The Long Island Sound - Music and Entertainment Discovery Begins!

A musician's car accident & survivor shares his story of resilience and how he reclaimed his life as a guitar player.

He recounts the terrifying moment his vehicle flipped and the life-altering injuries that followed, including the loss of fingers and a severe ear injury requiring reattachment. This conversation explores the emotional and physical reality of managing a major injury recovery while facing the uncertainty of a career in the arts.

Timestamps
00:00 - Life-threatening car crash and devastating injuries
00:57 - Steve introduces John Borland and Sons of Elvis
02:37 - Rockaway Beach roots and the Fordham University connection
06:24 - Dave Hill’s obsession with the business side of the band
09:17 - Why studio time, demos, and promotion were so expensive
10:11 - Teaching at Saint Bridget’s while chasing a record deal
11:18 - The buzz, showcases, and Joe Grillo’s interest
12:44 - American Empire Records and the first real deal
14:12 - Recording in Hoboken with Doug Olson
15:37 - Tightening songs for radio-friendly lengths
16:29 - The label collapse and the move to Priority Records
17:13 - Naming Glodeen and meeting Barry White
18:29 - Making the music video and being pushed by Priority
20:22 - Touring with Bush and old-school radio promotion
21:47 - Higher Learning and hearing the song in a movie theater
23:30 - The John Stewart show and the Coyote Ugly connection
26:09 - What makes a frontman and how Borland approached it
29:16 - Pressure from the label on album two
31:22 - Cleveland radio support, big shows, and touring economics
32:45 - Hearing Sons of Elvis on WDRE and calling the station
35:10 - Back to New York, backyard gigs, and the Johnny Irish identity
36:01 - The Ocean Parkway rollover and the severity of the injuries
37:24 - The priest, the roadside rescue, and the surreal aftermath
38:53 - Choosing teaching, marriage, and stability
42:39 - What frontman skills brought into the classroom
44:35 - Music, meditation, and keeping the guitar in the classroom

Despite the devastating setback to his strumming hand, he explains why he never stopped seeing himself as a guitar player and a dedicated singer songwriter. His story serves as a testament to the persistent need to create, even when the body demands a different path forward.John Borland on Sons of Elvis, the 90s rock grind, and finding a second act in teaching

John Borland shares the full arc of his life in music, from fronting Sons of Elvis and chasing a record deal in the pre internet era to becoming a high school English language arts teacher on Long Island. It is a story about craft, luck, business, resilience, and how performance skills can translate far beyond the stage.

We discuss the rise and fall of a 90s alternative rock band, the realities of recording and promoting without digital tools, and how a major life accident changed the course of his career and personal life. Steve Yusko also brings in his own background as a musician and interviewer, making this both a music story and a conversation about purpose.

Priority Records’ involvement changed everything, bringing funding, video production, radio promotion, and wider exposure, even though the label was better suited to rap than rock.


A devastating car accident on the Ocean Parkway becomes the turning point in his life, leading to severe injuries, a reevaluation of priorities, and eventually a decision to return to teaching and build a family life.
John explains how the same skills that made him effective onstage, especially connection, presence, and reading an audience, now help him engage students in the classroom.

Don't forget to COMMENT below with your favorite artist or who you'd love to hear more about! And if you're hungry for more musical insights and discoveries. 🎶

Hank Stone on late-blooming, folk protest music, and finding your voice.

HankStone.music

Steve Yusko talks with Patchogue-based singer-songwriter Hank Stone about his path from Queens rock bands to a decades-long break from performing, then a return through Long Island open mics, recordings, and community collaboration. The conversation centers on the resurgence of folk and protest music, how songwriting evolves over a lifetime, and why live music and local scenes still matter.

Hank traces his early guitar education in Queens, from school lunch-break lessons to studying Spanish guitar with Don Felice Alfino.


Hank talks about the community-driven recording process behind his albums, including Tony Di Stepano, Bill Herman, Bill Ayas, and a long list of guest players and backing vocalists.
He breaks down how a partial capo opened up new instrumental ideas and became part of his signature fingerstyle approach.
He shares how his songwriting can start with lyrics, a groove, a character, or a melodic idea, with no single formula.

