The Strangest Gig

Our guest this episode is Isaac Sloane. Isaac fronts the band Isaac Sloane & The Sound Brigade, a blues/rock/psychedelic/jazz/fusion band based out of Denton. A relative newcomer to the scene Isaac and band have already logged countless shows all across the metroplex and have even earned nominations for Best Blues Band and Best Guitarist by the Dallas Entertainment Awards. Isaac tells some inspiring stories of his dedication to the gig, like walking with his gear three miles to the venue after near totaling his car and leaving it on the side of the highway. AND going straight from the ER to the stage after a suffering a heart attack, with medical bracelet still on his wrist. And finally we hear the hilarious story of when Isaac and the Sound Brigade, in a scene reminiscent of something you'd see on "Almost Famous", played a supposed "peace" festival and got paid in bags of weed. https://isaacsloaneandthesoundbrigade.com/ . Come see Chris J Norwood & The Knockdown Dragout May 30th at the Doublewide in Dallas with Austin soul powerhouse Tomar & The FCs. https://www.chrisjnorwood.com/shows Follow Chris J Norwood on Instagram: @chrisjnorwood And Facebook: @chrisjnorwood . Follow The Strangest Gig on Instagram: @thestrangestgig

Our guest this episode is 4x Grammy award winning audio engineer, mixer, and record producer, Tre Nagella. He has worked with such artists as Kirk Franklin, Ed Sheeran, Blake Shelton, Lady Gaga, and Travis Scott to name a few. Tre describes himself as a Music Entrepreneur. In addition to his career as an engineer/mixer/producer, Tre is also a co-owner of the world class recording studio Luminous Sound Studios in Dallas. And recently Tre has stepped further in to mogul side of the business by starting his own record label. He had some really great advice for younger artists about what a record label might be looking for, as well as great advice for anyone starting out in this business called music. And finally he had some great stories about what it's like working with some of the biggest stars on the planet, including the surprising item that Lil Wayne had on his rider. www.trenagella.com . Follow The Strangest Gig on Instagram: @thestrangestgig . . - The Knockdown Dragout (The Exhibition), the bonus EP of alt versions, demos, and a live track from the debut album by Chris J Norwood & The Knockdown Dragout drops on Mar 28.  - follow us on Instagram: @chrisjnorwood - follow us on Facebook: @chrisjnorwood

Our guest this episode is Rob Garner. In addition to being a supremely talented bass player, Rob is also the Editor and Publisher of Buddy Magazine, The Original Texas Music Magazine. Rob also holds the esteemed designation of being a "Texas Tornado". We get into what print music journalism and physical media look like in today's digital age, as well as how important it is and what it means to the health of the local music scene. We also hear a harrowing tale of the total mayhem that occurred during a Rigor Mortis show at the old Theatre Gallery in Deep Ellum. www.buddymagazine.com (Thanks to Maureen Womack at Rabbit Hat Promotions for her help in setting this interview up.) . . Follow us on Instagram: @thestrangestgig @chrisjnorwood www.chrisjnorwood.com

Happy New Year! Our guests this month are Corey Pond from Spune Productions and Joe Morrison from Mullen & Mullen Law Firm. They stop by to talk about the first annual Jambaloo; a free, week-long live music event in the DFW area from February 2-8, 2025. 4 venues, 8 days, 25 showcases, and100+ bands. We also hear their prospective, as avid music fans, on the importance of a vibrant local original music scene and how it should be supported. And we hear about Corey's encounter with the very paranoid lead singer of Modest Mouse, Isaac Brock. www.spune.com www.jambaloo.live   . . www.chrisjnorwood.com Follow us on Instagram: @thestrangestgig  

6x Grammy award winning producer, Charlie Peacock has had an almost 50 year career in the music industry. His new memoir, "Charlie Peacock Roots and Rhythm: A life in music" comes out February 4, 2025. On this episode of The Strangest Gig, we get into just a few slices from that storied career. Including his time as an artist in the early years of CCM, before it was even called CCM; his work as a producer for such platinum selling acts as Switchfoot and The Civil Wars; and starting his own label Re:Think Records. We also hear the hilarious stories of when he worked with the legendary Al Green on a song for a Christmas compilation and also when his band got shook playing the worst gig ever at a wave pool in New Braunfels, TX. And finally the story of opening at the Roxy in New York for a, at the time, not widely known band from Southern California, who performed in nothing but tube socks!   "Charlie Peacock Roots and Rhythm: A life in music" is available for pre-order NOW! www.charliepeacock.com . . Please follow The Strangest Gig on Instagram: @thestrangestgig Follow host Chris J Norwood on Facebook & Instagram: @chrisjnorwood Or visit his website at: www.chrisjnorwood.com

