The Upful LIFE Podcast

TARRIONA "TANK" BALL, founder/frontperson/visionary of NOLA-based, GRAMMY-winning TANK AND THE BANGAS joins B.Getz for a special broadcast aboard Jam Cruise 21! Episode 087 was recorded around 12noon on Day 5, and Tank brought an insightful, jovial, reflective perspective to the table for a coloful conversation. On the hees of a pair of dynamite performances as part of their second sailing on The Boat, having first joined this floating circus a precious few weeks before the pandemic in Jan.2020, Tank talks about her JC experiences onstage and off, past and present. She also revisits her 2024 Grammy triumph, winning Best Spoken Word Poetry Album for their 3-part masterpiece The Heart, The Mind, and The Soul. Other topics include Tank's hometown of New Orleans; embryonic beginnings with SLAM Poetry; longtime friend and collaborator Norah Jones, what makes a BANGA? co-producers Iman Omari, James Poyser, Robert Glasper; the impact of their shapeshifting 2017 NPR Tiny Desk Concert, resulting in Trey Anastasio stanning her band very publicly; getting the 2025 NOLA Jazz Fest poster, and more!  Episode 087 also features an illuminating dialogue with SCOTT T. about his latest foray into a new frontier with the bold, ambitious, and groundbreaking poetry/music/visual art multimedia project TYPE RIDER. This chat was recorded a few months ago at Spirit of Suwannee Music Park in Live Oak, Florida. 0:00 - ep.087 preview 3:30 - sponsor JUST SCHWANDERING NOLA Jazz Fest Parties 6:00 - The Upful Update 10:45 - introducing TARRIONA "TANK" BALL 13:50 - interview w/ TANK [39 min] 53:00 - gratitude x Scott T x Tank SLAM Story 58:15 - introducing - TYPE RIDER 1:02:20 - interview Scott T. [35 min] 1:37:30 - afterglow + ViBE Junkie JAM Tank And The Bangas bio: Tank and the Bangas explore the most tender and true parts of life's journey. Unique and with a vibrance that could only come from New Orleans, the lead vocalist, Tank has stretched her vocals over quirky raps, poetry, and rich melodies since the release of their first album, Think Tank in 2013. Four years later, they had a viral breakthrough as the winners of the NPR Tiny Desk Contest — an eclectic performance that has since been praised by musicians like Miguel and Anthony Hamilton and has now amassed over 14 million views on YouTube. Now, Tank and the Bangas arrive with a new 3-part album The Heart, The Mind, and The Soul. With this offering, Tank opens up about the wisdom she's gained from new beginnings, endings, and in-betweens. special thanks to Cloud 9 and Jam Cruise for facilitating this interview! About TYPE RIDER: TYPE RIDER is a psychedelic multimedia project by Jacksonville-based poet Scott T. Horowitz that defies traditional literary boundaries. Released via Subtle Body Press, a Florida-based publisher, this extraordinary work combines prose, poetry, visual art, and music into a singular, immersive experience that pushes the limits of creative expression. TYPE RIDER is more than just a book—it's a multi-modal journey that engages readers through multiple sensory channels. The project brings together a diverse team of creatives, including Colombian illustrator Jorge Peña, Virginian music producer B. Helix, and mystical scholar Dr. Manuel Festamos, to create a unique interdisciplinary work.  ViBE Junkie JAM "Twice The First Time" - SAUL WILLIAMS [1999]   Buy TYPE RIDER book HERE Stream/Download TYPE RIDER on BandCamp     Please check out our generous sponsor! Just Schwandering x Fest du Void in New Orleans   Venmo B. a few dollas for makin you holla! Upful LIFE Patreon EMAIL the SHOW PLEASE LEAVE A REVIEW on Apple Podcasts Listen/Comment on Spotify Theme Song: "Mazel Tov"- CALVIN VALENTINE

A supreme honor & privilege to welcome scintillating saxophonist/composer NUBYA GARCIA to Episode 086. At the dawn of her first US headlining tour, the UK-based sorceress was kind enough to tap in for a deep, insightful chat on a smattering of salient topics with numerous delightful detours. Your humble narrator has been paying rather close attention to this dynamic, shape-shifting artist since she unveiled 2020 debut full-length LP SOURCE. In 2024, Garcia blasted back with the otherworldly sophomore sensation ODYSSEY, a multi-hued document that delivers different shades than its prodigous predecessor. For just under an hour, Nubya Garcia unspools the passions and pathways that manifested this magnificent new record. Exploring the vision, compositions, and inspirations that made ODYSSEY spring to vibrant life, plus the exhilarating experience of conducting a chamber orchestra for the first time - while recording in a church no less! Nubya discusses her foray into spoken word, recalling a humorous story tracking vocals in Brazil. She later revisits the genetic codes, cross-pollinations and hybrid strains native to the majestic SOURCE. We explore the symbiosis between club culture and her sound art; Ms. Garcia reflects on the impact of NPR's Tiny Desk Concert appearance(s), her lengthy relationships and crucial collaborations with a loyal cadre of co-conspirators including Joe Armon-Jones, Georgia Anne Muldrow, Mala, DJ Harrison (Butcher Brown), and beyond.  2:30 - Ep.086 preview 5:45 - Sponsor: Just Schwandering NOLA JazzFest 8:20 - Sponsor: CORNFLOWER Ka-BLOOM! Tour 10:50 - The Upful Update 14:45 - Introducing: NUBYA GARCIA 19:10 - INTERVIEW w/ Nubya [54 mins] 1:13:10 - afterglow > ViBE Junkie JAMZ  Nubya Garcia bio (courtesy of Concord Jazz): "Nubya Garcia isn't an artist you can easily classify. Is it jazz? Sure, the London-born saxophonist, composer and bandleader grew up studying the genre under the noted pianist Nikki Yeoh at Camden Music. But it isn't until you listen to albums like 2020's Source and 2024's Odyssey that you hear broader creativity shining through: It's jazz, classical, dub, R&B and whatever else Garcia wants to convey. It all comes from a place of exploration and self-study, of wanting to do all the things across all disciplines while ignoring arbitrary boxes that don't fit. Garcia's sophomore album Odyssey released via Concord Jazz. A majestic feat on which she blends orchestral arrangements with R&B, jazz, broken beat and dub, resulting in a grand, nuanced record that feels airy and celestial without sacrificing the groove. It's a deeply personal offering about her trek to falling back in love with musical composition over the past four years." Big Thanks to Mick & the Nubya team for making this conversation possible! ViBE Junkie JAMZ Nubya Garcia - "Source" [Glastonbury 2022] Nubya Garcia - "Triumphance" [Jools Holland 2024] Nubya Garcia & Joe Armon-Jones Band - "Hold" [2020] Mala, Joe Armon-Jones, Nubya Garcia, + more : London 2023   Please check out our generous sponsors! Just Schwandering x Fest du Void in New Orleans Cornflower Music     Venmo B. a few dollas for makin you holla! Upful LIFE Patreon EMAIL the SHOW PLEASE LEAVE A REVIEW on Apple Podcasts Listen/Comment on Spotify Theme Song: "Mazel Tov"- CALVIN VALENTINE  

Episode 085 kicks off with the return of STS9's ALANA ROCKLIN! The beloved bassist delivered one of this program's most popular conversations [#66, Spring 2023]; Rocklin was kind enough to come back for another round, a shorter interview recorded mid-Feb.2025 aboard Jam Cruise 21. We linked up on my cabin balcony for a discussion that covered the band's long-awaited return to The Boat (and Alana's maiden voyage!), new Sector 9 compositions and their forthcoming LP, curating intentional setlists and introducing material in the live element, the post-pandemic current touring model, live music bringing people together in tough times, and more! 0:00 - ep.085 preview 3:30 - sponsor - OM Festival 5:30 - The Upful Update 10:30 - introducing ALANA ROCKLIN 14:30 - interview w/Alana [33 min] 47:30 - afterglow > CORNFLOWER spot 52:10 - introducing ASHER FULERO 56:10 - interview w/ Asher [62 min] 1:57:45 - sign-off, ViBE Junkie Jamz Alana's chat is chased with a lengthier convo featuring Portland, OR's virtuosic keyboardist/producer/composer ASHER FULERO. We unpack his phenomenal 2024 solo LP 'Worlds', a hybrid organic-electronic affair that remains among my faves last calendar year.  Fulero details a journey through the creative process and industry opportunities, how this particular project was wrought with false starts and new lessons/understandings; plus recording/releasing original music in the ever-confounding streaming/social media era of sound-art and consumerism. In addition to Asher Fuler Band and experimental trio Threedom, the artist transparently reflects on experiences working with Emancipator Ensemble, Everyone Orchestra, Liberation Movement, Yonder Mountain String Band, Jon Fishman, and more.   ViBE JUNKIE JAMZ "Exploring An Asteroid" - Threedom "Dark Star" - STS9 live 11/14/24 Fox Theater, Oakland CA *cover photo of Alana Rocklin by Jason Myers, Jam Cruise 21*   Please check out these generous sponsors! Cornflower Music instagram.com/cornflowermusic  instagram.com/theomfestival    Send B a few dollas for makin you holla! EMAIL the SHOW PLEASE LEAVE A REVIEW on Apple Podcasts Listen on Spotify Theme Song: "Mazel Tov"- CALVIN VALENTINE

All the way from Brussels, Belgium - please welcome ECHT! bassist FEDERICO PECORARO to episode 084! An honor and privilege to connect across the world with a member of one of the most exhilarating bands I've had the good fortune of stumbling upon in many, many moons. An idiosyncratic quartet since 2017, ECHT! (Brusselier for ‘The Real Thing') is remarkably adept at reverse engineering electronic music, a modus operandi of progressive-minded live instrumentation unleashed on a lava-like level beyond your wildest imagination. These brilliant lads blend a malevolent concoction of 'Belgian Trap Jazz' that oscillates through soundscapes of sonic revolution. On March 7, 2025 ECHT! will release their highly-anticipated third full-length LP Boilerism via the Sdban Ultra label. 00:00 - episode 084 preview 03:40 - The Upful Update 07:25 - introducing FEDERICO from ECHT! 13:30 - interview w/ Federico Pecoraro [72 min] 1:24:50 - afterglow > ViBE Junkie Jamz Your humble narrator randomly discovered ECHT! via debut LP INWANE, during a lysergic intercontinental deep dive in early January 2022. In the interim three years, the band has been omnipresent in my ear goggles, and I've enthusiastically evangelized the mighty ECHT! everywhere I've set foot, copious festivals and dancefloors from coast to coast . Thanks to Seb at Sdban Ultra, I finally had the pleasure to conversate with ECHT! low-end technician Federico via the interwebs, 5pm in Brussels, 8am here in the East Bay.  For over an hour, we unpack the bombastic unicorn magic that makes ECHT! tick tick boom! Including - but not limited to: new LP Boilerism; embryonic band origin story; the concept/execution of the ECHT! brand of kaleidoscopic sound art; four musicians moving as one organism; the Brussels sound/scene; influences/inspirations from J Dilla to Jonwayne, Skee Mask, Aphex Twin, and even D'Angelo(!); the challenging realities of touring internationally; bouncing back from injuries; programming a live set; their individual and collective creative process, keeping the music in constant evolution; sick side projects, and so much more. ECHT! bio A **deep bow** of gratitude to Federico, the members of ECHT!, and Seb at the label, for making this mothership connection possible. Large Up all dearly beloveds for tuning in to *The Upful LIFE Podcast*. - bg ViBE Junkie Jamz ECHT! 1. Chris Dave & Daniel Crawford - “Takin Orders” > Ashley Morgan - “DOUBLESIZE” > De La Soul - “The Bizness” (Brewmix vol.1, 2021) 2. “Charlier” - INWANE 2021 3.“Boilerbeek” - Boilerism 2025   ECHT! on IG ECHT! on YT ECHT! on Bandcamp Brewmix vols. 1-3 (audio)   Send B a few dollas for makin you holla! EMAIL the SHOW PLEASE LEAVE A REVIEW on Apple Podcasts Listen on Spotify Theme Song: "Mazel Tov"- CALVIN VALENTINE

Ladies and Gentlemen, please welcome back NIGEL HALL to The Upful LIFE Podcast. Member of my favorite band Lettuce. Co-founder and former member of The Nth Power. Collaborator to dozens across genre and generation. My dear friend of a decade plus. Virtuoso musician, otherworldly vocalist, transparent human being. Inspirational cat who takes no shorts and keeps it as real as it gets, and on this episode you find out exactly how/why that is. Unplanned and improvised on the fly, this spirited conversation was taped during day one of Suwannee Hulaween 2024. Nigel and B celebrate their friendaversary in the place and space where it all began, Spirit of Suwannee Music Park.  0:00 - ep.083 preview  3:30 -  iamavl music industry relief fund  5:30 -  The Upful Update 11:15 - introducing NIGEL HALL 19:00 - The Shadow People podcast plug 20:00 - conversation w/ Nigel Hall [102 min] 2:02:15 - afterglow + Vibe Junkie JAMZ  Topics include: a detailed Nigel Hall rig rundown to kick things off. The new Nigel mentality; reflections on Bear Creek beginnings and the Royal Family era; performing w the JB's; the modern-day LETT renaissance; Nigel's love for the city/Sound of Philadelphia; cheesesteak detour; Frankie Beverly and MAZE; George Duke; various projects and records in the pipeline for 2025; Nigel wisdom regarding recovery, transparency, knowledge of self; the sober keyboard brotherhood, and so much more. Check out round 1 w/ Nige  on Episode 043 from March 2021. Deep bow to the great NIGEL HALL for the time, energy, music, and humanity.   Vibe Junkie JAMZ "Greens" - Raquel Rodriguez w/ Nigel Hall "Happy Feelings" (Frankie Beverly and MAZE cover) - Lettuce at Franklin Learning Center in Philadelphia, 9/27/24   Send B a few dollas for makin you holla! EMAIL the SHOW PLEASE LEAVE A REVIEW on Apple Podcasts Listen on Spotify Theme Song: "Mazel Tov"- CALVIN VALENTINE

Episode 082 offers a bit of a different trip than the usual Upful LIFE Podcast. This program is focused entirely on Asheville NC & surrouding Appalachia in the wake of unimaginable destruction wrought by Hurricane Helene in late September. The Asheville music and arts community is a beacon of light and creativity, full of ambitious artisans, dreamers n' doers whom I admire. The good folks of AVL and Appalachia need a whole lotta love, positive energy, prayers, and most importantly DONATIONS to continue their long, arduous process of recovery and rebuilding.  This podcast presents four conversations between five different people rooted down in Appalachia, connected to the local music/arts community, and who each lived their own harrowing version of this same nightmare.  It is an honor and privilege to offer a platform for these special souls to tell their storm stories, and ruminate on the realities of the recovery journey. Tune in for emotional, inspirational reflections from Leah Song (Rising Appalachia) and Andy Fyfe, Josh Blake of GFE and iamAVL, Wren Ashley from The Nohm Collective, and Brian Good of Asheville Music Hall. If you are moved by the contents of this programming, please consider a donation to any of the efforts linked below. 0:00 - ep.082 preview 4:00 - iamAVL - Music Industry Relief Fund 6:15 - Come Together 12/6 benefit concert for Asheville Music Hall 7:50 - The Upful Update 10:00 - why I'm doing a pod about Hurricane Helene / Appalachia 17:20 - shoutout Katie Flanagan - AVL superhero 20:00 - introducing LEAH SONG and ANDY FYFE 23:00 - conversation w/ Leah, Andy [37 min] 1:01:40 - introducing JOSH BLAKE 1:03:30 - conversation w/ Josh [46 min] 1:50:00 - introducing WREN from The Nohm Co. 1:52:20 - conversation w/ Wren [25 min] 2:17:00 -  introducing BRIAN GOOD of Asheville Music Hall 2:20:15 - conversation w/ Brian [19 min] 2:39:15 - afterglow, Vibe Junkie JAMZ On September 27, 2024 the remnants of the Category 4 Hurricane Helene turned Asheville, N.C., into a post-apocalyptic landscape: fallen trees blocking streets; roads turned into creek beds; power lines down everywhere; city water lines destroyed; bridges torn apart. The region's two rivers carried whole houses downstream. What buildings that remain in the lower areas of Buncombe County are larded with a foot-deep layer of toxic mud. Many people died.  The storm was prodigious. Official reports note that 2,300 structures were destroyed completely or made uninhabitable. That's homes, stores, and other businesses. The Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina was closed along its entire length, and its director said that some 10,000 trees had fallen into the roadway. Parts of the parkway were covered in landslide mud, while in other places the pavement had washed away entirely. In several locations, the North Fork Swannanoa River carved new courses, leaving at least one bridge over dry land and the water flowing a hundred yards to the west.   Along the French Broad River south of downtown Asheville, the River Arts District was completely wiped out. The narrow, 14-mile long Hickory Nut Gorge, which drops about 1,800 feet between the town of Gerton and Lake Lure, much of the road is now reduced to a rocky creek bed.  Estimates for regional damages are currently at $53 billion.   Vibe Junkie JAMZ "Tomorrow's Cost" - Secret Agent 23 Skidoo and Friends "Everybody Hurts" (REM cover) - Al Green   Vetted resources and references Grassroots Aid Partnership   iamAVL - Music Industry Relief Fund   Rising Appalachia [several fundraising options]   Flood Back Art    Katie Flanagan [AVL superhero]  donate here   Art Garden AVL   Asheville Music Hall - Joe Marcinek's Dead Funk Summit 12/6   More resources via ArtsAVL   EMAIL the SHOW PLEASE LEAVE A REVIEW on Apple Podcasts Listen on Spotify Theme Song: "Mazel Tov"- CALVIN VALENTINE

