The Double Stop

We continue our interview with Ian Little, and learn about the writing and recording process for "Seven and the Ragged Tiger", his life and career post Duran as well as his new Music Outreach Project (MOP). Learn more about the music outreach project at: www.facebook.com/groups/950332548477378/ 

Producer Ian Little joins us to discuss his life and career. In part one of a two part interview, Ian discusses his early days, how he got started in music and takes us up to (and including) the recording of the Duran Duran single "Is There Something I Should Know?"  

Kelly Hansen joins us to discuss his career. From his early days, to forming Hurricane (and their four albums), working with Stuart Smith in Heaven & Earth, Unruly Child, Into The Light (with past guest Tim Donahue) and joining Foreigner (and his 13 years in the band).

Producer Chris Tsangarides joins us to discuss his life and career. From how he got started in the industry, to working on legendary albums by Judas Priest, Gary Moore, Thin Lizzy and The Tragically Hip.   Sadly, Gord Downie passed away just a few days after we recorded this interview. 

This episode we learn about the life and career of Patrick Francis from Tora Tora. He discusses his early days, formation of Tora Tora, success with "Surprise Attack", recording of "Wild America" onset of grunge, recording and shelving of "Revolution Day", the band breakup, reunion and eventual release of the "lost album". We finish on the news of new recordings. This episode was recorded live at the Nashville Rock N Pod Expo. Big thanks to Chris Czynszak from The Decibel Geek Podcast for putting together the event!

Steve Thompson joins us for episode 100! Steve discusses his early days, how he got into production, working with Guns n' Roses, Metallica, Dokken, Cinderella and many more. He also plays us some clips of his newer music.

Short bonus episode featuring Frank Hannon from Tesla discussing his early days and the current Tesla tour. Special thanks to Music Recall Magazine for setting up the interview - www.musicrecallmagazine.com Tesla website www.teslatheband.com

Eric Martin returns to discuss the new Mr Big album "Defying Gravity", as well as his past solo records, Triumph's cover of "Just One Night" and dealing with online trolls.    

This week Tony Platt discusses his life and career. From his early days in the studio to engineering such albums as AC/DC's Back in Black and Flick of the Switch. He shares the story of being with Mutt Lange when they heard that Bon Scott died, to working on Foreigner 4, and his experiences working with Cheap Trick and Buddy Guy. I also talk about the Rock n Pod Expo fundraiser.  Learn more at https://www.gofundme.com/rocknpodexpo

Jay Messina (and guest co-host BJ Kramp from the Rock and/or Roll Podcast) join us to discuss his life and career. From how he got started, to working with such acts as KISS, Aerosmith, Slash and George Benson.

After a long hiatus, we return with an extended interview with Micajah Ryan. We discuss how he got into the business, and he shares his experiences working on Guns 'N Roses "Appetite For Destruction" and "Lies". As well as Megadeth's "Rust In Peace" and "Countdown To Extinction", Bob Dylan's "Good As I Been To You" and "World Gone Wrong" and even Was Not Was's "Walk The Dinosaur".

Tom Size passed away on October 30, 2016. This interview took place on January 16th, 2016, and is re-aired in tribute to Tom.

Paul Gilbert discusses his career, from his early days, to his time at GIT, Racer X, Mr. Big, and his solo albums - including his new release, "I Can Destroy".

'Wild' Mick Brown joins us to discuss his life and career. From his early days with The Boyz and Exciter, to success with Dokken and Lynch Mob, Mick shares his story (and all the mistakes made!). He also discusses the possible reunion with Dokken, his status with the Ted Nugent Band, and goes into detail on his new project - Wild Mick's Bourbon Ballet.

Guitarist Tim Donahue calls in from Japan to discuss his life and career. From building his first fretless guitar as a teenager to his first big break from Mike Varney, to his solo releases Fifth Season, Still Dreaming, Voices In The Wind (Featuring producer Eddie Kramer and vocalist Paul Rogers), Into The Light (featuring Foreigner vocalist Kelly Hansen), Madmen + Sinners (featuring Dream Theater vocalist James LaBrie), and Earlyworks. We also cover his new project - The Cage.

Mike Slamer discusses his life and career. From his early days to the 5 albums he recorded with Producer Mutt Lange (with the band City Boy), why he was thanked in Def Leppard's 'Pyromania', his secret session playing on the first two Warrant releases, and most of his other band / recording projects (Streets, Steelhouse Lane, Seventh Key, Slamer, Ozone).

