Into The Woods with Stewart Strauss Podcast

Happy Independence Day, July 4th, 2021! Let Freedom Ring!!! Uninterrupted songs that are uniquely American, and songs that are not. Songs of struggle, songs of joy, and songs of freedom. Freedom means different things for different people. This show, (with no back announcing) is celebrating The 4th of July, The United States' Independence Day. God Bless America!!! I designed this episode of #ITWWSS to be the soundtrack to your holiday weekend. It's… joyful, patriotic, a toe tapper, thought provoking, and fun! I hope it makes you want to sing along and dance, blast it out loud on the beach, turn it up to 10 on the highway, backyard, park, mountain top, or anywhere you are right now! I hope you'll share the link with your friends and family, workmates, roommates, mates, lovers, haters, or any one else that you can. We start where most children in the U.S.A. do, with the Pledge Of Allegiance, into a lovely choir, thanks to Neil Young, singing God Bless America. Enter Ray Charles to finish the song, as only he could. By chance, I thought the two versions blended well, so that's how I mixed it. Jimi Hendrix honors us with The Star Spangled Banner, into his original, Freedom. Both recorded live at the Atlanta Pop Festival in 1970. As hard as that may be to follow, Willie Nelson, performing Paul Simon's American Tune, makes for a great segue. As you might expect, this is an eclectic journey, with multiple genres and artists, equally diverse. Rock N Roll, Country Western, Cajun, Folk, Jazz, R&B, Reggae, Funk, World, etc. No borders, no boundaries, no limits. Pure artistic freedom, that's what it's all about! The non stop music continues with, Tears For Fears, Kinks, Neil Coty, Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers, Heart, covering Led Zeppelin, George Harrison, Bruce Springsteen covering Bob Dylan, Mumbo Gumbo, Martin Sexton, Boxing Ghandis, Loggins and Messina, Bob Marley, The Killers, No Doubt covering Talk Talk, Billy Idol, George Michael, Dianne Reeves, Crosby Stills Nash and Young, Scorpions, and the New York Rock and Soul Revue, featuring The Rascals, Phoebe Snow, and Michael McDonald. I cross referenced some of this music (all from my personal library) with Repeat Replay dot Com. The 20 Best Songs About Freedom. Some of these tunes would not be here, had I not read what they had to say. I support artistic freedom in every way possible! Thanks for your patronage and support! Let Freedom Ring!!!

It's All About The Bass (Part 5)   Into The Woods With Stewart Strauss is a listener supported podcast. I thank you for your patronage, by liking and subscribing. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!   On this episode of #ITWWSS we're going to celebrate Black Music Month, and hear more from some of the best bassists to ever hold an upright, fretless or fretted bass! There will be plenty of great vocals, percussion, drums, horns, guitars, keyboards, instrumentals, live and studio tracks, and (did I mention) bassists? You'll hear from Chaka Khan and Rufus, Bill Withers, Miles Davis, Jaco Pastorius, Joni Mitchell, Phoebe Snow with the New York Rock and Soul Revue, Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell, The Jackson 5, Michael Jackson, Stanley Clarke, and Tower Of Power (TOP) The emphasis is on the musicians we've heard our whole lives, but maybe didn't know who these most accomplished players were. As long as the music moves you, there isn't much more to know, unless you feel like taking a little deeper dive.  Some of the bassists you'll hear in the episode are… Dennis Belfield, Jerry Knight, Paul Chambers, Jaco Pastorius, Larry Klein, Lincoln Schleifer, James Jamerson, Wilton Felder, Louis Johnson, Stanley Clarke, and Frances “Rocco” Prestia,  The rest of the bands are powerhouse musicians too. Herbie Hancock, David Sanborn, Larry Carlton, Drew Zing, Donald Fagen, Boz Scaggs, Michael McDonald, Bill Evans, Cannonball Adderley, John Coltrane, Jimmy Cobb, Narada Michael Walden, The Brecker Brothers, Sam and Dave, Vinnie Colaiuta, Michael Landau, Billy Cobham, Darren Johnson, Najee, David Garibaldi, Lenny Williams, Emilio Castillo, Bruce Conte, Mic Gillette, Stephen “Doc” Krupka, Lenny Pickett, Greg Adams, Chester Thompson, and many more. Please check out live performances of my original music, as well as cover songs, skits, and a new segment where I tell stories about meeting various icons of the entertainment industry, to promote this very podcast. All on the Sonny Michaels Show, June edition. Always available on YouTube. There's lots of great talent on the show, including a live performance from Acoustic Alchemy. I performed Bob Dylan's Tangled Up In Blue. Please tune in when the spirit moves you. Cheers!

