Michigan Music History Podcast -- MMHP989

Somewhere in Ann Arbor, across to Detroit, the folklore of the '60s planted seeds in south Michigan. One of the front-runners to this soapbox congregation was Andy Cohen. Spending years crafting and honoring tradition, Cohen happened upon Andrew Rogers in Ann Arbor and the 'rest is history' as has been repeated. Here is a reunion, alive with song, discussion, Cohen's mystical perspective and tales from long ago. This is more of a collective of life stories, rather than a typical q&a session. Cohen and his record label/company Riverlark continue to give a historical perspective in modern times. Here in our final part 2 of 2, Cohen and Rogers eclipse their many reunions, discuss the performances they have shared, the album that they have been creating, and an endless fire that keeps Cohen out for six weeks and back home for six weeks all year around.

Musician Michelle Coltrane, daughter of Alice, step-daughter of John, offers backstory on Alice's time growing up in Detroit through Michelle's own growing up time between California, New York, and visits to Detroit. Michelle has proclaimed, 'The Year of Alice Coltrane' here in 2024 (with a centennial celebration of John coming soon as well!). This Alice Coltrane year was bench-marked by a recent release from her archives, The Carnegie Hall Concert, from 1971. Alice Coltrane Turiyasangitananda was at a creative peak when recording this Carnegie show. Backed by two drummers, two bassists, two saxophone/woodwind musicians and two other percussion/utility musicians. Alice helped put this show together as a benefit/tribute to Swami Satchidananda, an Indian guru she first encountered in 1969 while in the depth of grief, after losing her husband, John Coltrane. This show was on the heels of an album where she also honored him, Journey In Satchidananda--released the week before this concert. Alice shared the billing with Laura Nyro and The Rascals--the draw of the evening, whose Felix Cavaliere was a devote follower, as was Nyro. Saxophonist Pharoah Sanders got second billing next to Alice's name, as he was a rising star in the jazz world, sprouting from John Coltrane's stable along side of Alice herself. An R&B musician herself, Michelle takes us on a journey of her lifetime through her own lens, of times in Detroit, following her mother to concerts, spending time with Swami Satchidananda, dealing with her own career, and how her and step-brothers Ravi and Oran (John Jr. passed in '82) continue to grow and sprout the legacy of both Alice and John Coltrane. This

Heads up Michigan Music Fans: It’s been a year since I did my last Mid-Mitten ‘15’ From Harvest Canteen as a bonus episode for the MMHP—and while you patiently await Part 2 this Thursday for Zydeco Ziggy, I am prepping a one-on-one phone conversation with the one and only Mary Lee Kortes. 100% Portland, Michigan, by way of Brooklyn, New York (since a move in the early ‘80s) Mary Lee was on fire with Mary Lee’s Corvette in the ‘90s and ‘00s. Some of you may recall her bills with Joe Jackson over the years. Or maybe made it to the gig when she opened for Bob Dylan? Having her youth piano bench pried open at the age of 10 to find the music and lyrics of one Beulah Rowley (written at the turn of the last century), MLK spent years awaiting for the moment to release this haunting, stark and coveted set of gems onto the world. Teamed up with the late, great, genius producer Hal Willner (Lou Reed, Mingus, Disney fans take note), Will Anybody Know That I Was Here: The Songs Of Beulah Rowley ring true today and offer a glimpse at a young Michigan songwriter who perished in a fire. Or was it something else? Three anecdotes adorn the liner notes where this April 22, 2023 on Record Store Day epic appeared on Vinyl for the first time. Mary Lee was able to bring her dreams to life from one Michigan songwriter to another, giving a voice to a lost one. Tune in next Monday for this amazing hour-long episode where we hear about Beulah, MLK’s Corvette history, her dreams of Bob Dylan and the book that she wrote, and so much more. By the way—bonus points if you can catch her gig in NYC tomorrow night https://www.maryleescorvette.com/ https://maryleekortes.bandcamp.com/.../will-anybody-know...

