October 31 2012
Trumpeter, Trombonist and Composer, Joel Behrman joins us on this episode. A longtime resident of the San Francisco Bay Area, Joel was a mid-western transplant by way of the University of Miami. During his tenure in the Bay, he has established himself as a sought after brass player with some of the top bands or orchestras of the area. His most recent performances have been as sideman to famed percussion powerhouse, Sheila E.
Joel has now put his foot forward as a leader and composer on a mix of original compositions and swinging arrangements of some of the most celebrated composers in the jazz canon, “Steppin’ Back”.
A few words that were published in anticipation of the record couldn’t say it better:
On his superb new debut recording, Steppin’ Back, Behrman and his band express those essential jazz values in a program of elegant originals interspersed with compositions by Ellington, Armstrong, and Joe Henderson. His collaborators represent the top tier of local players: bassist Marcus Shelby, one of San Francisco’s most illustrious bandleaders and composers; in-demand pianist Matt Clark; drummer Howard Wiley (better known as a saxophonist); tenor saxophonist Dayna Stephens, a Berkeley High grad who lives in New York but maintains close ties to home; and veteran trombonist Danny Armstrong, a founding member of Lavay Smith’s Red Hot Skillet Lickers.
Please visit Joel’s website for more information about purchasing physical CD’s, or purchase digitally from iTunes or Amazon.
#027: On the Scene – SF – The Tectonics
September 13 2012
We are back with a “new” episode pulled from our archives. At the time of recording this episode of the Podcast, we invited a group of four musicians who built a strong musical friendship coming up playing jazz while attending Stanford University near Palo Alto, CA.
The group still performs in the SF Bay Area when each member is not busy with their other active projects up and down, in and around, and to and from, San Francisco and beyond.
With a Hip-Hop influenced take on Monk’s ‘Evidence’, a lazy lilt of straight-ahead swing on Wayne Shorter’s “Witch Hunt” amongst originals and standards, The Tectonics debut recording, “The Big One” is featured throughout the episode. You may purchase CD’s from Amazon or download in iTunes.
In the meantime, check out some of the other projects each member is involved with:
Jake Smowlowe – Keys/Piano
http://www.jakesmolowe.com/projects/the-tectonics/
Gabe Davis – Bass
http://www.gabedavisbass.com
Mike Hirsch – Tenor Saxophone
Mike Hirsch Trio (Rose Pistola or Club Deluxe)
http://www.thebandconbrio.com- an On The Scene-SF Alumn (Episode #020)– be sure to checkout Mike playing with ConBrio
Mitchell Wilcox – Drums
https://www.facebook.com/futureperfekt - This group features the amazing Karyn Paige on Vocals (checkout Episode #015, for a full dose of Karyn)
Extras:
1 - Music is Good
2 - Drum
3 - Bass
4 - Piano
#026: On the Scene – SF – Kai Eckhardt – Part Two
September 8 2011
In Part Two of our discussion with world renowned bassist and educator, Kai Eckhardt, we explore his enlightened view of personal growth, achievement, and musical development. He also details, quite informatively, how his personal mentorship program works available through www.kaizone.com. Additional insights about Marcus Miller, his recording experience with Wayne Shorter and the present state of the music industry offer many thought provoking threads throughout the discussion.
Kai's most recent recording is Garaj Mahal's ' More Mr. Nice Guy' available through iTunes.
#025: On the Scene – SF – Kai Eckhardt – Part One
August 4 2011
We welcomed renowned bassist/composer Kai Eckhardt into the studio to discuss his worldview on music, formative experiences and the art of being a sideman vs. bandleader. We invite you to listen in on Kai's wonderfully warm personality while contemplating the wisdom he had to share with listeners.
This is a two-part episode beginning with the above. Stay tuned for the follow up to come shortly.
Kai Eckhardt is a world musician in many respects. A bassist, composer, educator and member of the band Garaj Mahal, amongst a myriad of other projects; which, have included, but are not limited to, notable performances or recordings with the likes of Steve Smith, Wayne Shorter, John McLaughlin, Bela Fleck and Trilock Gurtu. You may explore more about Kai's performances, recordings and mentorship program at www.Kaizone.com. His most recent studio recording is with Garaj Mahal entitled, «More Mr. Nice Guy» available through Owl Studios .com or iTunes.
Extras:
1 - A Question of Will Power
2 - Kai takes a wonderful solo
#024: On the Scene – SF – Hawkeye: Sam Bevan, Mas Koga, Grant Levin, Bryan Bowman
June 9 2011
Hawkeye is a highly creative and cohesive effort from SF Bay Area
favorites Sam Bevan, Masuro Koga, Grant Levin, Bryan Bowman.