Timestamps:
00:00 - Steve frames the episode around the resurgence of folk and protest music
01:24 - Hank Stone’s Queens roots and the late-bloomer arc
03:19 - Early guitar lessons, Spanish guitar training, and the Beatles-era band years
05:38 - Why he stepped away from the stage for decades but never stopped writing
06:35 - Returning in 2001 through open mics, benefits, and first recording opportunities
07:40 - How Long Island’s collaborative music scene shaped his albums
08:38 - Tribute records, Christmas songs, and the making of Pie for Breakfast
10:59 - Writing from memory, story, and character-driven perspectives
12:27 - Alternate tunings, early experiments, and discovering the partial capo
14:52 - Fingerstyle playing, quiet late-night practice, and his no-pick technique
16:04 - Lyrics first, melody first, or both at once
17:29 - What it felt like to return to open mics after years away
18:28 - The trio Rough Folk and the band version of the project
19:25 - Running an open mic and coaching newer performers through stage nerves
21:48 - How harmonica fits into his sound without becoming a blues or Dylan imitation
22:19 - Reimagining “I Pity the Poor Immigrant” for the Dylan tribute project
24:19 - Why folk still matters in the era of protest songs and social witnessing
24:48 - The writing and emotional toll behind “Once Again”
26:09 - “This Is My Country,” immigration, and the power of collaboration
29:12 - Scott Cook, hopeful protest writing, and songs that point toward action
30:53 - Hosting Down Home Country on WUSB and learning classic country on the fly
34:08 - The Hucksters, neglected covers, and new live gigs
36:18 - Video presence, live clips, and how musicians get discovered now
38:11 - Pandemic Zoom songwriting prompts with Ben Diamond
39:23 - Becoming more open to collaboration after years of writing mostly alone
39:46 - Pie for Breakfast and the hopeful imagery in “The Sun Rose Right Out of the Sea”
41:16 - Why Hank refuses to pin himself to one genre
44:46 - Using Suno for demos, not as a replacement for human songwriting
49:49 - Advice for late bloomers: play every day, then play for people

Play guitar every day, even if it is only 30 minutes.
Try open mics to build stage confidence and learn from other players.
Record rough demos however you can, then share them with potential collaborators.
Seek out local live music scenes, house concerts, and community radio.🤔
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Roy Blumenfeld on The Blues Project, Evolution, and Live 2025

https://bluesproject.net/

Steve Yusko sits down with legendary drummer Roy Blumenfeld for a wide-ranging conversation about the origins, evolution, and ongoing life of The Blues Project. Roy traces the band from Greenwich Village in the mid-1960s to the new Live 2025 release, while also reflecting on musicianship, collaboration, and the larger cultural currents that shaped the music.
He also shares stories about the players who cycled through the band, the role of timing and space in drumming, and how his background in community, storytelling, and spoken-word work fed into his approach to music.

