All Jam Bands Episodes

When we caught up with Devon Allman a few months back, he was all jazzed about his new project, and getting to share the stage with Duane Betts in the Devon Allman Project. We’ve been playing tag with Duane on Instagram ever since, and we finally had the chance to sit down and chat. Dude is busy with gigs on both American coasts. For those who don’t know, Duane is quite an accomplished musician, having played and sat in with countless bands, and his own outfit The Pistoleers. He brings an eclectic rock n’ roll sound that spans the genres, but there is absolutely no mistaking his guitar playing and now his singing. We spoke to Duane about carrying on his dad Dickie’s legacy, making music with Devon Allman, and of course his own projects.

You may recognize Alex Koford’s name, the front man of Colonel and The Mermaids,  because he spends most of his time as the drummer in Terrapin Family Band and Phil and Friends. Beyond those duties, he’s also the drummer at Terrapin Crossroads and plays in Cosmic Twang with friend of the show Ross James. We caught up with Alex after watching some his fun and frivolity on Instagram in Hawaii. We spoke to Alex just before two Phil shows in San Francisco. The conversation started when I asked him how he hooked up with Phil.   

One of our favourites around these parts is Neal Casal. You know him as the ace guitar player with Chris Robinson’s Brotherhood, but he’s also the brains behind the Circles around the Sun project. We’ve had him on the show before and enjoyed our chat, so when news broke that there were new Circles Around the Sun dates coming, we tracked him down to talk about those dates, a potential new Circles record and of course his full time job with the CRB.  Our conversation started when I asked Neal about the Circles Around the Sun dates in January…. It’s true, Neal is one of the hardest working men in the jam band scene. He takes his work seriously, and is a great follow on Instagram if you’re into photography. If you’re looking for more information on Circles Around the Sun head over to circlesaroundthesun.com. For more on CRB check out chrisrobinsonbrotherhood.com.   Show Notes:    First Song:  Gilbert’s Groove- 00:36 (taken from Circles around the Sun: Interludes for the Dead)    Interview…

I remember watching the tribute to Gregg Allman, Butch Trucks and Col. Bruce Hampton put on at the Peach Festival last summer, thinking that this one event didn’t do those three gentlemen especially Gregg and all he had done for us enough justice. Don’t get me wrong, I thought the jam was magnificent, but I wanted more. We all did. So it was so great to hear that Gregg’s son, Devon was organizing his own sort of tribute, as part of his new project with Duane Betts (yes, Duane, son of Dickie). I was psyched to get on the phone with Devon as soon as I heard the news, and luckily was able to track him down on Instagram. Since he is so prolific on social media our conversation started I asked how important the medium was for him. Devon is no doubt doing his dad proud and we are excited to hear all about the December 8th gig, and how the entire Devon Allman Project comes together, and indeed the world tour.  To learn more about the Devon Allman project, and the upcoming tour dates, incluid…

Fresh off of three shows with Everyone Orchestra and a Fall tour with Marco Benevento I recently had the chance to sit down with bassist Karina Rykman. While she isn’t yet a household name, this up and comer is taking the scene by storm. When she isn’t playing, you can catch her spinning records at bars, or hanging out at many of the shows we all go to, or wish we were at. When we did sit down, I started by asking how she got involved with Marco in the first place.  We’ll be keeping an eye on Karina, and you can check our her site karinarykman.com or marcobenevento.com for upcoming dates.  You can listen to this episode below, or by connecting and subscribing to one of the podcast platforms here or search your favorite podcast platform for “The Sound Podcast”; Itunes: http://bit.ly/sndpodi TuneIn: http://bit.ly/sndti Stitcher: http://bit.ly/sndsti GooglePlay: http://bit.ly/sndplay Check out The Sound Podcast on Youtube, and subscribe today.  Get The Sound Podcast for iOS: https://itun…

