Wachtelligence

Season 3, Episode 9. AJ chats with Billy Bud. As the Production Manager of the historic Paradise Rock Club in Boston, Billy has had a front row seat for some of the greatest shows ever. For over 30 years, Billy has been setting the stage for some of the most legendary national acts as well as local musicians who are living their dreams by playing on that stage. You would think this would be plenty to talk about, but before his club days, he was the tour manager for one of Boston's most important bands: The Atlantics. Lots to cover, I'll stop typing, so you can stop reading and simply enjoy the show.

Season 3, Episode 8. AJ chats with David Bieber. There is a great line in a classic George Carlin skit, where he says “… all you need in life, is a little place for your stuff….” But what if your "little place" needs to be a warehouse? After a 50 year career within the radio business, including time at both WBCN and WFNX. David Bieber collected a lot of stuff. Out of necessity came The David Bieber Archves. An indescribable location. Think of your favorite used book / magazine / record shop, combined with a pop culture museum, art gallery, advertising / political archives, walls of master reel to reel FM live recordings, vintage music instruments and recording relics. There are boxes lined up floor to ceiling,  labeled with a bands' name with their history inside. You know …. heaven. You can also see a lot of the archives on display at various locations around the city. From his days at BU in the early 70's to today, like the archives there is a lot of stuff to talk about. You will enjoy this one. 

Season 3, Episode 7, If the voice sounds familiar it is because you have been hearing it on the radio since the early 1970s. AJ chats with Harvey Wharfield about a career that kept him in the Boston Market for over 50 years, up and down the dial on different rock 'n roll stations. No matter where he was, he was always a strong supporter of local music and was one of the first DJs to have a radio show that only focused on local talent. This was an amazing opportunity to connect with True Royalty ~ The Commander of the Rock N Roll Air-Force, someone who truly loved and helped shape the local Boston music scene. 

Season 3, Episode 6, This Episode is all about Girl Power. As we are honored to have one of the strongest woman voices to emerge from the Boston Music Scene. AJ chats with Liz Borden who led the charge with an all female band in a predominantly male music scene. She was forced to hide her true self from the public eye, told how to dress, act, etc.., things you do not think of when you just want to rock, Originally from New York, her Boston-based band Lizzie Borden and the Axes were a fixture for many years in the club circuit. She is now based in California, has expanded her creative flow to become an author, actress and still continues to make music. Happy to welcome and reconnect with a true independent artist to the podcast. 

Season 3, Episode 5, AJ chats with “Cowboy” Mach Bell. A fixture on the Boston Music Scene since the mid-70s. Initially a Glam Rocker, this lead singer/songwriter has an amazing ability to adapt to the times and the current music trends. His bands are legendary: Thundertrain, the Joe Perry Project and currently the Mach Bell Experience. As if that is not enough he teached music for local home-schooled students, is the author of 3 books of his career and was recently inducted into the New England Music Hall of Fame. This episode is simply when 2 old friends get together and chat, lets listen in …   This episode is dedicated to the memory of Daniel Hargrove, a bass player who played with Mach in many bands and passed away the week after we recorded this. 

Season 3, Episode 4, AJ chats with Cha-Chi Loprete, a native of Cambridge Massachusetts. After seeing The Beatles on the Ed Sullivan show as a youth, he immediately knew his career path would be in music. He started volunteering in the early 80's at WBCN on the listener line and by the end of the decade he was the station's Marketing Director. His show “Breakfast with the Beatles” has been on the air for over 40 years and has allowed him to interview the surviving members as well as many within their immediate circle. A friendship with Tony Bennett in the 90's helped solidify the crooner's amazing comeback. Cha-Chi has been on the front line of Boston radio, during it's heyday and  up to it's unfortunate decline. So may I introduce to you, the act you've known for all these years …. 

Season 3, Episode 3, AJ chats with Rick Berlin. A fixture on the Boston music scene since the mid-70s, this Iowa born piano playing songwriter established himself for his visionary writing of theatrical rock n roll songs. With their exposure on WBCN, Orchestra Luna captured a national audience, recorded for a major label and opened for established bands on every major stage in Boston. Thru his solo career and many bands, including Luna, Berlin Airlift, Rick Berlin the Movie and the Shelly Winters Project, Rick has been one of the true local artists who has constantly been reinvented himself and luckily is taking all of us along for the journey.

