Blues From the Inside Out

One of the elder statesmen of Chicago blues, bass player extraordinaire and vocalist Bob Stroger talks about his new album "That's My Name" and shares memories from his long and storied career in the blues, playing with Otis Rush, Sunnyland Slim, Jimmy Rogers and many more.

Chicago blues vocalist extraordinaire Katherine Davis shares stories from her early days growing up in Chicago's Cabrini Green housing project surrounded by music; through her career in theater, teaching and performances around the world. Katherine was recently awarded an Esteemed Artist Award by the city of Chicago.

A triple threat talent on today's Chicago blues scene, vocalist, keyboardist and guitarist John Kattke has toured the world with Buddy Guy, Otis Rush, Koko Taylor. John has been a longtime bandmate of Dave Specter's and also leads his own band, where he combines influences from New Orleans, Texas, Chicago and all points in between.

Chicago Soul singer extraordinaire Devin Thompson shares stories of his musical journey; from his early days growing up in a very musical family in Joliet, to his evolving career in Chicago and the making of his latest album, Tales of the Soul on Severn Records.

One of the premier harp players, singers and songwriters on today's blues scene, Rick shares great stories and memories from his early days growing up in San Francisco and his move to Chicago in the 1960s. Music from his latest album, Contemporary on Alligator Records is featured on the podcast.

Grammy winning producer, writer and blues historian Dick Shurman talks about his fascinating blues journey from Chicago in the late 60s, through decades on the blues scene producing dozens of albums from artists including Albert Collins, Fenton Robinson, Johnny Winter, Jody Williams, Lurrie Bell and many more.

Enjoy some great stories and fascinating blues history from Rock and Roll and Blues Hall of Fame member Elvin Bishop. Elvin reflects on his early days in Chicago in the 1960s and his friendships with bluesmen like Paul Butterfield, Otis Rush, Smokey Smothers and many more. He also talks about his latest album, 100 Years of Blues with Charlie Musselwhite.

Chicago bluesman, Alligator recording artist and multiple BMA Award winner Nick Moss shares stories from his celebrated career, taking us from the South and West Sides of Chicago to his songwriting, studio work, guitar playing and lessons learned from some legendary bluesmen.

One of the finest guitarists on today’s blues scene, Kirk Fletcher joins Dave on the podcast and shares stories from his early days playing in his father’s church to stints with The Fabulous Thunderbirds and The Mannish Boys, through his solo career and powerful new album My Blues Pathway.

Guitarist, producer, arranger, bandleader and keyboardist Jimmy Vivino lights up the podcast with great stories from his amazing career on the road, in the studio, and on TV with legendary artists including: Levon Helm, Al Kooper, Johnnie Johnson, Hubert Sumlin, Max Weinberg and more!

One of the brightest stars on today’s Chicago blues scene, Ronnie Baker Brooks joins Dave for both an audio and Zoom video interview sharing stories from his fascinating career. Ronnie talks about his early days growing up and learning from his dad Lonnie Brooks, shares great stories from Chicago and his life on the road, working in the studio with Steve Jordan, Eddy Clearwater, Bobby Bland and much more.

Jorma Kaukonen joins Dave on the podcast from Fur Peace Ranch sharing great stories from his amazing career. The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame guitarist takes us on his journey from the early days of Jefferson Airplane through his solo career, sharing stories and anecdotes about friends and players from John Hammond to Jimi Hendrix, Mike Bloomfield to Jerry Garcia.

Enjoy an in-depth conversation with Rick Holmstrom, whose career includes spending the last 13 years as guitarist and bandleader for Mavis Staples, long stints with Rod Piazza, Johnny Dyer and William Clarke, as well as a solo career as an acclaimed recording artist.

One of the most sought after guitarists on today’s blues scene, Billy Flynn takes us on his blues journey from his early days growing up in Wisconsin through his long and distinguished career performing and recording with an epic list of blues greats.