Mid Mitten 15 From Harvest Canteen: Special One-On-One Discussions with Michigan Music Artists. MM15HC listeners: Tuesday Ep:2 debuts with Hemlock Americana musician Billy Shane Young! Our interview will put you in the driver seat of one of the most unique writers Michigan has to offer. 20 plus years of solo shows and albums (such as his band Burden in the late ‘90s and early ‘00s), a solo album pre-Covid and flying under the radar with the amazing WALLS album last fall. WALLS is 21 songs swinging between the likes of Prine and Cash, to Rodney Crowell, or even Allman Brothers to Soundgarden. At the heart is the amazing songwriting of this Mid-Michigan gem. His album could easily have been broken into 2 (country and rock) and comes across like the great Manassas 1972 debut or even a tinge of George Harrison’s All Things Must Pass with its varying layout of rockers, country, jams, and ballads. In the end, it’s Young’s songwriting craft along side of Andy Reed’s stellar production and musical additions that people will hear to put this sleeper over the top. Download it NOW on Bandcamp! https://billyshaneyoung.bandcamp.com/album/walls

More bang for the earbuds—On top of our bi-weekly podcasts (Available on all our podcast outlets pinned top post here), the Dr. J & Sir Fred Weekend Michigan Music Selections (Facebook Fans Exclusive), Mr. Mike’s periodic Michigan Comes Live Friday Video Blog (Facebook Fans Exclusive), Scott is adding a periodic show for Tuesday’s (Also Facebook Subscriber Exclusive) The Mid-Mitten ‘15’ From Harvest Canteen! This new show (MM15HC) will be an dedicated phone interview listen between Scott & a Michigan related artist. At least ‘15’ pertinent questions and backstory on careers from all over the map. If you read any of Scott’s newsprint interviews, now you get to hear the whole conversation! MM15HC Ep:1 Features former Mid-Mi resident musician, artist, and promoter Patrick Jon Boyer. Mt. Pleasant and Lansing listeners will take notice! Patrick’s new album Rust & Lacquer is an acoustic guitar masterpiece, born out of his Instagram Improvisations. Produced by his pal, Michigan MONSTER bassist/Jack White Band standout, Dominic John Davis, Patrick wants his hometown crowd to know, although he has moved out of state, he’s back creating stronger than ever… We tackle the new album, Urban Farmer, The HERD, Steppin’ In It, bouts with depression, cars, and inspiration…not to mention all the shows he booked and other bands he has been in. His first new music in 20 years!

Somewhere in Ann Arbor, across to Detroit, the folklore of the '60s planted seeds in south Michigan. One of the front-runners to this soapbox congregation was Andy Cohen. Spending years crafting and honoring tradition, Cohen happened upon Andrew Rogers in Ann Arbor and the 'rest is history' as has been repeated. Here is their reunion, alive with song, discussion, Cohen's mystical perspective and tales from long ago. This is more of a collective of life stories, rather than a typical q&a session. Cohen and his record label/company Riverlark continue to give a historical perspective in modern times. Dig into Part 1 of 2--so many songs, memories and Michigan Music History....

Loren Kranz (Ragbirds, Barbarossa Bros, Solo, +) and Sean Drysdale (Banana Convention, CDF Band, Solo) are new lighthouses on the edge of the Michigan Rock and Roll Peninsula. Both hail from the Mid-Michigan area, both uber-creative types that make every band or project they involve themselves in 200% better, just because of what they bring to the table. Kranz is currently the drummer in The Ragbirds. He has been on keyboards and organ for many other projects offering vocal ability as well. Getting his start in Barbarossa, and currently ramping up a band as a solo artist as well, Kranz has spread his wings to the west side of the state musically, while keeping his feet in the Saginaw area. He is a teacher at Major Chords For Minors and is a first-call studio cat. Bassist/vocalist Drysdale toured and wrote with the Banana Convention for many years, recently reuniting with them for a new album (in the works), working via state to state tracks, on the new project. He just helped wrap up the third CDF album, with John Cashman and Mick Furlo (and addition of Steven Hughey) and has recently been rapidly creating heavily in his studio a lot of new works as he approaches his own solo career. Listen to the podcast from last season with Cashman and Furlo on CDF. The two have come together to discuss their projects and career, while noting the importance of music in Michigan moving forward. Hit the PLAY button now... >

From his beginnings following his family's roots to Michigan, Steve Lyman found his way to befriending the Quackenbush family, helping found The Fugitives. That result would catapult him into early Michigan rock and roll history within the band Scot Richard Case, later to be familiarized as SRC. The band became one of the first major label players on Capitol Records. Lyman's voice and guitar were to compliment the first two albums, while he honed his writing skills. Here in Part 2 of 2, Lyman discusses the parties with Traffic and Procol Harum, details of writing the first two albums, Peter Gabriel's love of SRC in early Genesis, and the psychedelic groove that his teardrop guitar stated. Further future reunions and life after SRC follow...even snippet's of songs! What an incredible 2-part series, wrap up.