Season 3, Episode 2, AJ chats with Steve Berkowitz. A proud Brighton resident, if there is a job in the music business, this man has performed it: a teenage roadie for Muddy Waters and Chuck Berry, Tour/Co Manager for The Cars during their first 4 albums, Co-Owner of the legendary studio Synchro Sound, Concert Promoter, Agent, Musician, A&R Executive and Producer.  He has settled in nicely working with Sony Music's Legacy department working on historical reissues for Miles Davis, Bob Dylan, Robert Johnson, Johnny Cash, Leonard Cohen and Paul Simon, just to name a few. This 7 time Grammy Award winner  has made an amazing name for himself while still being proud of his Boston roots. Sit back and enjoy this conversation where a very private person allowed AJ to ask a few questions, and talk about this impactful career.

Season 3, Episode 1, AJ chats with Ray Tabano. Growing up Ray was best friends with Steven (Tallarico) Tyler. Naturally they started a band with Tyler on drums, and Ray on bass. Eventually he switched to guitar and was a founding member of The Bad Boys of Boston: Aerosmith. When Brad Whitford took over on guitar, he became their Marketing Manager, from designing their logo, to running their fan club, writing their newsletter and overseeing all merchandise sales, he helped get the word out about this legendary band. But why am I telling you this, check out the episode and let Ray tell you how it went down. Enjoy.

Season 2, Episode 17, AJ chats with Dan Vitale. 2023 marks the 40th Anniversary of the legendary ska band Bim Skala Bim, who have been mashing up dance halls around the world since 1983. Massive respect! Dan as the lead singer, fronts one of the most successful bands to ever come out of Boston. As if that is not enough, he also sings with Steady Earnest, and is a highly respected film producer. When he is not on the road, he currently runs a Bed and Breakfast in Bocas Del Toro. So pack the chillum, light some candles, sit back and listen to the interview we have all been waiting for.

Season 2, Episode 16, AJ chats with guitarist Cliff Goodwin. From Worcester, Massachusetts, Cliff was one of the first members of the Jon Butcher Axis, before making his name as being Joe Cocker's Musical Director and Band Leader for over 12 years. An absolute musical experience, taking him around the world and on to some of the biggest stages with an iconic Musical Legend. As a session musician some of his studio work includes Robert Palmer's biggest hit, “Bad Case of Loving You”. A true music legend right here from Wormtown. Enjoy the chat.

Season 2, Episode 15, AJ chats with Steve Cataldo, David McLean & Adam Sherman, AKA: The Nervous Eaters. Formed in 1973, they are one of the premiere Boston punk bands and a huge influence on the local music scene. “Loretta” is the epitome of the perfect song. Steve may be the only original member, but they are now a Boston Supergroup with David McLean (Willie Alexander's Boom Boom Band) on drums, Brad Hallen (Duke Robillard) on bass and Adam Sherman (Private Lightning) on guitar. They just released a new CD “Monsters and Angels” and it seems they are prepared for another 50 years of rocking the house. Long Live The Nervous Eaters!

S2, Episode 14: David Hull Is Never Dull Season 2, Episode 14, AJ chats with David Hull. Living in Connecticut in 1970, as a teenager in high school, David is chosen by Buddy Miles to be the bass player in the Buddy Miles Band and had a front row seat to the legend that was Jimi Hendrix. Opening shows for Jimi and even being in the house band at his memorial service, this is the stuff legends are made of. But the story does not stop there, he has also played with Aerosmith, Ted Nugent, Joe Cocker, Dirty Angels, Joe Perry Project and Farrenheit. As well as his current solo career he is also the bass player for the James Montgomery Band. Lots to cover, so hit play and enjoy the chat.

Season 2, Episode 13, AJ chats with Mike Girard, lead singer of The Fools. Formed in Ipswich, MA in the mid 70's, this is the story of a Rock n' Roll band in America, including local radio play, signed to a major label, MTV videos, and National tours. All done with a sense of humor that could only come from a Boston native. If there is a stage anywhere in New England, you know The Fools have been on it. A published author of two books, currently as well as The Fools, Mike also fronts Mike Girard's Big Swinging Thing. This is a conversation not to be missed.

Season 2, Episode 12, AJ chats with Sal Baglio. From East Boston comes a legend, the lead singer, songwriter and guitarist of The Stompers has been performing in Boston clubs since the late 70s. Their shows during the 80s and 90s were always a packed house, with an audience who knew the words to every song. They got national attention thru MTV videos and touring with some of the top grossing acts of the time. This is a great opportunity to catch up with someone who was vital in creating the Boston music scene.