In part 2 of the conversation with Michael Thompson, we cover specific sessions such as Animal Logic, Michael Jackson, Madonna, and Shania Twain (including over a month working closely with Mutt Lange).

Michael Thompson discusses his life and career, and explains how he became one of the most sought-after session guitarists of the last twenty-five years. A small sample of his sessions includes Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, Celine Dion, 'N Sync, Toni Braxton, Phil Collins, Rod Stewart, Christina Aguilera, Michael Bolton, Mariah Carey, Bette Midler, Madonna, Animal Logic with Stewart Copeland and Stanley Clarke and Shania Twain. And producers such as Mutt Lange, Quincey Jones, Babyface, and David Foster. This week in part one we go through his personal history, and in next week's part two we'll talk about specific sessions.

Recording Engineer/Mixer Tom Size joins us this week to talk about his life and career. He discusses his path into production and covers some of his key projects such as Aerosmith's Done With Mirrors, Sammy Hagar's VOA, David Lee Roth's Eat 'Em and Smile, and the numerous cd's he's worked on for Mr. Big - including solo albums by Eric Martin and Paul Gilbert. He also discusses the new live DVD's by Eric Martin (newly released in Japan) and Mr. Big (release date TBA).

As a part of the later wave of Shrapnel shredders, Darren Housholder missed out on the exposure of some of his counterparts that came out in the 80's, but his 3 records for Shrapnel in the 90's set the bar high for shred. We cover his entire career including his album with Love/Hate, his brief time working with Jeff Pilson's War & Peace, W.A.S.P, Enuff Z'nuff and a near-miss with David Lee Roth. We also cover how he ended up with George Lynch's famous bomber jacket - and its return to Lynch.

Marc Ford discusses his life and career. From his early days, to his first band (Burning Tree), how he got the gig in The Black Crowes, and why he eventually left the band, his struggles with substance abuse, the Black Crowes reunion, his time playing with Ben Harper, his solo albums and the new cd he is prepping to record.

Billy Sheehan ( The Winery Dogs, Mr. Big, David Lee Roth Band, Talas ) discusses his life and career. From his early days in Buffalo and Talas to the near reunion with David Lee Roth Band, the recent fundraiser for Tony MacAlpine, and the new Winery Dogs cd - Hot Streak.

Jon Levin (Dokken, Doro (Warlock)) discusses his life and career. From his early days and bands, to his first big break with Doro (Warlock) with the Force Majeure album and tour. We also discuss why he turned his back on music in the 90's and became a lawyer, and how (over a couple of years) he landed the lead guitarist gig in Dokken. We discuss his 3 Dokken studio albums in depth (Hell To Pay (2004), Lightning Strikes Again (2008) and Broken Bones (2012), plus what the future lies for Dokken and possible recording plans.

In Part 2 of a 2 part interview, Stevie Rachelle (TUFF, Metal Sludge) discusses TUFF and the effects of Grunge in the 90's, the rise of Metal Sludge, and his current projects.

In Part 1 of a 2 part interview, Stevie Rachelle (TUFF, Metal Sludge) discusses his life and career. From a punk-rock loving skater kid, to the frontman of a glam-rock 80's band, Stevie Rachelle walks us through his experiences in the 80's rock scene.

Anthony Esposito discusses his career, from his early start in music, to his time in Lynch Mob and Ace Frehley's band. He also discusses his new gig in Red Dragon Cartel, and gives us an update on the recording of the new album (a return to Jake E Lee's Badlands style).

Howard Benson discusses how he turned a Materials Engineering degree into a career as a record producer. Starting in the tail end of the hair metal era where he worked with bands such as Bang Tango, Tuff, SouthGang, and Pretty Boy Floyd, he moved on to heavier bands such as Motörhead and Sepultura in the 90's, and then hit big in the 2000's with P.O.D., Daughtry, and Kelly Clarkson.

Dave Wittman discusses his career as a Recording Engineer. From meeting  Jimi Hendrix as a teenager, and his first job with Eddie Kramer, to working in the studio with KISS (and the Van Halen demos with Gene Simmons), Peter Frampton, Foreigner, Billy Idol and much, much more. He also discusses the change in the music industry with Grunge, and his work with Trans-Siberian Orchestra both in studio and on the road. This episode features guest co-host Greg Renoff - author of the new book Van Halen Rising.