Demonstrating that the left coast, and in particular, the Bay Area,
has a legitimate place at the table of world class musicianship and
improvised music, Hawkeye weaves extremely melodic inventions
throughout its 13 tracks. The album generated a bit of an internet
flurry to the surprise of its creators, and now you can enjoy it
yourself by acquiring it for digital download at iTunes, Amazon or CD
Baby.
Sam Bevan and Bryan Bowman joined On the Scene - SF under the
influence of various ailments that can afflict busy working musicians
with their defenses down during cold season to recall the sessions
that led to the release of Hawkeye. Furthermore, Sam and Bryan
discuss the ingredients for assembling a group of synergistic, high
performing, musicians and the simple actions taken to produce their
beautiful result. You will surely enjoy what motivates and inspires
these highly sought after musicians, as we did.
Pick up your Hawkeye CD here:
http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/sbmkglbb
#023: On the Scene – SF – 8 Legged Monster
Apr 30 2011
Mike Irwin Johnson's creation 8 Legged Monster promotes the aesthetic of tight arrangements for a Nine-Piece jazz and bop oriented orchestra, which was the springboard for two more recent, but fully ambitious projects in the San Francisco Jazz Orchestra (SFJO), co-founded with Drummer, Jaz Sawyer, and the Ray Charles tribute project, Rayband.
The latter two projects were captured for Mike's forthcoming CD featuring a single night's engagement of SFJO and Rayband together at the Fillmore District's, Yoshi's San Francisco.
Mike had a wide-ranging conversation with Kevin and Andrew about his roots in rap, rock and bop. All paths led to his varying projects and ambitions for Bay Area audiences to enjoy frequently in performance.
To learn how to acquire his forthcoming CD, listen to samples, view a calendar of performances, please visit 8leggedmonster.com. You may also visit Baytaper.com for photos and recordings of his and others' performances of acoustic jazz throughout the SF Bay Area.
#022: On the Scene – SF – Megan Slankard
Mar 2 2011
With a new album out in March of 2011 and an elegantly shot video for the title track, "A Token of the Wreckage", Megan Slankard is back on the San Francisco scene with sold out performances and a cross-country tour. Whether appearing with her full band, or just guitar in hand, her upbeat songs are wrought with emotional complexity emphasized by her powerful vocals and stirring melodies.
Megan joined Kevin and Andrew in the studio to discuss the long path to the new album (her first in nearly 5 years), the song-writing process, her career to date and advice for the road weary. She also brought her guitar and treats listeners to two exclusive solo performances of songs from the new record. We are certain you will enjoy Megan's spritely wit and humor while learning more about the woman behind the guitar.
Megan Slankard and the Megan Slankard Band have been favorites of San Francisco radio station KFOG 104.5. She has performed in venues that range from high production theaters to living room concerts. Her recordings and performances have frequently been featured on television, at industry showcases and editorialized through a variety of music based print journals.
You may learn more about Megan's live performances, how to purchase CD's and continued success at www.meganslankard.com
Photo Credit: Justin Oliphant
Song List:
1 - Our little Secret
2 - Beautiful Makeshift
3 - A Token of the Wreckage
4 - You and your Great Ideas - Live at Spliggityfidge
Extras:
1 - Megan discusses why her album is the way it is.
2 - Megan plays "Show up" - Live at Spliggityfidge
3 - Rice Crispy treats are good for you.
4 - Megan takes a quick call...
5 - Megan takes another call from Mom.
6 - Andrew's Intro is so good, Megan offers him a job.
7 - Best Podcast in the World.
#021: On the Scene – SF – Matt Langlois of The Welcome Matt
Feb 15 2011
Matt Langlois has effortlessly fit into the Indie/Rock/Folk/Singer/Songwriter facet of the SF Bay Area music scene for the good part of the 2000's as his ever evolving band 'The Welcome Matt'. Whether belting it out with just a guitar, or full on seven piece rock band (at its largest), Matt has been a favorite of many of the city's venues, audiences and terrestrial radio (KFOG 104.5 continually recognizes Matt with station bits and airplay of his material).
His pervasive song 'In San Francisco' from the second full-length Welcome Matt release has appeared in a variety of permutations on You Tube and was featured during the 2007 MLB All-Star Game that took place at AT&T Park. Since then, Matt has embarked on an ambitious 20-24 song-a-month project entitled Members of Sound, with a different single release each month that will continue to run through June 2011.
His most recent project is a cooperative effort with Choreographer and Dance Instructor, Christine Cali: a multi-media dance and live music program called MOVE THRU ME, debuting at the Dance Mission Theater in San Francisco on February 18-20, 2011. As they described it themselves-
MOVE THRU ME is the creative brainchild of Christine Cali of CALI & CO dance company and Matt Langlois of The WELCOME MATT.
Two local SF independent artists in the prime of their creativity have come together to present MOVE THRU ME, a LIVE dance/music collaboration integrating Cali's unique dance-theater aesthetic with Langlois' provocative singer/song-writing style.
