Songs That Saved Me

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An in depth discussion with artists, entrepreneurs, and luminaries exploring some of the songs that shaped who they are. Hosted by Ross James.

Ross James

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    • Jul 31, 2020 LATEST EPISODE
    • infrequent NEW EPISODES
    • 44m AVG DURATION
    • 30 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Songs That Saved Me

    Trevor Hall

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 31, 2020 36:19


    I sit down with Trevor Hall and talk about the magic of CD players back in the day and how there was a period of time where all he listened to was Midnite.Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/songsthatsavedme?fan_landing=true)

    Joe Funk (Kitchen Dwellers)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 24, 2020 42:39


    Joe and I caught up ahead of the Kitchen Dwellers shows with Dine From Out There here in Denver. We talked about three very different songs and how they all have been big for him.Make sure to check out our Spotify playlist that features every song discussed on the show: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4woCFOUuh02lbsNetoi1lA?si=viLNtA4IQzOpmzJzKsYHSw Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/songsthatsavedme?fan_landing=true)

    Daniel Donato

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 17, 2020 62:35


    Young guitar slinger Daniel Donato and I caught up about Cosmic Country, the Grateful Dead & three tunes that shaped his path.Make sure to check out our Spotify playlist that features every song discussed on the show: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4woCFOUuh02lbsNetoi1lA?si=viLNtA4IQzOpmzJzKsYHSw Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/songsthatsavedme?fan_landing=true)

    Chuck Prophet

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 10, 2020 39:11


    Chuck and I catch up and talk about the days he spent grinding it out in Europe and what it's like writing songs with a legend in Nashville.Make sure to check out our Spotify playlist that features every song discussed on the show: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4woCFOUuh02lbsNetoi1lA?si=viLNtA4IQzOpmzJzKsYHSw Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/songsthatsavedme?fan_landing=true)

    Chef Wylie Dufresne

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 3, 2020 62:10


    Wylie was the man behind the legendary NY restaurant wd~50. He now runs the insanely delicious Du's Donuts in Williamsburg and is also a huge music enthusiast with an encyclopedic knowledge of Grateful Dead lyrics. It was great to catch up with him and hear about some of the tunes that have impacted him.Make sure to check out our Spotify playlist that features every song discussed on the show: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4woCFOUuh02lbsNetoi1lA?si=viLNtA4IQzOpmzJzKsYHSw Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/songsthatsavedme?fan_landing=true)

    Marc Scibilia

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 26, 2020 42:50


    Marc is a super talented multi-instrumentalist, singer/songwriter, and producer who's been a part hit songs all over the world. We talk about his life and journey and what it was like to lose his father to terminal cancer at the same time he welcomed his first child.Make sure to check out our Spotify playlist that features every song discussed on the show: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4woCFOUuh02lbsNetoi1lA?si=viLNtA4IQzOpmzJzKsYHSw Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/songsthatsavedme?fan_landing=true)

    Matt Butler (Everyone Orchestra)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 24, 2020 44:27


    Matt is a dear friend and I've been lucky enough to travel the world with him. He helped push the directive of the past few episode to focus on the influence of black musicians and that's what him and I do here.Make sure to check out our Spotify playlist that features every song discussed on the show: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4woCFOUuh02lbsNetoi1lA?si=viLNtA4IQzOpmzJzKsYHSw Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/songsthatsavedme?fan_landing=true)

    spotify orchestras matt butler everyone orchestra
    Jackie Greene

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 21, 2020 56:39


    Jackie shares the influence black musicians have had on him and goes through a stack of records that shaped him musically. He also performs one of his favorite Bill Withers' tunes.Make sure to check out our Spotify playlist that features every song discussed on the show: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4woCFOUuh02lbsNetoi1lA?si=viLNtA4IQzOpmzJzKsYHSw Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/songsthatsavedme?fan_landing=true)