Welcome back the lovely and talented singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist Ms. ANNA MOSS. One-half of beloved political folk-hop duo Handmade Moments, the NOLA-based chaunteuse has launched an absolutely sensational solo project under her own name, leading a larger band on guitar and vocals, and she released a fantastic debut LP ‘Amnesty' in March 2024. We checked in w/ Anna at the end of a jam-packed summer for a lengthy, spirited, occasionally raw and vulnerable convo about this dynamite new project, her career evolution, the mental/emotional roller coaster she rode during the pandemic to manifest this music, among other associated topics du jour. Anna Moss was first featured on this program Episode 020 (June 2019), where the focus is almost exclusively Handmade Moments, and her musical/personal journey up through that juncture. Ep.080 picks up where we left off, spotlighting her new chapter: writing solo songs, her killin' band, crucial collaborators, and more. Then we probe a bit deeper beneath the surface to unpack some heavier matters and perspectives, too.    00:00 - Ep. 080 Preview 02:30 - HURRICANE HELENE RELIEF - iamAVL 06:00 - The Upful Update 15:30 - Introducing ANNA MOSS 20:30 - conversation w/ Anna [80min] 1:41:00 - Afterglow x Vibe Junkie JAMZ   Asheville's Hurricane Helene MUSIC INDUSTRY RELIEF FUND   donate via iamAVL "With the world outside her window rapidly unraveling into chaotic madness, Anna Moss found herself holed up alone in her New Orleans home during 2020's unprecedented global pandemic. Frozen in a state of paralyzing panic, crippling anxiety, and isolation, she was armed with only a guitar, and the voices in her head. A working musician her entire adult life, touring gigs and studio sessions had suddenly screeched to a harrowing halt. Online, friends and fans sparred feverishly, screaming at each other and into the ether, while the realities and insecurities of her precarious situation sent the singer/multi-instrumentalist spiraling into a deep depression. Manifested from the nadir of her own darkness and demoralization, Moss mined a medicinal muse from within, incessantly writing on guitar and rediscovering her salvation in song. Intimate, delicate, dreamy, messy, a flurry of new tunes began to flow freely, slowly liberating Anna from the suffocating clutches of her own despair. Emerging from the ashes of this traumatic, dehumanizing spell: a phoenix of deeply personal compositions that would eventually comprise Amnesty, Anna Moss's solo debut LP released in March 2024 via Empire Records. An intoxicating gumbo of bedroom pop and existential R&B, Amnesty is at once Anna's potent opening salvo and a righteous rebirth, too. Paeans born of an emotional purge peel back the rawest, realest layers to reveal ruminations on an artist's humanity. Throughout Amnesty, Moss treads distinctly different topography than with the idiosyncratic Handmade Moments—her long-running political folk-hop duo with partner Joel Ludford. Rich in ethereal harmonies, subtle sensuality, and melodies majestic, her album's stripped-down, organic-soul sound leans into throbbing basslines and pulses with a buoyant thump."      (c) B.Getz, May 2024   ViBE Junkie JAMZ Anna Moss "Gravy" Sari Jordan "Perfect Is the Enemy" [live @ Maple Leaf Bar, NOLA 2024]   Anna Moss 'Amnesty' LP feature via L4LM Anna Moss Instagram AnnaMossMusic.com Sari Jordan     EMAIL the SHOW PLEASE LEAVE A REVIEW on Apple Podcasts Listen on Spotify Theme Song: "Mazel Tov"- CALVIN VALENTINEa

To commemorate the 20th Anniversary of Phish “retirement” shows, hop in the wayback machine to revisit the historic, chaotic, at-times catastrophic Coventry festival, hosted in northern Vermont way back in August 2004. Twenty years later, Episode 080 colorfully unspools an oral history of this fateful weekend, reflecting upon the legendary traffic jam, difficult weather and its consequences, plus inspired creativity, community action, local heroes lending helping hands, and determined phans hiking up to 20 miles into the fest. The focus of this podcast is not the band's atrocious, nerve-wracked, debilitated performances or their precarious situation at that moment in time, as those aspects have been long addressed ad nauseum. Instead, we shine a light on the humanity, heroic efforts, sad turns of fate, and collective connection that defined what was an epic journey to some, and a traumatic experience for others. After I sounded the alarm for last minute submissions, a dozen brave Coventry survivors were kind enough to contribute short personal stories for this wacky, wild, wide-ranging oral history.    In addition, last week saw the unveiling of ‘JAM - The Documentary', a 27-minute DIY film from Alex Daltas that dissects this monumental excursion to say goodbye to The Phish from Vermont at Coventry. The motion picture is mostly sourced from his own pre-festival footage, and a smattering of news reports; it took Daltas two decades of dedication to bring this patchwork vision into tremendous fruition. Alex slides thru to open up about the adventures of Coventry & then the 20 year odyssey of manifesting this movie. 0:00 ep.080 preview 3:30 - a word from our sponsor Fete du Void 6:15 - The Upful Update 9:40 - introducing COVENTRY & ep concept 16:45 - Oral History of Coventry [57min] 1:14:00 - introducing ALEX DALTAS - Jam the Doc 1:17:20 - conversation w/ ALEX [68min]   Rent/Buy JAM- The Documentary HERE Jam the Documentary - story/press release   B.Getz 'Era Ending Event' - Pharewell My Phriend JamBase 8.20.04     Check out our friends Fete du Void, Oct. 3-6 in Oakdale, LA EMAIL the SHOW PLEASE LEAVE A REVIEW on Apple Podcasts Listen on Spotify Theme Song: "Mazel Tov"- CALVIN VALENTINE

Twas an honor and privelege to welcome legendary DJ/producer/multi-instrumentalist GREYBOY to Episode 079!! A career highlight for this program to facilitate a wide-reaching, ever-rare interview with the man born Andreas Stevens, who's pioneering 90's work on Ubiquity Records set, raised, and re-raised the bar for West Coast acid jazz and trip-hop. Greyboy's solo canon is long revered for blurring the lines between hip-hop, funk, soul, jazz, and beyond; he's also the visionary behind rare-groove ragers The Greyboy Allstars. Released June 2024, Greyboy's latest LP Word On the Street represents an artistic rebirth and musical revolution tied to the broadening of his palette and a personal evolution. 0:00 - episode preview 3:30 - sponsor - For The Funk Of It Fest 5:45 - sponsor - Fete du Void 8:20 - The Upful Update 12:30 - introducing GREYBOY 16:30 - interview a/ Greyboy [90 min] 1:46:30 - introducing Spencer from FTF Fest 1:49:00 - chatting w/ Spencer [17min] 2:05:00 afterglow x Vibe Junkie JAMZ 1988 DMC Regional Champion. Recovering midcentury modernist. Responsible for wrangling together esteemed boogaloo bandits The Greyboy Allstars, hence their moniker and sonic blueprint. Over the course of three decades, DJ Greyboy has worked with musical and cultural luminaries that span genre and generation, his music oscillates between styles yet remains consistently Era Correct. Grey shares a few of his leftfield non-musical passions that are sure to surprise even the most attentive fans of his timeless tunes. During this sprawling 90-minute conversation, Greyboy was stoked to explore the inspirations, losses, and motivations that gave us his most recent LP, Word On the Street. Plus unpacking seminal releases Greybreaks, Freestylin', Land of the Lost, and reflections on crucial collaborators. Grateful that Grey was such a open book, and seemed quite happy to hop in the sidehack and bomb the hill down memory lane. Give Thanks for Greyboy. After wrapping with Grey, we check in with Spencer from For The Funk Of It Festival, slated for Aug. 6-9 in NorCal, to get the 411 on this year's throwdown on the Feather River. Vibe Junkie JAMZ - GREYBOY: "Unwind Your Mind", "Grey Royale", "Word on the Street" Dwell Magazine article about Greyboy's house restoration Greyboy - Word On the Street album on BandCamp Check out  FOR THE FUNK OF IT FESTIVAL  August 9-11 in NorCal Our friends Fete du Void, Oct. 3-6 in Oakdale, LA EMAIL the SHOW PLEASE LEAVE A REVIEW on Apple Podcasts Listen on Spotify Theme Song: "Mazel Tov"- CALVIN VALENTINE

Welcome Florida-bred, Denver-based electronic producer duo MZG to Episode 078! Zach and Charles Weinert are wildly talented yet humble and hilarious, studio wizards who can cook up with the best in the game. Many of us have long been convinced these two handsome gents are destined for superstardom, if not global EDM domination. I've had the privilege of watching the evolution of their craft, careers, collaborations, and trademark sound since before they were even performing as a duo, as well as call them real-life homies for nearly 15 years. Get ready for the Twinzies Takeover! 0:00 - episode 078 prevoew 2:40 - For The Funk of It Music Festival sponsor 6:00 - Fete du Void Music/Arts Fest sponsor  9:00 - The Upful Update 15:00 - introducing Zach n' Charles - MZG 20:20 - interview w/ MZG [92 mins] 1:52:20 - afterglow, Vibe Junkie JAMZ Topics include: growing up twins, coming of age in Northeast Florida, separate musical journeys, Greenhouse Lounge/Sir Charles, exploring Ableton, discovering festival culture, finding Soundtribe Sector 9, figuring out Phish, collaborating with Big Gigantic, The Floozies, Griz. Spirit of Suwannee/Hulaween magic, moving to electronic mecca Denver, distilling/focusing their sound. Unveiling house side-project Duplex. A classic tale of the ol' switcheroo, plastic bong/pocket-p*ssy/kazoo with a country cop, plus barrels more laughs and memories. We run thru a few of the most nuclear MZG bangers to finish strong. Bio: Twin brothers, Zach and Charles Weinert, spent many years working on separate musical projects, but in 2015, they relented to the inevitable and joined forces to create MZG. Shorthand for “monozygotic” (the scientific term describing identical twins), the name MZG describes the unique bond these two share. After honing their craft in Jacksonville, FL, the pair began playing out for audiences. MZG's reputation for setting dance floors aflame saw them soon sharing the stage with like-minded acts such as RL Grime, Herobust, and Opiuo, as well as earning residency at Florida festival mainstay Suwannee Hulaween. They've also appeared at festivals Sonic Bloom, Okechobee, and Electric Forest, among others. Rooted in Colorado the past six years, the brothers have wasted no time in making a mark, performing with respected state staples Big Gigantic, Griz, The Floozies, Barclay Crenshaw, and Manic Focus. These self taught musicians and producers deliver bass driven, hip-hop influenced electronica while sharing a chemistry on stage that is natural and infectious. Vibe Junkie JAMZ "One 2 Shtep", "BANGA," "FAYDED2023", "FTCU Flip" - MZG unknown unreleased joint from Duplex Stay up on all things MZG ---> Bandcamp, Instagram, Soundcloud, Spotify   Check out  FOR THE FUNK OF IT FESTIVAL  August 9-11 in NorCal Our friends Fete du Void, Oct. 3-6 in Oakdale, LA   EMAIL the SHOW PLEASE LEAVE A REVIEW on Apple Podcasts Listen on Spotify Theme Song: "Mazel Tov"- CALVIN VALENTINE

Welcome NY-bred, Nashville-based PETER LEVIN, a keyboardist/singer/producer to Episode 077! A veteran of multiple music scenes, bands, and geographies, Peter Levin has written/performed with numerous artists who've appeared on this show, & dozens more who have not. A well-respected musician, songwriter and producer, across 3 decades Peter has collaborated with legends like the late, great Gregg Allman, cultural institutions such as the Allman Brothers Band and Blind Boys of Alabama, rising stars i.e. Amanda Shires, and appears on the award-winning album The Highwomen.   0:00 - ep.077 preview 3:00 - a word from our sponsor For the Funk of It Festival 6:20 - The Upful Update 11:00 - introducing PETER LEVIN 14:25 - interview w/ Peter [65min] 1:20:30 - introducing Jason Abrams 1:23:00- Summer Tours '24 Preview w/Jason  [37min] 1:59:00 - Afterglow, Vibe Junkie JAM   Late last year, Levin released the fantastic record under his own name: 'Saturday Night, Sunday Morning'. The LP features an all-star slate of contributors that dot his musical journey, including guitarists/friends-of-the-pod Adam "Shmeeans" Smirnoff and Eric Krasno. Most recently, Peter has been an integral member of the Allman Brothers tribute ensemble 'Trouble No More', with our hero Nikki Glaspie, among others. Peter Levin was kind enough to take some time to drop in and explore his career and collaborators, a conversation that took place at the very end of 2023. Special Thanks to Solaris Entertainment Studio for making Peter available for this interview. After Peter's interview wraps, we head right into the Summer Tours 2024 Preview segment with returning fave Jason Abrams, co-host of the Rock n' Wrestling Connection Podcast, my friend of nearly 35 years and an encyclopedia of both rock n' roll and pop culture.   Vibe Junkie JAM "The Chain" [Fleetwood Mac cover] - The Highwomen   Check out our awesome sponsor FOR THE FUNK OF IT FESTIVAL , going down August 9-11 in NorCal   Upful LIFE 2023: Favorite Records & More!  Reviews, Purchase Links, Playlists   EMAIL the SHOW PLEASE LEAVE A REVIEW on Apple Podcasts Listen on Spotify Theme Song: "Mazel Tov"- CALVIN VALENTINE

Agent 23 aka Cactus aka Secret Agent 23 Skidoo, welcome to The Upful Life Podcast! A founding member of pioneering Asheville-based live hip-hop collective Granola Funk Express (GFE). A progenitor of "family hip-hop" with his Secret Agent 23 Skidoo project, which took home a Grammy in 2019 for Best Children's Album. Cactus is a published author of several books, and a prolific educator around the country for kids of all ages and backgrounds.   0:00 - episode 076 preview 3:30 - iamavl - thank you for the sponsor 6:30 - The Upful Upfdate 12:40 - introducing Agent 23 aka Cactus 16:10 - interview w/ Cactus [95min] 1:51:30 - afterglow, Vibe Junkie JAM    From train-hopping, to Rainbow Gathering kitchens, to rap cipher's at Phish festivals, this conversation is a colorful strut down memory lane for any GFE fan. And my man makes sure to spread the love around the krewe. Similarly, Cactus takes us through the birth of his daughter Saki, her transformation into MC Fireworks, and the heights their inspiring hip-hop connection took this beautiful family. These days, 23 and his 'Secret Agency' collaborate with students and symphonies, to wed classical music, global indigenous instruments, and storytelling to the elements of hip-hop. Cactus has also evolved into a successful educator, bringing hip-hop into the classroom as a multi-faceted teaching device.   bio Secret Agent 23 Skidoo is an internationally touring, purple velvet tuxedo wearing family funk phenemenon. Combining the positive, primal power of hip hop with the surreal storytelling of science fiction, 23 Skidoo has concocted a potent potion that wows family crowds across the planet. After a decade of touring nationally as a rapper and producer in Granola Funk Express, he released his first kids' hip-hop album in 2008.   The ingredients of his magic spells include reverence for the boundless mindstates of young children, respect for the culture and DNA of hip hop, funk and soul music, and a deep belief in the power of the imagination to change the world in positive ways, both personal and universal. At the 59th Grammy Awards in 2019, Secret Agent 23 Skidoo won Best Children's Album for his record Infinity Plus One. At the 57th Grammy awards [2017], his record The Perfect Quirk was nominated in the same category. Book Weirdo Calhoun and the Odd Men Out won Silver at the 2014 Moonbeam Awards.   Secret Agent 23 Skidoo & Asheville Symphony - The Beat Bach Symphonies Dennis Cook feature article on GFE - 2006   Vibe Junkie JAM  "Dreamland Theatre" Agent 23 feat. Adam Strange   Please visit our awesome sponsor iamavl for the latest free Asheville livestreams!   Upful LIFE 2023: Favorite Records & More!  Reviews, Purchase Links, Playlists   EMAIL the SHOW PLEASE LEAVE A REVIEW on Apple Podcasts Listen on Spotify Theme Song: "Mazel Tov"- CALVIN VALENTINE