Deeply investigative and wildly fun, MOVE THRU ME exposes the realities of the road less traveled as artists and free thinkers in a conformist society. Part modern dance, theater production and rock concert, Cali and Langlois pioneer new territory inside of the performance art genre. Come see MOVE THRU ME and decide for yourself.
MOVE THRU ME comes complete with an original soundtrack available on itunes and CD, music videos and paraphernalia.
Tickets can be purchased here:
http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/144495
For more information about Matt's music and performances, go to http://www.welcomemattsf.com/
Extras:
1 - Baby No. 1 (Live in Spliggs)
2 - How to Sound like NPR
3 - Editing Voices: a how to guide
Track Listing:
1 - Move Through Me.
2 - Turns to Gold
3 - Prettiest Girl in the World (Live in Spliggs)
4 - That I can do
#020: On the Scene – SF – OONA, Karyn Paige, Con Brio
Feb 2 2011
OONA has been on quite a
trajectory with her debut full-length album "SHHHHOUT!", new video for
the single "I Wanna Know U", and benchmark pop performances, each
virtually better than the last.
In this special on location episode at renown San Francisco nightclub,
Bottom of the Hill, Kevin Weber caught up with the song-writing team,
Producer/Drummer, Dave Tweedie and Singer/Instrumentalist, Oona
Garthwaite – the impetus behind the front woman's namesake, OONA.
Kevin gathered tips on applying make-up and the secret sauce behind
producing driving and fulfilling rock/pop creations from the studio to
the stage.
You may see OONA for yourself at NOISE POP 2011, on February 22, at
The Independent, 628 Divisadero St, SF. Tickets:
http://www.ticketfly.com/purchase/event/26609
Also on the bill was an 'On the Scene – SF' favorite, the delectable
and dazzling, Karyn Paige debuting her live band The Scoundrels. She
discusses the performance as well as her forthcoming video single
release party at the Beta Lounge, 2129 Durant Ave, Berkeley, on
Saturday, Feb 12, 9:00 PM. KP has been busy putting her band together
while also inciting folks to talk about another project she appears in
– Future Perfekt.
Con Brio is another female fronted soulful outfit to round out the
evening. Kevin gets acquainted with the band for your benefit. Don't
miss the band's residency at Amnesia SF every 4th Saturday now through
Spring 2011- more to come from this band. Stay tuned.
Website links:
http://oonamusic.com/
http://karynpaige.com/
http://www.myspace.com/thebandconbrio
Music VIdeo - http://oonamusic.com/oona-music-video/
More about OONA: http://www.marinij.com/lifestyles/ci_17076847
#019: On the Scene – SF – The Stone Foxes
Jan 7 2011
At a time when Electro-Pop and R&B top the charts, San Francisco's The
Stone Foxes continue to hit the scene with their brand of powerful
blues based riff-rock, hearkening back to earthier times in music.
Their youthful energy is evident on their latest release, 'Bears &
Bulls', however the live show is what cements their relationship to
fans and unsuspecting audiences.
From downbeat to coda, the band's vivacious performances continue to
expand their fan base in San Francisco and all along the West Coast.
Shannon Koehler (pronounced similar to "kay-ler"), the band's drummer
and one fourth singer, sat down with On the Scene- SF, on location, at
the home of Joe Rock (107.7 The Bone) to discuss a wide range of
topics including writing songs, heart arrhythmia, gas stations and
many other themes for the sensitive, ecologically minded soul.
We hope you are both entertained and informed.
Check out The Stone Foxes and catch
upcoming performances, including a headline slot at San Francisco's
Noise Pop Festival 2011 at The Independent, February 24, with Voxhaul
Broadcast and The Ferocious Few
http://www.ticketfly.com/purchase/event/22109
Extras:
1 - The Bottle Opener
2 - The Phone Call
3 - The Power of Snacks
Track Listing:
1 - Patience
2 - I Killed Robert Johnson
3 - Through the Fire
4 - Come Again
5 - Mr. Hangman
#018: On the Scene - SF - Marcus Shelby Part Two
November 30 2010
We continue our discussion with Composer/Arranger/Bassist, Marcus Shelby.
In addition to exploring the process behind his latest recording,
'Soul of the Movement', Marcus enlightens us regarding his previous
projects with the Marcus Shelby Orchestra, 'Harriet Tubman' and 'Port
Chicago'.
Furthermore, we enjoyed Marcus' detail of some of his early performing
experiences and the wisdom gained, as well as what may be on the
horizon for the Marcus Shelby Orchestra and his organization.
Be sure to go to www.marcusshelby.com to inquire about performances or
to purchase a CD of his new release, 'Soul of the Movement'.
