Please join the Unstoppable Frankie Picasso and co-host Wendy Allyn on Monday, April 12th for the Frankie and Johnny Music Hour, www.blogtalkradio.com/frankie–johnny at 8:00 pm est.

 Welcome to the wacky and wonderful world and music of the Therapy Sisters, aka “The Sissies” or the “T-Sissies”.  Maurine McLean (bass & witticisms)

and Lisa Rogers Lisa Rogers (guitar, ukulele & gumption)are two amazing women making up this duo and what sets their music apart is their mission for having lots of fun and making people laugh as they think about life

They are not immune to the American obsession with self-help and therapeutic solutions. Music and laughter produce the altered state they seek, so the band serves as remedy, confessional, and the audible blog of their lives.

Their musicianship and talent for songwriting is evident and full-flavored with the humor, insight and relevance they pour into each and every song.  They influence each other, co-write and compete for “Song most likely to get stuck in your head”!

With a whopping 9 CD’s recorded, The Sissies are planning their 10^th to be done by the end of 2010.  They’ve played in the U.S. coast to coast in clubs and coffeehouses. 

Their farthest gig from home was a Peace festival in East Germany the year the wall came down. 

Vying for strangest gig are the performance at the El Paso bowling alley cafeteria and the cruise ship shows for the Journal of Nursing Jocularity.  In the running for best gig are the musical evenings we split with the Austin Lounge Lizards at Austin’s Cactus Café and concerts at a Unity Church in Ventura, California.  But then that leaves out the benefits for a Mexican orphanage in San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato and also the time we played on a flatbed truck in a parade in Provincetown.  Another of the duo’s alter-ego ensembles is a Spanish language band, Las Gabacha-chas. Here, the band covers cha cha cha’s of the 1950’s and 60’s as well as assorted originals.

In their words, “It’s all been wacky and wonderful, and after 9 recordings and 400,000 miles on 2 vans, we have settled into performing steadily in central Texas, with occasional forays to New England or south of the border.  The Chilean earthquake foiled our Spring in Santiago tour, which had to be postponed till 2011. 

We’ve played garage sales, menopause parties, funerals and weddings, and the occasional grocery store opening.  Playing makes us feel good and we hear that feeling is contagious!”

In   

Please  join the Unstoppable Frankie Picasso and co host Wendy Allyn for The Frankie and Johnny Music Hour TONIGHT, April 5th, at 8:00 pm est, www.blogtalkradio.com/frankie-johnny as  Frankie and Wendy  head east towards Martha's Vineyard for a campfire chat under the Tipi, with the multi-talented  and engaging Kate Taylor.

 With a brand new LP and an autobiographical DVD released, Kate is blooming and sprouting up everywhere!

'Fair Time' is Kate's 7th album, and one that just  happened to be voted one of the top 25 albums of 2009 by WMVY Radio. Each song either memoralizes her life in  Chapel Hill, or the years spent on Martha's Vineyard . They are a generous mix of great rock, folk, country and a whole lot of Kate's soul.

 

 Coinciding with the
 release of  Fair Time is a DVD biography of Kate entitled "Tunes from the Tipi and Other Songs from Home," Tunes from the Tipi and other Songs from Home that is beautifully filmed, produced, and directed by her daughter Liz Witham. Included in the film is some delightful color footage of UNC and downtown Chapel Hill from the early sixties. There is also an array of photos and film clips of the entire Taylor family growing up. 

Kate grew up the only girl among 4 brothers and it  doesn't seem that the lack of  estrogen hurt her any. In fact, all of the siblings seem extraordinarily close.

Each of the Taylor sibs chose to reside as adults on Martha's Vineyard, as it was a bohemian paradise full of musicians, artists, and writers.  Each  were blessed with an abundance of musical talent and have enjoyed careers in music, often playing with one another. 

Although it was brother James who became the household name, fame really  could have happened to any of them.  When James's signed with Apple records, he took Kate to England with him and a year later, Kate had her first album produced in America entitled Sister Kate produced by James's friend and manager Peter Asher. The album is a masterpiece and tour de force of great songs, with back up musicians including Carole King, Linda Ronstadt, her brother James, J.D. Souther, and Bernie Leadon. After a brief career in music, Kate returned to Martha's Vineyard and met her soul mate, Charlie Witham and started her family.

Kate's Discography

Please join the Unstoppable Frankie Picasso and co host Wendy Allyn as once again do the Texas Two Step all the way to Texas to meet up with the incredible songwriting and singing talents of Nancy Scott, Monday, March 29th at 8:00 pm est on the Frankie and Johnny Music Hour., www.blogtalkradio.com/frankie–johnny

Says Nancy
"I think songwriters could think of their songs as their bios/history.  They paint a picture of where we’ve been – when and where they were conceived and our interpretation of life’s situation at that time.  “Both Sides of Me” written in a cabin in Tennessee thinking about life, “Lost in Austin”, my first year in Austin, “I Awoke” on a picnic table camping at Lake Travis,  “The Fish Song” after a night of partying and philosophizing with an interesting woman named Mel, and more recently Inner Peace, lookin out my window in Cedar creek tx, thinking about life"…

Nancy Scott has been performing her original songs for over 35 years, mostly in Texas, but also in other parts of the country.  Her first album, yes, vinyl, released in 1987, “has a collection of tunes that many a popular, big name artist would give their eye teeth to own.  Check out Both Sides of Me."  Belle, Music City Texas, March 1992.