In this episode, Roy Blumenfeld walks through the early formation of The Blues Project, starting with late-night blues listening, impromptu jam sessions, and the transition from the Danny Kalb Quartet into a full band.
He explains how the Cafe Au Go Go years helped define the group’s sound and identity, with a residency-like run that put blues, folk, psychedelia, and improvisation in the same room.
Roy breaks down the making of the Evolution record, including the independent recording process in Scott Petito’s Catskill studio, the Kickstarter funding, and the album’s mix of contributions from different band members.
He talks about the importance of sound itself, describing how tone can activate memory and how a drummer’s job is to shape the entire musical conversation, not just keep time.
Roy shares how early influences such as Muddy Waters, Little Walter, Dave Van Ronk, Sonny Igoe, Sticks Evans, Art Blakey, and Elvin Jones helped form his musical vocabulary.
He reflects on collaboration as a core principle of his career, noting how The Blues Project kept evolving through different lineups and new musical partners like Chris Morrison, Mark Newman, David Aguilar, Ken Clark, and others.
He revisits the band’s later chapters, including C Train, the move to Colorado, and the eventual return to The Blues Project with new arrangements, new labels, and a more explicit live-band identity.
Roy and Steve discuss the new Live 2025 album, how the current lineup came together, and why the band’s chemistry feels especially strong now.
He also touches on promotion in the modern music business, including social media, voiceover clips, and radio PSAs as ways to help a working band connect with audiences.
Timestamps
00:00 - Introduction to Roy Blumenfeld and The Blues Project legacy
02:43 - Revisiting Evolution and the band’s studio approach
07:08 - How independent recording changed the process
11:39 - Community, Yiddish culture, and early storytelling influences
13:40 - Timing, silence, and spoken-word technique
15:28 - Drumming as musical conversation, not just keeping time
17:15 - The first Danny Kalb quartet sessions and the Cafe Au Go Go era
22:20 - What Greenwich Village felt like in the summer of the 1960s
25:10 - Finding an authentic personal style as a musician
26:35 - Lessons from Sonny Igoe, Sticks Evans, and Elvin Jones
29:56 - Monterey Pop, lineup changes, and the move toward the West
31:18 - Planned Obsolescence, C Train, and the next chapter
34:12 - Re-forming The Blues Project with new players and new goals
37:36 - Why The Blues Project was a trailblazing jam band
39:37 - The Sea Train and George Martin story
41:08 - Band ownership, lineup history, and the return of The Blues Project
45:45 - Live 2025, the current touring lineup, and the west coast run
48:56 - Recording live versions and choosing the strongest takes
50:52 - Promotion, voiceover spots, and radio PSAs
53:04 - Why the band feels stronger and more unified now
54:08 - Finding the right festivals and audiences for the next tour
56:31 - Roy’s spoken-word & audio theater interests

Dolly Parton: Celebrating a Life Built on Song, Wit, and Radical Generosity
Steve Yusko reflects on the life and legacy of Dolly Parton, focusing on why she mattered far beyond country music. The episode covers her songwriting, business instincts, iconic self-presentation, and the philanthropy that turned her success into lasting public good.
In this solo episode, Steve remembers Dolly as an artist, entrepreneur, and cultural force whose influence reached music lovers, readers, and families around the world. The episode is both a tribute and a set of takeaways about optimism, autonomy, and staying true to your voice.

Tom Rush on Club 47, No Regrets, and keeping folk music connected

Steve Yusko welcomes legendary singer-songwriter Tom Rush, tracing his influence from Cambridge’s Club 47 to the modern stage. Rush talks about mentoring younger artists, the changing music business, and the stories behind songs like No Regrets and Child Song.

Https://TomRush.com

In this interview: Tom Rush reflects on being introduced as a key figure in modern acoustic music, with roots in the early 1960s Club 47 scene and a career that helped usher in the singer-songwriter era.

Rush explains why he keeps bringing younger musicians into his shows and projects, from Harvard radio days to his current Rockport Sundays series and the planned Club 47 TV concept.
He shares how the old music industry worked when record labels could drive radio, TV, and retail, and how today’s artists need to be multi-skilled across performance, video, and social platforms.
Rush talks about Matt Nakoa, his current accompanist, praising him as a standout musician who plays piano, guitar, and writes for Broadway.
He breaks down the meaning of folk music as an oral tradition, describing folk songs as living material that changes from singer to singer and generation to generation.
The conversation digs into No Regrets, which Rush wrote after a weekend with Jill Lumpkin, and how the song grew into a standard recorded by many artists.
Rush recalls Child Song and how Murray McLaughlin’s writing moved him настолько deeply that it took months before he could perform it without getting emotional.
He discusses open tunings, his storytelling approach on stage, and how he showed Joni Mitchell open tunings early on.
Rush reflects on connection over perfection, saying audiences want to feel involved in the story rather than hear a technically flawless performance.
He looks back on opening for Gordon Lightfoot at Massey Hall in 2021, and the warmth and humor they shared onstage.