Live & direct from their studio in Vienna, Austria, iconic electronic producer/DJ duo KRUDER & DORFMEISTER tap into the Upful LIFE.  On Episode 075, Peter Kruder & Richard Dorfmeister pull up for a colorful, career-spanning conversation, both fellas waxing nostalgic & piloting the wayback machine through the pair's prolific, pioneering journey in sound. 00:00 - episode preview 04:30 - our sponsors: iamAVL, & Love That Baby 09:00 - The Upful Update 13:00 - Introducing KRUDER & DORFMEISTER 21:45 - Conversation w/ Peter Kruder & Richard Dorfmeister [83min] 1:45:45 - Afterglow & Vibe Junkie JAMZ Listening to these two fine gentleman humourously reflect on their embryonic origin story and enduring connection was nothing short of a pinch-me, bucket-list, feather-in-the-Kangol experience for your humble narrator, as K&D music remains among the most sacred in my lifetime playlist. Pod topics include: the serendipitous rendezvous that first brought them together, exploring their idiosyncratic creativity & modus operandi, tech/gear evolution, sampling obsession, the lost mystique of crate-digging, the early days of globe-trotting, crafting genre-defining records & remixes, reinventing themselves onstage, a sensational comeback three decades deep, plus K&D's virgin sojourn to Burning Man- the Black Rock Mudpacolypse 2023.   Kruder & Dorfmeister Bio During the 1990s, Vienna, Austria-based producer/DJs Kruder & Dorfmeister helped invent the electronic music genre known as downtempo/trip-hop. Their presence has loomed large over the scene ever since, despite a relatively small discography as a duo.  With 1993 EP G-Stoned- the first release on their similarly titled record label - the pair established a laconic, smoked-out, organic sound & aesthetic rich in live instrumentation. K&D are well-known to incorporate acid jazz, dub, house, atmospheric drum & bass, hip-hop, bossa nova, funk, soul and beyond into their trademark, succulent sonic gumbo.  The duo built up a lengthy résumé of remixes for a diverse smattering of artists, including Roni Size, David Holmes, Depeche Mode, and Bone Thugs-N-Harmony. Several of these were aggregated on the landmark double-album The K&D Sessions (1998), which was lavished with much critical acclaim upon release and its reputation continues to age like a fine wine. Over the years, the two producers remained active with solo work and adjacent projects (most notably Tosca, Dorfmeister's duo with Rupert Huber, and Peter with Peace Orchestra). 1995, a fantastic full-length studio album of original material that had been mysteriously shelved for a quarter century, was unearthed and released in 2020. Kruder & Dorfmeister are currently celebrating their 30th anniversary with an expansive world tour that unveils an authentic, emotional, kaleidoscopic audio/visual concert experience. Eternal thanks to Peter & Richard for the time, music, & energy. -bg B.Getz's feature: K&D return to US, 1st Burning Man, SF show- Sept.23 K&D 30th anniversary show - Belgium, Nov.23 K&D at Burning Man - DISTRIKT sunrise, Sept.23   Vibe Junkie JAMZ "Speechless" - Count Basic [K&D drum & bass remix] "Useless" - Depeche Mode [K&D remix] "Everybody Loves the Sunshine" [Roy Ayers remixed by NETSKY]   Please visit our awesome sponsor iamavl for the latest free Asheville livestreams! Check out the dope apparel at our friends LOVE THAT BABY   Upful LIFE 2023: Favorite Records & More!  Reviews, Purchase Links, Playlists   EMAIL the SHOW PLEASE LEAVE A REVIEW on Apple Podcasts Listen on Spotify Theme Song: "Mazel Tov"- CALVIN VALENTINE

Welcome ROGERS STEVENS, guitarist/co-founder of Blind Melon - as well as Towne & Stevens - to Episode 073! A dream come true for your host, an unabashed lifelong Blind Melon fanatic. Rogers joins the pod from his cozy home studio just outside Philadelphia for a 90-min conversation about his career - past, present, and future. A peek inside Rogers' process making records with Nathan Towne, and Stevens finally finding his singing voice later in life. Working with Rene Lopez again, long after Extra Virgin and The Tender Trio. Growing up a rocker in rural Mississippi. Embarking on the storied sojourn from the Deep South to the Sunset Strip, arriving at the peak of glam-rock hair-band decadence. Rogers pulls up in a Cadillac, sittin' in the back, opens the passenger door and invites us on a wacky, wild, reflective ride through the galaxies of yesteryear in the Blind Melon wayback machine.  Buckle up fam, this ep is my love letter to anyone who ever treasured this beautiful band, and those of us who still grieve deep for the dearly-departed Shannon Hoon. 3:15 - a word from our sponsor IAMAVL 6:15 - shoutout COLD BLOODED DESIGNS 7:30 - The Upful Update 10:15 - Introducing ROGERS STEVENS + B.Getz's BLIND MELON rabbithole 31:20 - conversation w/ Rogers [97 min] 2:08:30 - Afterglow & Reflections, + Vibe Junkie JAM   Background: In 1990, 23-year-old Shannon Hoon first met Rogers Stevens in Los Angeles after taking a bus from Lafayette, Indiana to SoCal. A year or so earlier, Stevens and bassist Brad Smith had relocated to L.A. from West Point, Mississippi, where they graduated high school and worked on the kill floor of a local slaughterhouse. Stevens connected with Shannon through a mutual friend in Hollywood; Hoon - hometown homies with W. Axl Rose and already making waves on the West Coast - swiftly reeled off a couple of tunes for Rogers. Immediately taken with Hoon's voice and mesmerized by his presence, they decided - on the spot - to form a band together. Blind Melon consisted of Stevens, Hoon, Smith, drummer Glen Graham, and guitarist Christopher Thorn.  A promising, multi-hued, idiosyncratic brotherhood that was sadly short-lived. Dreamy single “No Rain” blasted the band into superstardom pretty quickly, and their self-titled debut went triple platinum in the tailwind of the huge hit. In less than five years, the quintet released a strong pair of studio albums, while touring at a furious clip. They appeared on the Late Show with David Letterman, SNL, MTV, Canada's MuchMusic, and threw down a legendary set at Woodstock '94. Headlined clubs and theaters, opened stadiums for The Rolling Stones, supported Soundgarden, Pearl Jam, Lenny Kravitz, Neil Young, and numerous others.  After the monster success of their debut CD, Blind Melon set about refining/redefining their unicorn sound, as evidenced on sensational sophomore record Soup. Critically-panned and a commercial disappointment at the time, over the course of nearly three decades Soup has proven a celebrated fan favorite. A gumbo of compositions and performances that transcend era and genre, Soup is a magnificent work of high art in the Crescent City voodoo tradition. When Hoon died suddenly from a drug overdose, on tour in New Orleans in October 1995, the band was evolving rather organically, though still finding their stride. A posthumous collection of B-sides and outtakes, the gripping Nico  (named for Shannon's daughter Nico Blue Hoon - only a few months old when he tragically transitioned) was released in 1996, an emotional nod towards what could've - and should've - been.  These days, Rogers Stevens is an attorney who lives in the Philly suburbs with his family. He's currently workshopping songs with Nathan for the next Towne & Stevens record. I offer the deepest of bows & eternal thanks to Rogers Stevens for his time, energy, the music and memories. Rest easy, Shannon Hoon & Long Live Blind Melon!   Vibe Junkie JAM  Blind Melon - "Time" (1995 > 1992 > Woodstock '94) sourced from the film Letters From a Porcupine   Letters From a Porcupine film [1996] All I Can Say [2019 documentary] An Angel On One Shoulder, Devil On The Other by Greg Prado [2008 book] Shannon by Greg Prado [2021 book] MELONcholy & the Infinite Sadness by Chris Heath [article in Details/Nico CD-Rom - 1996]    Please visit our awesome sponsor iamavl for the latest free Asheville livestreams!   Upful LIFE 2023: Favorite Records & More!  Reviews, Purchase Links, Playlists   EMAIL the SHOW PLEASE LEAVE A REVIEW on Apple Podcasts Listen on Spotify Theme Song: "Mazel Tov"- CALVIN VALENTINE

Episode 073 proudly welcomes a pair of prolific special guests: the magnificent multi-instrumentalist, multimedia enchantress, self-confessed storyteller, bard, and muse: Ms. MARYA STARK sits down for a colorful, career-spanning conversation. Chased by a second, equally-illuminating chat with WREN LIZABETH, an herbalist, permaculturist, and educator, the founder of alternative holistic health/self-care collective The NOHM Co., & elixir line The MerTails. 1:30 - a word from our sponsor iamavl 4:15 - shoutout Cold Blooded Designs 6:00 - The Upful Update 10:00 - introducing MARYA STARK 13:15 - interview w/ Marya Stark [46 min] 59:15 - introducing WREN LIZABETH  1:03:15 - conversation w/ Wren Lizabeth [49 min] 1:49:00 - afterglow, Vibe Junkie JAM Originally from Phoenix, Arizona, Marya Stark found her voice in the high desert, and marks a memory as a very young child singing herself into an ecstatic state as the embarkation point for a lifelong dalliance with sound art and music therapy. A decade-long run of critically-acclaimed records would patiently and intentionally unfurl; a career cannon punctuated by emotionally-charged, introspective songcraft, frozen time capsules illuminating her own lived experiences. Nascent explorations in soul retrieval and energetic psychology through expressive arts and ritual performance. In September 2023, Marya Stark released her fifth solo LP, Weightless; an exquisite collection of songs soft and vulnerable, human and dreamy. She's also 1/5 of the acapella supergroup Starling Arrow with Tina Malia, Ayla Nereo, Leah & Chloe of Rising Appalachia. When not composing music or performing onstage, Marya Stark mentors artists and women. She teaches courses in The Art of Voice, Cultivation of the Muse, and songcraft. Stark is the founder of the Temple Of The Muse, leading inner alchemy through immersive expressive arts containers and womb wisdom. Marya Stark currently lives in Grass Valley, California. stay up on all things Marya Stark music HERE find out more about TEMPLE OF THE MUSE Ep.073 also includes a deep dive with a dear friend, the renowned herbalist/entrepreneur Wren Lizabeth (fka Jill TrAshley), founder/owner of The NOHM Co., as well as The MerTails (elixirs as mixers), Village Witches Elixir Bar, plus much more. Based in Asheville, NC, Wren Lizabeth is a familiar fixture at music festivals all over the country and internationally. Often tending bar with The NOHM or Village Witches, as well as curating nourishing meal plans for retreats & parties, or sourcing/making herbal medicine for The MerTails elixir line. Art is her first love, as such the plate and the cup are her canvas. Wren believes our food is our medicine. Wren is passionate and motivated to educate about decentralizing and divesting our dependence on modern day supply and demand cycles and trends. Her work is often focused on rooting them back into local bioregions with her own hands, and creating/nurturing collaborators in such spaces. Wherever Wren goes (including our hangs and this podcast) she sparks profound conversations about conscious consumption, with a goal to expose the accessibilities we have to better facilitate living in sync with our natural surroundings, one bite or sip at a time. Follow Wren Lizabeth on IG @herban_urbalist   Vibe Junkie JAM "God Morning" - Ra-Be 333 feat. Marya Stark Please visit our awesome sponsor iamavl for the latest free Asheville livestreams!   EMAIL the SHOW PLEASE LEAVE A REVIEW on Apple Podcasts Listen on Spotify Theme Song: "Mazel Tov"- CALVIN VALENTINE

Welcome Alex Wasily to Ep.072 of *The Upful LIFE Podcast*! #VeryGood trombonist with NOLA institution Dumpstaphunk since 2016; musical director of Francis Comes Alive, Neal Francis new 11-piece big band experience and concert film. Teacher and student, the crew cheerleader and a masterclass mentor, plus expert mixologist and host with the most. Alex was kind enough to bring his huge personality, beautiful journey, and insightful perspectives to the show for a lengthy conversation. 2:30 - A word from our sponsor  5:30 - The Upful Update 11:00 - introducing ALEX WASILY  13:15 - INTERVIEW w/ Alex [103 min] 1:56:00 - afterglow, Vibe Junkie JAM With a passion for life, art, the hang, and the pursuit of unity through music, alex wasily has made a standout approach to music that can be attributed to his unique unyielding optimism and positive outlook on what most would consider a wild way to live. He goes by many names. a-waz. waz. my dawg. ya boy. the forever hang. Egyptian born, American raised, all soul, and all hang. alex was born in alexandria, egypt and raised in savannah, georgia. performing music is alex's way of taking you out of what may have been a depressing day and into what might be the wildest night of your life. Alex regularly performs and tours the world with Dumpstaphunk and is Neal Francis' music director when the 11-piece goes on the road. he also throws the funkiest party in Los Angeles every monday at Gold-Diggers at his series simply called Very Good Mondays™. Vibe Junkie JAM "Hard to Face the Music" - Idris Muhummad [1976]    Check out Alex Wasily's Very Good Cocktails HERE Alex Wasily trombone masterclass   Please visit our awesome sponsor iamavl for the latest Asheville livestreams     EMAIL the SHOW PLEASE LEAVE A REVIEW on Apple Podcasts Listen on Spotify Theme Song: "Mazel Tov"- CALVIN VALENTINE

A very special guest many moons in the making, please welcome dear friend and fearless leader PAUL LEVINE of Hulaween, Purple Hat Productions, co-founder of Bear Creek and Purple Hatters Ball, Suwannee Resonate, and all-around ambassador of Spirit of Suwannee Music Park. Paul is a major force of nature in our little sliver of the musical universe, responsible for so many epic endeavors over the years. On the occasion of the 10th Hulaween, Paul the Wolf finally slides through the pod to discuss the joys, journey, success, teammates, peaks, valleys, tragedy, community, and the Spirit of Suwannee dream. After our conversation, BG runs thru the Hula 2023 schedule and gives you a handful of can't miss picks. Episode 071 begins with your host's lengthy, personal eulogy/tribute to the late, great James Casey, who passed away August 28th at the age of 40 from colorectal cancer. 3:30 - a word from our sponsor iamavl 6:30 - The Upful Update 11:15 - Remembering JAMES CASEY 28:15 - introducing Paul Levine & a love letter to Spirit of Suwannee 39:45 - interview w/ PAUL LEVINE (73 mins) 1:52:45 - B.Getz's Hulaween 2023 Picks 2:17:45 - Vibe Junkie JAM Please check out our sponsor IAMAVL   James Casey was a longtime saxophonist/vocalist with Trey Anastasio Band, he logged time with Lettuce before that, founded hybrid electronic squad Animus Rexx, performed in various ensembles with The Nth Power, and sat in with countless bands and artists across genre and geography. A certified musical genius, he was a personal friend to me and so many others in the jam diaspora. Offstage, James Casey was somebody I admired for the way he moved through life: determined, ambitious, graceful, loving. From when we met in 2011 til our last interaction, he was always very kind to me. I wanted to say a few words about the man while the wound is still fresh. Rest easy, James Casey. Paul Levine interview: After recognizing the ingenuity, resiliency, and longevity of HULA, naturally Paul and BG hop in the wayback machine for treasured memories of Bear Creek, the long-defunct, bitter-cold, beloved funk olympics hosted in those same spiritualized woods on the banks of the Suwannee River. From there, we love on Lettuce for a good long while, as Levine was instrumental in the band's SE regional come-up, Bear Creek was LETT HQ for seven glorious years, and he remains a major ally and asset to the squad. Paul offers poignant recollections of Rachel Morningstar Hoffman, revisits Purple Hatters Ball, talks Mama Margie, plus music and community as medicine in the wake of tragedy and grief.   Thank you Paul, for EVERYTHING. Vibe Junkie JAM Scott T - 'Get Back (to the River)'   Scott T workshop on the history of the Spirit of Suwannee (Hula 21)   James Casey - Music As Medicine (mini-doc)   Hurricane Idalia Fundraiser for Sonny Perez at SOSMP   ECHT! Live mini-set 2023   EMAIL the SHOW PLEASE LEAVE A REVIEW on Apple Podcasts Listen on Spotify Theme Song: "Mazel Tov"- CALVIN VALENTINE

Welcome the great guitarist/singer/songwriter/producer PAPA MALI! Based in NOLA for the past dozen years, Papa Mali is a certified rock n' roll troubadour, having lived several musical lives in numerous locales across the past half-century. An artist for art's sake and rad to the core, Malcolm is an old-school bluesman, reggae devotee, soul/R&B aficionado - he's at home with funk, folk, and gutbucket piano joints too. The man is a living breathing chameleonic musicologist in our midst. A conversation brimming with detailed ruminations and colorful pointifications. In addition to the Crescent City, Papa Mali reflects on nascent days soaking up culture in his Shreveport childhood, before wandering onward to Little Rock, Kingston Jamaica, Austin, and eventually New Orleans, with a plethora of potent points between. The lifelong soundtrack to these travels, trials, and tribulations is a terrifically-tasty gumbo on the transistor radio station. Episode 070 starts with a short message from your host, a moment of reflection and prayer for peace. Followed by a brief tribute to the dearly departed NOLA drummer/icon RUSSELL BATISTE JR. Papa Mali begins our conversation with a lengthy, touching tribute to fallen friend and collaborator, an Austin legend, bassist BRAD HOUSER. 3:15 - a word from our sponsor iamavl 6:00 - a brief acknowledgement of current events 9:30 - The Upful Update 16:00 - Celebrating the life of Russell Batiste Jr. 21:30 - Russell Batiste Jr. talks about Frenchy 23:15 - introducing PAPA MALI  27:15 - INTERVIEW w/ Papa Mali (108 mins) 2:15:30 - afterglow & Vibe Junkie JAM Please check out our sponsor IAMAVL Papa Mali interview topics include: Remembering Brad Houser, discovering/absorbing music as a kid, Howlin' Wolf, Rolling Stones, Johnny Slim Campbell, a wide-eyed, shape-shifting 1977 sojourn to Kingston, Jamaica at the apex of political gangland warring, getting adopted by rastas in the bush, moving to Austin, acclaimed American reggae band Killer Bees, the death of co-founder Michael E. Johnson, coming back to reggae decades later with NOLA's Shantytown Underground, the connection between reggae/rocksteady and New Orleans R&B/soul, meeting/dosing with Bill Kreutzman of the Grateful Dead at Oregon Country Fair, embarking on 7 Walkers with Billy, George Porter Jr., and Matt Hubbard, writing with Robert Hunter, moving to NOLA and creating Music Is Love album, Reverend Goat Carson, making two LPs with Dan Prothero and Fog City Records, Papa Mali the record producer, and more!   Vibe Junkie JAM  “Flouride” Critters Buggin' (1998)   ECHT! Live mini-set 2023 Stanton Moore and Adam Deitch talk Russell Batiste Jr.   EMAIL the SHOW PLEASE LEAVE A REVIEW on Apple Podcasts Listen on Spotify Theme Song: "Mazel Tov"- CALVIN VALENTINE