Season 2, Episode 11, AJ chats with Chris Doherty. Chris has been a social media influencer for over 40 years. At 15 years old, this Braintree resident became a founding member of Boston's hardcore punk scene with his band Gang Green. In 1982, the influential CD “This is Boston, Not LA” put the Boston punk scene and them on the map. In 1986 they won the WBCN Rock N Roll Rumble and were on their way to worldwide success. Open your favorite beverage, sit back and join us as we remember back to the day when the band you wore on your t-shirt defined your personality.

Season 2, Episode 10, AJ has a Fab conversation with Charles Rosenay. Living in New Haven, CT, like most of the nation he immediately fell in love with The Beatles, watching the Ed Sullivan show in 1964. So much that for over 50 years, he has been been involved with Beatles conventions, concerts, for 25 years he published the ultimate Beatles Fanzine “Good Day Sunshine” and currently (since 1983) he has been organizing Beatle Tours to Liverpool. His passions also involve Horror Movies and Paranormal Investigations, which of course, they cover. This episode is “guaranteed to raise a smile”.

Season 2, Episode 9, AJ talks to Charlie Farren. America's Special Guest has been a fixture in the Boston Music scene for almost 50 years. They discuss his legendary bands: Farrenheit, Balloon, The Enemy, The Joe Perry Project and his very successful solo career. From clubs to stadiums, chances are no matter in the world where you are, if there is a stage, Charlie has been on it. All thru this amazing music career, for over 22 years he also held down a full time job with Hewlett-Packard. Guitar designer, TV show music judge, song writer, producer and his most important gig as a dad are all covered. A class act and a true rock star, enjoy this conversation.

Season 2, Episode 8, AJ talks to Bob Margolin. When you think of classic blues guitarists, Brookline, Massachusetts very rarely enters the conversation. But todays guest was born there and then made a name for himself in the world of the Blues, playing guitar for the legendary Muddy Waters from 1973 to 1980. “Steady Rollin” Bob Margolin is a walking blues historian so when you get him in a room with our host, it is essentially a blues lesson for all. You will hear the tales of the road from a true blue aficionado. Pinetop Perkins, Johnny Winter, Chuck Berry, Bob Corritore, Jimmy Vivino and even The Band's The Last Waltz are some of the topics. Sit back, pour a pint and listen to an amazing conversation of a true road warrior, who we are proud to claim as a Bostonian.

Season 2, Episode 7, AJ talks to Jerry Lehane, singer songwriter of the legendary Boston band: The Dogmatics. For over 40 years, they have been on the Boston Music scene as one of the most energetic bar bands you will ever see. They literally put Thayer Street in the South End of Boston on the map, by naming their first album that and having infamous “after parties” at their studio/loft on that street. At the height of their popularity in the 80s tragedy struck, but as true survivors, they took some time off, regrouped and to this day they are still putting out new music. The local punk scene may have come and gone and come again, but it is a true testament that thru it all The Dogmatics still shine. Hear the tale of a true rock icon and one who is proud to be a Bostonian and wears it on his sleeve like a merit badge.

Season 2, Episode 6, AJ talks to Tom Hambridge., multi-Grammy award winner. Although he grew up in Buffalo, he really made his name in Boston after he graduated Berklee in the early 80s. He started out drumming and singing lead for guitar legend Roy Buchanan, created his own band: T.H. and the Wreckage and also quickly became the “must have” drummer when any legend needed a back up band. Since then he has become the “must have” songwriter and producer for such artists as: George Thorogood, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Delbert McClinton, Meat Loaf, ZZ Top and many others. He has even won or been nominated for Grammys for his work with: “Kingfish”, Kenny Neal, Buddy Guy, James Cotton, Johnny Winter and Susan Tedeschi. He is currently on tour as the drummer in blues legend Buddy Guy's band as well as the opening act. To say I am exhausted just typing that is an understatement, but somehow AJ covers all this and more. A must listen with an extraordinary talented musician.

Season 2, Episode 5, AJ talks to Scott Spray. A Grammy recording musician whose bass playing can be heard on over 800 cd/albums with a vast amount of recording artists, as well as familiar commercial jingles, TV and movie soundtracks. He is the epitome of what a professional working musician is. As the bass player (at different times) of both Edgar and Johnny Winter bands, he made a name for himself in the blues. A member of both the New England Music Hall of Fame and the Blues Music Hall of Fame, we were honored he found some time in his busy schedule to speak with us of his legendary career.

