Acoustic Alternatives

He released his first album back in 1987, was signed to Windham Hill family of labels for a handful of releases, but has put out the bulk of his recordings on the great label Red House Records. People who have been guests on his releases include Shawn Colvin, Nanci Griffith, Ani DiFranco, Lucy Kaplansky, Eliza Gilkyson, Jonatha Brooke, Antje Duvekot, Claudia Schmidt, David Wilcox, Cliff Eberhardt, Michael Johnson, Alice Peacock, Patty Larkin, Susan Werner, and The Turtle Island String Quartet...just to name a few. His voice is a beautiful, soothing instrument and his songs range from heart wrenching to funny to things you need to hear. My guest this episode is the wonderful John Gorka. Songs written by John Gorka Hold On I'm From New Jersey Good Noise Particle and Wave More about John Gorka: https://www.johngorka.com/ More about Acoustic Alternatives: https://johnmbommarito.wixsite.com/johnbommarito/acoustic-alternatives Book Grove Studios for your musical needs: https://grovestudios.space/

Northville, MI's Ryan Racine has 30 years of playing in bands behind him and all the skills to get the attention of fans of Alt Country/Americana ahead of him. When I hear his new record, Valhalla Afternoon, and think about how I felt about 2018's Outsider's Heart when it came out, I realize I just don't know what someone has to do to get the attention of the masses. You can be as good as Jason Isbell and yet not get the same recognition, even in your own backyard. I hope that changes with this record. It was a pleasure to be among the first to hear his new album, due out May 1st and chat with him again after an 8 year gap. This is your first chance to hear some of these songs if you haven't been to a Ryan Racine show. All songs written by Ryan Racine: Don't Bury Me If You Want Emily Boston Corbet More about Ryan Racine: https://www.ryanracine.com/bio Follow me and hear other episodes of Acoustic Alternatives: https://johnmbommarito.wixsite.com/johnbommarito/acoustic-alternatives NONE of this happens without Grove Studios. Book them for your needs: https://grovestudios.space/

Milan, MI's Lauren Blackford came to my attention as an opening act for my friend and recent guest on the podcast, Rochelle Clark at her show at The Ark. I brought Lauren on stage that night, embarrassingly briefly saying her name wrong in the process. After hearing just a few songs from the stage, I knew that I was witnessing something special. The "IT" factor was there and I immediately invited her to be a guest on the podcast backstage after her performance. Songs written by Lauren Blackford: A Good Thing Wasted Potential Dead Body Baby One Too Many Times Find Lauren on the web at: https://laurenblackford.us/ Find more Acoustic Alternatives episodes at: https://johnmbommarito.wixsite.com/johnbommarito/acoustic-alternatives Please support Grove Studios (which Lauren already likes): https://grovestudios.space/

I first encountered Kate Peterson as half of the duo Nervous But Excited. With the band's unknown status (hiatus? vacation? definitely not broken up) I took the opportunity to visit with Kate about her upcoming Michigan performances and chat about her life and get her to sing a couple of songs. I don't think she was too nervous, but perhaps a little excited. For reference, Nervous But Excited recordings included guest appearances from Theo Katzman, Frontier Ruckus, Chris Bathgate, Mike Lynch, Erin Zindle, Drew Howard, and many others. All songs written by Kate Peterson except where noted Roots Said and Done Ain't No Sunshine (Bill Withers) Blank Pages. Find out more about Kate: https://www.katepeterson.com/ Find 100 other Acoustic Alternatives episodes: https://johnmbommarito.wixsite.com/johnbommarito/acoustic-alternatives Book Grove Studios for your needs: https://grovestudios.space/

Welcome to podcast episode #100. I've never met anyone who has met Joshua Davis that has had anything bad so say about him. He's had a pretty special career since releasing his first record with the band Steppin' In It 25 years ago. A beloved member of the Michigan music community and a one time Top 3 contestant on The Voice, Josh has shifted to playing out less and making his living closer to his home in the Traverse City area. I've tried to catch him on a few of his recent visits to Southeast Michigan, but this time it fell together quickly. We realized timing worked and 16 hours after I booked the studio, with little preparation time, we met at Grove Studios. Problem is, neither one of us had enough time to wake up for this 8:00 a.m. session and I forgot to his record on the cameras. I did spend a fair amount of time setting them up at a good angle and this one was going to turn out great. I guess we'll never know. Songs written by Joshua Davis: Paper Boats Congratulations and Condolences 99 Names Joshua Davis' website: https://joshuadavismusic.com/ Acoustic Alternatives' website: https://johnmbommarito.wixsite.com/johnbommarito/acoustic-alternatives Grove Studios website: https://grovestudios.space/

