Artist Spotlight Podcast Series

Beth Riley chats with Canadian singer/songwriter Cory M. Coons on this episode of Artist Spotlight Podcast Series. They chat about his influences, his late parents, bands he has been a part of, his solo music that includes his debut album that is celebrating its 20th Anniversary this year. They also chat about his awards that he has won,  the owner of the label he is on (Michael Stover at MTS Management), Cory's label mate and fellow Canadian, Darren Michael Boyd and working with legendary producer Ron Nevison. There are stories from his younger days up to current life with his wife, Leighann and their 10 year old daughter Charleigh who also joins the conversation briefly. Cory picks his desert island discs, talk about a time period he would like to go back to, his new song "White Picket Fence", more music in the works and so much more!

Mark Malibu spends some time with James and Beth Riley for this new episode of Artist Spotlight Podcast Series in their quest to become honorary Wasagas! They chat about early musical influences, The Monkees, “Canada's Original Surf Punk Instrumentalists”, the early period of The Wasagas when there wasn't a surf scene, reuniting and a 2nd phase of the band 30 years later, the current surf scene, a certain Scooby Doo character that we think he sounds like, Surfin' Kitty Xmas compilations (and if there will be a volume 5 this year), record collecting, desert island discs, a time period he would go back to if a time machine were possible, requests for our radio shows, what's on the horizon and so much more!

James and Beth Riley had a chance to chat with legendary surf guitarist Bob Berryhill! Bob is the sole remaining original member of The Surfaris and tours with his wife Gene and sons Deven and Joel. A variety of topics were discussed including the story of how "Wipe Out" happened, various covers of that iconic song, surf influence on punk rock, touring with his family, playing with Surfer Joe and his Surfer Joe Festival last year, playing the Surf Guitar 101 Festival Weekender this year, requests for our radio shows, desert island record picks and more!

James and Beth Riley recently spoke with Nicole Damoff from The Surfrajettes! They talk about her influences, the members of The Surfrajettes, recent tour (and trying to pack for all seasons), headlining vs being an opener, looking to bands like The Ventures as inspiration, record store finds, cover tunes, writing originals, being on a couple of The Beach Boys cruises (and what they learn playing with icons like that), working on their new album, requests for our radio shows, desert island discs, our time machine question of what time period she would like to go back to and more!

Beth Riley chats with guitarist Jim Suhler on this episode of Artist Spotlight Podcast Series. They chat about his influences, bands he is a part of (Jim Suhler & Monkey Beat, George Thorogood & The Destroyers and Texas Scratch), having Billy F Gibbons play a big role in his 2002 wedding and meeting some of his idols. They also chat about Jackson Browne and his music, as well as The Kentucky Headhunters. Of course, the infamous time machine and desert island disc picks are talked about. They chat about Jim Suhler's band Texas Scratch's debut album from 2009  finally being released 14 years later, as well as his thoughts on his bandmates, Buddy Whittington, Vince Converse, Jeff Simon and Jim talks about the loss of Nathaniel Peterson. Not a dull moment on this episode and there are so many good stories. If you ever wondered what Jim would pick between "One Bourbon, One Scotch and One Beer" (the song pre dated his time in The Destroyers but it had to be asked), his answer might surprise you. All of that and so much more!

Beth Riley chats with guitarist Bryan Bassett on this episode of Artist Spotlight Podcast Series. They chat about his influences, various bands he's been in (including Molly Hatchet and Wild Cherry). They talk about how he joined Foghat and their new album "Sonic Mojo"that was released on November 10, 2023. Bryan picks his favorite track off of the album and his favorite from his entire career. He also talks about the late Kim Simmonds of Savoy Brown and his influence on Foghat and him personally. Of course, Beth had to talk about Jackson Browne and Bryan talks about his love of Jackson's songwriting. Bryan tells his favorite memories from each band he has been a part of, as well as talking about his time teaching in college and how difficult it was to answer to Professor Bassett. Current influences and bands that Bryan listens to are also on this episode. Beth mentions a surf band called Froghat and Bryan talks about a piece of Foghat merch that was a frog head made for babies to wear as a hat...making it a frog-hat. Lots of laughs on this one, and, as always, there's the time machine question and Bryan's desert island disc picks....all of that and so much more. 