Season 2, Episode 4, AJ talks to Boston's Queen of Rock: Robin Lane. A vital part of Boston Rock history, Robin Lane and the Chartbusters led the charge of Boston bands in the 80's with singles on the charts and videos on MTV. Fronting that band was the first women to really make a mark on the scene, Robin Lane. Sure AJ talks about that, but also her time before that as a back-up singer with Neil Young, living in LA and meeting the infamous “Family”, married to Andy Summers, growing up around Dean Martin and that is only the first 5 minutes. When we get to her current, amazing charity work with Songbird Sings, you will realize you are truly in the company of someone really special.

Season 2, Episode 3, AJ talks to the legendary bass player of the J. Geils Band: Danny “DK” Klein. Todays show's is a celebration, we honor the legacy of one of the greatest rock bands out of Boston. We also celebrate the 50TH Anniversary of one of the greatest live recordings ever: “Live” Full House! Recorded in Detroit in 1972, this was the breakthrough album, the band needed to expose the amazing energy of their live shows. AJ gets to the heart of the music to hear the stories from the man who laid down the most infectious grooves anyone has ever heard. We also get an update of what DK is up to now, with his own band Danny Klein's Full House.

Season 2, Episode 2, AJ talks to Drummer Extraordinaire Bobby “T” Torello. From the great state of Connecticut comes this member of the Classic Drummer Hall of Fame, WFL III Ludwig drums spokesman and member of the New England Music Hall of Fame. His many years of touring includes sessions with Johnny Winter, Grace Slick, Black Oak Arkansas, Jay Willie Blues Band, The Namedroppers and even Michael Bolton. Bobby has been on the road since he was 16 years old and does not seem to be slowing down any time soon. Listen in as two friends talk of their 40 + year friendship.

Season 2, Episode 1, AJ talks to Harvey Brooks and his wife Bonnie. Probably the most important bass player in the history of Rock N Roll. Not many musicians can claim in their resume of recording with Bob Dylan, Miles Davis, Jimi Hendrix, The Doors, Mama Cass, Janis Joplin, John Sebastian and Electric Flag … just to name a few. Hear all the first hand accounts as well as stories of being at Monterey Pop, and his current life in Jerusalem. Long live Harvey Brooks! and thanks for sharing so many amazing stories.

Episode 16, AJ talks to Willie Alexander. Singer, guitarist, Boston Rock legend sits with AJ for a truly historic conversation about his career. The son of a Baptist Minister speaks of playing coffee houses, Barry Tashian helping him get signed to a label, joining Velvet Underground, how he got the nickname “Loco”, previous bands: the Lost, the Bagatelle, the Grass Menagerie, writing the classics: “Mass Ave.”, “Kerouac” & “At The Rat” and of course the Boom Boom Band. Willie lives and breathes the true spirit and essence of what Boston Rock is all about.

Episode 15, AJ talks to Bill Sheerin. Most people in the Boston area know Bill Sheerin as the Managing Editor of Newscenter 5 at WCVB-TV, Channel 5. Or maybe some know him as an Emmy Award winning highly-regarded journalist. But not AJ, he remembers him as the rhythm guitarist of a club playing Boston-based, metal/rock band of the 90s called Snidely Whiplash. The hair may be shorter but the memories remain.

Episode 14, AJ talks to Jimmy Harold. Jimmy was the owner of one of the most historical clubs in the history of Boston Rock: The Rathskeller. The Rat (as it is better known as) was located in the heart of Kenmore Square and was the epicenter of Boston's punk rock scene. Legendary European Punk Bands made their American debut there. Local bands dreamed of the day they took the stage there. And in true rock and roll fashion it was as dingy and dark as you can imagine. From 1974 to 1997 Jimmy Harold seen it all. Sure NY had CBGBs, but Boston had The Rat! Let the discussion begin …..

Episode 13, AJ talks to Jon Butcher. Jon has been working the Boston club scene since the mid 70's showing every up and coming guitarist how it is done. One of the first artists to break the color barrier on MTV in the mid 80s. He is in one word: professional. Listen as him and AJ talk about “Everything Butcher” solo recordings, previous bands, touring with J Geils as an unsigned act, composing TV theme songs and recently he is creating music for video games. A legendary artist and a legendary conversation!

Episode 12, AJ talks to Carter Alan. A fixture on the Boston music radio scene for over 40 years, Carter has seen and lived thru all the trends, from his early punk days at WMBR, to his role as music director at WBCN, to his current afternoon shift at WZLX. AJ and Carter surely talk about the past, but when they talk about the present state of the local music scene, that is when it gets interesting. Sit back and listen to 2 longtime friends who together define the term “Boston Rocks!”