    Robert Randolph

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 19, 2020 59:10


    Robert and I talk about his transition from playing sacred music in a predominantly black church to playing all over the world with his Family Band & some of the influences that got him there. We also discuss the systemic racism that is still an issue in our country.* Robert mentions the first time he played with Phil. It was at Xmas Jam in 2001 and he sat in for "Lovelight". You can hear it here: https://archive.org/details/2001-12-21.paf.schoeps.mikeyk.6599.sbeok.flacfMake sure to check out our Spotify playlist that features every song discussed on the show: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4woCFOUuh02lbsNetoi1lA?si=viLNtA4IQzOpmzJzKsYHSwSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/songsthatsavedme?fan_landing=true)

    Phil Lesh (Grateful Dead)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 12, 2020 37:24


    Phil and I talk about the influence black musicians have had on him. He relives three incredible experiences that still leave him at a loss for words.* Here's a link to the course at Stanford that Phil mentions on the show: https://online.stanford.edu/courses/sohs-music0001-online-jamming-and-concert-technologyMake sure to check out our Spotify playlist that features every song discussed on the show: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4woCFOUuh02lbsNetoi1lA?si=viLNtA4IQzOpmzJzKsYHSwSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/songsthatsavedme?fan_landing=true)

    Anders Osborne

    Play Episode Listen Later May 28, 2020 52:32


    Anders has overcome a lot in his life and has emerged as one of the most inspirational and positive people I've come across in this business. He shares some great stories about healing, continually growing, and the role music has played for him.Make sure to check out our Spotify playlist that features every song discussed on the show: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4woCFOUuh02lbsNetoi1lA?si=viLNtA4IQzOpmzJzKsYHSwSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/songsthatsavedme?fan_landing=true)

    Luther Dickinson (North Mississippi Allstars)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 26, 2020 64:26


    Luther and I trace his journey with the electric guitar going from Bo Diddley, to Black Flag, to the Allman Brothers. We talk about unlocking musical doors with psychedelics and the power music has when it comes to relationships.Make sure to check out our Spotify playlist that features every song discussed on the show: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4woCFOUuh02lbsNetoi1lA?si=viLNtA4IQzOpmzJzKsYHSwSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/songsthatsavedme?fan_landing=true)

    Andy Frasco

    Play Episode Listen Later May 21, 2020 70:05


    I welcome fellow musician / podcaster / lover of life Andy Frasco to the program for an off the wall discussion. We get real & we cover it all...imposter syndrome, Van Morrison, ayahuasca, Phil Jackson, and more!Make sure to check out our Spotify playlist that features every song discussed on the show: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4woCFOUuh02lbsNetoi1lA?si=viLNtA4IQzOpmzJzKsYHSwSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/songsthatsavedme?fan_landing=true)

    John Scofield

    Play Episode Listen Later May 19, 2020 36:14


    I sat down with the legend John Scofield. He reveals the unlikely concert that led him to become a jazz musician. Make sure to check out our Spotify playlist that features every song discussed on the show: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4woCFOUuh02lbsNetoi1lA?si=viLNtA4IQzOpmzJzKsYHSwSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/songsthatsavedme?fan_landing=true)

    Eric D. Johnson (Fruit Bats)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 15, 2020 48:17


    As the man behind the Fruit Bats, Eric has written some of my favorite songs in the last 20 years. It's great to hear some of the stories behind a few of the tunes that have been big in his life. Also includes a couple of stellar acoustic performances.Make sure to check out our Spotify playlist that features every song discussed on the show: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4woCFOUuh02lbsNetoi1lA?si=viLNtA4IQzOpmzJzKsYHSwSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/songsthatsavedme?fan_landing=true)

    Marcus King

    Play Episode Listen Later May 12, 2020 34:47


    Marcus has been gigging regularly since the 7th grade. He talks about a few challenges that presented growing up and how he overcame them. We also get to hear two first time performances of Songs That Saved him. Make sure to check out our Spotify playlist that features every song discussed on the show: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4woCFOUuh02lbsNetoi1lA?si=viLNtA4IQzOpmzJzKsYHSwSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/songsthatsavedme?fan_landing=true)