Beth Riley chats with Todd Bradley on this episode of the Artist Spotlight Podcast Series. Join the conversation as they chat about Todd's beginning stages of music, his short time at Berklee College of Music, bands he has been in including Delroy Rebop, Indirect Object, The Essentials, The Salamanders and of course, his current band: The Hi-Risers. They also talk about his friends and bandmates (both past and current) including: Jason Smay, Greg Townson, Trevor Lake, Eddie Angel, Jim Symonds and others. The Bossa Nova Bradley Brothers (that Todd does with his brothers Mark and Scott) is talked about too... including upcoming shows for them. Todd speaks highly of his wife of nearly 3 decades and their 2 wonderful kids and he also speaks highly of Lou Whitney and D.Clinton Thompson of The Skeletons/The Morrells....as well as the owners of Hi-Tide Recordings: Vincent and Magdalena Minervino. We didn't forget about the famous desert island disc question either....find out which albums Todd picked! All that and so much more! 

Beth Riley chats with legendary guitarist/vocalist/songwriter Mark Farner on this episode. They chat about his influences, various bands he's been in (including Grand Funk Railroad and Ringo Starr's & His All Starr Band), a new project in the works, their shared admiration of Thomas Jefferson, our military and veterans, his parents, the secret to a long lasting marriage (since he and his wife Leisa have been married for over 4 decades). Of course, they had to talk about Jackson Browne and what song Mark inspired of his. They also chat about his love of The Beach Boys harmonies, as well as The Ventures impact on music. As always, there's the time machine question and Mark's desert island disc picks....all of that and so much more. 

Beth Riley chats with Andrew Himmler of The Delta Bombers on this episode of Artist Spotlight Podcast Series. They chat about The Delta Bombers upcoming album "Neon Sounds", due to be released on April 2. They chat about working with producer Mark Neill and a well kept secret of his. They also chat about the history of the band, influences, their style, Jim Morrison and Jackson Browne, being away from family and places they have seen Delta Bombers merch. Let's not forget about the time machine question, which includes Andrew's love of history and Beth's fascination with Thomas Jefferson. All of that and so much more! 

Beth Riley chats with singer/songwriter Bryan James on this episode of Artist Spotlight Podcast Series. They chat about his influences, family life, lyrics from his songs, a fun story about Ben Haggard (son of Merle Haggard), his buddies T.J. Hernandez, Jeb Brown and Dallas Moore, the potential of working with Lyman Ellerman, recording and touring. Bryan also talks about his desert island disc choices, favorite time period and a lot more! 

Beth Riley chats with Deven Berryhill of The Surfaris and The Tourmaliners on this episode of Artist Spotlight Podcast Series. They talk about Deven growing up with his Dad, Bob Berryhill of the legendary surf band The Surfaris, playing music with his Dad, Mom and brother, as well as his own kids and how music has been passed down to them too! Also, there is talk of The Tourmaliners brand new album "Surfidia" released on December 20, 2022! Several cool guest artists on there including a Riley household favorite: Eddie Angel of Los Straitjackets! More topics discussed include the influence of Bono from U2, desert island discs, influences, members of The Tourmaliners and how they met, how he feels to be a part of The Surfaris with his Dad and maybe he'll answer the difficult question that Beth asked him: The Surfaris or The Tourmaliners....which is the better band? Spoiler alert: he doesn't really say one is better than the other, but, he does talk about how they are different. All that and so much more in this fun episode. Grab your surfboard and don't "Wipe Out"....we're gonna get a little "Swanky"! 

Beth Riley chats with Chris Impellitteri of the metal band, Impellitteri on this episode of Artist Spotlight Podcast Series. They talk about Chris losing his parents at a young age, being raised by his grandparents (and ultimately naming the band as a tribute to them), an AC/DC tribute band Chris was in called QT Hush, Deep Purple, Kiss, desert island discs, his daughters, his lovely wife of 31 years, Roni, skipping ahead to the future and lots more. Oh, and of course Impellitteri's new Anthology "Wake The Beast" that was released on September 30! Lots of laughs, good stories and some serious moments in this conversation too!

Beth Riley chats with Abbey of the Australian folk rock band, Little Quirks on this episode of Artist Spotlight Podcast Series. They talk about influences of the band, cover songs, the Little Quirks new single, "The Rain", time travel, desert island discs and what's next for her and Little Quirks. 