Steve Freund takes us on his deep blues journey from his early days growing up in New York, moving to Chicago in the 1970s where he played, toured and recorded with an amazing array of artists including Sunnyland Slim, Big Walter Horton, Luther Allison, winning a Grammy with Koko Taylor, to his current home in California where he’s been a fixture on the West Coast blues scene. Hope you enjoy this shelter in place, Blues From the Inside In, phone interview.

Enjoy our first “Blues From The Inside In” shelter in place phone interview with Chicago-based and world renowned guitar star Joanna Connor. From her early days on the Chicago blues scene playing at the Checkerboard Lounge and Kingston Mines to her recent collaboration with Joe Bonamassa, Joanna shares great stories from her cool career.

Mississippi born, Chicago blues/soul man extraordinaire Jimmy Burns reminisces about growing up in the south, his early blues experiences in both Mississippi and Chicago, hanging out at Curtis Mayfield’s house in Cabrini Green and shares great stories from his fascinating career.

Enjoy a great conversation with Shemekia Copeland, one of the most dynamic, original and powerful blues singers in today’s music scene. Shemekia shares stories about her recent album America’s Child, lessons learned from her father Johnny Copeland, her relationships/collaborations with Koko Taylor, Dr. John, Will Kimbrough, John Hahn, and hosting her own radio show on Sirius XM.

John Mayall, the legendary Godfather of British Blues, reflects on his epic career with stories about his early influences, performing with T-Bone Walker, having Eric Clapton, Peter Green and Mick Taylor in his band, his love for jazz and his feelings about the blues today.

Jazz guitar giant John Scofield shares memorable stories about his early days playing the blues, hearing Mike Bloomfield, Paul Butterfield, auditioning for and working with Miles Davis, his collaborations with artists from Jon Cleary to Phil Lesh and his current band, Combo 66.

Texas blues legend Jimmie Vaughan shares stories from his early playing days in Dallas to playing in the house band at Antone’s in Austin, hearing Lightning Hopkins, Muddy Waters, working in the studio with Nick Lowe and Dave Edmunds, his current studio/live rig and his long time love for Fender Stratocaters.

One of the finest singers on today’s blues and soul scene, Tad Robinson talks with Dave about his new album, recorded in Memphis with the legendary Hi Rhythm Section along with stories from his cool career, influences and inspirations.

Recorded backstage at the 2019 Chicago Blues Festival, Grammy winner and legendary bluesman Bobby Rush shares stories from his incredible career.

Recorded backstage at the 2019 Chicago Blues Festival, Grammy winning bluesman Charlie Musselwhite shares memorable stories of his early days on the Chicago blues scene in the 1960s, his friendship with Little Walter, Muddy Waters, Magic Sam, Big Joe Williams, recording his first album, his burgeoning acting career, radio show and more.

Legendary, 90 years young Chicago bluesman extraordinaire Jimmy Johnson joins Dave in a cool and intimate conversation covering Jimmy’s early days from Mississippi to Memphis, and shares great stories about his incredible music career in Chicago.

Blues/rock guitar slinger Joe Bonamassa talks with Dave backstage at the Chicago Theater, sharing stories about some of his favorite Chicago blues, lessons learned from B.B. King, his choice guitars and amps, and his charitable work with the Keeping the Blues Alive Foundation.

Donald Kinsey takes us on his incredible musical journey from his early days playing with his father in Gary, Indiana, working in Albert King’s band as a teenager, meeting Bob Marley and joining the Wailers and playing with his brothers in The Kinsey Report.

Born and raised with the blues as the eldest son of Muddy Waters, Mud Morganfield talks about his own approach to music, his new album “They Call Me Mud” and his father’s legacy. Guitarist Rick Kreher shares stories of playing in both Mud's and Muddy’s bands.

Billy Boy Arnold, a recent inductee into both the Blues Hall of Fame and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame shares stories about growing up on the south side of Chicago, learning harmonica in Sonny Boy Williamson’s living room, auditioning for Chess Records with Bo Diddley and his remarkable career spanning the last seven decades.