It's All About The [Iconic Rock] Bass (Part 4)   This episode of #ITWWSS takes another dive into the deep end of a guitar shaped pool, where reaching the bottom, we find some of Rock N' Roll's greatest recordings. All the bass players in this show have great skill, soul and their own distinct sound and style.  I started playing cello at eight years old. Later in the elementary school orchestra. I wanted to play the upright bass, but I was too small to carry it. I picked up the guitar next. By the time I went to high school in 1967, the Summer Of Love had just taken place. The British Invasion was a few years in. The Doors and Jefferson Airplane just played at a local high school's football field. I'd begun playing guitar in middle school bands, made up of friends. I was playing clarinet in the school orchestra. The Byrds, Monkees, Seeds, Love, Buffalo Springfield, Doors and others were all performing all around L.A. I didn't know at the time that many of those soon to be legends lived about 15 to 20 minutes away, in Laurel Canyon. At about 16 I bought a used Gibson SG Bass, at Saul Betnums Music. Within a day or two, one of the few working high school bands I knew needed to replace their sick bass player, Ed Elowe for a Halloween dance, at a local park. The highly talented Steve Elowe walked me through as many of their songs as possible, including In A Gadda Da Vida, by the Iron Butterfly. I somehow got through the gig, got paid, and became a professional musician. (LOL) As I've been putting together this series of (radio show type) podcasts, the hardest part is choosing what to leave out. There are countless performances by many more bass players that I could ever fit in, plus all the greats I haven't heard of, yet. Part 5 is coming together nicely and I'll do my best to publish it during Black Music Month. It will be the last podcast in the series, but not even close to the last time I'll feature great bassists. I play the bass on all of my original and cover songs. I've only owned three basses in my life. The Gibson bass was traded in towards a new Fender Telecaster. I didn't by another bass until 1994. After the Northridge Earthquake, lots of retail stores had millions of dollars worth of damaged goods. I bought a new Fender Precision Bass that had fallen off the wall and had a gouge in it. As you can imagine, it was sold at a bargain price. I kept it for several years and used it on a few demos, but ended up selling it to a friend in Reno, Nevada. I bought another Fender bass last year, but this time went for a Jazz Bass. I love it to death! Bass is in my bones and DNA. I hope you love it even half as much and enjoy listening to my shows.  Perhaps, you'll be inspired to pick up a bass and send me something you've recorded? I'll definitely listen and possibly include it in a podcast. @stewstrauss on Instagram and Twitter In this show you'll hear music from… Jethro Tull, Yes, Queen, Fleetwood Mac, The Beatles, Cream, Free, The Who, The Clash, Rush, Muse, U2, and Joe Walsh. A heavily British slanted show, no doubt. I came of age during the British Invasion and was heavily influenced by the music that followed. Bassists include… Glen Cornick, Chris Squire, John Deacon, John McVie, Paul McCartney, Jack Bruce, Andy Fraser, John Entwhistle, Paul Simonon, Geddy Lee, Chris Woltenholme, Adam Clayton, and George “Chocolate” Perry. Thanks for your continued support and patronage! Happy Listening!!!