Legendary Grammy and Dove Award winner Russ Taff chats with James and Beth Riley on this new Artist Spotlight Podcast.  They talk about the early days of his career, Beth telling Russ that James had a mullet too, Russ joining The Imperials (and how nervous he was for that first concert), some of his classic albums, joining the Gaither world when the CCM market was drying up for him, overcoming alcohol addiction, new opportunities in the CCM world, his "desert island discs", what's on the horizon, granting Beth permission to play an unreleased version of "Abraham, Martin & John" (that Russ did with Dion and John Hiatt) for an upcoming episode of her Boppin' With Beth and more!  There's lots of laughter (and James geeking out) and serious conversation too!    "Focus Beam" spotlight on Russ coming soon to Boppin' With Beth: https://boppinwithbeth.blogspot.com/   Follow Russ Taff: https://russtaff.com/ https://www.facebook.com/RussTaff https://www.instagram.com/russtaffofficial/    

James & Beth Riley recently chatted with record producer, audio engineer (and wearer of more hats) Mark Linett!  Join in the conversation to hear about Mark's amazing music biz journey, artists he's worked with, upcoming projects of The Beach Boys (including the always tough question...favorite album by them) and so much more!  The newly remastered 80 track version of The Beach Boys' "Sounds Of Summer" releases June 17th so we were excited to hear about his involvement on this and other releases.  Tune in for all the fun (fun, fun)!

Beth Riley recently chatted with English blues-rock singer, Deborah Bonham (who is the sister of the late, great drummer of Led Zeppelin, John Bonham). They talked about her band Bonham-Bullick that she formed with her husband, Peter Bullick, their new self titled album, guest musicians on the album including John Baggott (Robert Plant, Portishead, Massive Attack), Paul Brown (The Waterboys, Ann Peebles, Bobby Rush), John Hogg (Magpie Salute, Moke), and Marco Giovino (Robert Plant, John Cale). They also talked about her late brothers, John and Michael, Led Zeppelin (Robert Plant mainly), her nephew Jason Bonham, a time she'd like to go back to, desert island albums and so much more!

Beth Riley recently chatted with 5 time Grammy nominated blues infused rock'n roll artist Kenny Wayne Shepherd. They talked about Kenny's 45th Birthday celebrations with Samantha Fish, The Ally Venable Band and Shemekia Copleland on June 11 and June 12, 2022. They also chatted about the inaugural KWS Backroads Blues Festival set for August 13, 2022 featuring Buddy Guy and Christone "Kingfish" Ingram. Of course, there was mention of "Blue On Black", from his sophomore album "Trouble Is...", which Kenny Wayne and his band are currently out on tour for, celebrating the 25th Anniversary of the album! Other key points from the chat include Noah Hunt from the Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band (who has been the lead singer for 25 years), Kenny's influences, desert island discs, a time he'd like to go back to and his favorite decade of music.

Beth Riley recently chatted with CA native, Sara Shiloh Rae of Sara Shiloh Rae & Bluebird Junction. They talk about where Sara was born and raised, her time in Europe during the pandemic, meeting her fiance Max (who is also her banjo player), their debut album (Sara Shiloh Rae & Bluebird Junction) and also her favorite songs by The Beach Boys and James Taylor. Sara also gets educated on Jackson Browne, who she sadly didn't have a favorite song by due to not knowing his music very well. 

Beth Riley recently chatted with singer/songwriter/professor/ honorary doctor, Livingston "Liv" Taylor. Liv is the younger brother of musicians James Taylor and Kate Taylor. Hear Liv talk about his over 5 decade long music career, his book, his late brother Alex, little brother Hugh, Desert island discs and so much more!

James & Beth Riley had an awesome chat with Kurt Reil of The Grip Weeds recently to chat about a wide range of topics.  Join in to hear about their latest album Dig (and all the versions available) which really showcases a lot of their influences, recent work on the Jem Records Celebrates projects on John Lennon and Brian Wilson, their House Of Vibes studio, upcoming projects, desert island discs, time period he'd travel back to you if available and lots more!

James and Beth chat with indie rock artist/guitarist/composer Darren Michael Boyd.  They chat about his influences, how he's spending time in the pandemic, his latest album (Last Seen In Canada), desert island discs and a whole lot more!

Beth Riley chats with longtime drummer of The Yardbirds, Jim McCarty, who is the sole remaining original member and longest running member with nearly 60 years in the band. They chat about his other bands, his solo career, life during the pandemic, the loss of his wife to cancer and how it lead to his new memoir, "She Walks In Beauty", his desert island discs, his favorite period of music, being inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and what's next for him and his career.

Beth Riley had a chance to chat with a great blues man, Joe Louis Walker.  They talk about his new album "Eclectic Electric" (30th album since his debut album in 1985), covering iconic songs such as "Werewolves of London" by Warren Zevon and having Waddy Wachtel who was the original guitar player on that song be a part of his cover and "Hotel California" by the Eagles. Also, having Keith Richards blessing to cover "Make No Mistake" complete with an awesome impression of Keith by JLW. We also talk about original songs he wrote including one of his favorite songs from the new album that can be played at all his family reunions! Plus, they chat about his last album, "Blues Comin' On", Dion (who wrote that song), his relationship with Dion and Keb' Mo', time machine, desert island discs, upcoming projects for him and so much more!