The Rev. Shawn Amos has had an extraordinary life and career in the music business. His father Wally Amos, best known as the delicious genius behind the Famous Amos cookie brand, was also a successful talent scout (the first black talent scout in the country to be exact) working with the likes of Marvin Gaye, The Temptations, Simon & Garfunkel and many more. So you could say that the music business is in Shawn's blood. Shawn forged his own path, working his way up as an A&R man for Shout! Factory! and Rhino Records. Among the many great artists he worked on records with include soul singer Solomon Burke, Herb Alpert, The Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Matthew Sweet, and the late great Quincy Jones, who sadly passed away shortly after we recorded this interview. Also an acclaimed author, Shawn's book "Cookies & Milk" was awarded the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Literary Work - Youth/Teens! And on top of all that Shawn is a accomplished blues musician and singer/songwriter. His latest albums include the funk-inspired joyful blues album "Soul Brother No. 1" and a live album of 13 Rev classics entitled, "Vivir En España". Recorded on a recent tour of Spain. We get into all that and more in this fascinating conversation with The Rev. Shawn Amos. www.shawnamos.com . . Come check out my band, Chris J Norwood & The Knockdown Dragout, at the legendary Longhorn Ballroom in south Dallas on Fri. Dec. 6, 2024. We'll be opening for Marc Broussard. Tickets at: www.chrisjnorwood.com/shows . Follow The Strangest Gig on Instagram at: www.instagram.com/thestrangestgig 

Our guest this episode is comedian Paul Varghese. Paul has been making people laugh all across the country for over 20 years, but got his start Dallas and still calls Dallas home. He's opened for such comedic luminaries as the late great Joan Rivers and Dave Chapelle as well as many others. We talk about how Paul got his start in the business, what it was like to work with those legends, the effects of cancel culture on the industry, and whether or not we're in a "comedy boom". And finally Paul tells the story of working a college gig that got over shadowed by a build-a-bear workshop next door; and the story of a working-the-crowd assist from Back To The Future's Biff Tannen. Be sure to check out Paul's new stand-up special on YouTube, releasing late 2024. . Follow The Strangest Gig on Instagram: www.instagram.com/thestrangestgig . The Strangest Gig is hosted by Chris J Norwood www.chrisjnorwood.com www.facebook.com/chrisjnorwood www.instagram.com/chrisjnorwood

My guest this episode is Jason Hays. Jason is the SVP of Brand Experience for The Great State Fair Of Texas, which means (among his many responsibilities) he is in charge of booking the music acts; of which there are 80+ local and regional. We talk about the rich musical heritage as well as the current and future stellar musical acts that the fair has to offer. The State Fair Of Texas starts Fri. Sept 27 and runs through Oct. 20.

The Strangest Gig is back from summer hiatus with our wonderful guest, keys player extraordinaire Chad Stockslager. Chad has been a member of a number of prominent DFW bands, most notably the last ten years with Hard Night's Day (DFW's preeminent Beatles tribute act), as well as with the rowdy county group The King Bucks, and most recently with The Bastards of Soul. We get into the differences between playing in tribute bands versus original bands. Also, Chad tells some stories of his time in the King Bucks, backing up the legendary Wanda Jackson, as well as the rowdy times that occurred during their Monday night residency at Adair's Saloon. We also talk about Chad's latest creative venture.

Our guest this episode comes from the other side of the business. Diana Cox is the Vice President of Kessler Presents, the managing company behind The Kessler Theater, The Heights Theater, and the newly reopened Longhorn Ballroom. We had a fascinating conversation and Diana had some really great insight and advice for younger musicians trying to get booked at these storied venues. She also had a few  great stories about some of the stranger musician rider requests. As well as what it was like getting some classic and historical music collectibles delivered to their offices.