From his beginnings following his family's roots to Michigan, Steve Lyman found his way to befriending the Quackenbush family, helping found The Fugitives. That result would catapult him into early Michigan rock and roll history within the band Scot Richard Case, later to be familiarized as SRC. The band became one of the first major label players on Capitol Records. Lyman's voice and guitar were to compliment the first two albums, while he honed his writing skills. Here in Part 1 of 2, Lyman describes the sights, the scene and an amazing trip to visit The Who. Tales of Iguana's, Iggy's, Bob Seger, and so many more tie into this stream. This is essential MMHP989 material. Ease into Part 1 of 2 --don't miss a moment!

Known to roll the Cajun off his tongue so fluently, you would think he was from Louisiana. Don 'Ziggy' Zeitler strolls around the country brandishing a multi-instrumentalist pedigree with a bluesman's heart. Zig has been a mainstay from the Saginaw area. Growing up in Hemlock, Zig caught the bug early on. Now doing just exactly what he wants to do musically, you can find him popping up on Facebook live as much as hitting the road, usually with his wife Siusan Bayne O'Rourke. Performing with the TOGO Touring Artists/Smokin' Sleddog Records label, Zig has found comfort in a roux made with his Cajun/zydeco/blues ingredients and of course some Irish music with Siusan. Here in Part 2, Zig dives into the music, styles, and future of the White Crow, as well as more live music--tune in afterwards for a bonus show wrap-up tune as well along with Sir Fred!

Known to roll the Cajun off his tongue so fluently, you would think he was from Louisiana, Don 'Ziggy' Zeitler strolls around the country brandishing a multi-instrumentalist pedigree with a bluesman's heart. Zig has been a mainstay from the Saginaw area. Growing up in Hemlock, Zig caught the bug early on. Now doing just exactly what he wants to do musically, you can find him popping up on Facebook live as much as hitting the road, usually with his wife Siusan Bayne O'Rourke. Performing with the TOGO Touring Artists/Smokin' Sleddog Records label, Zig has found comfort in a roux made with his Cajun/zydeco/blues ingredients and of course some Irish music with Siusan. Sit back for part one and get out your Gumbo dictionary. Uncle Zig is gonna lay out some tunes for us--backed by Sir Fred as well on washboard!

While Review was kicked off in 1979, under three different names, Bob Martin has manned the helm since its inception. Blending Mid-Michigan's music scene (stretching all north, over to Mt. Pleasant, down to Lansing and Flint, and into the thumb), Martin has blended political content with the arts longer than any current journalist in the area. Best of all, Review is FREE and remains to this day, free. While he does branch out on the website with more stories now, it's the perspective he shares that he has not changed since he put out the first issue. Here is his backstory, his lawyer family background, his dreams and destiny. By the end of this epic podcast, he discusses where he hopes to see Review go and how he would like it preserved. This is one for the books--tune in now!

Born the son of a 3-year-old drum prodigy, Marty Kempf was no slouch himself as a drummer and all around musician. Taking over the family business of Whitehead Music, which opened in 1919, Big Bands were the name of the game and Vaudeville-style touring was part of the job. Kempf takes us through the era's of music, unions, played and print-notation, and from wire-recordings, to reels, up to digital. Kempf is a joy to hear stories from and humorous Mid-Michigan icon. Eventually Kempf went into real estate and folded his portion of Whitehead in 1994. He is currently writing a book on it all. This.Is.History Michigan Music Lovers...crank this up! So Marty can hear it too (LOL)...

Mary Gilbert was there singing with her Uncle's Big Band when she was a child. Part of the Jessup genes have been past on to Mary, who along with husband Brent Gilbert have managed to secure a place in Mid-Michigan's jazz scene, with the likes of Easy Street & Co., Second Time Around, and their own duo, He Said She Said. Between Brent's lush guitar tones, rush Mary's unique vocal delivery, a stand out mid-state to those who love jazz as well as the likes of Crosby/Stills/Nash. Her story begins with her Uncle Dick Jessup and continues to this day. Tune in to the MMHP now to get your 40s/50's/60's swing of Sammy Davis Jr. and the Dorsey Brothers, updated to now, with absolutely incredible detail and backstory...