Ypsilanti, MI residents Rochelle Clark and Jason Dennie didn't have to go far to get to Grove Studios (7 minutes apparently), but their music will take you on journey somewhere south of there. Both have been making music for quite a long time. They originally met when Rochelle was taking guitar lessons from Jason at Herb David Guitar Studio. Eventually they found each other to be not just musical partners, but partners in life. Rochelle's voice is one that I once said to her in a radio session "you could sing John Bommarito is a big jerk" and it would sound good. I have that audio. It does sound good and it doesn't even hurt when she sings it. Jason's guitar playing, which is what drew me to him in the first place, has him atop my list of best acoustic guitar players in the area (and he may be the best mandolin player in my music scene as well). Enjoy this conversation with two people I am proud to call friends. If you want to hear the interviews that I've done with both in the past, subscribe to my Patreon page at https://www.patreon.com/c/AcousticAlternativeswithJohnBommarito Songs: Blue (written by Rochelle P Clark) If I Could Make You My Own (written by Dori Freeman) Simply Perfect Day (written by Jason Dennie) Honey Hangover (written by Jason Dennie) More about all things Acoustic Alternatives: https://johnmbommarito.wixsite.com/johnbommarito/acoustic-alternatives Find Rochelle on the web: https://www.rochellepclark.com/ Find Jason on the web: https://www.jasondennie.com/ Book a session at Grove Studios for your musical needs: https://grovestudios.space/

This one was a long time in the making. I'd been checking in with Tony Lucca on the occasions he would come back to his home state of Michigan for a show to see if he was available to join me for a chat. Two previous in studio sessions in Ann Arbor in 2010 and 2016 established a mutual respect for one another. When I first heard his music in 2010 on an album called Rendezvous with the Angels I had no idea what an interesting backstory he had. To paraphrase something I say in our conversation, how is that I can get access to someone with this much talent and history? It's a long one and I actually left a few questions out when we were recording due to time restraints. Enjoy this conversation with Tony Lucca. Songs written by Tony Lucca: In My Life Today True Story Back in '87 Top and the Bottom Find Tony on the web at: https://www.tonylucca.com/ See or listen to other Acoustic Alternatives sessions: https://johnmbommarito.wixsite.com/johnbommarito/acoustic-alternatives Book Grove Studios for your next musical needs: https://grovestudios.space/

Detroit/Hamtramck, Michigan's Jackamo has been drawing comparisons to some of the best indie folk groups around since they began their journey many years ago. Sisters Alison and Tessa Weircioch handle the vocals and the talented Jimmy Showers does the guitar work. Together it is a rich, harmonious adventure in sound. Their first record is coming out soon and we talk about it, their lives and their upcoming shows on the latest Acoustic Alternatives. Songs, written by Jackamo: Her Paper Cranes Lucy Find Jackamo on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrMuHGoWUoJ-il9SzRg4SOA Find out more about Acoustic Alternatives: https://johnmbommarito.wixsite.com/johnbommarito/acoustic-alternatives Eternal thanks to my host, Grove Studios: https://grovestudios.space/

Phoebe and Jacyln are talented sisters originally from Lake Orion, MI who've been making music together for over a decade. Their peers in the local music scene, including Jill Jack, have been helping to lift them up as they've continued to find their path and hone their craft over the years. Their third release, Temporary By Design, comes nine years after their debut covers record, Come What May, and shows the growth the duo have made since their debut. Put it on and feel what they've been through via the heartfelt lyrics. Songs, written by Keynote Sisters, include: Done and Damned Phoenix Tears Waitin' On You It's All Talk More about Keynote Sisters at: https://keynotesisters.com/ More about Acoustic Alternatives: https://johnmbommarito.wixsite.com/johnbommarito/acoustic-alternatives Grove Studios makes it all possible: https://grovestudios.space/