For many of us who have been fans of the music of this scene, it comes down to three very basic things; the community, the musicianship and the improvisation. So it’s a no brained that a project like Everyone Orchestra exists. It combines all three of those elements, so crucial to the jam band scene. I recently discussed the Everyone Orchestra concept with Matt Butler and our conversation started when I asked him to take us back to how the whole project began…. Learn more about Everyone Orchestra here! You can listen to this episode below, or by connecting and subscribing to one of the podcast platforms here or search your favorite podcast platform for “The Sound Podcast”; Itunes: http://bit.ly/sndpodi TuneIn: http://bit.ly/sndti Stitcher: http://bit.ly/sndsti GooglePlay: http://bit.ly/sndplay Check out The Sound Podcast on Youtube, and subscribe today.  Get The Sound Podcast for iOS: https://itunes.apple.com/ca/app/the-sound-podcast/id1255563328?mt=8 Get The Sound Podcast for Android…

When you do anything for 20 years with a group of people you spend a great amount of time travelling, sleeping, eating and working with, you begin to build not only a strong bond, but also a connection to whatever it is you are doing. Such is the case for Umphrey’s McGee one of the most talked about bands in the scene. With their 11th studio album due out in January, I had the opportunity to sit down with Joel Cummins to talk about about that record “it’s not us”, and their 20th anniversary. If you know Umphrey’s McGee, and know their music, you’re bound to agree that “The Silent Type” may be one of their most accessible songs to date. In fact “it’s not us” is filled with all kinds of music that really honed in on the band’s songwriting ability and musicianship. Joel Cummins has been with the band since day one, and when we sat down to chat the conversation naturally started with questions bout being together for 20 years…. You can learn more about Umphrey’s McGee at Umphreys.com.   Y…

Had the opportunity to sit down with Mark Karan recently. For those of you who don’t know, Mark rose to prominence in the Deadhead community after stints with The Other Ones and Ratdog. A Bay area musician, Karan currently keeps busy with many very cool projects. including LiveDead69, a solo record and generally jamming with cool individuals around the Bay area.

Pigeons Playing Ping Pong are all about raw, emotional fun. I really dig their sound and you will to. Like most jam bands today, they blend all kinds of genres but they are rooted in a very sassy funk groove. We recently sat down with front man Greg Ormont to talk about their upcoming release Pizazz and a whole lot more. The conversation started just after I watched their Lockn’ set, and I asked Greg to recall how awesome that set was…… You can listen to this episode below, or by connecting and subscribing to one of the podcast platforms here or search your favorite podcast platform for “The Sound Podcast”; Itunes: http://bit.ly/sndpodi TuneIn: http://bit.ly/sndti Stitcher: http://bit.ly/sndsti GooglePlay: http://bit.ly/sndplay Get The Sound Podcast App: http://bit.ly/TSPAPPS

If you like you like the Jam Bands that rock hard, but are indescribable in terms of one true sound, you’re already well aware of Dopapod. Blending deep grooves, with hard hitting percussion and catchy guitar licks, creative keyboard playing, wild song structure and interesting lyrics. The genre actually doesn’t matter these guys are totally cool and really fascinating. Don’t forget to check them out at dopapod.com for news about Megagem and their tour schedule. You definitely want to see them when they hit your town.  You can listen to this episode below, or by connecting and subscribing to one of the podcast platforms here or search your favorite podcast platform for “The Sound Podcast”; Itunes: http://bit.ly/sndpodi TuneIn: http://bit.ly/sndti Stitcher: http://bit.ly/sndsti GooglePlay: http://bit.ly/sndplay Get The Sound Podcast App: http://bit.ly/TSPAPPS

If you don’t know the name, you should, because he’s played with just about everyone in the Jam band community, and the bigger community. From Eric Clapton to Robert Randolph, Phil Lesh, and Bob Weir amongst others. Crosby’s resume looks like a who’s who of rock hall of famers and potential ones. A multi-instrumentalist who has done his duty both on the road and in the studio, we sat down with Jason Crosby to learn more about his latest release Cryptologic.  You can listen to this episode below, or by connecting and subscribing to one of the podcast platforms here or search your favorite podcast platform for “The Sound Podcast”; Itunes: http://bit.ly/sndpodi TuneIn: http://bit.ly/sndti Stitcher: http://bit.ly/sndsti GooglePlay: http://bit.ly/sndplay Get The Sound Podcast App: http://bit.ly/TSPAPPS

This band’s name in and of itself should evoke fun and frivolity, but giving Organ Freeman a listen will no doubt get you up and dancing. The three piece organ based trio brings a frenzied soul and funk attack that I’m sure you’ll appreciate. We recently had the chance to sit down with Trevor Steer the chief protagonist given that he’s the keys and organ player in Organ Freeman recently, to get his take on the project and their new album Respect My Art. We started by asking him how their sophomore release’s sound was so different from their first record…. 