It's All About The Bass (Part 3) If The Bass Is Rockin' Don't Bother Knockin'!   In this episode of #ITWWSS we dive deeper into the bottom end, with some of Rock N' Roll's greatest bass players. From Chas Chandler, John Entwistle, John Paul Jones, and Paul McCartney, to John Deacon, Geddy Lee, Rhonda Smith, Jack Bruce, Jerry Scheff, Walter Becker, Chuck Rainey, Barry Oakley, and Bootsy Collins. Songs from a few of Britain's finest… The Animals, The Who, The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, David Bowie and Queen, Rush, Jeff Beck, and Cream. Rush, a Canadian export. And a few (for good measure) from the U.S.A… The Doors, Steely Dan, The Allman Brothers Band, and James Brown. All in all, some of rock's greatest recordings. Although, the choices are overwhelming. There are so many more examples of great bass driven songs that a part four is inevitable. All three Yardbirds guitarists, Eric Clapton in Cream, Jeff Beck, and Jimmy Page in Led Zeppelin, are included. You'll hear some of their most legendary work. Jeff Beck, who never rests on his laurels, is heard live with bass player Rhonda Smith (Prince), drummer Jonathan Joseph, and guitarist, Nicolas Meier. The Allman Brothers have been a favorite since the original release of Live At Fillmore East. Recorded 50 years ago, in March 1971, their performance sounds as good today, as it did then. Talking about the original Jam Bands, forget about it!  Bootsy Collins is known for his persona, as much as his bass playing. As James Brown's bassist, along with his brother on guitar, they helped define some of the Godfather of Soul's funkiest tracks. It doesn't get any funkier than "Sex Machine" (it was never substantiated that the song was about me, but rumors still exist. The same goes for that Carly Simon song) Thanks again for your support, by liking this page and subscribing to this podcast!!! It makes all the difference If you'd like to be in touch, suggest a theme, have your originals heard, or just want to say hi… @stewstrauss on Instagram and Twitter. StewartStrauss on Facebook The Into The Woods with Stewart Strauss Theme Song ©2020StewartJStrauss  

It's All About The (Iconic) Bass! On this episode of listener supported #ITWWSS... Songs that you know instantly from their iconic bass line, or the bass carries the song in a unique and recognizable way. I urge you to snap your fingers and move your feet, while you're listening to songs from… Miss Peggy Lee, with Joe Mondragon and Stan Levy. Lou Reed, with Herbie Flowers. Sly and The Family Stone, featuring Larry Graham. Billy Cobham, with Leland Sklar, Jan Hammer and Tommy Bolin. Robben Ford (covering the O'Jays) with Jimmy Earl, Ray Williams, Terry Evans, Edgar Winter, Ivan Neville and Steve Potts. Pink Floyd. Morphine (Mark Sandman.) Muse. Tennessee Ernie Ford. The Blues Brothers, with Donald “Duck” Dunn and Steve Cropper. Aretha Franklin, featuring Chuck Rainey. Stevie Wonder, featuring Nathan Watts. Red Hot Chili Peppers. Stevie Wonder, featuring Prince and En Vogue. Some of these songs and performances influenced generations to follow. Some are so funky, you can smell it! All are great!!  Thanks for your continued support and happy listening!!! If you'd like to contact me, please use @stewstrauss on Instagram and Twitter. www.stewartstrauss.net stewartstrauss.bandcamp,com

It's All About The (Jazz) Bass This edition of #ITWWSS explores some bass driven songs performed by some of the finest musicians to ever pick up a bass guitar, or upright bass! We'll hear rare performances, live and otherwise… from Jaco Pastorius with Weather Report. Stanley Clarke (covering Charles Mingus,) with Billy Cobham, Larry Carlton, Darren Johnson and Najee. Jaco Pastorius with Joni Mitchell, Pat Metheny and Lyle Mays. Jaco with The Word Of Mouth Big Band, featuring Michael Brecker, Peter Erskine, Bob Mintzer, Peter Graves, and Don Alias. Marcus Miller with his own band, featuring David Delhomme, Lalah Hathaway and Kenny Garrett. Miles Davis featuring Marcus Miller, Mike Stern and Bill Evans. Bassist Victor Wooten, with Bela Fleck and the Flecktones, featuring Chick Corea and Sam Bush. Victor Wooten (solo), Chuck Mangione, featuring Charles Meeks, Grant Geissman, and a symphony orchestra. The funkiest of all surprises from the soundtrack album of Undercover Brother, featuring Jeffrey Osborne, Stanley Clarke, Eddie Griffin, and Snoop Dogg. Then one more from the mastery of Jaco Pastorius. Thanks for your continued support and subscribing to Into The Woods With Stewart Strauss 

Celebrating Black Music Month on #ITWWSS with an eclectic blend of some of the most influential music and artists of the last one hundred years.  June was declared African American Music Appreciation Month in 1979, by President Jimmy Carter. This episode of #ITWWSS exemplifies some of the contributions from artists and songwriters who have written, played and sang about their life experiences, then brought hope and joy through their truths and talents. You'll hear live music and studio recordings from… Ray Charles, Billie Holiday, Al Green, Sam Cooke, Pop Staples with Bonnie Raitt and Jackson Browne, Taj Mahal, The Pointer Sisters, Dianne Reeves, Al Jarreau with David Sanborn, Curtis Mayfield, Chaka Khan, Herbie Hancock, Cassandra Wilson, Cannonball Adderley with Joe Zawinul, Nina Simone, and Marvin Gaye. I'm ecstatic that I get to share more of my personal (and in some cases, one of a kind, and rare) music library with you. If you can take a minute to like, subscribe and support my podcast, it will mean the world to me and help this program continue to grow and be heard in more places. Thanks so much and happy listening!   P.S. Please feel free to make contact on Instagram or Twitter.  Simply use @stewstrauss I look forward to hearing from you. Cheers!!!