Explore the roots of the singer-songwriter era with this rare interview featuring an architect of modern acoustic music. Learn how one artist shaped a generation of songwriting with the 1968 release of The Circle Game.

Timestamps

00:00 - Technical setup, sound check, and introducing Tom Rush
03:25 - Why Rush’s career matters and the legacy of Club 47
05:23 - Matt Nakoa, accompaniment, and celebrating great sidemen
06:26 - How Rush has always helped younger artists get heard
07:53 - Rockport Sundays and the struggle for new musicians today
09:21 - The idea behind a Club 47 revival series
10:32 - What Club 47 felt like for blues legends and college audiences
12:50 - What folk music really means to Rush
14:09 - The emotional impact of Child Song
16:03 - Why some songs can’t be over-arranged
17:17 - Why Rush tells stories between songs
18:12 - Open tunings, Joni Mitchell, and musical cross-pollination
20:28 - How the music business changed after the record-label era
22:53 - Carly Simon on No Regrets
23:24 - The real-life story behind No Regrets
25:19 - The many versions of No Regrets
26:46 - Tom Rush, John Prine, Gordon Lightfoot, and the songwriter lineage
27:14 - Opening for Gordon Lightfoot at Massey Hall
29:25 - Life in southern Maine and the Piscataqua River
30:01 - Why marine biology gave way to English literature and music
31:54 - How English lit shaped Rush’s sense of story
32:56 - How songs arrive when the muse shows up
35:06 - Audience connection over technical perfection
36:35 - Why live music still matters in a disconnected world
37:19 - Upcoming shows and final wrap-up
🤔

Catching up with Jesse Welles

In this episode, Steve Yusko explores Jesse Welles' transformative live performances, songwriting, and his role in the protest folk tradition, highlighting his journey from Nashville struggles to global activism.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Jesse Welles' Musical Journey
02:08 Deep Dive into Jesse's Live Tour and Performance Style
03:16 The Intimate Acoustic Set and Its Themes
05:26 Transition to Electric Band and High Voltage Performances
07:57 Jesse Welles and Joan Baez: A Generational Bridge
09:24 Global Reach and Jesse's Connection with Fans
10:30 Community Engagement and Future Collaborations
11:00 Conclusion: Jesse Welles' Impact and Recommendations

🤔
Http://www.youtube.com/@thelongislandsoundpodcast?sub_confirmation=1

Welcome to The Long Island Sound, your go-to place where music, comedy, drama and entertainment discovery truly begins!

Are you curious about the journeys, inspirations, and hidden gems within the world of artists, singer-songwriters, entertainers and musicians? We delve deep to bring you the backstories you won't hear anywhere else.

Hit play and join the adventure! 👇 We do deep dives into the venues and events that bring you the best in entertainment, not just on Long Island and in New York City, but what's happening around the United States of America.

Don't forget to COMMENT below with your favorite artist or who you'd love to hear more about! And if you're hungry for more musical insights and discoveries, SUBSCRIBE now so you never miss an episode! Let's explore the sound together! 🎶

Discover how a Grammy-winning bluegrass guitarist seamlessly blends blues, folk, and Americana influences into his unique sound. Andy Falco shares insights into his musical journey, the importance of authenticity, and how community and tradition shape modern bluegrass. 🤔
Http://www.youtube.com/@thelongislandsoundpodcast?sub_confirmation=1

Andy Falco’s transition from blues and funk to bluegrass and why embracing your musical DNA is vital
How the Bluegrass community and festivals like Winterhawk and Gray Fox foster creativity and collaboration
The approach of the Stringdusters to stage performance, stage dynamics, and stage presence evolution
The story behind the enormous 50-song pool for their double album and the relaxed, creative recording process
The influence of Jerry Garcia and the unique experience of Falcon and Book playing Garcia's music acoustically
How authenticity in music and honoring tradition while allowing evolution keeps bluegrass vibrant and relevant

The Blue Light Club: Bridging Music, Theatre, and Community
In this episode, Jack Licitra shares his incredible journey as a Long Island-based musician, educator, and visionary artist. We explore his development from youth to community leader, his innovative teaching philosophies, and the creation of his theatrical project, the Blue Light Club, which combines storytelling, live music, and audience engagement.