    Victoria Reed

    Play Episode Listen Later May 8, 2020 37:41


    Victoria spoke with me from her home in Mexico City. We talk about what it was like growing up with with her dad being a member of Bob Seger's band, how a song can help you through especially dark & challenging times and how truly powerful the songwriting process can be. She also delivers a beautiful performance of a track off of her new record "Aquamadre" that features her husband, Erik Deutsch.Make sure to check out our Spotify playlist that features every song discussed on the show: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4woCFOUuh02lbsNetoi1lA?si=viLNtA4IQzOpmzJzKsYHSwSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/songsthatsavedme?fan_landing=true)

    Dave Schools (Widespread Panic)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 5, 2020 47:14


    Dave is one of the most die-hard record collectors that I know. Needless to say, I was really looking forward to talking to him about a few of the most impactful songs in his life & our conversation did not disappoint.Make sure to check out our Spotify playlist that features every song discussed on the show: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4woCFOUuh02lbsNetoi1lA?si=viLNtA4IQzOpmzJzKsYHSwSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/songsthatsavedme?fan_landing=true)

    Greg Loiacono (Mother Hips)

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 30, 2020 42:33


    Between being a founding member of The Mother Hips and his solo career, Greg has written or co-written more great songs than anyone could ever hope to in one lifetime. In this episode he talks about (and plays killer versions of) three very diverse songs that had a big influence on him.Make sure to check out our Spotify playlist that features every song discussed on the show: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4woCFOUuh02lbsNetoi1lA?si=viLNtA4IQzOpmzJzKsYHSwSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/songsthatsavedme?fan_landing=true)

    Anders Beck (Greensky Bluegrass)

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 28, 2020 49:24


    I caught up with Anders about a super cool, uncool song and how much it can mean to you throughout your life. He also goes deep talking about the power of writing a song with a friend. Make sure to check out our Spotify playlist that features every song discussed on the show: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4woCFOUuh02lbsNetoi1lA?si=viLNtA4IQzOpmzJzKsYHSwSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/songsthatsavedme?fan_landing=true)

    Karl Denson (Karl Denson's Tiny Universe, Greyboy Allstars, The Rolling Stones)

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 23, 2020 50:48


    Karl takes us through some of the biggest moments in his life and shares the soundtrack with us. He gets real talking about everything from politics to religion and describes how the power of music helped him navigate both. This one's a bit of a master class in jazz along with some absolutely hilarious stories!Make sure to check out our Spotify playlist that features every song discussed on the show: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4woCFOUuh02lbsNetoi1lA?si=viLNtA4IQzOpmzJzKsYHSwSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/songsthatsavedme?fan_landing=true)

    Scott Sharrard (Gregg Allman, Little Feat)

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 22, 2020 40:03


    Best known for his musical partnership with Gregg Allman, Scott has also led a very impressive solo career. We talk about how music has followed him around his whole life and how he ended up playing in one of his all time favorite bands, Little Feat. A must listen for any guitar fans!Make sure to check out our Spotify playlist that features every song discussed on the show: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4woCFOUuh02lbsNetoi1lA?si=viLNtA4IQzOpmzJzKsYHSwSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/songsthatsavedme?fan_landing=true)

    Chris Pandolfi (Infamous Stringdusters)

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 16, 2020 43:50


    Chris shares an experience that first brought him to the banjo and ultimately shaped the path of his life. We talk about what it's like to get to share the stage with your heroes and also discuss a song that's practically become part of the human DNA. We even get to hear a little bit of his great banjo playing.Make sure to check out our Spotify playlist that features every song discussed on the show: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4woCFOUuh02lbsNetoi1lA?si=viLNtA4IQzOpmzJzKsYHSwSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/songsthatsavedme?fan_landing=true)

    Grahame Lesh (Midnight North, Terrapin Family Band, Capitol Sun Rays)