An all 60's #ITWWSS with the emphasis on songs from 1967, and Black Music Appreciation Month.  On June 07, 1979, President Jimmy Carter declared the month of June as African American Music Appreciation Month. I'm pleased to be able to share some of the greatest music ever recorded from my personal collection with you! My musical influences from the dawn of Motown, through the British Invasion. Songs from Jackie Wilson, Marvin Gaye, Eric Burdon and The Animals, Jeff Beck and The Yardbirds, The Byrds, The Buffalo Springfield, The Who, Sly and the Family Stone, Diana Ross and The Supremes, Stevie Wonder, The Temptations, The Four Tops, The Rolling Stones, The Beatles, Otis Redding, The Jimi Hendrix Experience, Aretha Franklin, and James Brown.   It would mean the world to me, if you subscribe. I'll keep the podcasts and my own music coming as long as possible. It's a labor of love!!!   To contact me, make friends, make a request or tell me your story… @stewstrauss on Instagram and Twitter Cheers!!!

The Best D**n Live (Acoustic) Performances I’ve Seen And Heard (Part 5) Includes stories about seeing… Groucho Marx, Woody Allen, Jim Croce, Andres Segovia, Rod Stewart and Ron Wood, Counting Crows, Eagles and more. Live acoustic performances from Lyle Lovett, Shawn Colvin, Jim Messina, Sons Of Champlin, Eagles, Sheryl Crow, Fleetwood Mac, Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young, The Rolling Stones, Counting Crows, Rod Stewart with Ron Wood, and Rickie Lee Jones. With studio recordings from Jim Croce, Andres Segovia and The Doobie Brothers. I would be remiss if I didn’t include music from artists like Segovia. I watched him perform at the University of Southern California (USC) as part of a Master Class in the early 80’s. At the time, I was taking classical guitar classes at Los Angeles Valley College. My instructor invited the class to be part of the audience at USC. It’s a memory one doesn’t forget! Segovia was in his late 80’s, but from the time he played the first note you knew you were in the presence of greatness. All but the most intricate passages were still performed with ease and a subtlety that a true master commands. I saw Jim Croce perform in the early seventies. He was opening for Woody Allen, on one of his last standup comedy tours. Groucho Marx was in the house that night and joined Woody on stage for a few minutes. The story is told during the podcast. Thanks for listening and listener support!  Cheers!!! If you’d like to reach me through social media, please do! @stewstrauss on Instagram and Twitter Stewart Strauss Thespian on Facebook www.stewartstrauss.net

The Best Damn Live (Acoustic) Performances I’ve Seen And Heard (Part 4) Part 4 of The Best D**n Live Performances I’ve Seen And Heard is an hour of tour de force live acoustic performances, from artists that I’ve personally seen perform live. I’ve met a few and even introduced one or two at a concert or two. One particular guitarist/vocalist with Ricki Lee Jones is an old friend.  Stories about seeing the artists, with live performances from… John Prine and Iris Dement, Greg Brown, James Taylor, Jerry Garcia and David Grisman, Rickie Lee Jones with Mike O’Neill, John Leftwich, Sal Bernardi, Keith Fiddmont, Ed Mann and Frank Morracco. Lindsey Buckingham with Fleetwood Mac, Dave Mason and Jim Capaldi, Steve Winwood and Eric Clapton, Neil Young, Stephen Stills, Joni Mitchell, and Bob Dylan. Please use the LIKE button and if you want to help fuel my fire, please Subscribe! Thanks for listening and your support!!! If you’d like to be in touch… @stewstrauss on Instagram and Twitter Stewart Strauss on Facebook www.stewartstrauss.net