Connect with Jack: https://www.artspharmacy.com/

Join us for an inspiring conversation about music’s capacity to educate, heal, and unite communities. Discover how Jack Licitra’s innovative approach is making a lasting impact on young and old alike. Reach out to learn more about his projects and upcoming performances.🤔
Http://www.youtube.com/@thelongislandsoundpodcast?sub_confirmation=1

The collaborative process behind the Blue Light Club, a theatrical and musical storytelling experience
The significance of honoring those we've lost through art, and using creative projects to inspire and bring communities together
Upcoming performances and ways for listeners to get involved in Jack’s events

Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction to Jack Licitra’s musical and educational journey
00:12 - Starting out, long day, and technical setup tips for recording video
02:09 - Embracing technology and the importance of community-focused music teaching
02:44 - Jack on his origin story, early musical influences, and mentorships
03:07 - The impact of major world events on music education and personal growth
04:45 - The shift in the music industry due to digital media and how it affects artists’ revenue
05:36 - Self-esteem, connection, and the healing power of music amidst social isolation
06:09 - Childhood memories, loss of Jack’s father, and early musical experiments
08:03 - Forming lifelong friendships through jam sessions and shared musical passions
09:50 - The value of playing with seasoned musicians and gaining authentic experience
11:14 - Teaching kids to perform as a band, focus on volume control, space, and communication
13:55 - Supporting vocals and the importance of band dynamics in music education
15:45 - The effects of social media and technology on social cues and face-to-face interaction
17:52 - The challenges and adaptations of teaching during COVID using digital tools
19:45 - The importance of facial expressions, eye contact, and interpersonal cues in music and life
22:18 - When to start music lessons, early exposure benefits, and cultural influences
24:46 - Reflection on dance, social skills, and the influence of growing up in a community with accessible music and dance
26:19 - Working with neurodivergent students, inclusive environments, and energy awareness
29:15 - The role of sincerity, energy, and mentorship in nurturing talent and confidence
36:18 - Jack on his diverse influences and the importance of originality in music
37:17 - The Water Street Blues Band, community roots, and learning from elders
39:09 - The value of playing with experienced musicians and honoring musical tradition
43:29 - The inception of the Blue Light Club, dreams, and artistic inspiration
45:44 - Developing the theatrical project, story, and musical integration—overcoming criticism and refining the concept
51:26 - Final call to support the upcoming show honoring the memory of Emily Finn and community healing
52:16 - Jack’s advice on perseverance, creativity, and trusting the process

Discover how a Grammy-winning bluegrass guitarist seamlessly blends blues, folk, and Americana influences into his unique sound. Andy Falco shares insights into his musical journey, the importance of authenticity, and how community and tradition shape modern bluegrass. 🤔