Episode 11, AJ talks to Bob & Paul from The Cowsills. From Newport, Rhode Island, 6 brothers, 1 sister and their mother were discovered as a family singing group in the 60's. They were barely teenagers when they had their first million selling single. Their act became the prototype for the television show, The Partridge Family. But, like all success stories it came with a price….

Episode 10, AJ talks to John Davidson. AJ sits with legendary Hollywood icon and New Hampshire resident, John Davidson. TV, movies, Broadway, game shows, sitcoms, reality TV, music ~ what has this guy not done? AJ gets to the topic of them all. Bert Lahr, Richard Pryor, George Carlin, Ricardo Montalban, Joan Rivers, Fred McMurray, Hollywood Squares, That's Incredible, The Tonight Show, I could go on and on. As our hosts says “Fasten your seat belts this will be a wild ride!”

Episode 9, AJ talks to Kate Taylor. AJ sits with a member from Massachusetts' First Family of Music, sister Kate Taylor. This episode has the feel of two old friends catching up: they talk about the family: brothers Alex, Livingston, Hugh and James ~ the 50TH Anniversary of her debut album ~ life on Martha's Vineyard ~ encounters with John Belushi, Ringo Starr, George Harrison and Mick Jagger. How Cool Is That!

Episode 8, AJ talks to Christine Ohlman. AJ sits with absolute royalty, The Beehive Queen. Let me tell you something wherever this singer/songwriter is, is simply the place to be! You will feel the excitement as they discuss her early bands with GE Smith, being a member of the Saturday Night Live house band since 1991, performing on stage with rock royalty at the Bob Dylan 30th Anniversary Show, singing at Obama's Presidential Inaugural Gala, recording with Andrew Loog Oldham, Elvis Costello, Big Al Anderson, (and many others), trust me, there was plenty to talk about. Pay respect to a true Queen and give this episode a listen.

Episode 7, AJ talks to Johnny A. AJ sits with a member of the Boston Music Hall of Fame, guitar hero Johnny A for a career retrospective. And man what a career he is having, from the local bands The Streets, Hidden Secret and Hearts on Fire to working with rock royalty such as Bobby Whitlock, Peter Wolf and The Yardbirds. Sprinkle in some stories about Les Paul, the WBCN Rock N Roll Rumble and his Signature Model guitars and you have the recipe for a fascinating conversation.

Episode 6, AJ talks to Barry Goudreau. AJ sits with the original Lead Guitarist of the band Boston and asks the questions you want to hear: the friendships and passings of Brad Delp & Sib Hashian, Tom Scholz' law suits, RTZ, touring with Aerosmith, forming a band with car dealer Ernie Boch Jr. and his new band Barry Goudreau's Engine Room. Just a great Rock 'N' Roll interview. Turn it to 11!

Episode 5, AJ talks to Duke Robillard. From the great state of Rhode Island, Duke has formed a career any musician could be envious of. As the founder of Roomful of Blues, he has then gone on to perform on stage with such legends as Stevie Ray Vaughn, Tom Waits, Robert Gordon, Danny Gatton, The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Jay Geils and even Bob Dylan. He talks of them all. It was an honor to have this Grammy nominated, legendary Blues guitarist join us on the podcast.

Episode 4, AJ talks to Chance Langton. Originally from Quincy, Massachusetts, he rose to national fame on the comedy circuit, mixing comedy with music. The conversation takes us from the local Boston comedy scene of the early 1980s, to modern day. Great personal stories from touring with Rodney Dangerfield, hanging with Adam Sandler and even running in to Bob Dylan at a New York Bar. If you are ready to laugh, this episode is for you!

Episode 3, AJ talks to Peter Levine about legendary Boston based Boogie Woogie Piano Player: Preacher Jack. John Lincoln Coughlin was born in Malden in 1942 and for 50+ years he was a fixture on the Boston and North of Boston club circuit. The stories of him have become Urban Legends and today AJ and Peter (Jack's manager) dissect the best of them to reveal the truths.

Episode 2, AJ talks to James Montgomery. The Boston based blues icon, has been a touring musician for over 5 decades. The chat covers James entire career including his time with The Allman Brothers, Johnny Winter and the James Montgomery Band. We also get an amazing blues lesson with personal stories about James Cotton, Muddy Waters and Sonny Boy Williamson 1.

Episode 1 starts at the beginning, AJ talks to Gary Shea, the one time owner and publisher of The Beat Magazine. A magazine from the 1980s and 1990s that documented the Boston / New England music, arts & entertainment scene, where AJ was the head writer.