Acoustic Alternatives

Dearborn, MI's Jo Serrapere's first visit to the podcast happened as part of a live show at Trinity House in Livonia, MI in April of 2022. I encourage you to go back and listen to that one to learn more about this Michigan treasure. Jo is ambitiously releasing two albums at once this Spring and the second chat was based around celebrating that. Hear acoustic versions of some of the songs before they are released into the wild. All songs written by Jo Serrapere: "In the Arms of Angels" "This American Dream" "Life and All" Find out more about Jo on her website: https://joserrapere.com/ Find out more about what I am doing and how to support it via Patreon: https://johnmbommarito.wixsite.com/johnbommarito/acoustic-alternatives Grove Studios makes it all possible. Rent their space to practice in: https://grovestudios.space/

Here is the audio only visit with Australian born guitarist extraordinaire, Kyran Daniel. You may want to watch the video too in order to enjoy his guitar playing with your eyes. Tommy Emmanuel thought he was good enough to take him on tour when Kyran was just a teenager, so you know you are dealing with someone very talented, even if you haven't heard him before. Learn more about him and how to support him here: https://www.kyrandaniel.com All songs written by Kyran Daniel "Pensieri" "Sangria" "Like the Night Itself" Interested in supporting me on Patreon and finding out about the other things I am doing? https://johnmbommarito.wixsite.com/johnbommarito/acoustic-alternatives None of this happens without Grove Studios. Need a place to practice and be loud? https://grovestudios.space/

Mike Vial is an Ann Arbor based singer/songwriter, teacher, father, and husband who is doing a 20 year celebration of playing gigs, teaching books, and ranting rants at The Ark in Ann Abor on May 23, 2024, opening for a mutual favorite (and previous podcast guest), Ari Hest. Vial is prepping a new release due out soon and he plays a couple of new ones and a couple of old ones and we both have a strong reaction to his third performance. Don't miss it. Songs written by Mike Vial Free To Dream I Just Want To Be Your Last Two Angels (June 22, 1996 - Ann Arbor) Burning Bright Find out more about Mike: http://mikevial.com/?fbclid=IwAR1hjEpVSE2VKEUCPl54ucYGM2c2IoLCAQTsY4VKkSkGCLiAHKrZbd_dCX0 Find out more about Acoustic Alternatives and how to support it: https://johnmbommarito.wixsite.com/johnbommarito/acoustic-alternatives Find out more about Grove Studios: https://grovestudios.space/

Harmonica legend, Grammy winner, blues, folk, world music and rock musician not to mention all around beloved member of the Ann Arbor music scene, Peter Madcat Ruth joins me to celebrate 3/4 of a century of life and a life mostly spent playing music. His 75th birthday celebration takes place at The Ark in Ann Arbor on April 2, 2024. Songs include Jaw Harp Improvisation (Ruth) Pocket Full of Soul (Ruth) Phonograph Blues (Robert Johnson) Walk Right In (Gus Cannon) Visit his website: https://www.petermadcatruth.com/ to learn even more about him. Visit my website https://johnmbommarito.wixsite.com/johnbommarito/acoustic-alternatives to find out how to support me and my other related activities. Visit Grove Studios website to book space for your band, podcast, etc. https://grovestudios.space/

Will Kimbrough plays rock, stripped down folk, Americana, and Country. He is an in demand guitar player, producer and songwriter. Oh and an author working on a book of the stories of his life. You'll hear tales of his adventures and collaborations with Jimmy Buffet, Emmylou Harris, Rodney Crowell, Todd Snider, and a young R.E.M. My relationship with his music started in 1989 with a self titled record by his band Will and the Bushmen (which I recommend if you are a fan of Crowded House, find it HERE). One of my favorite songs of all time that you've probably never heard is on there. It's also within our conversation. Will has a lot to say and has a great story. Get comfortable. This is a long one. Songs performed written by Will Kimbrough except where noted: "I Like It Down Here" "Bubbles Up (co written with Jimmy Buffet)" "Like Laughing" "Closer To the Ground" Find out more about Will here: https://www.willkimbrough.com/ Found out more about Acoustic Alternatives and how to support me on Patreon for bonus content: https://johnmbommarito.wixsite.com/johnbommarito/acoustic-alternatives Found out how to book Grove Studios for your band practice, podcast, DJ practice, etc. here: https://grovestudios.space/