Follow us on YouTube:Http://www.youtube.com/@thelongislandsoundpodcast?sub_confirmation=1Andy Falco’s transition from blues and funk to bluegrass and why embracing your musical DNA is vitalHow the Bluegrass community and festivals like Winterhawk and Gray Fox foster creativity and collaborationThe approach of the Stringdusters to stage performance, stage dynamics, and stage presence evolutionTimestamps:00:00 - Introducing Andy Falco and his journey from blues to Grammy-winning bluegrass00:24 - The significance of sound and musical DNA in shaping a musician’s personality00:56 - The influence of band and individual influences on the Stringdusters’ sound01:08 - Andy’s early music roots, from blues clubs to flat-picking bluegrass01:38 - Transition into acoustic music and joining the Stringdusters in 200702:18 - Returning home to Long Island after touring and the local music scene03:01 - The importance of venues like People's Pub for independent artists04:03 - From blues to bluegrass: Andy’s musical evolution and influences05:13 - How Americana, old-time music, and influences like David Bromberg shaped his style06:35 - The lineage of bluegrass and embracing influences like Tony Rice and Clarence White07:55 - The community and culture of bluegrass festivals and jam sessions08:37 - Connecting with bluegrass legends at festivals and the influence of Doc Watson09:11 - The role of bluegrass festivals in discovering and collaborating with musicians10:36 - Moving to Nashville and the bluegrass scene11:50 - Building friendships with Nashville bluegrass scene from college friendships to professional gigs13:21 - How Bluegrass’s acoustic simplicity and community attracted Andy14:01 - The influence of early band experiences and jam sessions on his musical outlook15:00 - Long Island roots and starting a band in middle school inspired by classic rock and bluegrass17:53 - The community, bluegrass festivals, and the continuity of the genre's evolution18:46 - The Nashville bluegrass scene and how it fosters creativity19:16 - The journey from side musician to Stringdusters member20:39 - The importance of reliability and sincerity in the Nashville hustle21:22 - How meeting fellow musicians like Cody Kilby and Jeremy Garrett shaped his path22:19 - The value of bluegrass in a musical community open to evolution23:15 - Turning the band into a full-time career and the audition process24:13 - Growing with the Stringdusters since 2007 and the impact of their albums26:52 - Embracing vulnerability and authenticity over sounding like traditional bluegrass28:04 - The importance of musical influence and band dynamics in shaping their distinctive sound29:22 - The argument for musical evolution and not conforming to strict traditionalism30:23 - The importance of genre evolution and diversity within bluegrass and other genres31:15 - Music discovery through independent channels and the value of live, unfiltered performances32:10 - The band’s approach to stage presence, stage movement, and stage design34:17 - The natural development of stage dynamics and wireless freedom36:18 - The creative process behind the double album, from song selection to release41:12 - A heartfelt tribute song to Andy’s wife Jasmine and balancing life on tour44:36 - Interpreting music’s meaning and the importance of personal connection47:03 - The Falcon and Book project playing Garcia’s music and recreating the vibe of improvisational jamming51:37 - The influence of Jerry Garcia and the culture of shared musical history52:50 - The connection between Jerry Garcia’s bluegrass roots and his legacy54:21 - Closing remarks and appreciation for the journey and community

Mel Johnston of The Tall Boys shares her journey from a jazz and neo-soul background to creating a vintage-inspired rock album during COVID. We explore her creative process, the challenges of being an independent artist, and her insights on connecting with audiences through live performances.Get "Frontier of Love" Right Here: https://melandthetallboys.bandcamp.com/album/the-frontier-of-love🤔 Http://www.youtube.com/@thelongislandsoundpodcast?sub_confirmation=1Welcome to The Long Island Sound, your go-to place where music, comedy, drama and entertainment discovery truly begins!Chapters00:00 Introduction and Mel Johnston's Musical Roots01:03 COVID as a Catalyst for Creative Change02:01 Forming The Tall Boys During the Pandemic02:40 Transition from Side Person to Front Woman03:34 The Band's Dedication and Local Scene04:46 Favorite Venues and Surprising Discoveries07:17 The Album 'The Frontier of Love' - Inspiration and Style08:33 Recording Process and Vintage Equipment09:43 Studio Workflow and Collaboration14:31 Story Behind 'The Frontier of Love'16:09 Writing and Co-creating the Title Track17:35 The Emotional Rollercoaster of Being an Artist18:48 Mel Johnston's Musical Beginnings and Education21:21 Supportive Mentors and Encouragement23:28 Favorite Songs to Perform Live25:20 Future Projects and Holiday Music26:23 Closing Remarks and Audience EngagementAre you curious about the journeys, inspirations, and hidden gems within the world of artists, singer-songwriters, entertainers and musicians? We delve deep to bring you the backstories you won't hear anywhere else.Hit play and join the adventure! 👇 We do deep dives into the venues and events that bring you the best in entertainment, not just on Long Island and in New York City, but what's happening around the United States of America. Don't forget to COMMENT below with your favorite artist or who you'd love to hear more about! And if you're hungry for more musical insights and discoveries, SUBSCRIBE now so you never miss an episode! Let's explore the sound together! 🎶