Finally... KARINA RYKMAN has come BACK to *The Upful LIFE Podcast*! The bassist/vocalist just dropped a dynamite debut LP JOYRIDE, with contributions and co-production from Trey Anastasio. On the heels of several barnburner festival throwdowns this summer, she's blasting off on a huge headline tour from coast to coast in the fall. Karina slides thru for a candid and colorful conversation, revealing how her career has evolved and exploded since we last spoke. A detailed unpacking of the creation and manifestation of her record. Reflections on musical partnership with producer Gabe Monro, bandmates Adam November and Chris Corsico, plus mentor Marco Benevento. Selling out the venerable Blue Nile during Jazz Fest after dark. And so much more! Ep.069 also contains a short, spirited chat with BRIAN SWISLOW,  keyboardist of Humboldt County's R&B-soul upstarts OBJECT HEAVY. A real hot band out here on the West Coast. Check out my record review of their phenomenal Color Red LP Love & Gravity HERE.   2:30 - a word from our sponsor iamAVL 5:30 - The Upful Update 8:45 - introducing KARINA RYKMAN 14:30 - INTERVIEW w/ Karina (80min) 1:45:30 - introducing BRIAN SWISLOW [Object Heavy] 1:49:00 - quick chat w/ B-SWIZ Order Karina Rykman JOYRIDE on vinyl   Vibe Junkie JAM "Dropkick" - Marco Benevento  2.25.22 Ardmore Music Hall KARINA RYKMAN BIO Born and raised in New York City, Karina Rykman's musical path began in her early teens playing in bands whenever she could while attending a veritable ton of live music as a fan. Her remarkable prowess on the bass guitar soon landed her a number of high-profile television gigs spanning America's Got Talent to backing up pop star Julia Michaels on TODAY. By the end of her senior year at NYU, Rykman's virtuoso talent and infectious spirit saw her invited to join pianist Marco Benevento's band (as recommended by Ween bassist Dave Dreiwitz), with whom she performed countless shows including dates with Vulfpeck, Dispatch, The Claypool Lennon Delirium, Guster, and many more. Rykman soon formed her own namesake band, accompanied by Adam November (guitar, loopers, effects) and Chris Corsico (drums). She quickly earned a reputation as a mesmerizing, unmissable live act, lighting up an array of international stages with headline sets, show-stealing festival performances (including Bonnaroo, Peach Music Festival, and Sweetwater 420 Fest), shows alongside Khruangbin, Guster, and The Disco Biscuits (among others), and recent appearances sitting in with the 8G Band on NBC's Late Night with Seth Meyers. That same spellbinding power was soon captured on a series of independent singles, including “Elevator” and the million-streaming “Plants,” both of which have now been newly enhanced for Rykman's debut album, JOYRIDE. Written and recorded with childhood friend, producer Gabe Monro, the album serves as a vivid canvas for Rykman's vibrant expression and chameleonic songcraft. JOYRIDE features Trey Anastasio as co-producer and featured musician, contributing guitar on five of the album's nine tracks.   About OBJECT HEAVY Object Heavy is Northern California's hardest hitting Soul sensation. Based in Arcata, this cast of musical characters has made waves up and down the North Coast of California, the Pacific Northwest, and various parts of the United States. Object Heavy was voted best band in Humboldt, four out of the last 5 years, including 2022. Object Heavy hit the studio to cook up Love & Gravity, a new album produced by Kelly Finnigan (Monophonics), showing off their progressive yet soulful sound. The band is proud to partner with Color Red Music.   EMAIL the SHOW PLEASE LEAVE A REVIEW on Apple Podcasts Listen on Spotify Theme Song: "Mazel Tov"- CALVIN VALENTINE

What an absolute thrill to welcome FRENCHY to Episode 068! Based in NOLA, this icon of live-painting in both music/festival culture(s) and pro sports is renowned around the world for his stunning version of acousti-optics. Frenchy's joyful, freestyle process and pioneering visual art set the bar sky high for a quarter century to come, and continues to elevate and innovate to this day. Frenchy's flow-state sessions painting the finest live music performances are long the stuff of legend. Funkafied renderings of the heroes of yesteryear and stars of today. A self-taught wizard wielding kaleidoscopic colorways, total Zen amidst the bombastic beats and dancing freaks. Now 53, married with an 11-year-old son, Frenchy marks over 2 consecutive years of sobriety with humor, candor, and gratitude. He offers this beautifully human reflection on his unique journey on this rock. Episode 068 is dedicated to the late Andrew Laganella, aka Lag. I'm sho' those four winds blew you safely Home. 3:30 - SECRET DREAMS Music & Arts Festival 6:45 - The Upful Update 12:15 - Lettuce-Praise merch giveaway, Give Thanks 19:00 - introducing FRENCHY, dedication to Lag storytime w/Bee 31:30 - INTERVIEW w/ Frenchy (75 mins) 1:56:00 - afterglow, Vibe Junkie JAMZ Bio: Frenchy paints with soul and celebration, as he travels the world capturing live music performances, festivals, fundraisers and sporting events with style and finesse. From his palette comes vibrantly colored brush strokes inspired by rhythms and melodies, giving emotions a shape in real time. His vivid, energetic pieces captivate art collectors, sports fans and music lovers alike, as if they had the best seat in the house. Based in the talent-rich city of New Orleans, Frenchy is an ambassador to the arts and a bastion of creativity. Born to a boxer and a saint on August 16th, 1970, in the industrial New England town of Lowell, Mass., Randy Leo Frechette -– a.k.a. Frenchy –- has been drawing since he could grip a pencil. In grade school he impressed friends with caricatures of teachers and classmates, but he did not realize his true calling until The Boston Horns approached him in Orlando and persuaded him to paint their performance live in 1994. Since then, Frenchy's presence has filled venues both large and small with an explosion of creative spirit. I'm mighty proud to be the platform where Frenchy chose to share of himself so freely. -bg for more info on FRENCHY, check out www.frenchylive.com Vibe Junkie JAMZ Brotherhood of Groove - "Wookie World" (2004) SOUL Brass Band - "If You Want Me to Stay" (live 2019 on WWOZ)   WIN a limited edition 'LETTUCE PRAISE' T-SHIRT  info to enter in this episode's intro     EMAIL the SHOW PLEASE LEAVE A REVIEW on Apple Podcasts Listen on Spotify Theme Song: "Mazel Tov"- CALVIN VALENTINE

  On the heels of a fantastic NOLA Jazz Fest 2023, please welcome New Orleans-based guitarist/vocalist ARI TEITEL (The Rumble) to Episode 067. I've been keepin' ears and eyes on Ari for the past few years as he continually makes waves in this country's greatest musical city. With numerous irons in the fire, as well as a laundry list of colossal collaborators, it was high time that I catch up with the young axe-slinger and hear all about his musical journey thus far. 2:30 - The Upful Update: Irmzie injury, NOLA Jazz Fest 2023 14:00 -  introducing ARI TEITEL 18:25 -  INTERVIEW w/ Ari Teitel (73 mins) 1:32:40   - aftermath/reflections 1:36:20   - Vibe Junkie JAM  1:44:30 - BONUS- Summer Concert Tours Preview w/ J.A. (50 mins). Please consider $upporting the Upful Life Podcast   Ari Teitel - Bio GRAMMY nominated Ari Teitel began his career at 11 years old on stage sitting in with Robert Randolph at the Michigan Theater in his hometown of Detroit. Leading a band in the Motor City by age 12, Ari immersed himself in the musical heritage of the city. Studying and adhering to the traditions with the deepest respect. After graduating from Michigan State in 2016, he made the pilgrimage to American-music mecca New Orleans, Louisiana. He earned a GRAMMY nomination as musical director of Mardi Gras Indian Funk band Cha Wa, and worked alongside contemporary groove gurus Eric “Benny” Bloom & Nigel Hall of Lettuce. In 2022, Teitel co-founded The Rumble, a new and improved take on the funk band steeped in NOLA's sacred masking traditions. Also last year, Ari dropped a phenomenal solo LP, I Got My Thing. Now a staple on the Crescent City scene, Teitel has recorded or performed with PJ Morton, Iggy Pop, Mononeon, Cyril Neville, Ivan Neville, the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra, George Porter Jr, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Nicholas Payton, Big Chief Monk Boudreaux, Davell Crawford, Herlin Riley, Papa Mali, Quiana Lynell, Roosevelt Collier, Bill Summers (Herbie Hancock), Erica Falls, Russ Liquid, Adam Deitch, Alvin Ford Jr (Pretty Lights),  and Jamison Ross (Snarky Puppy).  Ari Teitel - Instagram    Ari Teitel - website    Ari Teitel - Link Tree     Vibe Junkie JAM “Burn Rubber” The Nth Power & Friends (feat. members of Dumpstaphunk & more!) Tribute to The GAP Band. April 28th, 2023 late night. Toulouse Theater. NOLA Check out B.Getz's annual NOLA Jazz Fest wrap up on L4LM   BONUS: 2023 Summer Concert Tours Preview with very special guest, the return of J.A. from The Rock n' Wrestling Podcast, one of my hometown homies and oldest friends. His first Upful LIFE podcast appearance in about 2 years! Since this episode came in a couple weeks late due to life stuff, I wanted to throw in some bonus content for the people! So great to reconnect with Jason and talk about some of our favorite topics du jour including - but not limited to - The Phish from VT, the geopolitical lens b/o pro wrasslin', Erykah Badu, Metallica,  Billy K. leaving Dead & Co. just days before their "Final Tour", plus riffing on Taylor Swift-mania, Blink-182/Turnstile, The Cure, Motley Crue/Mick Mars drama, & some hearty laughs too.   EMAIL the SHOW PLEASE LEAVE A REVIEW on Apple Podcasts Listen on Spotify Theme Song: "Mazel Tov"- CALVIN VALENTINE

Welcome STS9 bassist ALANA ROCKLIN! Based in Nashville, Rocklin has a diverse musical background and thorough collaborative resumé. Mentored by the great Victor Wooten, she studied jazz improvisation at the University of Michigan. After a few seminal years immersed in Chicago's fertile avant garde, she eventually made her way back to Music City, where she worked as a session musician for some time. Long before her stint with STS9 began, Alana and her husband Brad Bowden befriended the band in 2001. The duo formed experimental electronic project sub-ID, releasing music on STS9's 1320 Records. Rocklin has toured with Jim James' solo project, worked with J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League on Rick Ross/Andre 3000's otherworldly "Sixteen", and has session credits on numerous other releases. Jazz, classical, rock, hip hop, and IDM electronic are equal components of her extensive musical toolkit. Alana joined Sector 9 in early 2014 after founding member David Murphy's departure. She's been an essential cog in the quintet's jamtronic wheel ever since. Give Thanks and a ***Deep Bow*** to Alana Rocklin for being so generous with her time, and for this illuminating conversation! 2:00 -L4LM's FEST BY NITE. [NOLA Jazz Fest After Dark] 5:00 - The Upful Update 12:00 - Introducing ALANA ROCKLIN of STS9 16:15 - INTERVIEW w/ Alana (100min) 1:56:45 - Reflections & Vibe Junkie JAMZ   Vibe Junkie JAMZ "Sixteen" - Andre 3000 (via Rick Ross) "Cheesecake" - ECHT!  LIVE FOR LIVE MUSIC - FEST BY NITE SCHEDULE EMAIL the SHOW PLEASE LEAVE A REVIEW on Apple Podcasts Listen on Spotify Theme Song: "Mazel Tov"- CALVIN VALENTINE

The Du-Rites' JAY MUMFORD, formerly known as the producer/emcee J-Zone, has worn many hats throughout his career—rapper, beat-maker, DJ, author/journalist, and finally drummer. J-Zone developed an underground rap following during the early 2000s indie hip-hop explosion. As he got older, Mumford grew increasingly jaded with the rap industry, before bottoming out. Sitting on the throne of a drum set, Jay would rediscover his passion for the funk music that first inspired him as a teenager. The major transition began to take shape in 2011, when J-Zone attempted to quit rap, write a hip-hop memoir, and start over as “Jay Mumford on drums” in his mid-30's. An unlikely story, but one definitively his own. On Episode 065, with no holds barred Jay Mumford takes us through this roller-coaster journey, career highlights, lowlights, battles between his ears, and a-ha moments along the way. 2:30 - Thanks to Discovery 2023, Bicycle Day, Electric KoolAid for sponsoring ep.065 6:30 - The Upful Update  9:45 - Introducing JAY MUMFORD (fka J-Zone) 13:30 - INTERVIEW w/ Jay (119 mins) Currently, Jay Mumford holds down the drumkit in a few bands, his main gig is The Du-Rites, a garage-funk duo with Tom Tom Club guitarist Pablo Martin. Mumford has been working with Adrian Quesada's solo projects, including a performance on Austin City Limits with an 18-piece ensemble, an evening Jay refers to as the best experience of his 25 year career. Mumford remains renowned for his ‘Royalty Free Drum Breaks' drum packs, ideal for sample-based producers to mine meticulously-crafted breakbeats laid down in his late grandparents' basement. For a few years, he moonlit as a music journalist, blogging nuanced topics in hip-hop and drummer culture. Jay hosted the phenomenal ‘Give The Drummer Some,' - an illuminating interview series for now-defunct Red Bull Music Academy. The talk radio-style program highlighted the songs, lessons, and legacies of underground/unsung heroes from the ‘60s and ‘70s.  ***Deep Bow*** to Jay for this thoughtful, personal, inspiring conversation. Stay up on all things Jay Mumford/The Du Rites HERE   Vibe Junkie JAM "Funk Monk" - The Du-Rites feat. Money Mark   DISCOVERY SESSIONS Psychedelics Conference SF 4/18-19  BICYCLE DAY Concert 4/19 - SF ELECTRIC KOOL AID Block Party SF 4/23   Upful LIFE 2022: Favorite Records & More! 22+ album reviews, 22 more records recommended, 22 singles/EPs, 22+ DJ sets/mixes, plus 2022 live releases. 6th annual B.Getz compendium w/ playlists   EMAIL the SHOW PLEASE LEAVE A REVIEW on Apple Podcasts Listen on Spotify Theme Song: "Mazel Tov"- CALVIN VALENTINE

Welcome KATHY IANDOLI to The Upful LIFE Podcast! Ever since I tore thru her Aaliyah book last year, I've been patiently-yet-anxiously awaiting an opportunity to speak with Kathy on this show. Ms. Iandoli is a media professional whom I've admired for some time, there's a lot to glean from how she moves thru music/media industries, and I aspire to the levels she's already climbed time and again. An Okayplayer OG, Iandoli has projects and relationships with movers n' shakers all over the map, in hip-hop, punk, fashion, and more. Topics of conversation include - Women coming of age in hip-hop since the golden era, stanning Lauryn Hill, the book on Aaliyah's life, co-authoring Lii' Kim's forthcoming memoir The Queen Bee, the groundbreaking God Save the Queens book, Iandoli's book and friendship with the late Prodigy of Mobb Deep, memories of Okayplayer/Black Lily, her NYU course focused on Lana Del Rey, and Kathy's own personal reflections/stories/perspectives. 5:30 - The Upful Update 12:15 - Introducing KATHY IANDOLI 22:00 - INTERVIEW w/ Kathy 2:18:45 - Reflections + Vibe Junkie JAMZ Kathy Iandoli is a critically acclaimed journalist, author, podcaster, media coach, and documentarian. She has nearly 25 years  experience working in the music industry—from media, to publicity, radio, and artist management. Her first book, God Save The Queens: The Essential History of Women In Hip-Hop (2019, Dey Street Books / HarperCollins) was named an NPR Best Book Of the Year. She is the author of the biography Baby Girl: Better Known As Aaliyah (2021, Atria Books / Simon & Schuster), as well as the co-author of rapper, Lil' Kim's upcoming memoir, The Queen Bee (2022, Hachette Books). Kathy has written about music and gender for two decades, with bylines in VIBE, The Source, XXL, Village Voice, Rolling Stone, Billboard, Pitchfork, BUST, Teen Vogue, PAPER, Playboy, i-D, Cosmopolitan, Maxim, The Guardian, VICE, and many others. Kathy was a professor-in-residence of Music Business at NYU for 7 years as well as an alum of Steinhardt's Music Business Graduate Program and has served as a pundit (television, radio, and panels) for discussions on hip-hop and gender. Follow all things KATHY IANDOLI here!   Vibe Junkie JAMZ "The Sweetest Thing" Lauryn Hill (live in Japan 1999) "More Than A Woman" - Aaliyah (last live performance, July 2001)   Upful LIFE 2022: Favorite Records & More! 22+ album reviews, 22 more records recommended, 22 singles/EPs, 22+ DJ sets/mixes, plus 2022 live releases. 6th annual B.Getz compendium w/ playlists   EMAIL the SHOW!  PLEASE LEAVE A REVIEW on Apple Podcasts! Listen on Spotify ! Theme Song: "Mazel Tov"- CALVIN VALENTINE