Ken Bethea, lead guitarist for the rock band (don't call them a country band) Old 97's, is our esteemed guest this episode. We get into the early days of the Deep Ellum scene as well as the early days of the so-called "alt-country" scene. We also discuss the veracity behind the long held rumor of the Old 97's vs. Whiskeytown beef. And finally we hear the true story of when Ken and the guys finally first got to play the historic Red Rocks venue, BUT as a three piece and without Rhett Miller their lead singer, who decided to try and fly in day of show. Did he make the gig?! You'll have to tune in to find out! "American Primitive" by Old 97's is OUT NOW!  www.old97s.com

This episode's guest comes to you from the other side of the globe. Originally from Dallas, singer/songwriter Vanessa Peters has released several highly acclaimed albums and has done some extensive touring stateside using what she calls, "accidental chutzpah" to book her own shows. Now she makes Italy her home. We talk about her new album, "Flying On Instruments", what the transition to overseas life was like for this ex-pat, and also how some things get lost in translation. Like when a confused Italian tour manager told Vanessa's guitar player to "tocco le palle". www.vanessapeters.com

This episode's guest is one, Sean Russell, lead singer and songwriter for the Fort Worth bands Cut Throat Finches and The Nancys. We have a really fascinating conversation about the state of the local scene and the state of the local music fandom. Sean had some really great insights on the topic. We also hear the insane story of one of Sean's early bands playing during a puppet show in a pirate bar for an unofficial showcase at SXSW...as will happen.   www.cutthroatfinches.com The Nancys

Musician/songwriter/producer extraordinaire John Pedigo is a busy man! If you've been around the DFW scene for any length of time, you know his work. Beginning with his early bands Slick 57 and the Boys Named Sue, later on to touring the country and Europe as one half of the country/folk duo The O's, and also as his solo project Pedigo's Magic Pilsner. John has also produced legendary bands like the Old 97's as well as future legends like Joshua Ray Walker. After we recorded this episode John went on the play Jimmy Kimmel Live as a member of Walker's band. On this episode we talk about a potential new/"old" band, and the current state of the local music fandom. And finally John tells the story of an O's European tour, and their antics which caused a local tour manager to rethink his career.

Marc Solomon and Amy Curnow have been running the music school Zounds Sounds in the DFW metroplex for 18 years. We hear about enormous impact they've made on the music community through their teaching and the anniversary party/concert they're throwing showcasing new an old students and teachers at The Granada Theater on November 21. We also hear about the origins of their band Charming Gardeners and what it's like performing as a couple. And finally Marc tells a hilarious gig story about the time a lit Rick James very emphatically and eagerly talked his way into sitting in with Marc's band at a club in LA. www.zounds-sounds.com www.charminggardenersmusic.com  

Our guest this episode is Kelsey Rae. Kelsey and I reminisce about our time together in Vocal Trash playing fairs and festivals across the country. Including performing during a riot, chain-smoking clowns, and dismissing requests for NSYNC from Justin Timberlake's mom. Kelsey has been performing on stages since she was 5 years old. First in the musical theaters off-Broadway, then as a member of the theater/stage show Vocal Trash for 20+ years, which is where she and I first met. As a part of Vocal Trash she has traveled the world performing and spreading the message of environmentalism and global healing. She now leads her own stage show called 2B1 World (Rhythm and vibrations through music and dance to help heal the world). Kelsey tells us what's it's been like performing in far off destinations and getting to work with youth to inspire change. www.KelseyRae4Peace.com

The man with a million bands, John Dufilho, is this episode's guest! You may know him from The Deathray Davies, or you may know him from The Apples in stereo, or you may know him from Motorcade, or you may know him from Clifffs, or you may know him from Corner Suns, or any other of the amazing bands John has been a part of. An insanely talented musician, singer, songwriter, and producer, John also tells about his newest solo venture as John Buffalo and the circumstances surrounding the writing and recording process for the new album, out this November. And finally we hear a harrowing tale from John that involves near certain death...and a sandwich. 

The Strangest Gig podcast is back from summer hiatus! This month's guest is local DFW music luminary Jeff Liles. Jeff currently works as the artistic director for Kessler Presents. He was also a member of legendary Dallas bands Cottonmouth, TX and Decadent Dub Team, the later of which was featured on the famed "The Sound of Deep Ellum" compilation put out by Island records in the late 80s. If there were a Mount Rushmore of the Dallas music scene, Jeff would be on it. We were honored to have him on the podcast.  www.kesslerpresents.com

Denton musician Spencer Wharton, a.k.a. The Wharbaby, stops by to talk about his band The Infamists and how keeping a band together for 10+ years, especially in Denton, is pretty damn impressive. We also hear the story of how he saved his best friend from a couple of swingers at a biker bar. Check out his bands The Infamists and Spencer Wharton & The Static Creatures.