Ray Benson from Asleep At The Wheel joins us on the latest Artist Spotlight Podcast Series.  We talk about their brand new album (Half A Hundred Years), recent passing of "Commander Cody" George Frayne, living in Texas, what keeps the band going, desert island discs, a time period he would go back to if he was able to and lots more!!

Author Joel Selvin joins James and Beth Riley on Artist Spotlight Podcast Series to talk about his amazing new book, Hollywood Eden: Electric Guitars, Fast Cars, and the Myth of the California Paradise.  It bookends between Jan Berry, Dean Torrence and others harmonizing in the showers after football practice at University High School in 1957 through "Good Vibrations" and Jan Berry's car accident in 1966.  It was only a short period but it changed the landscape of music forever.  There was both triumph and tragedy and we touch on a lot of that with key players like Bruce Johnston, Terry Melcher, The Beach Boys, Jan & Dean, Dick Dale, Nancy Sinatra and more!  It's a fascinating conversation that you don't want to miss!

Beth and James Riley's guest this week is Bad...and Nationwide!  Billy F. Gibbons talks about his new album, Hardware, surf music, his Whisker Bomb hot sauce and lots more!  Billy shares some great stories and just a blast to chat with.

Singer-songwriter Randell Kirsch joins James and Beth Riley on this week's Artist Spotlight Podcast Series!  Topics include how they've been spending time during the pandemic, his early influences, his band The Pranks (with Jeff Foskett), Show Of Hands (a trio he was in with his wife LuAnn Olson who also joins us in the conversation), touring with Jan & Dean and The Beach Boys, desert island discs, a time period he'd travel back to, what is on the horizon and a LOT more!

The "Queen Of Glam Rock" Suzi Quatro chats with James and Beth Riley on this edition of Artist Spotlight Podcast Series.  We talk about her awesome new album The Devil In Me (which everyone...including us... is saying is her best yet), her early influences, turning Elvis down for a visit to Graceland, her time on Happy Days as Leather Tuscadero, time period she'd travel back to, desert island discs (some may surprise you) and a LOT more!!  Turn this one up...to 11!

Singer-songwriter Sam Phelps chats with James and Beth Riley on the latest episode of Artist Spotlight Podcast Series.  We discuss his new EP (Talking To A Friend) and how it came out of this pandemic quarantine, influences, Kentucky roots to living in New York, time period he'd travel back to, desert island discs and more!  Find him online at www.samphelpsofficial.com

Singer, songwriter, musician, author and producer Fred Hostetler is on this week's call with James and Beth Riley for the Artist Spotlight Podcast Series.  We talk about what he's been doing during the pandemic, his time in India, his latest release (Fred's Blue Chair Blues), his band Blue By Nature, working with a variety of artists, desert island discs, what is on the horizon and a LOT more!

Singer/songwriter Christian Love is the guest this week on Artist Spotlight Podcast Series with James and Beth Riley.  We talk about his dad Mike Love of The Beach Boys, being a touring member of the band, going from playing a ton of shows to coming to a stop due to the pandemic, solo material, his cousin Kevin Love, musical influences, desert island discs and a whole lot more!

"Mr. Honky Tonk" Dallas Moore chats with James and Beth Riley on this week's Artist Spotlight Podcast Series.  We talk about how the pandemic really changed his notoriously heavy touring schedule in 2020 but how it was also a blessing to be home with his wife and daughter more than usual.  We chat about his new album The Rain, a time period he'd like to travel back to, performing with some of his influences, desert island discs and a whole lot more!!

Greg Martin of The Kentucky Headhunters chats with James and Beth Riley on this week's Artist Spotlight Podcast Series.  We talk about time spent during the pandemic, origins of The Kentucky Headhunters and early hit songs, his radio show Lowdown Hoedown on D93 in Bowling Green, KY, time period he'd like to travel back to, desert island discs, what's on the horizon and a lot more!  Grab a slawburger, fries and a bottle of Ski and join in on the conversation.

Israel's "Ambassador Of The Blues" Andy Watts speaks with James and Beth Riley on this new episode of Artist Spotlight Podcast Series.  We talk about how he's been spending time during this pandemic as well as his latest project produced by Kenny Neal that also features Joe Louis Walker and others.  Hear what his "desert island" discs would be as well as the time period he'd like to travel back to and lots more!

