours mastering the styles of bassists Paul Chambers, Ray Brown, and Charles Mingus and discovering his love of composition and songwriting. 

Kurt has shared the stage with circus performers, preachers and fire-breathing strippers, but never all three at once. He has performed in venues ranging from SFJAZZ and Yoshi’s to a club where someone surreptitiously stashed a loaded .45 in his bass bag while Kurt was playing .

In June 2012 Kurt was in an auto accident, seriously injuring his left hand and forearm. Thirteen operations and six years later he resumed playing full-time, much to the surprise of many surgeons. Kurt notes, “When I was hurt I learned how many people loved me, cared about me. That really helped me get back to playing."

Kurt's recordings are played on KCSM-FM, KPFA, KZFR, KKUP, San Diego's Jazz 88, PRI and other jazz stations. His band has sold out Yoshi’s and SFJAZZ. They have also performed at Freight & Salvage Coffeehouse, San Francisco Jazz Festival, San Jose Jazz Festival, Nor-Cal Jazz Festival, Fillmore Street Jazz Festival, and Blue Note Napa. 

LINKS:

Website http://www.ribak.com/

Recordings https://songwhip.com/artist/kurt-ribak, https://songwhip.com/artist/kurt-ribak-trio

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/kurt.ribak.music/

SF Jazz Profile: https://www.sfjazz.org/onthecorner/kurt-ribak-interview/

Spotify Artist Page https://open.spotify.com/artist/4SiI0WuOSFkkWdfp8LuTpw?si=PFZTcsrASma7FnDqdzKWGw

KURT RIBAK PERFORMANCES:

Dec. 24, 2024 (a Jazz Service) 7 PM at First United Methodist Church in the Point Richmond District of Richmond, 201 Martina St., Richmond, CA. 

May 17, 2025 - Show at SFJAZZ in the Joe Henderson Lab.

Keep up on all things KURT RIBAK... go to http://www.ribak.com/gigs.html  or email him at [email protected]