Season's Greetings n' Upful vibrations! Please welcome back to the show Dave from Dopey Podcast - now going by his gov't: David Manheim. After 5 years of my dedicated listening/contributing to Dopey, plus his epic, record-holding May 2020 appearance on Upful Life ep.033, and much correspondence between us in the interim, the man they call "Dopey Dave" and yours truly finally met in person, live n' direct at Park City Song Summit in Utah, Sept.2022. A cosmic convergence in stunningly beautiful environs where we were both there in our respective official capacities: as podcast hosts and journalists. We dropped in pretty deep on the last evening of the 4-day event. The revealing - at times intensely-personal - conversation was recorded from the cozy confines of my palatial suite at a high-falutin' ski lodge I really had no business staying. 2:30- Upful Update: Give Thanks n' Gratitude in 2022 10:30 - Introducing DAVID MANHEIM of Dopey Podcast, + a personal message why I feel called to produce programming on wellness/addiction/recovery. 22:00 - INTERVIEW w/ DOPEY DAVE (100min) 2:03:30 - Reflections on Dave + Vibe Junkie JAM Dopey Podcast is a unicorn program - a dark comedy on drug addiction and recovery, plus all the dumb sh*t that happens in between. (check out the profile on This American Life). In addition to holding down 2 full-time jobs (executive for Katz's Deli in NYC, father to two young daughters) - plus numerous losses and unfathomable grief - Dave has not missed a Friday night episode since he started the show with his late friend Chris over six years ago. Dopey recently celebrated it's 8 MILLIONTH DOWNLOAD, and has a legion of fiercely-loyal, dedicated listeners around the world, known colloquially as the Dopey Nation..  On Upful Life ep.033 in May 2020, for nearly 2 hours Dave meticulously and painstaking recounted his journey through heroin addiction of nearly 2 decades. We covered the nascent beginnings of Dopey pod, his relationship with Chris and his friend(s) sudden death, the tragedy and resurgence of Dopey in the wake of their passings, losing his family due to his addictions - then reuniting with them thru sobriety, and a whole lot more. (It's somewhat essential listening before tapping into ep.063, a  reconvergence 30 months on down the number line.) For Episode 063, we pick up where things left off, digging into the evolution of Dopey, embracing the transition to David Manheim, the legitimization of Dopey Podcast into professional wellness/recovery spaces, the concept of survivor's guilt, why Dave is a habitual line-stepper, and beyond.  After unpacking his magical interview with Carolyn 'Mountain Girl' Garcia, former wife of the late Jerry Garcia, we hear about his relationship with Seth Ferranti, renowned chronicler of outlaw/drug/psychedelic cultures. As we delve deeper beneath the surface, Dave and I chop it up on some real sh*t: more polarizing topics/Dopey guests like "Fentanyl Jay" and divisive shock-rapper Tom MacDonald. From there, things get a bit serious - and personal. The dialogue detours into family politics and our divergent approaches to conversations on the culture wars. Fret not, as friends we certainly course-correct for a properly warm n' fuzzy landing.   Thanks to David Manheim of Dopey Podcast for always bringing the Upful vibes! Shoutout to the Dopey Nation - WE SEE YOU!! If any Upful LIFE listeners would like to know more about the Dopey podcast, Dopey Nation, Dopey Zoom meetings, or link w/ Dave, send me an email or DM! Happy to connect, been doin' it for YEARS!   Vibe Junkie JAM  "Mouthful of Cavaties" - Blind Melon   LOUD: A Mac Miller Experience. bass/dubtribute mixtape by Lavier Lab Group v.2 - Long Live the King (CharlestheFirst tribute curated by FAVREAU)   A Deadly Silence- Christopher O'Connor (video of late Dopey co-founder) Please consider supporting Upful LIFE by donating. Thank You!  Upful LIFE 2022: Favorite Records & More! 22+ album reviews, 22 more records recommended, 22 singles/EPs, 22+ DJ sets/mixes, plus 2022 live releases. 6th annual B.Getz compendium w/ playlists   EMAIL the SHOW!  PLEASE LEAVE A REVIEW on Apple Podcasts! Listen on Spotify ! Theme Song: "Mazel Tov"- CALVIN VALENTINE

Welcome DAN CHARNAS! His latest book - Dilla Time: The Life and Afterlife of J Dilla, The Hip-Hop Producer Who Reinvented Rhythm (2022) - is a New York Times Bestseller. Award-winning music and business journalist, author of four books, producer of records and television. Associate Arts Professor at the Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music at NYU. In the 1980's, Dan was part of the opening team at The Source magazine, in the 1990's he worked A&R for Rick Rubin at American Recordings. 3:00 - The Upful Update 9:30 - introducing DAN CHARNAS & Dilla Time 17:45 - INTERVIEW (102min) The product of four years of research and nearly 200 interviews, Dilla Time emerged from a course on J Dilla developed by Charnas at NYU in 2017, but its roots go back to Charnas's time in the record business, when he first made the trip to Detroit to work with the producer then known as Jay Dee.  A huge fan of both Dilla & this expansive book, I'd been waiting since Feb.2022 to speak with Dan about this project, his process, & the Church of Dilla. I've been through the 430-page tome twice, listened to him on numerous podcasts in preparation for this conversation, still Dan was kind enough to give me nearly 100 minutes of his time and thoughtfully answered each inquiry with intention. This topic was so wide-ranging and engrossing that we didn't have the time to get into his long, colorful career path, we stuck exclusively to Mr. Yancey. As a music journalist and lifetime hip-hop head, Dan Charnas is nothing short of a North Star to me; as such it was an honor, privilege, and educational exercise to host him on Episode 062 of The Upful LIFE Podcast. Funk It's Dilla Time Mixtape 2022   33-hour J Dilla Anthology courtesy of Mista Vee   Vibe Junkie JAM Oblighetto - Brother Jack McDuff (J Dilla remix)   EMAIL the SHOW!  PLEASE LEAVE A REVIEW on Apple Podcasts! Listen on Spotify ! Theme Song: "Mazel Tov"- CALVIN VALENTINE

Live & direct from the Park City Song Summit with the sensational LEAH SONG ! An 80+ minute deep dive with one-half of the siren sisters Rising Appalachia. Explore the passions, pathways and pillars that built the bedrock of their unicorn sound. Unspooling Rising App fifteen years in: ambitious activism, adventurous travels, treasured traditions, and a kaleidoscopic career. Musicology and cultural anthropology. Community, collaboration, catharsis. This is powerful podcasting. 2:30 - The Mertails / The NOHM Co 6:00 - The Upful Update 10:00 introducing LEAH SONG x dedications 18:00 Conversation w/ LEAH (81 min) Leah Song takes us back to the early days in the filthy dirty South. Coming of age with one foot in fiddle camps with Mama Appalachia, and the other kickin' Dungeon Family rhymes in the high school cafeteria. Leah's version of the heroine's journey, and the sisters' half-decade long Crescent City swoon. Coming full circle to the French Quarter for a live LP from the prestigious Preservation Hall. We unpack the improv-heavy, surprise 2020 album The Lost Mystique of Being in the Know and get a window into it's ethereal masterpiece "Silver". Leah Song loves long and hard on her sister and their ever-loyal squad: essential contributions like Chloe's magnum opus "Resilient". The unique skillsets of multi-instrumentalists David Brown, Biko Casini, Duncan Wickel, Arouna Diarra, plus longtime Bayou collaborators Aurora Nealand, and Brandon Lewis. Get hip to brand-new girl-band Starling Arrow, a celestial acapella quintet featuring Leah, Chloe, Tina Malia, Marya Stark, and Ayla Nereo. Rising Appalachia has always been proudlly - and defiantly- an activist band. Leah discusses retreating from front line justice work, she ruminates on softening the storytelling with regard to protest music in a post-pandemic landscape. With her band hitting the road again, dealing hopeful global soul in search of community and spreading catharsis, the veteran songwriter reflects on the effects of the epic pause. One of the more profound programs this podcast has produced, a proud day, from Atlanta G-A all the way to the East Bay. Big Up Leah Song and Rising Appalachia. Give Thanks! Yes, indeedy. Vibe Junkie JAMZ "Downtown" - Soul Visions Rising Appalachia/The Human Experience   "Novels of Acquaintance" Rising Appalachia - live in Switzerland,  14 Sept 2018   EMAIL the SHOW! B.Getz@UpfulLIFE.com PLEASE LEAVE A REVIEW on Apple Podcasts! Listen to Upful LIFE on Spotify ! Theme Song: "Mazel Tov"- CALVIN VALENTINE

Checking in from the Asking For A Friend Tour, Umphrey's McGee keyboardist/co-founder JOEL CUMMINS saddles up for an insightful chat. I was lucky to run right into Joel at Sacred Rose outside of Chicago at the end of August, where UM headlined with two sets on Saturday night. Turns out the multi-faceted artist was keen to come on this show! I'm a bit less familiar with this band's catalog than many of the guests who bless up these podwaves, yet I've always been friendly with Joel over the past decade or so. I have a tremendous respect for what he - and his brothers in Umphrey's McGee - have worked so diligently (and independently) to build over the course of twenty-five years. 2:45    - The Upful Update 7:00    - Introducing JOEL CUMMINS of Umphrey's McGee 14:00 - Interview- JOEL CUMMINS I was stoked to link up with Cummins right after Sacred Rose, and chop it up on the backstory on his band's new album and the latest on the tour behind it. We get into Umphrey's McGee road-dawg trends and preferences, the advantages to routing weekend runs, keeping an improv band fresh and focused onstage, getting along off of it. We hear about the music business book that Joel authored a couple of years ago, plus some wisdom and perspective on the back end of the pandemic experience. Cummins touches on his passion for the iconic Fender Rhodes electric piano. Nods to Keith Jarrett, Donny Hathaway, his love for Claude Debussy and classical music, as well as Metallica's 1988 prog-metal masterpiece ...And Justice For All. I was sure to sneak in a smidge of Steely Dan debate before our time ran out. Big thanks to Joel Cummins!   Vibe Junkie JAMZ "So Much" Umphrey's McGee - Asking For a Friend   "Tonberry" lespecial Live from Rick's House June 2022   EMAIL the SHOW! B.Getz@UpfulLIFE.cSom PLEASE LEAVE A REVIEW on Apple Podcasts! Listen to Upful LIFE on Spotify ! Theme Song: "Mazel Tov"- CALVIN VALENTINE

Welcome BEN BLOOM and JASON GRAY of POLYRHYTHMICS! This wide-ranging conversation took place on the Sunday of Suwannee Rising, after the band dropped a pair of scorching sets on SOSMP. With the fest raging in the distance, the three of us snuck off to have a lengthy discussion on the band's journey, inspirations, intention, mission, future and more.  3:25 SACRED ROSE & BROOKLYN COMES ALIVE  8:30  The Upful Update w/ B.Getz 13:25  Introducing POLYRHYTHMICS  18:45  INTERVIEW w/ Ben & Jason of Polyrhythmics  A hard-driving modern afro-psycho-beat squadron, Polyrhythmics feature the heart-thumping bass lines of Jason Gray, and the colorful, intricate phrasings of Ben Bloom's guitar. A true “democratic” collaborative, Polyrhythmics includes three horn players, guitar, bass, drums, percussion and keys. Meditative hypnosis and elements of surprise make up a sonic foundation for their mystical, genre-blurring brand of sound art. The collective continues to mature into a muscular live unit, known for painting vivid instrumental imagery using complex rhythms, impressive dynamics, and a searing level of precision. Ben Bloom and I go back almost 25 years, to the fertile embryonic jam scene of the Northeast, and 1.0 Phish adventures too. So we were well acquainted before this chat. Bloom began playing guitar at 9, attended college at Boston University. By high school, he knew music would be his life's work. Later, Bloom moved to Seattle, honed his skills with bands in local clubs, before co-founding Polyrhythmics in 2009. Ben connected with Jason Gray, a Californian who had moved away from music while doing a stint on submarines in the Navy, eventually landing in Seattle. Gray found his way through to the city's musical bosom and into one of it's hottest bands. In addition to holding down the low end with Polyrhythmics, Gray operates Blue Mallard Studios, where he produces and engineers. www.Polyrhythmics.com   Vibe Junkie JAMZ ! "Stakes is High" - yasiin bey (fka Mos Def) w/ Robert Glasper Experiment  Live at Vaulx Jazz - 2019 "Chelada" - POLYRHYTHMICS  KEXP Live 2019   EMAIL the SHOW! B.Getz@UpfulLIFE.com PLEASE LEAVE A REVIEW on Apple Podcasts! Listen to Upful LIFE on Spotify ! Theme Song: "Mazel Tov"- CALVIN VALENTINE

Welcome virtuosic bassist NATE EDGAR of THE NTH POWER to Ep.058! Nate is a helluva player, and he takes us inside his process, influences, mindset, and intentions as a bassist, band member, brother, and low-end medicine man. Heaping slabs of musicology with a healthy serving of humanity. Nate Dawg doesn't do very many interviews - certainly not lengthy, super-personal purges - so this ep is a real treat, and an emotional sledgehammer. A gentleman, scholar, subsonic sorcerer, and servant of the song,  Buckle up fam, we're goin IN! Ladies and gentleman, Mr. Nate Edgar. 3:00 - new sponsor! THE LEGION OF BLOOM 5:00 - Upful Update 10:00 - Introducing NATE EDGAR 16:00 - Interview - NATE DAWG We hop in the wayback machine to discuss Nate's roots in New Hampshire, from nascent backpack rap steez to a teenager runnin' away on Dead tour, playing in newgrass bands or working as a garbage man. Boston/Wally's/NE jam scene back in the day, learning tuba to get into college, and other random historical minutiae. In a touching, insightful segment, Nate takes us through his experience working with pioneering American reggae band John Brown's Body, and expounds on the legacy of his dear friend, JBB bassist, the late Scott Palmer.  Naturally, we dig DEEP on all things The Nth Power, past, present and future. Ruminations on his bandmates as family, the core trio perservering through adversity, the inherent spirituality in their music. Plus reflections on collaborating with Weedie Braimah, Nigel Hall, Rob Marscher, and the friendship, mentorship, kindness and unbelievable talent of the late, great Kofi Burbridge. We unpack Nth's unparalleled tribute mojo: from Earth, Wind & Power to Bob Marley to Steely Dan, High Sierra's Gospel According to Nth, and a little teaser for Cool Cool Cool just around the bend at Brooklyn Comes Alive.  MY MAN NATE. Came thru and came CORRECT! The Nth Power really does LOVE us. Vibe Junkie JAM "Terrapin Station" - The Nth Power Ball Suwannee Rising 4.9.22   EMAIL the SHOW! B.Getz@UpfulLIFE.com PLEASE LEAVE A REVIEW on Apple Podcasts! Listen to Upful LIFE on Spotify ! Theme Song: "Mazel Tov"- CALVIN VALENTINE

RON JOHNSON on the bass. Ron Johnson on the BASS! Currently holding down the low-end with red-hot guitar phenom Samantha Fish. Ron worked extensively with Gregg Allman at the end of his life, developing a profound friendship in Gregg's final act. Ron toured hard with Warren Haynes Band, has collaborated with Anders Osborne. Chris Cain, Nigel Hall, and dozens of others. Ron was the longtime sturdy anchor for Karl Denson's Tiny Universe, during what I firmly believe to be their mightiest era, 2000-2006.  3:15 - PSA from your humble narrator 4:20 - Derrick Freeman & Smoker's World "HoTel" + BG catches Covid during Jazz Fest 10:00 - Introducing RON JOHNSON on the Bass! 19:00 - RON JOHNSON INTERVIEW  (85 mins) A few weeks back, Ron was traveling through NorCal, and we finally connected for a proper chat, all about his musical journey and more. It was long overdue, & nothing short of an absolute joy! Ron grew up in SoCal, came of age in NorCal, I met him 20 years ago when he was living in Brooklyn. Now he's got about a decade in NOLA. We had a LOT of ground to cover! Please welcome to Ep.057 of *The Upful LIFE Podcast* the very first musician to pull back the curtain for yours truly, my first friend in the game.  Fantastic bass player, gem of a human, open book. Ron Johnson LIVE & DIREKT from the Vibe Junkie Studios -aka- my back deck in Oakland.   Vibe Junkie JAMZ KDTU - "New Tune" - Late Night Bonnaroo, June 2002 GREGG ALLMAN - "Whipping Post" - Wanee Festival April 2016 NIGEL HALL BAND- "God Bless the Absentee" (Paul Simon) Sullivan Hall, NYC 1/27/13     EMAIL the SHOW! B.Getz@UpfulLIFE.com PLEASE LEAVE A REVIEW on Apple Podcasts! Listen to Upful LIFE on Spotify ! Theme Song: "Mazel Tov"- CALVIN VALENTINE

Please welcome SKERIK, Seattle's inimitable master of saxophone skronk, to Episode 056 of *The Upful LIFE Podcast. Brilliant on both tenor and baritone saxophone,  most often mixing in electronics, effects, and loops, Skerik is nothing short of a pioneer in saxophonics. 3:15 - Introducing Skerik 9:30 - Skerik interview Co-founder of Critters Buggin, Garage a Trois, Tuatara, DRKWAV, and Skerik's Syncopated Taint Septet. He is also an original member of both Les Claypool's Fancy Band and Fearless Flying Frog Brigade. Skerik has worked extensively with Stanton Moore (drummer-Galactic) and Charlie Hunter (8-string guitar) across numerous collabs, including Bastard Jazz, Emerald Quintet, plus Omaha Diner, Coalition of the Willing. His list of projects and peers is far too long for a podcast synopsis! Skerik is a son of Seattle through and through, even briefly working with grunge super-band Mad Season. We touch on a number of these topics in this wide-ranging conversation   Vibe Junkie JAM 30 mins of Col. Claypool's Fearless Flying Frog Brigade LIVE from Tipitina's Uptown in New Orleans, during Jazz Fest late night May 2002   EMAIL the SHOW! B.Getz@UpfulLIFE.com PLEASE LEAVE A REVIEW on Apple Podcasts! Listen to Upful LIFE on Spotify ! Theme Song: "Mazel Tov"- CALVIN VALENTINE