Chris Moore (George Lynch, Graig Goldy, Cry Wolf, 208 Talks of Angels) discusses his life and career. From His early days and bands, to quitting the music business in his 20's, only to have the spark return in his 40's and return to music full time. We learn about his involvement with Cry Wolf and  208 Talks of Angels, his new drumming book/DVD and the formation of his two new bands - one with George Lynch (formerly named The Infidels), and one with Craig Goldy (formerly named Endangered Species). 

Phil Varone discusses his life and career, from his early days and the history or Saigon Kick, the side effects of their hit "Love Is On The Way", his issues with Saigon Kick's management, and their breakup. Plus he discusses his 90's band with Rachel Bolan, Prunella Scales, and his time in Skid Row. We also cover his other endeavors such as stand-up comedy, writing and the adult film business (and why he left). He talks about his regrets over the documentary "Wake Up Dead", the new book he's writing on an undisclosed comedian, and his newly announced return to music.

Al Pitrelli (Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Megadeth, Savatage, Alice Cooper, Randy Coven) discusses his life and career. He touches upon his early days with guitar and early bands, as well as early opportunities with Michael Bolton, what he learned as musical director for Alice Cooper, as well as discusses bands such as Savatage Megadeth and TSO. He also talks about some of his more obscure works with Randy Coven and TM Stevens.

Barry Sparks discusses his life and career. From early bands to such major acts such as Michael Schenker Group (MSG), Yngwie Malmsteen Ted Nugent and B'z. He also discusses his solo albums Glimmer of Hope, Can't Look Back and his new project Riot On Mars. He also covers his prolific session career and touches upon his brush with Ritchie Blackmore.

Frank Gambale discusses his life and career. From learning the guitar and early bands to his amazing solo career and time in bands such as Chick Corea Elektric Band and Vital Information. He also discusses his new guitar school - Frank Gambale Online Guitar School.

Joel Hoekstra (Whitesnake, Night Ranger) discusses his new project - Joel Hoekstra's 13. He discusses how the new album (Dying to Live) came to be, and the process of recording it. He also provides an update from the last time he was on the show (Episode 34), and discusses the recording the Whitesnake Purple album as well as the Purple tour.

In the second half of the interview with Chris McLernon, he discusses his time in Saigon Kick, including the recent reunion and why he walked away. He also covers his history with Eddie Van Halen, and their bonding over bowling, and finishes with what he's up to now.

Chris McLernon (Saigon Kick, Cold Sweat, Cold Gin) discusses his life and career. From his early days/bands to the formation of Cold Sweat (originally called Ferrari) with Marc Ferrari and Oni Logan - and having Oni leave the band to join Lynch Mob, finding a replacement singer in Roy Cathey, the unexpected success of his KISS tribute band Cold Gin (with future Kiss guitarist Tommy Thayer), and how he got the gig in Saigon Kick following the recording of The Lizard. The interview will continue with part 2 next week. www.thedoublestop.com

Gabe Rosales walks us through his career, from his early days, to joining the infamous "Smoke This" era of Lynch Mob (the recording process and the backlash), working for pop stars such as Jennifer Lopez (and playing Saturday Night Live) his troubles and recovery with addiction, his solo record (Vital Nonsense), activism and working with George Lynch again on the ShadowTrain movie and soundtrack.

Bernard Fowler discusses his life and career. From singing on the street corner at 16 to his 27 years working with Mick Jagger and the Rolling Stones (as well as solo albums by Ronnie Wood and Charlie Watts). He discusses his early projects with The Peech Boys and Herbie Hancock, to Nickelbag (who changed their name to The IMFs because of Nickelback) with Stevie Salas, and his new solo record The Bura. Bernard has lots of great stories from his amazing career.

Dave Jerden discusses his life and career. From his early days to working with Frank Zappa, Herbie Hancock, Mick Jagger and the Rolling Stones. He also discusses the creation of the Alice In Chains sound, his work with Anthrax, and the lost album by Violets Demise with Rowan Robertson and Oni Logan. He shares why he stopped making records for many years, and what brought him back.   www.thedoublestop.com