The Best Da*n Live Performances I've Seen and Heard (Part 3) is a continuation of the series. Live performances and stories about seeing some of the worlds finest musical artists... Joe Cocker, Bela Fleck and the Flecktones, The Pat Metheny Group, Bruce Hornsby and the Noisemakers, Steely Dan, Chicago, Emerson, Lake and Palmer, Deep Purple, Boz Scaggs with Booker T and The MG's, and Earth, Wind and Fire. Please take a second or two to LIKE this page and please subscribe. Thanks for listening and your support!  @stewstrauss on Instagram and Twitter Stewart Strauss on Facebook www.stewartstrauss.net

The Best D**n Live Performances I've Seen And Heard (Part 2) includes music from and stories about seeing... Santana, Lyle Lovett and His Large Band, B.B. King, Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin, Elton John with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, Paul McCartney, The Rolling Stones with Eric Clapton, and the Jimi Hendrix Experience.  Please Like and subscribe, if the spirit moves you! Thanks for listening and your support! @stewstrauss on Instagram and Twitter Stewart Strauss on Facebook www.stewartstrauss.net

The Man That Shook The Hand (Part 5) Includes music from and stories about… Some old friends, more hand shaking, musical heroes, truly independent artists, and some of the most popular icons, ever! Music from; Chris Isaak, Susan Tedeschi, Albert Collins and the Icebreakers, Coco Montoya, Frank Sinatra, Joe Sample and The Crusaders with Larry Carlton, Carl Anderson, Oscar Castro Neves with Lee Ritenour, Dan “Soybean” Sawyer, Pink Floyd with Scott Page, Bill Champlin with the West Coast All Stars, Seals and Crofts, Toto, Poco with Jim Messina, Loggins and Messina, Victoria Williams with Lou Reed, Pink Floyd with Joe DiBlasi, Michael O’Neill with Carl Anderson and Bobby Lyle, Bobby Lyle with Kirk Whalum, John Patitucci and Michael Baker, and The Pat Metheny Group. I cultivate my favorite tracks from each artist and create an eclectic blend of Blues, Rock, Jazz, Soul and more, that takes us on a journey through genres, time and continents. Please “Like” this page! If you feel the spirit, please subscribe. Thanks for listening and your support! @stewstrauss on Instagram and Twitter  StewartStrauss on Facebook StewartStrauss.net

The Best Damn Live Performances I’ve Seen and Heard (Part 1) Nothing reveals your age better than the music you love. It’s a bold statement, but every generation has their own favorites, with songs and bands that bring back explicit memories. I’ve always been a music freak. When I was a DJ at KTHX 100.1 FM in Reno, Nevada, one of the other Deejays referred to me as being “weened by a (record player) needle!” My earliest memories all involve music. There were lots of things to watch on TV, but I preferred to have a radio handy. I would listen to all the music I could absorb.  The first artist that moved my 5 year old soul was Elvis Presley. Hound Dog was on the radio and whatever primal urge there was, I immediately loved Rock ’N Roll! Fifteen years later I got to meet Elvis Presley, behind Caesars Palace in Las Vegas.  This show and (short series) will include many of the musical artists I was fortunate to see perform live. I've met a few along the way... Part One: Live music and stories about seeing, The Beach Boys, Bill Champlin, Sons Of Champlin, Les McCann and Eddie Harris, Larry Carlton and Kirk Whalum, Miles Davis, Joni Mitchell, Ike and Tina Turner, B.B. King, Bob Dylan, Neil Young, Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young, Jeff Beck. Led Zeppelin, Stevie Ray Vaughn and Double Trouble, Earth, Wind and Fire, Stevie Wonder, and Neil Young and Crazy Horse. I hope you enjoy listening and will subscribe to my podcast.  Thanks for your support!!! @stewstrauss on Instagram and Twitter StewartStrauss.net and Stewart Strauss on Facebook

More music from and stories about meeting legendary musical artists along my path. From mistaken identities, chance encounters, emcee duties and friends traveling through. Some rare tracks and live recordings. Some hits and lots of great performances. The Righteous Brothers, The Sir Douglas Quintet, Freddy Fender, Augie Meyers, Mumbo Gumbo, Little Feat, Willie Nelson with Toots Hibbert, Buddy Holly, Gary Busey, Richie Valens, Lou Diamond Phillips, Loggins and Messina, Bob Hite of Canned Heat, Robben Ford, Rick Nelson with James Burton, Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass, John Pisano, Tony Bennett with Stevie Wonder, Natalie Cole, Gil Scott Heron and Brian Jackson, Kenny Rogers and the First Edition, The Strawberry Alarm Clock, Ed King, Lynyrd Skynyrd,  and The Jefferson Airplane. While I was working on this show, it brought back memories of more legendary musical artists I've crossed paths with. Part 5 is coming soon... Thanks for listening and your support! @stewstrauss on Twitter and Instagram