When I sat down with John Kadlecik, I wasn’t entirely sure how the conversation would go, and certainly wasn’t sure how he’d respond to some of the questions I had. There is no doubt he is an extremely talented guitar player and vocalist, but stepping into the shoes or at least performing the work of Jerry Garcia on a regular basis is no easy feat. Couple that with the ferocious tour schedule and constant playing, I suspected John was going to be a touch ornery. Turns out, he was awesome, and had lots to share. For the uninitiated, John founded Dark Star Orchestra along with several other bands, and was the lead guitar player for Further with Bob Weir and Phil Lesh.  You can learn more about John and his tour schedule on his website here!  You can listen to this episode below, or by connecting and subscribing to one of the podcast platforms here or search your favorite podcast platform for “The Sound Podcast”; Itunes: http://bit.ly/sndpodi TuneIn: http://bit.ly/sndti Stitcher: http://…

The day Gregg Allman left us, I was personally rocked, having grown up listening to the Allman Brothers Band, meeting Gregg on a couple of occasions and seeing not only the “Brothers” live but also The Gregg Allman Band. His legacy and work will live on, as one of the finest blues vocalists and musicians we will ever know. We sat down with Michael Lehman Gregg’s manager to learn more about the posthumous release of Southern Blood and Gregg Allman.  You can listen to this episode below, or by connecting and subscribing to one of the podcast platforms here or search your favorite podcast platform for “The Sound Podcast”; Itunes: http://bit.ly/sndpodi TuneIn: http://bit.ly/sndti Stitcher: http://bit.ly/sndsti GooglePlay: http://bit.ly/sndplay Get The Sound Podcast App: http://bit.ly/TSPAPPS  

One of the things I love most about The Sound Podcast is the really wide and diverse music we get to listen to, and talking to the artists who share their craft with us. Such is the case with Tauk a quartet from New York who mix all kinds of genres for explosive sometimes hard hitting instrumental jams. We recently sat down with AC Carter who plays keyboards and guitarist Matt Jalbert of Tauk. The discussion started when I asked Matt how the band hones their sound……    You can listen to this episode below, or by connecting and subscribing to one of the podcast platforms here or search your favorite podcast platform for “The Sound Podcast”; Itunes: bit.ly/sndpodi TuneIn: bit.ly/sndti Stitcher: bit.ly/sndsti GooglePlay: bit.ly/sndplay Get The Sound Podcast App: bit.ly/TSPAPPS  

We were all set to talk with Mungion last week but unfortunately something went horribly wrong for them, so we had to reschedule. Their entire van and trailer were stolen in Detroit just before they were set to head cross country for their first headlining tour. Wisely, they’ve started a GoFundMe campaign, and are putting their best foot forward and continuing with their tour plans. I sat down with Justin Reckamp to get the low down on the band, and their plans moving forward.  You can listen to this episode below, or by connecting and subscribing to one of the podcast platforms here or search your favorite podcast platform for “The Sound Podcast”; Itunes: http://bit.ly/sndpodi TuneIn: http://bit.ly/sndti Stitcher: http://bit.ly/sndsti GooglePlay: http://bit.ly/sndplay Get The Sound Podcast App: http://bit.ly/TSPAPPS