Brooklyn based – Brooklyn MI that is – singer songwriter, contributor to the feeding of hungry people who prioritize organic produce, multi-instrumentalist, and all around good guy, Billy King joins me at Grove Studios for a chat about his new record, Chill. Learn a bit about the difference between the family farm he works on and the similarly named produce seller in the area, the Hollerfest Music Festival that takes place on the family farm, hear an as of yet unreleased song and more. All songs written by Billy King Makes Me Wonder Truth Lies Chill Snow in NOLA. More about Billy King: https://billykingdom.com/ More about Acoustic Alternatives: https://johnmbommarito.wixsite.com/johnbommarito/acoustic-alternatives Book your session at Grove Studios: https://grovestudios.space

I've been working at one of the premiere jazz stations in the country since the summer of 2022. In the spring of 2024 I was given a twice a week two hour radio program called The Song Break to program. I brought my existing knowledge of The Great American Songbook and the classic vocalists who are best known for interpreting it to the table. The other side of the equation is the modern day songbook. This required some research into newer singers. Along the way I found one in my own state who was masterfully interpreting the classics AND writing new ones. Olivia Van Goor is a gifted artist and vocalist and I love making new fans out of anyone willing to listen. It is my belief that she will be a breakout national jazz artist at some point, not just one who performs regionally. She has the "IT" factor. Joined by her friend and talented bassist Reuben Stump, Olivia chats about her 4th release "Waiting For Santa." If you aren't in the mood for Holiday music, please at least listen to the conversation and skip the songs until you are ready, but among the 4 songs performed only one is a cover and it's not one you hear over and over and over. Please enjoy this session with Olivia and Reuben and please check her out live sometime. You won't be disappointed. Songs written by Olivia Van Goor except where noted: Santa, Did You Get My Letter? Holiday Traditions (OVG and Reuben Stump) Hermey's Blue (OVG and Mike Harrison) There's Always Tomorrow (Johnny Marks) Do yourself a favor and check out Olivia on line at: https://www.oliviavangoor.com/ Want to learn more and support Acoustic Alternatives? https://johnmbommarito.wixsite.com/johnbommarito/acoustic-alternatives None of it, I mean NONE of it happens without the support of Grove Studios:https://grovestudios.space/

Can you dig it? I got to visit with Jen Sygit. A large reason I do this podcast is to shine the spotlight on artists I think deserve more attention than they are getting. All three of Jen's most recent releases were in my top 5 albums of the year they were released. She's had some wonderful opportunities in her 20+ years as a performing musician. We chat about those and mention that she's got her first headlining gig at The Ark in November. All songs written by Jen Sygit: Grandma Went to Heaven In A Cowgirl Cadillac Smell The Flowers Marshall Street One In A Million More about Jen Sygit: http://www.jensygit.com/ More about Acoustic Alternatives: https://johnmbommarito.wixsite.com/johnbommarito/acoustic-alternatives More about Grove Studios: https://grovestudios.space/

David's first album, The Nightshift Watchman, came out independently in 1987. In 1989 he made his major label debut on A&M Records with How Did You Find Me Here, which included modern folk classics that he still plays in his sets 35+ years later ("Eye of the Hurricane" & "Rusty Old American Dream"). Ask a handful of younger modern folk singers and no doubt some of them will cite David's playing and/or writing as an influence on what they are doing. It was a pleasure to chat with David again as he has just put out his best album in many years, The Way I Tell The Story. Hear some of the story in this visit as well as two songs not on any record yet. Bonus! The old Acoustic Alternatives WHFR show intro and the classic ann arbor's 107one show ID. Songs written by David Wilcox: "I'm From Nowhere" "Miss Liberty" "The Way I Tell The Story" "The Beautiful" More about David: https://www.davidwilcox.com/ More about Acoustic Alternatives: https://johnmbommarito.wixsite.com/johnbommarito/acoustic-alternatives More about Grove Studios: https://grovestudios.space/

Kora Feder is a well traveled singer songwriter with music in her blood now calling Detroit home. It was a chance meeting that brought me to her music and one song in particular that destroyed my heart in the way only songs can do. There are a few other interview with Kora out there and some of them really good and in-depth. I think I only scratched the surface. I was also distracted by issues I was having with the sound quality and a week's worth of headaches. I encourage you to explore her professionally recorded catalog. Songs written by Kora Feder: Automatic Times Elementary Queen In A Young Person's Body Ballad to Feel. Support and follow Kora: https://korafeder.com/ Support and follow Acoustic Alternatives (clearly I need to buy some microphones and cables): https://johnmbommarito.wixsite.com/johnbommarito/acoustic-alternatives Support the great home of the podcast, Grove Studios: https://grovestudios.space/