The artists represented in this episode of #ITWWSS are all people I've had at least one close encounter with. The very minimum was a hand shake. Do you remember shaking hands?  Others I've spent a little time working with or had a friend in the band. There's a few, we'll say, are connected by osmosis or very few degrees of separation, like Clint Eastwood.  This is an eclectic mix of virtuosos! Rare live and studio recordings, from George Benson and Al Jarreau, with Herbie Hancock and Marcus Miller, Miles Davis with Kenny Garrett, Robben Ford with brother Marc, Joni Mitchell with Wayne Shorter, Joe Cocker, The Beatles, Dizzy Gillespie, Charlie Parker, Dianne Reeves, Jeff Beck and Jimmy Page with The Yardbirds, Led Zeppelin, David Lynch and John Neff (Bluebob,) Shawn Colvin, and Elvis Presley.  There will be a Part 4 soon. The more I thought about the musical artists I've had the good fortune of meeting and watch perform, the more riches there are to share. Meanwhile, be on the lookout for the latest episode of the Sonny Michaels Show on YouTube. I'm performing one of my originals "Mountain Man" on the show. The last thing I'll say about this show is that it may not be for the faint of heart. The jazz is hard hitting. The funk is in your face. The acoustic songs are mesmerizing, and the rock has an aggressive edge. These are not your radio edits, so if long solos and instrumentals are not your thing, no worries. If you ike a wide array of genres, eras, no time limits and listening to legends, this show is for you, you, and you, too. Thanks for listening!!! @stewstrauss on Instagram and Twitter

My first podcast in 2021 features the songs I've recorded this year. Two originals, which are featured on The Sonny Michaels Show. Plus, a few covers that I poured my heart and soul into. Songs include Middle Of Dismay and (How Do You Tame a) Mountain Man, both Stewart Strauss originals. Covers of songs by T-Bone Walker, Jeff Beck, The Rolling Stones, Ernest Tubb, and a medley of Amazing Grace with House Of The Rising Sun, thrown in for good measure. Be sure to tune into the Sonny Michaels Show (Brisbane, Australia) on YouTube, April 24, for my next performance and some fine entertainment. Thanks for listening!!! April 15, 2021 A correction or two, pertaining to the Jeff Beck "Truth" album.  It was 1965 when I first heard Jeff Beck with The Yardbirds, on the Having A Rave Up L.P. It would be another couple of years until Jimi Hendrix, Cream and Led Zeppelin burst onto the scene in The U.S.A. The first Yardbirds songs that caught my attention (at 13 years old) were I'm A Man and The Train Kept A Rollin'. That's all it took to rock my world! Please give the podcast a listen for more.  Cheers!    

It's all about the music! This year end edition is loaded with my original music, remixes and new covers. Songs by John Prine, Jimi Hendrix and Bo Diddley are covered, as well as new originals performed by Stewart Strauss and (the imaginary) Pandemic Players. (The most timely message from) Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas, Ain't Hurtin' Nobody, Old Number Two, Little Wing, Robbie's Theme, Up From The Skies, (How Do You Tame A) Mountain Man, and Before You Accuse Me.  Since adding a Fender Jazz bass to my arsenal, I decided to replace the keyboard bass recorded on my tracks and instead use the real deal. It helped bring the songs to life and lets me achieve the sense of a real band. I was always in awe of Stevie Wonder, Stephen Stills, Paul McCartney and Emmet Rhodes. They were all ahead of their time, when they singlehandedly recorded some of the best music of the last century. Today's technology makes those tasks much more doable in this day and age, but it's still the combination of art and craft that makes it work. I wish you all the best for a brighter 2021! Happy holidays!! Thanks for listening!!! ©2020StewartJStrauss  

Happy Thanksgiving! As many of you are probably stuffed to the gils, about right now, it seemed like the perfect idea to share a new episode of ITWWSS! This show picks up where I left off last year, in Part One of The Man Who Shook The Hand. This time we're going with Frank Zappa, John Mayall, Mick Fleetwood, John McVie, Mick Taylor, Peter Green, Fleetwood Mac and Sonia Dada. I met them all, but one. Can you guess who that might be?  A few stories and lots of their music! I added one of my own originals, Robbie's Theme, to close out the show. Sit, take your shoes off, kick back, and get ready for a musical journey! It's not for the faint of heart, but if you like music that defies being labeled, then you came to the right place! Happy Holidays!!!

