Chillin In AJ's Garage

We have an extra episode this week! Jazz artist, Slim Man will join me for a discussion that is guaranteed to be interesting. Not only is Slim Man a talented musician but he is a "Bonafide" (pun intended) Renaissance man. We talk a lot about music and cooking on this show and Slim does both! He was also host of the longtime favorite "Sunday Smooth Jazz" radio show on WLIF Baltimore. His knowledge of the music business is vast.Slim Man was five years old when he saw the movie The Five Pennies, starring Danny Kaye and Louis Armstrong. When Slim saw Louis sing and play, he told his Dad..."That's what I want to do." Slim Man then studied trumpet for ten years, and taught himself how to sing, play piano and guitar. Slim Man's first gig? Fifth grade! He played guitar and sang a few Beatles songs for the sixth grade graduation. While in middle school he took up bass, and Slim Man's band 'Momma Max' opened up for Iggy Pop and the Stooges, The Raspberries, and others.  Later in life, Slim Man went into the studio and...End of the Rainbow, the very first Slim Man CD, was born. The CD yielded a Top Ten Hit, 'Faith In Us', and the CD went on to be included in over a dozen Top Ten lists for the year (1995). J.D. Considine (Rolling Stone) said of the Slim Man style- "...a near perfect example of how jazz and soul can be combined as pop." Slim Man will be performing Live, July 20th at The Ramshead OnStage Annapolis, MD get Tix Here for Slim Man.

This week we welcome Chad Jeffers a very talented musician who plays Pedal Steel, Dobro, Guitar, Mandolin and currently tours with one of Nashville's favorite artists...Carrie Underwood! Chad Jeffers is not only a talented player but a smart guy when it comes to business, Chad has a double degree in Music Business and Marketing! That’s why Chad, a highly-respected guitarist, dobro and pedal steel player with worldwide tours and years of experience under his belt, has authored 25 Notes for the Successful Musician, a self-help book packed with practical advice and guidelines for aspiring musicians – novice or seasoned. “It’s everything I’ve learned in the last 15 years that I wish I would’ve known when I started out,” Jeffers explains. “I’ve it the way it would be if I could have sat down with myself over drinks at the beginning of my own career and said, ‘Tell me about everything you know now to help me with my music career!’  25 Notes is a valuable compendium of step-by-step information for musicians at each stage of their career. As always, Chef Donna Desfors will join us to discuss great food ideas, recipes and give us culinary updates.  

We are excited to have with us Drummer - Lee PearsonLee Pearson's singular percussive style has led him to the bandstand with some of the world's greatest pacesetters in Jazz and Hip Hop. In addition to touring with his own band, Beava's Atmosphere, Lee has also performed with Roy Ayers, Lonnie Listen Smith, Jean Carn, Bobbi Humphreys, Ronnie Laws, Jon Lucien, Wayne Henderson of the jazz crusaders, David Murray, John Hicks, Erykah Badu, R&B singer Bilal, Spyro Gyra, Jordan Hill and the tonight show band with Jay leno - just to name a few. He also did a world tour with Savion Glover's 4 tony award-winning broadway show, "Bring in Da' Noise Bring in Da' Funk" from 2002-2003. His relationship with these musical giants has encouraged him to step out on his own and perfect his unique sound.  Lee will join us for a discussion of his musical background, stories from the road, he will discuss his gear and what's new for him. In addition, as always, Chef Donna Desfors will join us to discuss what's new in the cooking world and share great ideas for us to use in the kitchenShop Drum Gear Here  

When we first spoke with Alan O'day he shared with us the fact that he was a five time cancer survivor. If Alan hadn't shared this fact with us, you would never had known it.  Alan was an incredible songwriter, fun performer and all around just a great guy. Unfortunately, two weeks ago, cancer finally took its toll on Alan and he passed away, becoming a member of Rock n Roll heaven. I want to thank Janis Liebhart for introducing Alan to me and my show, I am so fortunate to have been able to spend the short amount of time interviewing Alan and speaking with him on the phone. Even though this show and format isn't big time, to Alan it was as important and his zeal and enthusiasm was awesome! He felt it important to share industry information with as many people as he could and he was so excited about where he was in his career and that excitement rubbed off. I want to send out prayers and condolences to Alan's family and huge circle of friends, we will all miss him and not forget him. ~Russ Clarke  Tonight we honor Alan O'day with an encore presentation of his interview. RIP Alan O'Day.  Joining us this week is Alan O'Day. Alan is best known for the hit song "Undercover Angel" which he wrote and recorded, the song was a #1 hit in 1977 charting at #4 for the year. He also wrote the hit song "Angie Baby" recorded by Helen Reddy. Beyond that he has written hundreds of songs including songs for Jim Henson and National Geographic TV. Alan has had a long and prosperous career in the music industry, don't miss this interview if you are interested in learning more about the business of performing and song writing.

This is an encore presentation...We welcome Drummer, Writer and Producer Mark Schulman! Most recently, Mark has been the beatmaster for P!NK on her ‘I’m Not Dead’ and ‘Funhouse’ tours.  Mark’s resume reads like a "Who's Who" of international Rock n' Roll royalty including acts such as SHERYL CROW, FOREIGNER, STEVIE NICKS, DESTINY'S CHILD, BILLY IDOL, CHER (‘Believe’ and ‘Farewell’) tours, two of the most-attended tours in music history) Finally contributors, Rev Mike from Chesapeake Cigar will join us at 9:30 to discuss all things "Mancave" then at 9:45, my friend Chef Donna Desfor