Back in 2016 I discovered a young singer by the name of Katie Pederson. By 2018 I was pretty invested in singing her praises while she continued to put out great music on albums like The Landing and Limitless. On our last visit in a studio together on the Acoustic Alternatives podcast, you may have learned more about her. This time I was very happy to welcome her new project with her friends Jilian Linklater (who I had also first heard in 2016) and Grace Theisen. I got to see one of their first shows awhile ago and I knew immediately I wanted to find a way to get the trio on the podcast so you could be introduced to them too. Turns out, this is their first interview as a group. Songs include: "The Rebel Eves" "Long Gone Don Juan" "American Dream" "Trying To Find Healing" Songs written by Katie Pederson, Jillian Linklater, Grace Theisen. Learn more about the trio at: https://www.therebeleves.com/ Thanks to Grove Studios! https://grovestudios.space/ Support me and find out more here: https://johnmbommarito.wixsite.com/johnbommarito/acoustic-alternatives

I've been waiting years to present this episode. It's been ten years in between releases for Yspilanti, MI's, Adam Plomaritas. As soon as I started doing this podcast I told him "I want to do something when that next release is ready" It's been worth the wait. The EP, Old Time Love, is A+ excellent. It's got a full band and horns, unlike these stripped down performances, but you can hear the voice and the songs in all their glory from Adam's basement studio. Songs include: "All I Need Is You" "Love On Your Side" "Love Me Better" "How Does It Feel" All songs written by Adam Plomaritas. https://www.adamplomaritas.com/ More about Acoustic Alternatives: https://johnmbommarito.wixsite.com/johnbommarito/acoustic-alternatives

Raised in Manitowoc, WI, but now calling Ann Arbor, MI home, Judy Banker is set to release her fourth record, Bonafide, on November the 4th. Filled with deeply personal lyrics and backed by a great band, this new release, produced by her son Ben, is her best yet in my opinion. Learn more about the four sides of Judy (singer/songwriter, photographer, psychologist and non-profit founder) in this conversation that also includes performances of three new songs: "Taciturn Heart" "Bonafide" "After It Ends" all songs written by Judy Banker. More at https://www.judybanker.com/ Support me on Patreon and find out more about Acoustic Alternatives at https://johnmbommarito.wixsite.com/johnbommarito/acoustic-alternatives Recorded at Grove Studios on Oct 17, 2023 Special guest...some cricket that wandered in at the end.

Jeff Daniels has done many things on screens and stages in his career. One of the things he has done that hasn't gotten as much attention as his roles in The Newsroom, To Kill a Mockingbird or Dumb and Dumber is playing music on stages and studios. He's been putting out albums since 2004 and, on many occasions when I was a DJ at WHFR in Dearborn, I've played his music on my radio program. Take your negative preconceptions about an actor picking up and guitar and singing and put them away. He's good. Damn good. His son Ben has also been releasing albums with his Ben Daniels Band since 2008. He's also a talented recording engineer. In the home studio on Jeff's property, the two of them collaborated on Audible Original audio program called "Alive and Well Enough." If you choose to listen, and I recommend you do, you will be treated to stories and songs from Jeff's life. We sat down on September 25, 2023 in the same studio the audio book was recorded and discuss that and more. You'll also hear: When My Fingers Find Your Strings (written by Jeff Daniels) A new as of yet untitled song by Ben Daniels The Good On The Bad Side Of Town (by Jeff and Ben Daniels) Mile 416 (written by Jeff Daniels) More information about Jeff's music: https://www.jeffdaniels.com/ Ben's music: https://www.bendanielsband.com/ My playlists and podcasts: https://johnmbommarito.wixsite.com/johnbommarito/acoustic-alternatives Find the Alive and Well Enough here: https://www.audible.com/pd/Alive-and-Well-Enough-Podcast/B0CDCPB67X?action_code=ASSGB149080119000H&share_location=pdp