I tore down the opening theme song for my podcast, then built it back up again! I'm leaving it here to stand up on it's own merit. Thanks for listening! ©StewartStrauss2018

Into The Woods With Stewart Strauss takes a musical road trip through America, with a side trip to Jamaica. Starting with an updated theme song and a new original, called "Mountain Man." The song is based on my love for the West Coast, Yosemite National Park and Lake Tahoe. Songs from Bob Dylan, Neil Young, Joni Mitchell, Lyle Lovett, The Blind Boys Of Alabama, Bob Marley and The Wailers, Marty Robbins, with a slew of great singers and musicians.  So please, buckle up and turn up the volume. Thanks for listening! ©StewartStrauss2020

A podcast featuring the voice and musical stylings from Stewart Strauss's home studio. I think of this episode as a musical preview of an upcoming EP. It's all about the music! The show features two of my new original songs and two Jimi Hendrix covers. There's a story or two along the way, that I hope you'll enjoy. Thanks for listening!

The 7th episode of Into The Woods With Stewart Strauss is subtitled "The Man That Shook The Hand Of..." From Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra, Joni Mitchell and Stephen Stills, you'll hear stories about my encounters and some of my favorite music from each artist. I recorded a couple of my own performances, including an instrumental version of Amazing Grace, in memory of my late niece, Lilly Anne Langworthy

While going deep into the cavernous hermetically sealed vault below the Into The Woods With Stewart Strauss Recording Complex, I ran across a Christmas Eve Radio Special I put together for a progressive FM radio station in Truckee, California. My love and passion for an eclectic blend of holiday music began on X'MAS Eve, a few years earlier, when I was on the air at KTHX (The-X) in Reno, Nevada. Bruce Van Dyke, (my boss, program director, mentor and the guy giving me a chance,) left a box of CD's in the booth and said "have fun!" I had a lot more than just fun. I heard from old and new friends, the boss and anyone else that called in while I was on the air. These are some of my favorite holiday songs that represent several generations and lots of fun genres. From Louis Armstrong to Jimi Hendrix, and all points in between. It may be the most eclectic holiday show you've never heard. Better late than never! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Yours truly, Stewart Strauss P.S. What Year Is This?

The ”Into The Woods With Stewart Strauss” Podcast is a fun and enlightening romp through the forest of creativity. Guests will include award winning, nominated and other unique creatives from across the arts and entertainment industry. We'll explore the creative process, tell stories and play songs around the campfire, while searching for the spark that ignites creativity. Michael O'Neill is a world class guitarist, film and TV composer. He's been on the worlds biggest stages and recorded with many of the finest recording artists on the planet. Barbra Streisand, Stevie Wonder, Michael McDonald and George Benson, just to name a few. Michael has generously provided some of his music for the podcasts and is my special guest on this episode. We'll hear songs and stories from Michael's numerous laps around the planet, supporting some of the worlds biggest stars and recording a few tracks along the way. “Wastin' Away In L.A.” is a ditty I wrote and recorded a while back. The band was playing live in the studio and featured Greg Fowler (vocals, guitar), John Balbuena (Rhodes), David Sprock (drums), Phil Upchurch Jr. (bass). Lou Robins (baritone sax) and me, Stewart Strauss (lead guitar, producer) Thanks for listening and I hope you come back often… for our journeys Into The Woods! Cheers! Stewart Strauss

The ”Into The Woods With Stewart Strauss” Podcast is a fun and enlightening romp through the forest of creativity. Guests will include award winning, nominated and other creative artists from across the arts and entertainment industry. We'll explore the creative process, tell stories and play songs around the campfire, while searching for the spark that ignites creativity. Please join David Nieker (actor, comedian, recording artist,) the Into The Woods Orchestra and myself, as we go deep into the vortex of our souls, searching for the force that drives us all. Next up... Michael O'Neill Michael O'Neill is a world class guitarist, film and TV composer. He's been on the worlds biggest stages and recorded with many of the finest recording artists on the planet. Barbra Streisand, Stevie Wonder, Michael McDonald and George Benson, just to name a few. Michael has generously provided some of his music for the podcasts and will be on an upcoming episode. Tom E. Wright is a creative force all his own. The picture you're looking at was conceived of and photographed by Tom. He’s worked with everyone from Jim Hendrix to Peter Gabriel and so many more. “Wastin' Away In L.A.” is a ditty I wrote and recorded a while back. The band was playing live in the studio and featured Greg Fowler (vocals, guitar), John Balbuena (Rhodes), David Sprock (drums), Phil Upchurch Jr. (bass). Lou Robins (baritone sax) and me, Stewart Strauss (lead guitar, producer) Thanks for listening and I hope you come back often… for our journeys Into The Woods! Cheers! Stewart Strauss