Daniel Bernard O'Connell is a die cast original purebred Michigan rock bassist. From being in the first band to play at the Grande Ballroom opening for the MC5 and taking The Wha? for a strut, or being courted by Alto Reed's duo mid-70s, opening for Seger and Van Halen while in Barooga Bandit (at Bay City at Central High as a landmark) and, sharing the stage with Dire Straits......or having U2 open to find themselves on the wrong end of the bill, with an album on Capitol Records. O'Connell has lived to tell the story and is still playing to this day in Firebats. This is the show you didn't know about, but need to hear. Here in Part 2 of 2, Live Bullet photo, Dire Straits Tour, a show in front of Dylan, and finding his own worth all segues into a few songs from the man himself. Don't be shy...tune in now!

Daniel Bernard O'Connell is a die cast original purebred Michigan rock bassist. From being in the first band to play at the Grande Ballroom opening for the MC5 and taking The Wha? for a strut, or being courted by Alto Reed's duo mid-70s, opening for Seger and Van Halen while in Barooga Bandit (at Bay City at Central High as a landmark) and, sharing the stage with Dire Straits......or having U2 open to find themselves on the wrong end of the bill, with an album on Capitol Records. O'Connell has lived to tell the story and is still playing to this day in Firebats. This is the show you didn't know about, but need to hear. Part 1 now, Part 2--with a live performance--in two weeks...

From his teen rock beginnings in the '60's, John Hebert was tuned into the Michigan music scenes. He had gone from playing the stages and festivals of Michigan Lore to tackling the blues in Ann Arbor into the '70s. A Tri-City boy, Hebert has spent every decade since the '60s keeping his guitar chops up to par, being part of epic bands along the way from Sheperd & The Flock, Poor Richard's Army, The McCray Brothers Band, Carl McCray Band, KMJ Band, and for over ten years, Soul Express. Take a minute to fill your cup, for his runneth over with stories and memories from EVERY era...

From across the corn fields where the woods got heavy, Johnny Winter sounds possessed Michael 'Hooker Man' Brand. His acoustic country beginnings became electrified rock blues that elevated him across the state. Sharron 'Levi Rose' Brand was a gifted songwriter, no-rules wild child, that made her way to Mid-Michigan via Boulder, CO. When Levi & Hooker Man united, all gloves were off and original music in the midst of Michigan has been forever forged in destiny and unity. This is their story, rally cry, and hang in there to hear Levi drop a ditty on the MMHP crew as well. Tune in Thursday!

Current Band=CDF (Cashman/Drysdale/Furlo). Forever a Saginaw music maven, Mick Furlo began a string of musical excellence that dates back to the early '80s. His band was the farm-team for many of the rock greats to leave the area, particularly two members of The Verve Pipe. A former club owner, Furlo's golden pipes have become a mid-Michigan touchstone from solo stints, to The Jitters, Savior Machines and his music continues to thrive through today in CDF Band. Born near Detroit, John Cashman has lived around the world and has called Bay City his home for decades. Owner of Cashman's Comics, Cashman is the go-to drummer for the likes of Mirage, Round & The Distant Few, Radio Therapy, Muddy Gumbo, Savior Machines and most recently CDF with Mick Furlo. Cashman has booked artists all over Michigan and continues to write music and perform various styles of music from punk, metal, classic rock, pop, reggae, and more. Get the rest of the story and all about the new album with Part 2 of 2 here at the MMHP.

Current Band=CDF (Cashman/Drysdale/Furlo). Forever a Saginaw music maven, Mick Furlo began a string of musical excellence that dates back to the early '80s. His band was the farm-team for many of the rock greats to leave the area, particularly two members of The Verve Pipe. A former club owner, Furlo's golden pipes have become a mid-Michigan touchstone from solo stints, to The Jitters, Savior Machines and his music continues to thrive through today in CDF Band. Born near Detroit, John Cashman has lived around the world and has called Bay City his home for decades. Owner of Cashman's Comics, Cashman is the go-to drummer for the likes of Mirage, Round & The Distant Few, Radio Therapy, Muddy Gumbo, Savior Machines and most recently CDF with Mick Furlo. Cashman has booked artists all over Michigan and continues to write music and perform various styles of music from punk, metal, classic rock, pop, reggae, and more. Enjoy getting to know these gentlemen in Part 1 of 2 MMHP episodes.