Texas blues/rock drummer talks about the paths he has taken in his many musical lives. 

Back when "The Skipper" Henry Franklin and I were mulling over pianists to play at The tribute concert to Gene Russell Henry said, "what about Bobby Pierce? I couldn't believe Bobby was living in LA and was still gigging. He was the first stop on our soon to be chronicled "Week in La La Land."

Bless you Bobby,

Blair Jackson was the editor of BAM magazine in the late seventies and wrote the definitive biography on Jerry Garcia.

To have him on my program puts me one step closer to the pre-coma years that I covet so much. Blair was a great sport putting up with my eccentric questions related to Garcia's physical appearance in '84, how to tell what year a particular Shakedown Street was played and how the band traveled from Burlington to Rochester.

Slight tape warble at the 8:00 min. mark!

Have at it!

JF

Bobby Cochran is one of the most technically gifted guitarists ever. Bobby also has the heart of a lion. He breaths life through a combination of spirituality, love and music. Put the chops with the soul and you have a legend. Bobby was kind enough to spend sometime with me late in the Nashville Night and allowed me to perseverate about the Bob Weir Band, Bobby and the Midnights and Dancing on the Tables.

Lets hope we hear from Alphonso, Billy and Bobby real soon.....its time for a reunion.

we'll see y'all later,

JF

Continued discussion with a decorated engineer about the golden era of modern American recorded music. 

When stationed at Fort Huachuca Vince Lateano used to play at supper clubs in Tucson to keep his chops up.

Bassist for The Jazz Crusaders talks about that spiritual gulf coast sound and creating a groove. 

Conversation with the late drummer about swinging a band. 

Interview with the late drummer from July 2017

"Close your Eyes and Open your Ears," says Don Menza. Don is a non-conformist - a man who was raised by Italian Farmers and grew up in the gutbucket of Buffalo, NY. (Upstate NY was a haven for jazz cats like Nistico and Noto)

He is interested in people who think for themselves. When a student asks "what books should I bring," he says "None!" He is tired of the assembly line manufacturing that has occurred in music schools/industry over the last 30 years.

He loves Sonny and Dizzy and Wade Leggy. All guys who had something to say and actually said it. As a wise philosopher once said; "you know, a lot of people have ideas although most never follow through." Don Menza will follow through for eternity.

A highlight occurs at the outset of Part II. At the time we were breaking in a new board op and he was still learning the transitions. When he fails to bring up Don's sound at the beginning the host has a slight meltdown.

Dig,