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 13, 2020 29:26


    Grahame talks about being in the car with his parents as a 6 year old and hearing the Grateful Dead for the first time. His mom pointed out that the low notes were his dad. He shares how he learned the music of his father’s band and how he’s carved his own path with Midnight North & the Capitol Sun Rays. We also play a couple of tunes together in the studio.Make sure to check out our Spotify playlist that features every song discussed on the show: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4woCFOUuh02lbsNetoi1lA?si=viLNtA4IQzOpmzJzKsYHSwSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/songsthatsavedme?fan_landing=true)

    Mihali (Twiddle)

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 10, 2020 42:07


    Mihali and I get the chance to connect while he’s at his home studio in Vermont. As one of the founding members of Twiddle, we begin our conversation many years beforehand with a performance of Mr. Jones...a song that made him smile at a time mired in pain over the loss of his father. He opens up about some of the first songs he learned on the guitar and how they shaped his unique style. We cover his first concert experience, his journey with addiction and his ever-evolving relationship with music. Enjoy.Make sure to check out our Spotify playlist that features every song discussed on the show: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4woCFOUuh02lbsNetoi1lA?si=viLNtA4IQzOpmzJzKsYHSwSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/songsthatsavedme?fan_landing=true)

    Alan Forbes

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 7, 2020 30:13


    Alan Forbes is one of the most respected rock & roll artists of our generation. He opened up to me in a rare interview about a song that has followed him throughout his life, gotten him through some seriously dark times, and continues to take on new meanings as he grows. He also sheds light on his creative process and how big of a role music plays in his art and his life. Make sure to check out our Spotify playlist that features every song discussed on the show: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4woCFOUuh02lbsNetoi1lA?si=viLNtA4IQzOpmzJzKsYHSwSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/songsthatsavedme?fan_landing=true)

    Nicki Bluhm

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 3, 2020 38:04


    Nicki and I discuss the moment she found music on her own and her personal journey with it over the last 30 years. We touch on love, the beauty of it and also the pain. She opens up about how music has helped her through difficult relationships and been a large part of her healing. She even shares the story behind one of her most powerful songs.Make sure to check out our Spotify playlist that features every song discussed on the show: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4woCFOUuh02lbsNetoi1lA?si=viLNtA4IQzOpmzJzKsYHSwSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/songsthatsavedme?fan_landing=true)

    Eric Krasno (Soulive)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 31, 2020 28:20


    Kraz and I caught up just after his show in Denver, Colorado. We talk about everything from Zeppelin to Dylan and how his father and grandfather's love of music carried down to him. He even plays one of his favorite songs for the first time on my acoustic in the studio.Make sure to check out our Spotify playlist that features every song discussed on the show: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4woCFOUuh02lbsNetoi1lA?si=viLNtA4IQzOpmzJzKsYHSwSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/songsthatsavedme?fan_landing=true)

    Pete Shapiro (Relix, Brooklyn Bowl, Capitol Theatre, Lockn', Headcount)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 26, 2020 26:28


    I spoke with Pete from his home in New York about three songs that played a big role in his life. We also traced how he went from making a student documentary film about the Grateful Dead parking lot scene in 1993, to being the man behind the band’s 50th anniversary reunion / celebration shows known as “Fare Thee Well” in 2015. Make sure to check out our Spotify playlist that features every song discussed on the show: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4woCFOUuh02lbsNetoi1lA?si=viLNtA4IQzOpmzJzKsYHSwSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/songsthatsavedme?fan_landing=true)

    Scott Metzger (JRAD, Wolf, Circles Around The Sun)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 22, 2020 46:41


    I spoke with Scott from his Brooklyn apartment about some of the songs that made him want to be in a band and that also saved him from going down a dark road. We talk about everything from The Ramones, to George Jones, to Richard Thompson & he delivers three stellar performance as well.Make sure to check out our Spotify playlist that features every song discussed on the show: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4woCFOUuh02lbsNetoi1lA?si=viLNtA4IQzOpmzJzKsYHSwSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/songsthatsavedme?fan_landing=true)

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