Jennifer Batten discusses her early days and learning guitar, her audition for Michael Jackson, her work on the Bad, Dangerous and HIStory tours, her account of Greg Howe filling in for her for a few weeks with Michael Jackson (his account is in episode 36), her work with Jeff Beck, her three solo records and her new multimedia tour - Jennifer Batten's Self-Empowerment for the Modern Musician Experience. Jennifer Batten 2015 Tour Dates:7-24 LAS VEGAS 7-26 FLAGSTAFF 7-29 LUBBOCK TX 8-1 DALLAS 8-2 AUSTIN8-4 SAN ANTONIO8-16 MARGATE 8-20 NASHVILLE 8-22 CHARLOTTE  8-23 RALEIGH 8-27 KING OF PRUSSIA 8-29 CARLE PLACE48-30 NEW HAVEN 9-5 INDIANAPOLIS 9-6 LOMBARD9-8 O'FALLON MO  For more on Jennifer Batten: http://www.batten.com/Follow The Double Stop on Twitter: @TheDoubleStopFacebook page is: http://www.facebook.com/TheDoubleStopWebsite: www.TheDoubleStop.com

P.J. Farley discusses his early days, and the formation of Trixter. He covers their early success (when he was still a teenager), their decline with grunge, his other bands with Steve Brown, his work with Lita Ford, the Trixter reunion and their new album Human Era.

Joey Tafolla discusses his life and career. From his early days learning guitar (and his highly musical family), to the record label he co-founded at 19, on again/off again (and now currently on again!) history with Jag Panzer, his solo shredder career with Shrapnel Records (and work with Tony MacAlpine), giving guitar lessons to Buckethead, his tour with the Michael Sweet solo band, and his upcoming projects.

Wyn Davis walks us through his career, from his early days in production, to working with Dokken, Dio and Foreigner. We learn how he became Ronnie James Dio's favorite recording engineer, and shares his experiences working with Heaven & Hell.

Jonathan Mover (GTR, Joe Satriani, Fuel, Saigon Kick) discusses his life and career. From his training a first bands to his work with GTR, Joe Satriani, Aretha Franklin, Fuel and Matt Kramer. He also covers how he started playing with Saigon Kick and also discusses his magazine - Drumhead Magazine.

Mike Fraser discusses his career, from how he got his start with Bob Rock and Bruce Fairbairn, to his first big break with Aerosmith, working with Jimmy Page on the Coverdale - Page cd, AC/DC on The Razors Edge (and iconic guitar parts on Thunderstruck), Blue Murder, The Power Station, Joe Satriani, Chickenfoot, and the new AC/DC cd Rock or Bust.

In Part 2 with Eric Martin (Mr Big) he discusses the first Mr. Big tour with Rush, the success of Lean Into It, the refomation in the 90's with Richie Kotzen, the reunion with all original members, the Mr. Vocalist series of cds in Japan, and he announces his new project with Warren DeMartini (Ratt).

In Part 1 of my 2 part interview with Eric Martin (Mr. Big), he shares how he got his start in music, and discusses his early solo albums "Sucker For A Pretty Face", "Eric Martin" and "I'm Only Fooling Myself". Eric also covers his contribution to the Teachers soundtrack (a song he wrote with Neal Schon from Journey), as well as his near miss in Toto. We discuss the formation of Mr. Big (and the role Mike Varney had), and the recording of the first Mr. Big album.

Sean McNabb walks us through his entire career - from his early days to his first big break in Quiet Riot, he explains it all. He covers his time in House of Lords, Great White, Dokken, Burning Rain and now Lynch Mob. He also discusses his solo single "Fresh Air" where he is in singer/songwriter mode, and reveals Burning Rain's plan to hit the studio and record a new cd for Frontiers Records.

Andrew McNeice discusses the history of MelodicRock.com - one of the first hard rock/melodic rock news sites on the net. He discusses how and why he started the site, its growth, his music festivals, his record label and the current state of the music business.

Ken Mary (House of Lords, Alice Cooper, Impellitteri, Kip Winger) walks us through his career, starting with his early days, his first band (Fifth Angel), his time with Alice Cooper in the 80's, recording early demos with Kip Winger and Paul Taylor, the formation of House of Lords (and why he left after the Sahara tour), his first solo project - Soul Shock Remedy and the House of Lords reunion album The Power and the Myth. He also reveals the terrible back pain that prevented him from playing drums for most of the last 15 years, and how he was able to recover and commence drumming again.

Tom Werman walks us through his legendary producing career, from Cheap Trick to Motley Crue, and Twisted Sister to Dokken. He talks about his early days in music, and his rise to famed music Producer multiple hit records under his belt. He also addresses criticism by Cheap Trick, Twisted Sister and Motley Crue over his production style, and discusses his challenges working with George Lynch on the "Tooth and Nail" cd. He also covers the film Rock Star, and how helpful Jeff Pilson was in the studio. And finally, we discuss his retirement from the music business, and his latest venture - a luxury Bed & Breakfast in Massachusetts called Stoneover Farm.