The Thing I Used To Do, they didn't have to pay me for, but did. I pulled the microfiber sweater right over their eyes. I loved going to work early and staying late, when there were tracks itching to be spun. Working full time "On The Air" at a commercial radio station (that I loved from the first time I found it on the dial, in a place I loved living) was a dream come true! You'll know why the station is called "The-X" in the first set. Bruce Van Dyke hired me to be the part time overnight deep-cuts relief guy. The station was brimming with some of the best DJ's (not so much boss jocks,) but real music lovers and aficionados, including an early pioneer of Bay Area FM Radio, Baba O'Lear. I fell in love with music and artists that were new to me, but the heart of what a true AAA radio station set out to be. It was all about the music! For me, it still is and exactly why I didn't look back, once the passion was gone. By Y2K it was about over for me. All they wanted were voices between commercials. DJ's with tastes and opinions were no longer needed. Sirius and XM hadn't started yet and I did not want to be a morning jock on a (no offense) Sunny, Alice, or any pre-programmed, consultant run radio station.  I loved it while it lasted and made a lot of great friendships. I met, interviewed and emceed for a lot of great artists, as well. A few of whom you'll hear in this show.  We're going back to the afternoon of January 01, 1998. Dress for the crisp mountain air and snow. Bring your best boots to wear on your happy feet. If you're ready for this musical journey and a timeless blend of some of the best damn music on the planet... Just Press Play!!!

The Into The Woods with Stewart Strauss podcast explores the creative process, through interviews and open discussions. Guests will include actors, filmmakers, musicians, film composers and producers. You'll hear some great music and hopefully, have some laughs. I hope you enjoy the journey and become a regular visitor. So, if you're ready to go on a majestic journey into the woods... Join actor, John Pirruccello (Phil Spector-HBO, Twin Peaks: The Return-Showtime, Barry-HBO) and me, as we get our boots dirty and travel into the darkest forest in search of the light. Just press PLAY!

The Into The Woods With Stewart Strauss Podcast is a fun and enlightening romp through the forest of creativity. Guests will include award winning, nominated and other creative artists from across the arts and entertainment industry. We'll explore the creative process, tell stories and play songs around the campfire, while searching for the spark that ignites creativity. The premiere episode features Josh Eisenstadt. Josh is a writer, producer and director. With several films under his belt and another in the works, Josh is already a journeyman in the film industry. He also happens to be one of the most famous Twin Peaks fans in the world. Next up... Actor, John Pirruccello John is known for his work on stage, both in theater and improvisational comedy. He costarred in David Mamet's "Phil Spector" (HBO), beside Helen Mirren and Al Pacino. David Lynch fans know him as Deputy Sheriff Chad Broxford (Showtime). John is currently in the cast of HBO's Barry, which was just nominated for a SAG Ensemble Award. Congrats, to the entire cast! Michael O'Neill is a world class guitarist, film and TV composer. He's been on the worlds biggest stages and recorded with many of the finest recording artists on the planet. Barbra Streisand, Stevie Wonder, Michael McDonald and George Benson, just to name a few. Michael has generously provided some of his music for the podcasts and will be on an upcoming episode. Tom E. Wright is a creative force all his own. The picture you're looking at was conceived of and photographed by Tom. He’s worked with everyone from Jim Hendrix to Peter Gabriel and so many more. “Wastin' Away In L.A.” is a ditty I wrote and recorded a while back. The band was playing live in the studio and featured Greg Fowler (vocals, guitar), John Balbuena (Rhodes), David Sprock (drums), Phil Upchurch Jr. (bass). Lou Robins (baritone sax) and me, Stewart Strauss (lead guitar, producer) Thanks for listening and I hope you come back often… for our journeys Into The Woods! Cheers! Stewart Strauss