Sometimes you have to go a long way from home and try things way out of your comfort zone, to ultimately reach your goals…. that’s the case for Ross James a Bay Area guitar and pedal steel player who grew up listening to punk rock and country in his home state of Michigan. He left shortly after high school to live with his sister specifically for the warmer weather. As fate would have it, he wound up working with a Bay Area legend in Phil Lesh and his family. Now Ross is set to release a solo record one I think is quite good. We caught up with Ross to get the low down on the bushy bearded guy with dark glasses we often see around Phil Lesh. You can listen to this episode below, or by connecting and subscribing to one of the podcast platforms here or search your favorite podcast platform for “The Sound Podcast”; Itunes: http://bit.ly/sndpodi TuneIn: http://bit.ly/sndti Stitcher: http://bit.ly/sndsti GooglePlay: http://bit.ly/sndplay Get The Sound Podcast App: http://bit.ly/TSPAPPS

It’s hot in Arizona these days and we’re not exclusively talking about the weather. Spafford a four piece rock act out of Phoenix are catching fire. Since 2012, they’ve been making a name for themselves the old fashioned way, touring extensively. Initially in the south western United States and now all across the country. We sat down with Brian Moss and Cameron Laforest recently to get the low down on Cam’s addition to the band, their busy schedule and a whole lot more…..   You can listen to this episode below, or by connecting and subscribing to one of the podcast platforms here or search your favorite podcast platform for “The Sound Podcast”; Itunes: http://bit.ly/sndpodi TuneIn: http://bit.ly/sndti Stitcher: http://bit.ly/sndsti GooglePlay: http://bit.ly/sndplay Get The Sound Podcast App: http://bit.ly/TSPAPPS

In case you don’t already know, Hard Working Americans is an all-star cast of characters fronted by Todd Snider, that also includes Daniel Sproul, Chad Staehly, Jesse Aycock, Duane Trucks and Dave Schools. We recently sat down with bassist and producer extrodinaire, Dave Schools fresh off Widespread Panic’s record setting time at Red Rocks to talk about We’re All in This Together, Hard Working Americans in general, and a whole lot more. We started with a bit on Widespread and jumped right in…..   You can listen to this episode below, or by connecting and subscribing to one of the podcast platforms here or search your favorite podcast platform for “The Sound Podcast”; Itunes: http://bit.ly/sndpodi TuneIn: http://bit.ly/sndti Stitcher: http://bit.ly/sndsti GooglePlay: http://bit.ly/sndplay Get The Sound Podcast App: http://bit.ly/TSPAPPS

You’ve heard his incredible work, in Soulive and before that Lettuce, but perhaps you don’t know enough about Eric Krasno.  He has risen to become a sought after Grammy award winning writer and producer that plays with virtually everyone on the jam scene. When he’s not hanging with Aaron Neville, 50 Cent and Norah Jones, Krasno finds the time work on his own projects. His wide swath of inspiration comes from a wide variety of sources and it was a thrill to sit down with him to talk shop…..

Since his debut record for this project “Beathoven” put out, Reed Mathis has assembled a hot band dubbed Electric Beathoven and taken his latest project on the road. To be clear, Electric Beathoven is an improvisational rock band that is guided by the works of Beathoven and for the debut record they are particularly inspired by his Symphony #3 and # 6. There isn’t anything more I can say about this project but wow, so I was psyched to sit down and chat with Reed who offered all kinds of interesting takes and insights…..

Describing Turkuaz as a pure funk band doesn’t do the musicians in this band enough justice, they play it all. Favorites on the Jamband Festival scene, these guys know how to bring the party wherever they go. I had a chance to sit down with Dave Brandwein the front man for the group just before they left for Bonnaroo……..

The aptly named “Kimock” is the current muse of guitar magician Steve Kimock and includes his son John Morgan Kimock on drums, long time collaborator Bobby Vega on bass and Leslie Mendelson. It was a gigantic thrill to sit down with Steve to catch up on his goings on and to pick his brain on a variety of subjects including recent stints with Bob Weir and other projects he is working on. 

I sat down with Neal Casal guitar player extraordinaire for the Chris Robinson Brotherhood to get his take on what the Betty Blends project, an update on CRB’s forthcoming release and a few other items including information on a potential new Circles Around the Sun release. We started though talking about what it’s like to work with the legendary Betty Cantor Jackson….