Chicago area songwriter Joe Goodkin has, at the time of this posting, 14 records to his credit - some solo, some with his band Paper Arrows. Two of his projects are ambitious retellings of Homer's The Odyssey and The Illiad and he has toured these records in every state in the US and abroad as well. Get to know Joe and hear an as of yet unreleased song in this performance and conversation with a modern bard. Songs written by Joe Goodkin: Somebody Loved (The Invocation) Hands of Grief (Priam to Achilles) What Kind of Love (Patroclus to Achilles) Winedark Life More information about Joe: https://www.joegoodkin.com/ All things Acoustic Alternatives including how to support my efforts on Patreon: https://johnmbommarito.wixsite.com/johnbommarito/acoustic-alternatives All the love goes to my host Grove Studios without whom none of this happens https://grovestudios.space/

Myron Elkins is from the small town Otsego, MI(About 17 miles north west of Kalamazoo). His friends from school probably didn't see him as the guy who would one day play shows with Willie Nelson, John Fogerty, Marcus King and Kaleo, and have his second release produced by one of the most in demand producers in the Americana genre, Dave Cobb, but he did just that. With unique voice and a love of music from another time, Myron Elkins isn't like any other artist I've met who was born since the 2000's began. Hear his stories and a brand new, as of yet unreleased, song in our conversation from Grove Studios. Songs written by Myron Elkins "God Bless The Rain" "Testimony" "Red Ball" "Winnin'" Learn more about Myron (until he's able to get his own website back from Elektra records) at https://www.myronelkins.com/ Find other Acoustic Alternatives podcasts and playlists: https://johnmbommarito.wixsite.com/johnbommarito/acoustic-alternatives Endless thanks to my hosts, Grove Studios https://grovestudios.space/

One of most prolific, gifted, kind hearted, and gentle people you'll ever meet - oh and she has an angelic voice, May Erlewine joined me at Grove Studios to talk about her career and newest album 'What It Takes.' I've been wanting to put her in the spotlight pretty much since I started doing the podcast back in 2020. I feel like there is more we could have done to show the uninitiated the wonderful world of May, but I hope this glimpse gives you the spark to explore more. Songs written by May Erlewine: My Speed Down To This Love and Desire Nothing But Love Find out more about May Erlewine: https://www.mayerlewine.com/ Find out more about Acoustic Alternatives https://johnmbommarito.wixsite.com/johnbommarito/acoustic-alternatives Grove Studios deserves and award. Find more about them here: https://grovestudios.space/

15 years after her debut EP, Ann Arbor, MI area musician Abigail Stauffer has finally released her 4th full length record. Delayed by a pandemic and the distance her collaborator Dave Haughey (aka Dave the Cellist), the newest release doesn't fit neatly into a musical category, but rather is an extension of the genre bending folk on her previous releases. Abigail opens up in this conversation about her past and present for Acoustic Alternatives. Songs written by Abigail Stauffer, except where noted: Alone To Dream Pulling Teeth (co-written with Dave Haughey) Wanderer (co-written with Dave Haughey) Blanket More about Abigail: http://abigailstauffer.com/ Support Acoustic Alternatives: https://johnmbommarito.wixsite.com/johnbommarito/acoustic-alternatives Grove Studios is the best! https://grovestudios.space/

Boston area singer/songwriter/storyteller/delightful human Hayley Reardon joined me for a conversation in Grove Studios on April 23, 2025. She's been on my radar for over a decade, but this was our first chance to meet and talk. Songs written by Hayley Reardon: Enough Is Everything Good News Bone Dance The Little Sadness More info on Hayley: https://www.hayleyreardon.com/ More info on Acoustic Alternatives: https://johnmbommarito.wixsite.com/johnbommarito/acoustic-alternatives More info on Grove Studios: https://grovestudios.space/

Portland, OR based duo Fox & Bones joined me and gave me a peek into their world. They also played a couple new songs (including one, as of the time of publishing this, unreleased). Meet Scott Gilmore and Sarah Vitort on this episode of Acoustic Alternatives. Songs written by Scott Gilmore and Sarah Vitort "Ain't Giving Up Tonight" "Strange and Wonderous Place" "Long Time Honey" "The Borderline" More about Fox & Bones: https://foxandbones.com/ More about all things Acoustic Alternatives, including how to support me on Patreon https://johnmbommarito.wixsite.com/johnbommarito/acoustic-alternatives Eternal love and gratitude to Grove Studios: https://grovestudios.space/