Welcome back the great Weedie Braimah to Ep.055!  An educational, inspirational, international deep dive with a man who is sworn to the drum. Topics include: recent trip to the continent, Ghanaian heritage, reflections on 'East St. Africa', the concept, players, intention and evolution of his band 'The Hands of Time', their GRAMMY-nominated self-titled album on Stretch/Ropeadope, his parents/ancestral lineage as a drummer and teacher, Idris Muhammad, the intergenerational connection between Baba Olatunji/Grateful Dead in the 1980's and what Weedie & Co are doing today, and more! Ruminations on his collabs with The Nth Power, Trombone Shorty, Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah, Oteil Burbridge and others. This is a profound conversation that stretches nearly two hours, and I really had to run the whole thing in full because not a Weedie word is to be missed. Proud of this one, fam. Buckle up ! 3:00 - Love That Baby plug > Isaiah Sharkey "If I Had The World To Give" 10:15 - introducing WEEDIE BRAIMAH 16:15 - interview w/ Weedie   Vibe Junkie JAM "Walk on Water" - The Nth Power, AURA Studios 2014   BUY Weedie Braimah & the Hands of Time debut album HERE   Special thanks to our friends at LOVE THAT BABY. Peep the fire threadz!   The Music Cellar x Music Right  fundraiser for children's music education! DONATE HERE!    check out Return of Goree - Youssou N'Dour (w/Idris Muhummad) bio from Bandcamp Weedie Braimah is a djembefola—a master of the djembe, a West African drum with a hollow wood body and an animal skin stretched and fastened over the top, the origins of which date back to the 12th Century. Braimah, who was born in Ghana and raised in East St. Louis, is the product of a family whose musical history goes back centuries. His father, Oscar Sulley Braimah, was a master drummer and composer whose Uhuru Dance Band made remarkable records that bridged the gap between jazz and traditional African music. Braimah's mother, Ann Morris was a gifted jazz drummer, and his great-uncle Idris Muhammad played with everyone from Grant Green and Horace Silver to Pharoah Sanders and Roberta Flack, while also leading his own ensembles. Braimah has been making music with The Nth Power, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Ave,  Braimah's latest album The Hands Of Time puts the interconnectedness of African diasporic music into practice. Featuring a variety of collaborators from around the world,  he & his eclectic band infuse jazz with hip-hop and funk, while the sound of the djembe and the spirit of West Africa gives these modern styles a timeless pulse.     EMAIL the SHOW! B.Getz@UpfulLIFE.com PLEASE LEAVE A REVIEW on Apple Podcasts! Listen to Upful LIFE on Spotify ! Theme Song: "Mazel Tov"- CALVIN VALENTINE

Welcome back the great Eric Krasno! The Soulive guitarist, Lettuce co-founder, The Assembly bandleader, and producer extraordinaire. Kraz has been a very busy bee of late, forming a new band, releasing solo LP Always, plus marriage, fatherhood, a new crib and studio in LA, and hosting the popular Plus One podcast. Kraz's Fall 2019 appearance on the Upful LIFE pod was quite well-received, so with all the exciting developments in his life and career, it feels like the perfect time to get up to speed with all things Eric Krasno. Stick around at the end for The Music Cellar x Music Right campaign, an effort to raise funds for youth music education. DONATE HERE!  3:30  what's poppin & a special shoutout  14:00 - Welcome Back KRAZ! 21:30 - ERIC KRASNO interview 2:03:00 - The Music Cellar X Music Right w/ Jonny G of lespecial * thumbnail photo: Aaron Bradley for Suwannee Hulaween During the past couple of years, Krasno's life and career began to evolve in major ways. Kraz credits his young family as the revelation and motivation behind this latest collection of songs. A cross-country move after 2 decades defining Brooklyn. Soon thereafter, a swiftly-prolific musical partnership between Kraz and Bay Area-based producer/multi-instrumentalist Otis McDonald, then creating Eric Krasno & The Assembly. Always finds Eric Krasno at a peaceful, introspective place in life and his career. What began as some innocuous demos of a Dylan cover blossomed into a full-fledged coalescing of musical souls. The duo subsequently put together Eric Krasno & the Assembly, that includes Upful LIFE pod alumnus Wil Blades. We hear a bit about Kraz's forthcoming new D'Angelico signature model guitar, his fondness for Hawaii, what's next for Soulive, plus the nuts and bolts of going on tour in pandemic times. The Music Cellar x Music Right fundraiser for children's music education! DONATE HERE!  The Music Cellar is a space in central Millerton, NY dedicated to music education, operated by Jonny G of lespecial (ep.040). We offer private lessons on many different instruments, including guitar, bass, drums, and piano, as well as group lessons and “toddler jam” for younger children. In addition to lessons, we also offer recording sessions, rehearsal space, equipment rental, sound reinforcement services, and even podcast recording. Music Right is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization supporting music education initiatives. Scott Sacks shares their mission: collaborate with a growing network of incredible educators, musicians, business, individuals and community leaders to help shine a spot light on the incredible efforts of our partner programs of music education. Eric Krasno - The Upful LIFE Podcast Episode 025 (Fall 2019) VIBE JUNKIE JAM SCARY POCKETS ft. Vidya Vox, Eric Krasno & Otis McDonald "telepatía" (Kali Uchis funk cover)    Episode 054 bumper music provided by ECHT! EMAIL the SHOW! B.Getz@UpfulLIFE.com PLEASE LEAVE A REVIEW on Apple Podcasts! Listen to Upful LIFE on Spotify ! Theme Song: "Mazel Tov"- CALVIN VALENTINE

Episode 053 welcomes The Chambers Project for a wide-ranging discussion on psychedelic art, through both a historical and contemporary lens. The conversation welcomes a pair of pioneers from this particular space - Brian Chambers and Jacaeber Kastor - both of whom I met during the magnificent grand-opening of the avant-garde One Step Further show at The Chambers Project gallery in Grass Valley, CA. Later in the episode, electronic producer A Path Untold joins the fold for a bit about the musical branch of this ambitious endeavor. 10:00 - introducing The Chambers Project 18:00 - conversation w/ Brian Chambers & Jacaeber Kastor 89:00 - Brian Chambers & A Path Untold talk The Chambers Project record label The Chambers Project began with the intention of making contemporary psychedelic art accessible in Nevada County, CA. Since opening doors in 2018, they've presented the community with a spectrum of abstract, cutting-edge, surreal fine art. The Chambers Project focuses on the psychedelic aesthetic, with roots running deep in this field since first discovering the work of Ralph Steadman and Rick Griffin in 1995. A dozen years later, Chambers connected with MARS-1 & Oliver Vernon, and his vision began to take shape. The mission is to curate impactful shows that honor the Godfathers of the psychedelic art scene, as well as showcasing local and international artists. To create immersive environments that are meant to bring viewers into the psychedelic state that - from an early age- inspired their tastes in this art. Brian Chambers is The Chambers Project founder, art curator, facilitator and gallery owner. An inspiring and influential man behind the psychedelic art renaissance. Jacaeber Kastor is a legendary writer, artist, gallery-owner and curator of psychedelic art. He is former owner of the pioneering Psychedelic Solution gallery in New York's West Village. Kastor came of age in the Bay Area during the Acid Tests & Summer of Love.  A Path Untold is the ever-expanding musical vision of composer & producer Daniel Merrill. Debut musical artist on The Chambers Project record label/platform, new full-length release Sourcery due 2/22/22. https://thechambersproject.com/ https://www.theunion.com/entertainment/one-step-further-an-exhibition-of-psychedelic-art-past-and-present/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jacaeber_Kastor https://www.nytimes.com/1988/01/28/arts/psychedelic-art-show-is-reflection-of-its-era.html https://thechambersproject.com/music/ https://apathuntold.com/   Vibe Junkie JAMZ   "Heart Matters" - A Path Untold  (available 2/11/22) & "Heart of Gold" Charles Bradley & His Extraordinaires (Neil Young cover, dedicated to the late Joey Pye)    Episode 053 bumper music provided by ECHT! https://echt.bandcamp.com/   EMAIL the SHOW! B.Getz@UpfulLIFE.com PLEASE LEAVE A REVIEW on Apple Podcasts! Listen to Upful LIFE on Spotify ! Theme Song: "Mazel Tov"- CALVIN VALENTINE

It's an honor and a privilege to welcome accomplished journalist, author, and rap podcast OG SHAWN SETARO, a reporter at Complex, to Episode 052. Setaro has a brand new book on the shelves this week, about the sordid saga of Tekashi 6ix9ine. He's the writer and reporter on the podcasts 'Infamous' (about Tekashi), 'Complex Subject: Pop Smoke'. He's written about music and culture for Forbes, The Atlantic, Vibe, The Source, GQ, Esquire, The Sondheim Review, and more. Setaro was Editor-in-Chief for Rap Genius, and hosted the iconic rap pod The Cipher, an encyclopedic hip-hop program featuring deep dive interviews with 250 legendary figures in the culture.  The Cipher was among the biggest influences and inspirations for The Upful LIFE Podcast, and in this interview, you will see the parallels and find out just why I revere “Same Ol' Shawn” the way I do. 8:00 - RIP GREG TATE. (tributes from Questlove & Jay Smooth) 18:30 - Introducing SHAWN SETARO & a lil' about the Tekashi 6ix9ine story 30:00 - Interview - SHAWN SETARO Setaro is the author of the fantastic new book Complex Presents Dummy Boy: Tekashi 6ix9ine and the Nine Trey Gangsta Bloods, his first. We discuss this extremely shocking tale, his process reporting the story, and unpack the project at large. In tracing Tekashi 6ix9ine's life - from Bushwick to the heights of the rap scene - Setaro illuminates the story of the young rapper who forged an alliance with a notorious street gang to bolster his image and boost his internet clout. More than a biography, Dummy Boy is an American crime story, a critical examination of internet trolling in the Trump era, and an exploration of the long-running connection between rap, gangs, and police in New York City. In this conversation we touch Shawn's career journey into journalism and podcasting, plus the violent/criminal nature of drill rap culture, how it finds its way into the mainstream music culture. Shawn Setaro is a man of many talents in the musical sphere; in addition to his journalistic accomplishments, he's is also a Berklee-educated bassist and guitarist who has recorded and performed with The Dresden Dolls, Amanda Palmer, the Lordz of Brooklyn, Alina Simone, and others BUY HIS BOOK! Complex Presents Dummy Boy: Tekashi 6ix9ine and the Nine Trey Gangsta Bloods LISTEN to THE CIPHER podcast w/"Same Ol' Shawn" HERE!   Vibe Junkie JAMZ "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner" - Black Uhuru, live in Germany 1981 [RIP Robbie Shakespeare]   "Water" - The Roots, live at North Sea Jazz Fest 2003 [RIP Leonard 'Hub' Hubbard']   Please support Upful LIFE on PATREON ! EMAIL the SHOW! B.Getz@UpfulLIFE.com PLEASE LEAVE A REVIEW on Apple Podcasts! Listen to Upful LIFE on Spotify ! Theme Song: "Mazel Tov"- CALVIN VALENTINE  

Welcome white-hot singer/songwriter/keyboardist NEAL FRANCIS to Episode 051! Neal is straight outta Chicago's buzz-bin, an artist riding a meteoric rise to the heart of the zeitgeist, thanks to his monumental 2019 debut solo LP Changes. On November 5th, Neal dropped his stunning sophomore record In Plain Sight on ATO Records, and has been touring hard in the run up to the release, including a raucous late-night performance at Suwannee Hulaween. In addition to an hour with Francis, Episode 051 includes a special Suwannee Hulaween tribute, and a recording of a profound talk courtesy of SOSMP philosopher-poet SCOTT T, which took place in the Oasis Tent at Hula 2021.  04:00 -   Give Thanks: Suwannee Hulaween/SOSMP   10:15 -   Neal Francis intro  17:15 -  “Praeludium 2 in C-Minor” (J.S.Bach) by Neal Francis 19:00  -  Neal Francis interview 1:24:00 - Scott T @ SOSMP intro 1:31:15 - Scott T - Spirit of Suwannee talk from Oasis Tent, Hula 2021  Just a couple of days before Hulaween, I had a chance to catch up with Neal in between tour stops in Charleston, SC. This was my first time meeting or speaking with him, and he's been doing a bunch of press for his new album; during the early part of the interview I was even a little nervous. But eventually, we connect in potent fashion, discussing his early days with Chi-town's nascent funk band The Heard, Francis' spiral into alcoholism, bottoming out, regrouping, rebirth, and the revolution/revelation that was debut album Changes. From there we get into his latest LP, collaborators like Sergio Rios (Orgone), David Shaw (The Revivalists), Chris Gelbuda, Derek Trucks, and a peek inside the church where Francis conceived and recorded In Plain Sight,  as well as his muses and creative process. A very insightful conversation with nothing short of a shooting star.  After Neal & I wrap up, we have a little more about Suwannee Hulaween 2021, including a recording from an inspiring, informative talk courtesy of Florida-based poet/musician Scott T. The topic du jour was (basically) the history, mystery, and mysticism of The Spirit of Suwannee Music Park. This illuminating and insightful TED-talk type situation took place on Friday 10/29 at Hulaween inside the Oasis Tent, which a sort of burgeoning educational tentacle of the Hula festival experience. I share some personal Hula reflections while introducing this talk.  LISTEN TO NEAL FRANCIS In Plain Sight record release concert from 11.5.21 at Rosa's Lounge in Chicago Vibe Junkie JAM  "People Everywhere > Gypsy Woman (Crystal Waters)" Khruangbin encore, live at Suwannee Hulaween 2021   Please support Upful LIFE on PATREON ! www.patreon.com/upfullife EMAIL the SHOW! B.Getz@UpfulLIFE.com PLEASE LEAVE A REVIEW on Apple Podcasts! Listen to Upful LIFE on Spotify ! Theme Song: "Mazel Tov"- CALVIN VALENTINE  

Honored to welcome to Episode 050 the great JAY BLAKESBERG, a photographer, filmmaker, and cultural anthropologist who really needs no introduction, though I give him a lengthy, fawning one to kick off this program. Jay is best known for his iconic work shooting (and following) the Grateful Dead since the late 1970's, and has continued to chronicle the various offshoots and band developments thru the years. He's also a Bay Area institution, a world-renowned photographer /filmmaker/historian all over rock music, stretching out far beyond the ever-sprawling GD universe where he first cut his teeth and made his bones.  Introducing Jay Blakesberg- @ 7:00  Interview w/ Jay Blakesberg @ 14:00 Jay was kind enough to invite me to his home studio for a couple of hours one glorious San Francisco morning. For this particular conversation, we focus on the legacy, psychedelia, and undying, inter-generational appeal of the Grateful Dead, told thru Jay's journey with them and his camera, plus myriad points between. In addition to geeking out about various eras, performances, legends and lore of the mighty GD, we also discuss our membership in a far-less cool but no less interesting fraternity: incarceration and the drug war. Both of us privileged and extremely fortunate, in no uncertain terms we explore these experiences and parallels, as Jay blesses us up with pearls of wisdom, knowledge of self, deeply held convictions and overstandings rooted in that harrowing chapter of his life. We also touch on music media in the digital age, & the next generation of jam bands that Jay is stoked on. Jay's done a number of great podcasts in recent years, about the Dead and his career, but I believe ours to hit just a wee bit different. If you choose to tune in, turn on, and drop out for this 90 minute free exchange of ideas, you'll find out just why. Follow all things Jay Blakesberg at BLAKESBERG.COM  @jayblakesberg & @retroblakesberg on instagram Special thanks to all the artists, musicians, producers, promoters, movers, shakers, lovers and angels who have made themselves available and open to discuss their lives and careers in this format and context.  Large UP & a deep bow of profound gratitude to all the listeners out there who have empowered this program to reach it's 50th episode. I'm humbled by the love and support, I hope to produce another 50, Jah-willing.     Vibe Junkie JAM- “Althea” - Springfield MA 9.03.80 Please support Upful LIFE on PATREON ! www.patreon.com/upfullife EMAIL the SHOW! B.Getz@UpfulLIFE.com PLEASE LEAVE A REVIEW on Apple Podcasts! Listen to Upful LIFE on Spotify ! Theme Song: "Mazel Tov"- CALVIN VALENTINE  