Tracks Featured:
1 - Take my Hand Precious Lord
2 - Amen
3 - Fables Of Faubus
#017: On the Scene - SF - Marcus Shelby
November 9 2010
Marcus Shelby (Bassist, Educator, Composer) and his Orchestra have
been synonymous with style, depth and swing in the San Francisco Bay
Area for greater than 10 years. Unable to simply label the
organization a Jazz Orchestra, Shelby's works have included the
traditions of American music- blues, spirituals, swing and classic R&B
– as well as the stories of some of the country's greatest heroes in
the form of the exploited African American Sailors who lost their
lives in the Port Chicago Naval Weapons disaster of 1944, Harriet
Tubman, Emmett Till and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
His most recent recording, entitled, 'Soul of the Movement'
memorializes the latter two, as well as the many participants of
change throughout the great 1960's Civil Rights movement.
Marcus discussed the research that went into composing for the project
with 'On The Scene-SF'.
As one conversation with Marcus Shelby barely reaches the depth of
creative spirit and social conscience contained within, we present to
you Part 1 of a 2-part interview. That in and of itself doesn't
capture the full breadth and humor of one of the Bay Area's great
composers and educators. We look forward to having him back on the
program again in the future.
Enjoy Part One.
Tracks Featured:
http://www.marcusshelby.com
Photo Credit: Copyright, Scott Chernis
#016: On the Scene - SF - KC Turner
September 24 2010
Episode 16 is a very informative interview with Promoter, Booker, and
all Around Super Hero, KC Turner.
In case you didnt know, House Concerts are the next big thing...if
they aren't already.
In case you didnt know, Kevin's Alma Mater is Mizzou located in Columbia, MO.
This happens to be where KC is from. What a wonderful turn of events.
But who is KC, you may ask?
KC Turner keeps busy by presenting live music to Bay Area locals
through billing shows at venues & coffee houses, hosting his own house
concert series,
hosting 3 open mics, booking music for 3 restaurants, representing &
booking 9 independent artists, helping connect people to new local
talent and strumming a few of his own songs from time to time.
Turner's most talked about claim to fame is the "KC Turner House
Concert Series" which has included artists such as: Matt Nathanson,
Bob Schneider, Steve Poltz Sean Hayes, Tim Bluhm, Tom Freund,
David Berkeley, Matt The Electrician, Alex Wong, Amber Rubarth, Greg
Loiacono, Billy Harvey, Danny Schmidt, Jerry Hannan, Danny Malone,
Nicole Reynolds, Lindsay Mac, Heather Combs, Megan Slankard,
John Craigie – And the list goes on.
The best way to not miss out on the shows that KC Turner presents is
to sign up on the email that is on the top of his website:
www.kcturnermusic.com
Or find KC at the following:
- Twitter.com/kcturnermusic
- Facebook.com/kcturnermusic
- Myspace.com/kcturnermusic
For booking information, questions or comments email: kc@kcturnermusic.com
We hope you enjoy the show.
#015: On the Scene - SF - Karyn Paige
September 1 2010
Karyn Paige is known widely as one of the featured singers with the
Jazz Mafia’s Brass, Bows and Beats Hip Hop Symphony — a traveling
collection of musicians and artists who have performed at some of the
biggest music festivals around including the Montreal Jazz Festival,
the Newport Music Festival as well as the Playboy Jazz Festival at the
legendary Hollywood Bowl.
Not content to rest on her laurels, on August 31, 2010, she released
her first solo project, “The KP EP”, a collection of 5-songs that
expands the range of Karyn’s identity beyond just being a singer, but
now a leader and front-person in her own right. Produced by Joe
Bagale, Matt Berkeley and KP herself, the EP’s mood ebbs and flows
smoothly through funk and pop stylings with a characteristic sass and
confidence.
Karyn spoke with ‘On The Scene-SF’ with relaxed candor and delved into
the creative process, Pop fantasies, awkward adolescence and women’s
issues, demonstrating herself to be an artist with depth. We hope you
enjoy the discussion.
Photo & video: Gilgamesh Polux Fuica at Red Light Studios (Montréal, Canada)
Make-up: Lisa SIM with SIM Minerals www.simminerals.com Production: Ana Marinescu
Karyn’s EP can be purchased at http://karynpaige.com/
Extras:
1 - Andrew and Karyn on Joe Bagale. We Love you Joe!
2 - Karyn speaks of the Bay Area Music Scene's Past, Present, and Future
3 - A sweet discourse about the one and only vocalist Raz Kennedy.
4 - A look into KP's Diary about her Jazz Festival Summer 2010
Track Listing:( all songs available now, only at http://karynpaige.com/ )
1 - Big Top
2 - Want to
3 - I Still Wanna Believe
4 - Stay Away Tonight
5 - Feel Alright, Be Alright
Earlier Podcasts >>>>
