Rick Estrin & the Nightcats is a blues band that has been around since the mid 70s. It's music is down and dirty. KBOO's Don Merrill spoke with front man Rick Estrin about his passion for his music, his musical upbringing and how, sometimes, "old school" is the only school.
Tom Jenkinson, aka Squarepusher, released his most recent record called "Ufabulum." KBOO's Don Merrill had the pleasure of talking with him in this interview. Mr. Jenkinson explains why he fights being easily labled as a musician by corporate music, and how partly from that, his energy and innovative music comes.
Ziggy Marley is an activist, an entrepreneur and not least of all, a musician. Don Merrill spoke with Ziggy about his latest release, "Wild and Free" as well as about some of the other endeavors he's involved with.
Loveness Wesa is a South African musician in the Zimbabwean tradition. She came to dance via theater and to theater via karate. And above all else, she loves performing. Don Merrill spoke with her about the forces of nature that shaped her and how she spends her life trying to find ways to give back.
Pat Metheny has been a leader in jazz-fusion since the 80s. And his newest effort, the Unity Band, speaks not only to his evolution as an artist, but to his childhood roots. In this interview, Don Merrill speaks with jazz fusion legend Pat Metheny.
Walt Parazaider is a founding member of the rock music band Chicago. Don Merrill recently talked with Walt about why the band has been around so long, and why the band's music continues to attract listeners from all generations.
Dwight Yoakam's 26 releases tell the story of his life. His newest, "3 Pears" goes in a slightly different direction, thanks to a collaboration with Beck. Dwight talks with Don Merrill about his music, Columbus Ohio football and his connection to the people he loves.
Dean Obeidallah is an Arab-American comic. And he regularly deals with and makes fun of questions like how do you make airline reservations when your name means "Servant of Allah?" Don Merrill talked with Dean about how and why he has the jewels to get up on stage and, not only do what he does, but do it so well?
Sune Rose Wagner is 1/2 of the Raveonettes. Together with Sharon Foo, the Raveonettes has been making music since 2003. Don Merrill talks with Sune Rose Wagner about the challenges of making indie pop music, the beats, the lastest CD called Observator, and why it may be the last one the duo ever makes.
Daniel Simpson was a foreign correspondent in Bosnia for the New York Times between 2002 and 2003. He became disillisioned with his work, and tried to start a music festival in the waning days of the Yugoslavian conflict. After that, he became an addict. Now he's written a book about it. Don Merrill talks with Daniel Simpson about his new book, A Rough Guide to the Dark Side, his decent in his own Divine Comedy and his ongoing recovery into adulthood.