A fresh look towards the future & blast from the past with this pair of insightful conversations. Welcome Venice Beach-based psych-rock duo MOVIE CLUB, and world-renowned reggae/dancehall/hip-hop/soul legend SHINEHEAD to *The Upful LIFE Podcast* Episode 049.  Michael K. Williams tribute @ 2:20 Introducing Movie Club @ 11:00 / Interview @ 17:45 Introducing Shinehead  @ 63:00 / Interview @ 67:40 Had to take a few moments and discuss my feelings and grief with regard to the tragic passing of one of my all-time favorite actors, Michael K. Williams, best known as Omar Devonne Little on HBO's masterful series The Wire. Fentanyl snatches yet another hero from our midst. My heart aches, so please indulge me in a tribute to a fallen icon. Movie Club's Jessamyn Violet (drums) and Vince Cuneo (guitar) check in from their spot out in SoCal, and we dive into their nearly four-year odyssey. I really dig what these two get into, and in this powwow you'll find out why. Movie Club recently released their latest EP Fangtooth, on the heels of 2020's marvelous full-length LP Black Flamingo. A gumbo-like stew of doom, goth, boom-bap, emo-sludge, and psychedelia, Movie Club is one of the more exciting new things to float my way. The pair have worked with Jesus Coomes (Lettuce), and Tim Lefebrve (Tedeschi Trucks Band, Wayne Krantz, David Bowie), among other cats in their ever-evolving elixir.  Check out www.movieclubtheband.com ! Shinehead's iconic career has yielded an incredible, diverse resume of classic cuts, including staples like “Jamaican in New York,” “Collie Weed,” “Chain Gang” “Strive,” “Golden Touch”, plus latest forwards “Never Had a Dream Come True,  Curtis Mayfield's “The Makings of You”. Rumor has it, Shinehead has a little Marvin Gaye on deck.  His 1986 LP Rough and Rugged crossed the dancehall with hip-hop, a groundbreaking document that holds up 35 years down the road. With an legacy in Black music: hip-hop, reggae, dancehall, R&B, and beyond – the unique musical styles of Shinehead have etched his name in the annals of music history.  You can find a Shinehead, Butterfly and Kingston 12 HiFi at Kingston12hifi.com.    Vibe Junkie JAMZ Shinehead: "Billie Jean" [dub] - (1986) Movie Club: "Ghost in the Machine" (2021) Dr. Lonnie Smith: "I Can't Stand It" (live 1971)   Please support Upful LIFE on PATREON ! www.patreon.com/upfullife EMAIL the SHOW! B.Getz@UpfulLIFE.com PLEASE LEAVE A REVIEW on Apple Podcasts! Listen to Upful LIFE on Spotify ! Theme Song: "Mazel Tov"- CALVIN VALENTINE  

cover photo: (c) Jake Silco 2021 (used w/permission) For Episode 048, we flip the script a lil' bit. Finally, a podcast about The PHlSH from VT! Instead of one long form interview, for this two-hour hoo-ride I invited a pair of venerable Phishtorians to the show for twin conversations and complimentary commentary, as we discuss the band's impressive, triumphant return to the stage in summer 2021. Scotty B of JamBase/YEMblog - intro- 11:30, interview- 12:45 PSA - toxic masculinity & predatory behaviors in the Phish scene 51:00 B.Getz on The Phish from VT in AC - 58:00  Jason Abrams intro- 66:00, J.A. interview- 69:00 Kevin Cassels on his brother Phil's suicide & Smashing Pumpkins "Rhinoceros" at Deer Creek '98 - 123:00 First up is the man with his desk flipped upside down, the dude who conceived/created "The Skinny". Legend of the scene Scott Bernstein aka Scotty B, Editorial Director at JamBase.com, the cool cat behind the wildly-popular YEMblog & it's unicorn Twitter handle. Scotty B has been loving the band for nearly 30 years, is an accomplished journalist and treasured voice in the jam community, and his unique perspective was precisely why I asked him to join me for a chat. For this half-hour dialogue, Scott delivers some really thought-provoking contributions, on the magic in the music & beyond. Follow Scotty B at @YEMblog and @heyscottyb. Between interviews, a few personal words from an anonymous phan are sure raise an eyebrow, and your ire. But this message and missive are urgent, necessary and sadly long overdue; as such I felt called to amplify her. Yours truly reads an essay from my own heart ,before we behold the return of J.A.! aka Jason Abrams of Rock & Wrestling Connection podcast. In addition to being a passionate phanner goin on a quarter century, Jason is a pop music historian, pro-wrasslin' almanac, and rock n'roll lifer. He touches on tour stops in Hershey PA & Atlantic City, then J.A. gets into his recent experiences catching Guns n' Roses. He draws some illuminating parallels and makes salient points on both bands. I love chopping it up with the one & only J.A.! Follow Rock n' Wrestling Connection Pod on Tik Tok- @rockandwrestlingpod and Twitter - @rockndwrestling   Vibe Junkie JAM: We finish up Ep.048 on a somber, beautiful note: revisiting former Pharmer's Almanac editor Kevin Cassels' entry from August 1998, where he unspools the traumatic tale of his brother's suicide, explains the genesis and meaning behind the Smashing Pumpkins "Rhinoceros" cover from Deer Creek that year.  I am dedicating this to my dear friend & dearly departed Benny Dread, who took his own life in similar fashion a few months ago. Please support Upful LIFE on PATREON ! www.patreon.com/upfullife EMAIL the SHOW! B.Getz@UpfulLIFE.com PLEASE LEAVE A REVIEW on Apple Podcasts! Listen to Upful LIFE on Spotify ! Theme Song: "Mazel Tov"- CALVIN VALENTINE

Welcome THE HUMAN EXPERIENCE- DAVID BLOCK (solo electronic producer + Gone Gone Beyond) to Episode 047! A dancefloor General, prince of the piano, soundtrack to the squish, or conductor around the campfire, David wears myriad musical and intellectual hats. He's been a celebrated artist across various mediums for over a dozen years, with considerable contributions to the West Coast festival/Burning Man/live music communities. Block's international future-folk quartet Gone Gone Beyond recently released their stunning third full-length LP 2030 to rave reviews from rabid fans, and a chorus of critical acclaim. @ 9:00  introducing The Human Experience/David Block/Gone Gone Beyond @ 14:00 Dennis Cook pontificates on GGB's new LP '2030'  @ 19:00 - Interview w/The Human Experience - David Block David checks in via Zoom from Topanga Canyon in SoCal, and we immediately dig into GGB's astounding new record in all it's glistening glory. From the humble beginnings on tour in 2019, to a multi-hued masterpiece that arrived in June 2021, we get the scoop on David Block, Danny Musengo, Kat Factor and Mel Seme's cosmic convergence and eventual coalescence, the magic of 2030, the individual DNA within GGB, and their collective artistic evolution. No longer just a side-piece for The Human Experience, Block discusses the ego death in removing his nom de plume from Gone Gone Beyond, and the passion project leaving the proverbial nest.  The Human Experience is well known for his uplifting, prolific collaborations with female singers and instrumentalists, as women's features dot the majority of his dozen-plus album releases. None more popular nor treasured than the cerebral sorcery found on Soul Visions, featuring Rising Appalachia's original music as well as traditionals from the Deep South. Block hops in the wayback machine over a decade ago, takes us around the world and on festival tour as he retraces the origin story of first connecting with Chloe Smith & Leah Song and how this seminal classic came to a fateful, ultimately fantastic fruition. Towards the end of this spirited discussion on all things The Human Experience, I decided to shift the tenor to a couple of more serious topics. Being that David is a progressive thinker, a people person, a beloved, respected member of the Black Rock City community and it's voluminous, kaleidoscopic diaspora, I asked him to weigh in on the state of our proverbial union, straight no chaser. Occasionally the cynic yet, ever the sage, my man does not duck for cover nor mince words as he waxes philosophic on where do we go from here. All that jazz (in ya bones!) plus way more juicy, sexy remix mojo than you can shave into the side of your head... on a touching, thought-provoking, thrilling, and emotionally-rewarding Episode 047 of The Upful LIFE Podcast with very special guest The Human Experience- David Block.   Vibe Junkie JAMZ  "Dusted Compass" (original) The Human Experience feat. Lila Rose (2012)   "Mississippi" Soul Visions (T.H.E. feat. Rising Appalachia-2013)   "Under Siege" Gone Gone Beyond feat. Kalibri - 2016   "Canyons" & "Gravity" (live & acoustic) Gone Gone Beyond - 2021   Please support Upful LIFE on PATREON ! www.patreon.com/upfullife EMAIL the SHOW! B.Getz@UpfulLIFE.com PLEASE LEAVE A REVIEW on Apple Podcasts! Listen to Upful LIFE on Spotify ! Theme Song: "Mazel Tov"- CALVIN VALENTINE

Welcome KARINA RYKMAN, bassist of Marco Benevento's trio, to Episode 046. A dynamic solo artist, skilled with both the bass and guitar, a lightning bolt of youthful exuberance, dedicated metalhead, hip-hop enthusiast, Phish kid, podcaster, quintessential New Yorker, and all-around swag factory. Karina is riding the wave of her new single/video "No Occasion", and she checks from NYC via telephone for an illuminating conversation that details her meteoric ascent from the Upper East Side towards near-total domination. Introducing KARINA RYKMAN @ 9:30 / Interview @ 12:30 The wide-ranging conversation starts with taking the temp of NYC, as the Big Apple springs to life out from under fifteen months of pandemic protocols. Karina talks about her role as co-host of the weekly podcast 3 From the 7, alongside Raffaela Kenny-Cincotta (Assistant Editor, Relix). She gives us the scoop on her solo musical endeavors, new video "No Occasion", and the evolution of her performing under her own name with bandmates Adam November and Chris Corsico. The only child of Columbia professors, we hear all about Karina's halcyon days discovering the magic of the riff, her passion for heavy metal and hip-hop alike. The origin story of picking up an axe, and where her ear, heart, and spirit led her; including NYU, where she developed her own music biz course curriculum, and later Rocks Off NYC, where she produced rock boat cruises around the island of Manhattan. In addition to her experiences making music with a once-in-a-generation-genius like bandleader Marco Benevento, we get a look deeper inside Karina's journey. From superjams with Nels Cline, John Medeski, Billy Martin and Benevento, to hanging with Anthrax and Testament on their titanic anniversary tour. Karina reflects on her hesher roots logging stage and studio time with nascent heavy bands like ShitKill, White Collar Crime LLC, as well as Crescent Moon (Dave Dreiwitz power trio), and underground kings The Sound of Urchin.  Rykman shows proper respects to her fuzz bass heroes past and present, as well as the lineage of women who've rocked before her, and her budding friendship with Laura Lee (Khruangbin). She details her special connections with mentors and gurus like Dreiwitz, Tomato (The Sound of Urchin), Alex Skolnick (Testament), among other movers, shakers, virtuosos and luminaries. Lastly, Karina touches on her relationship with Trey, Sue and the Anastasio kids, her decade-plus passion for all things Phish, and so much more. Thank you to the incredible Ms. Karina Rykman! Ep. 046 is available on most podcast platforms!   Vibe Junkie JAM "Pepper" Marco Benevento (Butthole Surfers cover, Karina on vocals)  Live from Ardmore Music Hall Sept.2018   Please support Upful LIFE on PATREON ! www.patreon.com/upfullife EMAIL the SHOW! B.Getz@UpfulLIFE.com PLEASE LEAVE A REVIEW on iTunes/Apple Podcasts! Listen on Spotify ! Theme Song: Mazel Tov by CALVIN VALENTINE

Welcome JAKE ROCKATANSKY, co-founder/co-host of Q*non Anonymous podcast to Episode 045. For 3 years, Jake & his cohorts at QAA have been investigating and unraveling the Q phenomenon, and all the various conspiracy threads that fit under the big Q tent. We'd never be able to button up the whole Q conspiracy kit n' caboodle in merely one pod ep! Instead, we take a lengthy, illuminating trek into the world of @RealRockatansky, rewind Jake's path to the podcast, explore the annals of Q-research and the QAA origin story, with our main man J-Rock at the helm. We talmbout Q?/ Introducing JAKE ROCKATANSKY @5:00 INTERVIEW w/Jake Rockatansky @15:30    Along with erstwhile collaborators Julien Field and Travis View, in QAA Jake is part of an incredible organic podcast success story. Since 2018, the trio has established their program as the preeminent place to go for a skeptical, empathetic take on this madness, and a humane look into this worldwide conspiracy scourge. These guys are globally respected, often times a reporter's first call when trying to nail down a Q or Q-adjacent story. Nobody has been as unwaveringly focused on the Q beat quite like the QAA dudes & their intrepid correspondents Annie & Liv. They're still truckin' along well into 2021, to the tune of 2 podcasts and 2 Twitch broadcasts every week, with a sizable, dedicated Patreon community that's steadily growing.  In this interview, Jake takes us thru his experiences combating Q, facing down horrific anti-Semitism, satanic panic, going under cover at Q events, interacting with Anons & influencers, and graciously gives us the QAA origin story. J-Rock reveals a beautifully human vulnerability that we've come to know thru his contributions to the pod. He unveils his process, fears, hope, and huge, swollen heart. We get a bit about his childhood in the Chicago burbs, his decamping to SoCal at 18, longtime musical faves like Weezer or Dipset, and latest raves like Beach Bunny and Denzel Curry. In between the beats and the laughs, we get pretty serious too, with regard to Q's human toll, and how we can best stay connected with those we care for that may have lost the plot or themselves amid the Qrazy. So grateful for how generous Jake was, with his time and energy, and that he showed up in this convo in all the ways that have endeared him to thousands of listeners around the world. Jake Rockatansky is a total mensch.  Follow him at @RealRockatansky on Twitter. Check out Q*non Anonymous on all pod platforms and at www.qanonanonymous.com    Vibe Junkie JAM All that jazz plus an absolutely homicidal freestyle sesh from Black Thought of The Roots, dug up from deep in the archives, 2010 Tony Touch radio show on Shade45. Over a cache of unreleased Dilla heaters, on the 4th anniversary of his passing no less, Riq is completely unhinged, spitting an endless barrage of bars that will have your head spinnin, then noddin, and eventually ringin'. Nobody can f*ck w Riq Gz on the microphone, not then, not now, not ever. Please support Upful LIFE on PATREON ! www.patreon.com/upfullife EMAIL the SHOW! B.Getz@UpfulLIFE.com PLEASE LEAVE A REVIEW on iTunes/Apple Podcasts! Listen on Spotify ! Theme Song: Mazel Tov by CALVIN VALENTINE  

Welcome CHRIS HARFORD (Band of Changes, BlancDUBlanc) to Episode 044! What an honor & a privilege to host such an esteemed rock n' roll troubadour to the show. Prepare for a lengthy, profound powwow with more rabbit holes than you can shake a chalice at. Ep.044 also includes a short, sweet tribute to the late, great Shock G of Digital Underground, the East-Bay psychedelic funksta/hip-hop pioneer/Humpty Hump who recently passed away at just 57 years young. @ 5min: News! KRAZ Plus One + Upful Life = The Guest List  @ 9min: Shock G  R.I.P. Tribute  @ 22min: Introducing CHRIS HARFORD / @ 27min : Interview Singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist Chris Harford is a man of many talents, and wears numerous artistic hats. The veteran-rocker checks in from Central Jersey, and unpacks his own fascinating journey in progress. For over 90 minutes, Harford earnestly reveals an abundance of perspective. Among the more fulfilling conversations I've had the pleasure of hosting in the podcast medium.  Right off the top, we go ham singing the praises of reggae music and its medicinal, spiritual qualities, especially in times of peril. The erstwhile sound-scientist expounds on his dub reggae syndicate BlancDUBlanc, before we hop in the wayback machine to the Elektra Records era with Chris Harford & the First Rays of the New Rising Sun. Plus a special Nov.2000 Amfibian show in Burlington VT, with Tom Marshall and Trey Anastasio, one of the first JamBase reviews yours truly ever published. From Bob Marley at the Philly Spectrum in '79, to Richard Thompson and Lee Perry working on his records, from London to Boston, New Hope PA and Hopewell, New Jersey too, Chris explores what it means to be in a Band of Changes, as he details his deep, filial roots with the likes of Sir Joe Russo, Scott Metzger, Marco Benevento, Chuck Treece, Dana Colley, Dean Ween, Robbie Seahag Mangano, plus the STAX-like scene and studio coming together with these cats (and more!) in the fertile Garden State soil. One of the more unbelievable tales Chris unspools is the story behind his dub-cover EP of "Wind of Change", yep, you read that right, the titanic political power ballad from the halcyon days of the hair-band era. This is my favorite part in a conversation filled with choice nuggets. All that jazz plus a tribute to Shock G of Digital Underground, who recently transitioned, truly a gut punch in a pandemic-year that seemingly never ends. It's hard to keep up, or even grieve, with so much loss, however I felt called to send my man Shock G (Gregory Jacobs) up with his propers, and his flowers. Long Live this Son of the P!   Vibe Junkie JAM "Cometh Dub" BlancDUBlanc (The Blanc Album)   BIG THANKS to our friends at LIVE FOR LIVE MUSIC!   Please support Upful LIFE on PATREON ! www.patreon.com/upfullife EMAIL the SHOW! B.Getz@UpfulLIFE.com PLEASE LEAVE A REVIEW on iTunes/Apple Podcasts! Listen on Spotify ! Theme Song: Mazel Tov by CALVIN VALENTINE

Episode 043 welcomes DC-born, NOLA-based NIGEL HALL (Lettuce, Jon Cleary, ex-The Nth Power) to the show for an hour-plus Vulcan Mind Probe. Nige has been a friend for about a dozen years, and I've written extensively about his musical exploits, so this convergence was a very long time in the making. The extremely gifted, Grammy-nominated keyboardist/vocalist - singer/songwriter keeps a lot of artistic irons in the fire. Nigel's dropping sophomore solo LP Spiritual on May 14, 2021, a stunning sojourn into Soulquarian waters co-produced by DJ Harrison and backed by members of Butcher Brown.    @9mins- Introducing NIGEL HALL / @16mins-"Wake Me" Nigel Hall / @20mins - Interview  In a wide-ranging convo, topics include: what's the latest in New Orleans , we get the 411 on Nigel's musical partnership with NOLA-based Jon Cleary & the Absolute Monster Gentlemen. His motivations and inspirations behind the forthcoming Spiritual, as Nigel reveals a bit about his process and the project's native tongues. We unpack his role over the years with Lettuce, and how the keyboard chair and his contributions to the band have evolved over time. Quick detours to George Duke & J Dilla, with a funny Suwannee flashback or two to boot.  Naturally, we had to get into his time in The Nth Power, and he offers poignant, impassioned reflections that gave me chills. So did his defiant, righteous anger as a Black father to a pair of sons entering young adulthood. So many rabbit holes, with many stones left unturned. Super proud of this powerful powwow with one of the greatest to ever do it; a spiritual awakening of the soulful variety. Ladies & Gentlemen, Nigel Hall!  Vibe Junkie JAMZ - The Joe Clark Mixtape Khris Royal feat. Nigel Hall, Kidd Chocolate, Big Sam "I Can't Breathe" (2020) Nigel Hall "Gotta Go to Work" (snippet of 2nd single - 2021) DJ Harrison feat. Nigel Hall "My Favorite Things" (2020) Nigel Hall & Jon Cleary "Woman's Gotta Have It" Papoose feat. Nigel Hall "Antidote" (2020) Soulive feat. Nigel Hall & Shady Horns "Prototype" (2009) Soulive feat. Derek Trucks, Ledisi, Nigel Hall "A Change Gonna Come" (Bowlive 2012) The Nth Power "Catfish" - AURA Studios (2015) The Original Nth Power "Only Love > WAR" - Justice Comes Alive 2020 Lettuce feat. Derek Trucks, Kofi Burbridge, Nigel Hall "We're A Winner > Move On Up" (Bear Creek 2009) Nigel Hall doin Crazy Joe Clark on Jam Cruise (date unknown) music played: "Runnin Away"- Nigel Hall Band, Jazz Fest 2016, "All About Love"  DJ Harrison, Nigel Hall "Makin My Way Back Home > Do It Like You Do" Lettuce, Red Rocks 2015, "Rule the World" - Lettuce,  "LETT It GoGo" Lettuce, Rex Theatre 2019,  "Step Children" Khris Royal w/Nigel Hall BIG THANKS to our friends at LIVE FOR LIVE MUSIC!   Please support Upful LIFE on PATREON ! www.patreon.com/upfullife EMAIL the SHOW! B.Getz@UpfulLIFE.com PLEASE LEAVE A REVIEW on iTunes! Listen on Spotify!  Theme Song: Mazel Tov by CALVIN VALENTINE