Goldpine is a Nashville based duo who I first heard this year at a festival. It was a cold day in June, but they performed their hearts out. Once you hear Kassie's voice, you'll instantly hear what brings me in. It's hers, but it's familiar. The songs are strong and the stories are really good. She and Ben have been married 14 years and live a good part of the year in their home on wheels. Like all good bands, they have a back story that's important to understanding their present. You might even hear some crying. Songs (written by Benjamin and Kassie Wilson): Do You Have Me? Thinking About Love The Human Invasion Find out more about them at https://goldpinemusic.com/home Support me on Patreon and learn about the other things I do on MY WEBSITE Recorded at Grove Studios

A extraordinary duo from the south comes north for the Acoustic Alternatives Podcast to preview songs from their forthcoming album and talk about their lives and career. Pete and Crystal Demore are Ordinary Elephant. Crowded around two condenser microphones at 9 p.m. at night is nothing new from this duo. It was a great experience for me and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. All songs written by Ordinary Elephant I Come From Relic of the Rain Scars We Keep Once Upon A Time Find Ordinary Elephant HERE or their PATREON I am also on Patreon. I could use your support. Recorded on Sep 6, 2023 at in Ypsilanti, MI

The Young Fables are a duo from Nashville recommended to me by their manger. Their manager happens to be the husband of one of my favorite artists (Liz Longley), so thank you Patryk Larney! He sent me their catalog for review and I felt like I had been missing out for years. All three records are super strong efforts. When Patryk gave me a sneak peak at a film about the writing of one of the songs included in our session, "Daddy's Girl", I knew I had to talk to them. The audio for the songs needed help and I got it from Sean Morse from The Mission Recording Studio. That's why they sound significantly better than the rest of the session. Same recording device as the interview, just in the hands of someone who knew what to do with them. Songs included: Drive (L. Wright, W. Lunsford) Daddy's Girl (L. Wright, W. Lunsford, D. Fields. P. Larney) Just Good at Hurtin' (L. Wright, W. Lunsford) House of the Lord (L. Wright, W. Lunsford, D. Fields. M. Smith) Visit The Young Fables on the web Recorded at Grove Studios: Support me on Patreon and find out more about Acoustic Alternatives: https://johnmbommarito.wixsite.com/johnbommarito/acoustic-alternatives

My first podcast guest from "across the pond" is the 25 year old Scottish singer Iona Fyfe. Drawing from the Celtic identity of her homeland, her beautiful voice helps paint imagery in your mind's eye of far off lands. She's quite an accomplished, intelligent and talented performer who is absolutely delightful to talk to. In 2021, she became the first singer to win the coveted title of Musician of the Year at the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards. It was an absolute pleasure to spend an hour chatting with her. Songs include: Bonny Udny Scotland Yet (written by Davy Steele) The Waters Meet For more information and to purchase her music Visit Ionafyfe.com More information about how to support Acoustic Alternatives via Patreon visit johnbommarito.com Thanks as always to my partners at Grove Studios! Extra special thanks to my first patron on Patreon, Stan Garfield and his wife Barb Hayes for opening up their home to me and Iona for not only her to perform a house concert for 50-60 people, but allowing me to use their front room to record this podcast in AFTER the show.

Annie Bacon is a current resident of Ann Arbor, MI, but she's lived on both side of the country before landing there. With 3 albums, 3 EPs and a single released since 2009, Annie is ready to take big leaps forward with two new albums and a book in the works as well as a musical that she cowrote with Kyle Rasche that could make its debut on stages next year if she's lucky. Hear her new single, a track from one of the forthcoming albums and two from her most recent album in this podcast recorded at Grove Studios. All songs written by Annie Bacon: When Will I Learn Gallatin Pike California Heat I Wanna Die Like Lou Reed Find Annie on line here: https://www.anniebacon.me/home Find out more about Acoustic Alternatives and how you can support me via Patreon: https://johnmbommarito.wixsite.com/johnbommarito/acoustic-alternatives Much love to my podcast home, Grove Studios: https://grovestudios.space/

Michigan's Joanna (Ransdell) Sterling is in her third incarnation as a performer. Previously using her surname as well as fronting a band called Joanna and the Jaywalkers, Sterling has arrived with her strongest work to date. A new album called Queen of Wands. Working with Ypsilanti, MI's Chris DuPont on the recording and production side, this release is a collection of open and honest songs that are sure to grow her audience and reach. During the interview, you can hear how far away one of her songs has touched someone she's never met. Recorded at Grove Studios in Ypsilanti, MI, songs (all written by Joanna Sterling) include: Honesty So Afraid White Horse Girl By Choice More ways to find Joanna's music: https://joannasterlingmusic.bandcamp.com/ More about Grove Studios: https://grovestudios.space/ Join me on Patreon! I could use your support: patreon.com/AcousticAlternativeswithJohnBommarito