Blues artist Jeff Fetterman talks with James and Beth Riley this week on the new edition of Artist Spotlight Podcast Series.  We hear how he's been spending his time during the pandemic, the members of the Jeff Fetterman band, his new and past recordings, influences, awards, International Blues Challenge, things to do in Memphis, desert island discs, preferred time period if he had a time machine and lots more!  Find more about him at www.jefffetterman.com 

Multi-genre vocalist and saxophonist, Vanessa Collier, chats with James and Beth Riley this week.  She talks about how she's spending her quarantine time, winning at the Blues Music Awards, Blues In The Schools program, International Blues Challenge, solo albums, what's on the horizon and more!  Definitely take a listen as well as check out all of her recordings: www.vanessacollier.com  

James and Beth Riley talk with Greg Townson this week!  We talk about Los Straitjackets, Nick Lowe, The Hi-Risers, solo projects, the New York music scene now and his teen years, producing for folks like Hillbilly Moon Explosion and lots more!

James & Beth Riley chat with rockabilly artist, Jackslacks!  They discuss his latest EP (When Pigs Fly) and talk about current pandemic, his early influences, how he got the "Jackslacks" name, the California "cow punk" scene and lots more!  It's a fun conversation you won't want to miss!!

James & Beth Riley chat on the phone with Beth Wray Webb, the oldest daughter of the King of "Rumble", Link Wray, to discuss Link's influences, music, legacy and what she is doing to help honor the memory of her father. She is very thankful for all of her father's fans and shares several stories from them and welcomes fans to get in contact with her. She also talks about Link's music living on through her son, Chris, who plays his grandfather's music now.

James & Beth Riley chat with Ron Haney by phone to discuss a couple of recent projects (spoken word project: My Life On The Road With Johnny Cash- The First 20 Years and a new book: Behind The Man In Black/The WS Holland Story).  We chat about just a few of the many great stories from WS including the Million Dollar Quartet, his zippered bass drum, WS playing with both Carl Perkins and Johnny Cash, how he and Ron started playing together and more!  There will never be another time period in music history like the 50's in Memphis, TN at Sun Records and WS was right in the middle of it!  For more info, visit www.wsflukeholland.com 

Beth Riley met up with Kenny Neal at B.B King's Final Homecoming in Indianola, MS in 2014. You might have heard one of the 18 albums he has had; 5 of them on Alligator Records. Kenny comes from a very musical family: he is the son of the late Raful Neal, brother of Jackie Neal, and he often performs with his brothers in his band. He talks about his life, touring with Buddy Guy and B.B King and keeping his sister Jackie's memory alive through music.

In this archive interview, Beth Riley met up with Country Superstar Phil Vassar backstage at the Shoals Theater in April of 2017. You know songs of his like "Bye Bye", "I'm Alright" "Another Day In Paradise" and "Carlene". Hear him talk about some of his songs, inspirations, and also about his family life.

James Riley met up with John Schneider backstage at the Nashville Elvis Festival in March, 2019 to discuss favorite Elvis tunes, getting back to recording music, Dancing With The Stars and more!

James and Beth call drummer Jason Smay to talk about a variety of topics including playing with JD McPherson (and a great Robert Plant story from when they toured with him), Los Straitjackets, The Hi-Risers and The Hi-Jivers.  We also talk about his son McKinley James and his rising star plus family life, The Beatles (and Ringo in particular), if his mask-wearing days with Los Straitjackets helped prepare him for quarantine life and more!

We'll have a new interview with drummer Jason Smay (JD McPherson, Los Straitjackets, The Hi-Risers, The Hi-Jivers and more) plus an archive interview from 2018 with Beth Riley and country superstar Phil Vassar!

Beth Riley met up with Alligator Records owner Bruce Iglauer at King Biscuit Blues Festival in Helena, AR in 2015 for a short and fun interview.  They discuss how he started the label as well as artists that have recorded there.

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Beth Riley interviewed Keb' Mo' before his performance at Duling Hall in Jackson, MS before 2016.  He talks about his influences, career, blues, his discography and so much more!  

James Riley and Beth Riley start a new podcast series of artist conversations.  There's no schedule for when these will be released but will happen as time permits.  First guest is Bruce Johnston!  You probably know him as a long time member of The Beach Boys which we discuss as well as many more fun topics including Surf music origins, Bill Yerkes' book Surfboards, Stratocastors, Striped Shirts (info on how to get a special discounted copy below), how he's spending his time during the virus quarantine, International Surf Day (June 20th...which is also Brian Wilson's birthday), possible 60th Anniversary of The Beach Boys and much more!