Episode 042 welcomes JACKSON WHALAN, emcee/producer based in the Berkshire mountains of Mass. We met in NorCal about 5 years ago, and he released his latest full-length LP From the Woods in Jan 2021; Whalan's got a huge collab on the way with the legendary Blastmaster himself, KRS-ONE. Jackson also helped inspire me to start this podcast when we did a live onstage Q&A in Nevada City, CA back in 2017.  @4:00 - Welcome Back LETT & 'Mr. Yancey' live in Denver  @10:00 - Jackson Whalan intro, @15:00 JW interview  / @1hr 50min S.N.A.G. by Jackson Whalan  Our 90-min conversation touches on JW's colorful journey, from humble rural environs to the NYC underground, ashram across the world to a pot farm in Grass Valley, Cali. Other rabbit holes: being white in hip-hop, surviving as an independent artist, using social media to your promotional advantage, and a discussion that unpacks our respective brushes with the law. We finish up with an exciting career development involving the great KRS-ONE.  About Jackson Whalan: On the western edge of Massachusetts, there were very few examples of hip-hop artists from his rural hometown, but the music made its way into his life when he found CDs that belonged his older brother. When Jackson discovered the power of hip-hop, he was waking up to issues of race, class, politics, human rights and climate change. His music soon became the vehicle for addressing injustices and inspiring people. In 2012, college studies took Jackson to India and an eco-village, Auroville. In the U.S., he studied turntablism at The New School with DJ Rob Swift; he graduated in 2013 with a B.A. in music. Jackson began releasing and performing under his own name in 2014, with the release of “S.N.A.G. (Sensitive New Age Guy)”. Other releases followed: Raptivism (2015), “Cradle” (feat. Qwill), 2016, and Souled Out EP (2016). Jackson opened for Moon Hooch for over 50 dates during 2016-17.  Jackson is an accomplished hip-hop/electronic producer as well, an Ableton educator, and makes himself available to other independent artists in a variety of professional, marketing, collaborative and artistic capacities.  In 2019-2020, Jackson released singles and instrumentals every month for a full year, working closely with his co-producer and keyboardist Ian Evans. Tracks include “G.T.F.O.H.” (feat. Myka 9), “BIG FVCTS”, “The Long Game”, and a cover of John Lennon's “Gimme Some Truth”. Latest LP From the Woods dropped Jan. 2021. KRS-ONE collaboration is on deck, as you hear at the end of our convo. STREAM From the Woods HERE Vibe Junkie JAMZ Roy Hargrove feat. D'Angelo "Bullshit" (2006) The Violinaires "The Upper Way" (1972) music played: Jay-Z "Open Letter"  -- Jackson Whalan "From the Woods" BIG FVCTS" "Cuz I'm Dope" "Music is the Drug" "SNAG"  -- & Soulquarians + Femi Kuti + Macy Gray "Water No Get Enemy"   Please support Upful LIFE brand new PATREON ! https://www.patreon.com/upfullife   EMAIL the SHOW! B.Getz@UpfulLIFE.com   LARGE UP to our sponsors: Path to Panacea &  Herb An' Music: The Healing of the Nations   PLEASE LEAVE A REVIEW on iTunes! Listen on Spotify!  Theme Song: Mazel Tov by CALVIN VALENTINE

Welcome San Diego's prodigal poet/songwriter/vocalist ALFRED HOWARD and SLC's badass firebrand TALIA KEYS to Episode 041 of The Upful LIFE Podcast! Placing the spotlight on a pair of phenomenal underground artists, each carving out their own path with purpose, ingenuity, and verve.  "All Praise Due" Alfred Howard/KDTU 2003 - (7:45),  Alfred Howard Intro (10:00), Interview (14:00) "I Love America" Alfred Howard (53:45) Talia Keys Intro (1:02:00), Interview (1:06:00), Vibe Junkie JAMZ (1:49:00) Alfred Howard is an accomplished, versatile lyricist, a provocative poet with humble beginnings performing spoken word; he's a dedicated percussionist, and independent record label guru. Howard's enigmatic, spirited wordplay quickly attracted musicians, poets, and fans alike, and Al became a sought-after vocalist and percussionist for a colorful assembly of bands around San Diego.  www.alfredhowardwrites.com During the pandemic shutdown, Alfred embarked on crafting two new songs a week, 100 songs in a year, in collaboration with other artists and musicians, local and national alike. Each cut is accompanied by his own patented short stories, and an original watercolor painting courtesy of Howard's mother Marian.     In 2015, Howard decided to take his passion for poetry and music to the next level, forming an independent record label contingent called The Redwoods Collective. Howard is now involved with several different bands and recording projects including The Heavy Guilt, and The Midnight Pine. During his time touring in Alfred Howard & the K23 Orchestra, he sat in with KDTU, Umphrey's Mcgee, Digital Underground, Garaj Mahal, the Slip, JFJO, ALO, and many others.     Salt Lake City's Talia Keys is a genre-crossing guitarist/multi-instrumentalist, a musical force of nature who packs a scorching brand of Soul/Funk/Rock N' Roll. Talia fronts her own solo band, plus her solo live-loop project titled Gemini Mind, and a slammin' full-band groove-train called Talia Keys & the Love. Their fantastic debut LP We're Here dropped 4/20/2018 and they have another release in the pipeline. www.TaliaKeys.com Talia is Music Director for the non-profit organization Rock Camp SLC, an empowerment camp for girls, transgender and gender-expansive youth. Women Who Rock is a new music series Talia is curating with local radio station KRCL 90.9FM presenting the showcase.    Vibe Junkie Jams  “As Serious as Your Life” Four Tet (J Dilla remix feat. Guilty Simpson) “Nag Champa” Common feat. J Dilla Music played: Alborosie- “Kingston Town”, Madlib - "Road of the Lonely Ones", “All Praise Due” Alfred Howard w/KDTU 7/4/03 HSMF,  “Don't Look Down” Nikki Bluhm (A.Howard), “One Minute to Midnight” Rebecca Jade (A.Howard), “CoAuthors” Brad Barr (A.Howard), “I Love America” Alfred Howard, “Integrity” Talia Keys & the Love   Please Support Upful LIFE on our Brand New PATREON ! https://www.patreon.com/upfullife   LARGE UP to our sponsors: Path to Panacea & Herb An' Music: The Healing of the Nations EMAIL the SHOW! B.Getz@UpfulLIFE.com PLEASE LEAVE A REVIEW on iTunes! You Can Listen on Spotify!  Theme Song: Mazel Tov by CALVIN VALENTINE    

JONNY G of lespecial hollers from the Music Cellar to discuss his influences, career, the band, and their fantastic 3rd LP ‘Ancient Homies', released Dec. 2020 on Ropeadope. Episode 040 of *The Upful LIFE Podcast*! Rest in Power MF DOOM @ 9:00  Who/Why: Jonny G of lespecial @ 12:00 70min interview starts @ 20:00 lespecial, the Nor'easter trio who blur lines and blast genres beyond recognition, are riding a huge wave of momentum after a wildly-successful NYE livestream. and the fans' jubilant reception of Ancient Homies. Their latest LP is a sonorous slab of sound-art, if I do say so myself. I'm new to this band, but their music and mystique is in my blood. Jonny G feels like my ancient homie already! We hop in the wayback machine for a properly-blazed, bi-coastal joyride thru the annals of lespecial, then burrow a bit deeper. Jonny G (gov't name Jon Grusauskas) reveals himself wise beyond his years; his inspirations run the gamut. As such, this conversation takes a number of twists and turns, historical and philosophical alike. In addition to mining the embryonic inclinations and aspirations of lespecial, and rinsing the processes and concepts behind the masterful new album, Jonny G rabbit holes include the timeless classical opus “Hall of the Mountain King”, Flying Lotus, Aphex Twin, Lettuce/Break Science, White Zombie, Jackson Whalen, plus assorted homies, ancient or otherwise.   Vibe Junkie JAMS “Tonberry” - lespecial  (off latest LP ‘Ancient Homies) “Accordian” > “Meat Grinder” MF DOOM/Madlib -  Madvillainy    BRAND NEW PATREON! https://www.patreon.com/upfullife   LARGE UP to our sponsors Path to Panacea: LUMINOSITEA, and Herb An' Music: The Healing of the Nations EMAIL the SHOW! B.Getz@UpfulLIFE.com PLEASE LEAVE A REVIEW on iTunes! You Can Listen on Spotify!  Theme Song: Mazel Tov by CALVIN VALENTINE

Welcome the legendary MIKE DILLON to Episode 039 of *The Upful LIFE Podcast* for no-holds barred story-telling and a free exchange of ideas!! Punk Rock Jazz Freak Vibraphonist/Percussionist/Singer-Songwriter/Philosopher extraordinaire!  introducing Mike Dillon @ 10mins   Interview  @ 18mins One of a kind unicorn madman, this veteran of three decades in music takes us onboard his fantastic voyage, thrilling career, wild adventures, hard lessons, and life's beautifully human journey. Mike D touches on his most recent works- 'Rosewood', and Mike Dillon & Punkadelic 'Shoot the Moon'. He poignantly revisits Garage a Trois debut at Jazz Fest 2000, opines on Beastie Boys, Bad Brains, RHCP, Art Blakey, Sonny Rollins, Art Blakey; reflects upon musical relationships w/ Les Claypool, Skerik, Matt Chamberlain, Karl Denson, and others. Plus: music school in Denton Texas, his new marriage, his own realities during the Covid-era. And an extremely personal, lengthy deep dive on the disease of addiction, heroin, sobriety, recovery, relapse, and resolve. Attitude, espresso rants, holy matrimony, junk, punk, funk,  hip-hop and all that jazz from the mouth of the world's most lovable outsider, Mike Dillon! "predictably gruesome and sublime elixir of stealthy jazz vibes, street poetry raps and post-punk sonic carnage.” –Boulder Weekly      Vibe Junkie JAM "Hurt" by Mike Dillon (Nine Inch Nails/Johnny Cash) from his most recent solo effort Rosewood. also played: 3 tracks from Mike Dillon & Punkadelic 'Shoot the Moon', Mike Dillon Band of Outsiders '7am at the Jazz Fest', 'Tchfunkta' Garage A Trois 5.4.00 Saenger Theater, NOLA. Erykah Badu "The Healer", Beastie Boys "Gratitude" and "Lighten Up"   Big Thanks to this week's sponsors, Path to Panacea: LUMINOSITEA, and Herb An' Music: The Healing of the Nations EMAIL the SHOW! B.Getz@UpfulLIFE.com PLEASE LEAVE A REVIEW on iTunes! You Can Listen on Spotify!  Theme Song: Mazel Tov by CALVIN VALENTINE

Episode 038 welcomes the esteemed DEREK BERES to *The Upful LIFE Podcast* for a thoughtful, informative and inspiring conversation unlike anything you've ever heard on this program! Author / journalist / yoga-movement instructor / DJ-Producer, and co-host of CONSPIRITUALITY PODCAST.  @derekberes  - introduction @ 11min - interview w/ DEREK BERES @ 20min Derek's been a respected, leading voice in the wellness/yoga/spiritual communities for many moons, and through various channels of media, education, music, books and beyond, Beres has really stepped into this confounding, historic moment. He is a wealth of salient perspective and sobering realizations; our conversation isn't for the faint of heart, yet it felt imperative to take it there. And by there, I mean all the way: infiltration, infection, and indoctrination within the wellness/spiritual/festival culture, and that's merely the tip of the proverbial iceberg.     Topics include: the long-sewn seeds of racism, fascism, anti-Semitism, Q-Anon, anti-vaxxers, and conspiracy theories. "Red-pilled" wellness and spiritual influencers, the role psychedelics, benzos and anti-depressants play into deluded, dangerous and magical thinking. Consumerism, capitalism, and selling aspiration. The sinister roots and disastrous affects of advertising and social media - and how they've exacerbated the deeply-entrenched ideologies, prejudices, and narcissism that we see rearing their ugliest heads across all walks of 2020 life.    Derek Beres has spent nearly two decades teaching and writing about yoga, fitness, health and wellness, among numerous other interests. His latest book - Hero's Dose: The Case for Psychedelics in Ritual and Therapy - was published just last week. As a longtime world music producer, Beres co-creates a wonderful catalog of eclectic, intercontinental electro-grooves with his crew EarthRise Soundsystem. A columnist at BIG Think, a seasoned journalist across a wide swath of health/wellness expertise, and providing cutting-edge psychedelic reporting. Derek's research also explores Western medicine's over-reliance on anti-depressants, the corruption and duplicity of Big Pharma, and how it's often all interconnected. "As the alt-right and New Age horseshoe toward each other in a blur of disinformation, clear discourse and good intentions get smothered. Conspirituality Podcast attempts to bring understanding to this landscape. A journalist, a cult researcher, and a philosophical skeptic discuss the stories, cognitive dissonances, and cultic dynamics tearing through the yoga, wellness, and new spirituality worlds."  Buy Derek Beres new book HERE:  'Hero's Dose: The Case for Psychedelics in Ritual and Therapy'   Vibe Junkie JAM  "Redemption" - DIMOND SAINTS  https://dimondsaints.bandcamp.com/track/redemption   music: Applecat BM 2013, Heart Shaped Box - Amber Mark EarthRise Soundsystem Soundtribe Sector 9 w/Karsh Kale & Vishal Viad from Berkfest 2002 Big Thanks! : Herb An' Music: The Healing of the Nations NIVA - #SaveOurStages, & Headcount EMAIL the SHOW! B.Getz@UpfulLIFE.com PLEASE LEAVE A REVIEW on iTunes! You Can Listen on Spotify!  Theme Song: Mazel Tov by CALVIN VALENTINE

Welcome the iconic KARL DENSON to Episode 037! What an honor and a privilege to host this legendary musician to the show. Co-founder of The Greyboy Allstars, bossman/bandleader of Karl Denson's Tiny Universe, touring member of the Rolling Stones, and longtime (former) sideman/personal pal to the coolest motherfucker on the planet, Lenny Kravitz. A virtuoso saxophonist/flutist, and prolific singer/songwriter taboot, Karl D is among the hardest workin cats in show business, and has been so for the longest time. The man affectionately called “Diesel” generously availed himself for a thorough, hour-plus powwow on a plethora of salient topics. KARL D: Intro at 11min, Interview at 17min Upful LIFE thanks ROYAL POTATO FAMILY!  Please support NIVA's #SaveOurStages !! Karl Denson hops in the wayback machine for a colorful ride down memory boulevard, across the various lanes of his illustrious career. KD touches on the early days, from his solo jazz debut album to the worldwide jaunts with Lenny Kravitz, and the birth of the Greyboy Allstars. Get the scoop on the connection with DJ Greyboy, GBA's surprise rise to underground stardom, and landmark record ‘West Coast Boogaloo'. We also get into a little about the band's most recent release ‘Como de Allstars'.   Karl breaks down his initial intention & visions for KDTU, as we reminisce on the glory days of that band, as well as their most recent release ‘Gnomes & Badgers'. Denson tells a few stories about Lenny, plus takes us through joining the Stones, & how it felt to first take it to the stage with Mick, Keef & co.  Denson gets deep into tougher, more personal & political topics of the day. From the current administration, cultural climate, his relationship with Christianity, parenthood, racism, and how all of that informs his worldview & musical endeavors. Buckle up for some real talk from the Diesel, straight no chaser! We wrap things up with some Sexual Chocolate hilarity from Coming 2 America, & Denson drops dimes about the forthcoming motion picture sequel too! Deep bow of gratitude to the one & only Karl Denson for the time & the energy. Life stories, love's glories. Vibe Junkie JAMS “Always on the Run” Lenny Kravitz LIVE from Rotterdam 1991 “Once You're There” Karl Denson's Tiny Universe 2005 FM Broadcast WDET “Ruffneck Jazz” DJ Greyboy ‘Freestylin'' 1993 EMAIL the SHOW! B.Getz@UpfulLIFE.com PLEASE LEAVE A REVIEW on iTunes! You Can Listen on Spotify!  Theme Song: Mazel Tov by CALVIN VALENTINE