This episode of Acoustic Alternatives features the "distance band" Frances Luke Accord. Though when they formed they both lived in Indiana, the currently live in different states. The harmonies are as beautiful as a Simon and Garfunkel record and the songwriting of Nicholas Gunty and Brian Powers matches that beauty. Learn more about this duo and hear songs from their latest album Safe In Sound. All songs written by: Nicholas Gunty and Brian Powers "Thank You, Derrick Watson" "This Morning/All The Things" "In My Life" Special thanks to Chris DuPont for engineering and mixing the session. Recorded at Grove Studios in Ypsilanti, MI https://grovestudios.space/ More about Frances Luke Accord https://www.franceslukeaccord.com/ More about Acoustic Alternatives https://johnmbommarito.wixsite.com/johnbommarito/acoustic-alternatives Contact me for Sponsorship opportunities

Based in Ypsilanti, MI Drew De Four has been putting out original music since 2006 and playing in clubs and piano bars for a long time too. Recently Drew decided to pursue a new adventure and try his hand at producing a movie...about a group of piano bar singers. Shot in a vacant former piano bar in Pontiac, MI the film brings to life what it's like to work in a piano bar while following the stories of several characters at the bar. Unlike at most piano bars, this one features songs entirely from Drew's back catalog. Strangely, the song all feel familiar even if you don't know them. Get to know Drew and his back story and learn a bit more about the movie in this rather long form interview done in his home studio. All songs written by Drew De Four. https://www.drewdefour.com/ "Marie" "Be Here With Me" "I'm Not Alone" "Gotta Get On" "Last Call" More about the movie Duelers: https://www.youtube.com/@duelersfilm Thanks to Grove Studios for their support https://grovestudios.space/ More about Acoustic Alternatives can be found here: https://johnmbommarito.wixsite.com/johnbommarito/acoustic-alternatives

"Eclectic indie singer/songwriter/producer Leah Marlene has been making music since she was big enough to hold a guitar. Taking third place on last year’s season of American Idol gave her career a boost, but she’s been working intently on her music, singing and songwriting for as long as she can remember. " Get to know Leah and hear a couple of as-of-yet unreleased songs during this visit to Acoustic Alternatives. All songs written by Leah Marlene "Flowers" "Tomorrow" "Flashes" More about Leah https://www.leahmarlene.com/ Recorded at Grove Studios in Ypsilanti, MI Find Grove Studios online: https://grovestudios.space/

A fixture in the Michigan music scene, Adam Labeaux has been making music for over three decades. After living in Midland, MI and San Francisco, CA (to name a couple), Adam is based these days in Ann Arbor, MI and has called on other members of the Michigan music scene to help out on his fourth solo album, "Brave Face." The new album is due out June 3rd and in its fully produced form is equal parts ‘the sounds of today’ and ‘the classic sounds of the 70’s & 80’s pop.' You can get a preview of some of the songs in an acoustic setting on this episode of Acoustic Alternatives. Songs include "Clutch" "Don't Listen" "Straw Man" All songs written by Adam Labeaux. https://www.adamlabeaux.com/ Recorded May 15, 2023 at Grove Studios in Ypsilanti, MI https://grovestudios.space/

Mike Ward is the Detroit based singer songwriter who differentiates himself from the other musically inclined Mike Ward's of the world by modifying his hockey nickname "psycho ward" into Mike Ward Psychosongs. Since retiring from the advertising world, he has concentrated heavily on his love of singing and songwriting. With four albums, a single and and EP in five short years, this Detroit Music Award nominee has established himself firmly in the Michigan music scene and he's coming for the rest of the Midwest. Find out more about Mike by enjoying this podcast. All songs by Mike Ward: The Currency Of Forgiveness I Follow Broken Compact Life https://www.psychosongs.com/ Recorded at Grove Studios April 24, 2023 https://grovestudios.space/