DJ/Producer Jay Sustain stops by to fill us in on what the gigging scene is like as a DJ. To use vinyl or not to use vinyl. How to pump up a crowd. And how the wrong song choice at a wedding can really ruin someone's day!  www.JaySustain.com  

Mason Adams didn't even pick up the guitar until 7 years ago. When he did, he immediately started writing songs and put a band together. In their relatively short existence, folk/rock americana band, The Mason Adams Project has already garnered quite a lot of success. But even relative new comers are subject to a strange gig or two!  www.masonadamsproject.com

This one's a doozy! DFW based concert photographer, Andrew Sherman, joins us to tell the tale of his past life as a musician living in Los Angeles and playing in a band for the sometimes highly controversial comedian Andy Dick. Hear how Andy Dick's shocking humor almost got him arrested at a gig in Florida. And hear from Andrew what it was like getting to play at the infamous Woodstock 99 Festival! Be sure to check out Andrew's own podcast "Dallas Famous", which you can listen to on Deep Ellum Radio or wherever you get your podcasts. www.drewliophoto.com www.deepellumradio.com/dallas-famous-podcast  

Noted singer/songwriter and producer, Salim Nourallah stops by the podcast to tell the gig story of getting drowned out by Journey playing over the PA at a soccer stadium. We also hear about his time as producer for alt-country pioneers, the Old 97's. And finally, Salim talks about his current projects, including his most recent album "A Nuclear Winter", out May 2023, which he co-produced along with Marty Willson-Piper, former long-time member of the Australian psych-rock band, The Church. www.salimnourallah.com

We continue our conversation with Derek Webb and hear the story of his early time in Caedmon's Call and facing a sea of ska kids.  We also hear about the gig that changed the course of Derek's career.  It's fascinating stuff!  Please check out Derek's new album "The Jesus Hypothesis", as well as the newly re-recorded Caedmon's Call self-titled album, out now. www.derekwebb.com

Derek Webb has had a 30 year career in the "Christian Music Business".  The first 10 with folk/rock CCM band Caedmon's Call and the last 20 as a solo artist.  In part 1 of our conversation Derek gets into why the term "Christian Music" is problematic, navigating life as a middle class musician, and his love of playing house shows. He also talks about teaming back up with his old bandmates in Caedmon's to re-record their debut self-titled album. And finally we hear the strange gig story of a mid-performance confrontation at a show in Dallas that I was actually witness to. Check out Derek's new album "The Jesus Hypothesis" at www.derekwebb.com

Part 2 of my conversation with Matt "The Cat" Hillyer, lead singer and songwriter from Eleven Hundred Springs.  Matt tells the story of touring with his first band, Lonestar Trio, and doing it all the wrong ways.   www.matthillyer.com  

Matt "the Cat" Hillyer, lead singer for the great classic country band Eleven Hundred Springs, comes on the podcast to regale us with some crazy gig stories.  From a casino gig playing for a live chicken, to playing for a lingerie party, to the early days of those infamous Eleven Hundred Springs shows at Adair's.  So many great stories we had to split it up into two parts.  This is part 1.  Matt has a solo album coming out in 2023, so be on the lookout for that! www.matthillyer.com

Violin/fiddle player Scarlett Deering tells us the story of getting to tour with the Eagles and play in the string section, along with her dad Milo.  We also hear about her experiences as a fiddle player in the Texas Country music scene.  Then, she opens up about how "strange gigs" can be for females in the music industry. https://www.scarlettdeeringmusic.com/  

The Dallas guitar playing, side-man, front-man, jack-of-all trades Chris Holt tells us the story of his EPIC Bill Murray moment.  We also hear about he turned a chance introduction to the great Don Henley into getting asked to be a member of Henley's band and getting to travel the world and play with the likes of Ringo Star, Jackson Browne, Joe Walsh, and others.  Be sure to check out Chris's band Bastards Of Soul!  Their new album "Corners" is out now.  www.bastardsofsoul.com

Drummer Jeff Ryan stops by to tell the harrowing tale of playing a show in Dublin during a bomb threat.

L.A. session singer, songwriter, and producer Jeff Pescetto tells us the story of how he became the iconic voice behind some of your favorite childhood TV show themes-like DuckTales, Chip 'n Dale: Rescue Rangers, and Darkwing Duck.  We also hear about how Jeff got to work with such music industry luminaries as Quincy Jones, Smokey Robinson, David Foster, Phil Spector, and many more.  

Producer, songwriter, composer, and sample maker Nick Seeley talks about how he carved out his niche' in the L.A. hip hop and top 40 scene.  Nick's contributions have found their way onto records by some of the biggest names in the business - like Kanye West, Cardi B, Kesha, Nick Jonas and many more.

Jazz drummer, composer, and arranger Stockton Helbing discusses playing for jazz greats Maynard Ferguson and Doc Severinsen.  And tells the story of the most unique gig he's ever played.

Host Chris J Norwood introduces the podcast and tells his own stories about the strangest gigs he's ever played.