Her next recording, HeartPrints in Clay (Reminiscent Records), released September 1995, was produced and co-arranged by Betty Elders and carefully put together by a culmination of talented Austin musicians.  The songs in this collection represent a more serious, yet ever hopeful side of Nancy's soul.  Her songwriting continues to evolve as she is currently working on a new CD.

Nancy's songwriting style varies from folk to blues blended with a touch of country and rock and her talent has not gone unacknowledged or unnoticed.  She was included in the top ten songwriters in the Austin Music Umbrella Songwriter's Contest in 1983, performing in the first round picks at the 1989 Kerrville Folk Festival's New Folk, and honorable mention for two of her songs in the 1990 Billboard Songwriters contest. 

Her entry in the 1995 Spree Songwriter's Contest was included on a compilation Spree Select CD.  She attended the National Women’s Music Festival in 2004 and was selected from open mic participants to play on the Sunday Stage and more recently performed on the day stage in 2007.

Please join the Unstoppable Frankie Picasso and co host Wendy Allyn on Tuesday, March 22 for the Frankie & Johnny Music Hour , www.blogtalkradio.com/frankie–johnny at 8:00 pm est.as we introduce two bands to you. Shannie and Noah Earle!!

The acoustic duo of Shan Kowert + Annie Acton = ShAnnie!

Shan was born in San Antonio, where his Dad was stationed in the Air Force. Shan is a 5th generation Texan with deep roots in the Texas Hill Country, in Fredericksburg.

Shan comes from a diverse group of ancestors comprised of Cowboys, Indians and German immigrants. Musicians also bloomed on the Kowert family tree, with guitar, fiddle and piano players and one great-grandfather that was a professor of music and played the pipe organ.  At age 16, Shan got his first guitar; a Yamaha 12 string. He was influenced by music icons such as Jose Feliciano, Dylan, Lightfoot, Folgelberg and many others.Annie was born in California, but raised all over the world. Annie’s Dad also served in the Air Force, which took them to Guam, the Phillipines, Germany and all over the U.S. It was always hard to keep friends, but that just made the family closer. Music was a definite bond shared by her family. Annie’s dad was into Rock n’ Roll while her mom was swayin’ to Motown. It’s no wonder her musical influences are very diverse, everything from Patsy Cline to Mel Torme and The Ramones to Allison Krauss.

 The two formed their musical duo in 2005 and not much later,  released their debut cd Water Over Stones  which received a nomination for Vocal Duo at the 2008 Texas Music Awards. "Eclectic Americana Folk" is what some are saying about this duo. Their voices are clean and soothing, and the music is beautifully accompanied by a 12 string acoustic guitar. It's the chemistry of these two people that will not only lure you in, but keep you wanting more.  Please stay tuned as their new cd will hopefully be out sometime next year…with all new material and a little different attitude!

Noah Earle was born in Topeka, Kansas, "a good place to dig potatoes." Surrounded by a musical family, he absorbed various strains of influence. His musical involvement began in early childhood when he would listen to the traditional country and country-gospel music that his family would play and sing at their gatherings. Between the ages of about 5 and 18 he underwent classical training for piano, voice and fiddle (his grandpa said "never let anybody call it a violin").

By the age of 10, he had decided that he wanted to write songs, like his uncle and grandfather. Throughout this time, he was also exposed to blues and jazz by his dad and uncle, both of whom performed in a number of bands. From these surroundings Noah has emerged as a formidable solo artist, displaying unmistakable talent through his deft and varied guitar style and an agile, soulful approach to his singing.

Others have been quick to recognize Earle's talent. In 2006 he won the solo category of the Kansas City Blues Challenge and was a finalist in the International Blues Competition in Memphis. More recently, he was chosen as a New Folk finalist at the renowned Kerrville Folk Festival in 2007.

Earle's first release for MayApple Records, Postcards From Home, found him focusing his songwriting solidly in the Americana vein. His second, This is the Jubilee, slated for release in January of 2010, represents an evolutionary leap toward greater confidence and stylistic originality.

Please join the Unstoppable Frankie Picasso and guest co-host Wendy Allyn on Monday, March 8th at 8:00 pm est for the Frankie & Johnny Music Hour.

Tonight we are pleased to welcome one of Canada's Premier Blues Bands, two time Juno award winners, 'FATHEAD' to the stage and we want you to get in on the ACTION too, when we get up close and personal with band front man, Al Lerman.  You can do this by either joining us in the CHAT ROOM at www.blogtalkradio.com/frankie–johnny or by calling in to the show at 1 (646) 378-0358 

I DOUBLE DARE you to sit through a performance of this band without moving. These boys know how to 'get down' and so they should. They have been doing what they do since 1992, and with practice comes perfection!

 They've been called a "Blues Tour de Force", a powerful descriptor and an apt one because FATHEAD literally explodes on stage

It's been a long but steady climb since FATHEAD's debut gig in 1992, and the band has been tearing it up on the North American festival circuit ever since – winning over new fans every time they play – making FATHEAD one of the Canada's top roots acts.

Signed to the world renowned ELECTRO-FI RECORDS' imprint, the band has won two JUNO AWARDS (Canada's "GRAMMY") for "Blues Recording Of The Year".

That they  have been described as a Blues Tour De Force comes as no surprise. Georgia-raised lead singer JOHN MAYS has had a storied career that began in the Southern gospel tradition, crossing over into Doo-Wop, R&B and Blues, not to mention a stint with the Godfather Of Soul JAMES BROWN.

Hooking up with band leader AL LERMAN (harp and saxophone) in Toronto some years later, FATHEAD's core has remained constant since forming; offering ace musicianship, soul stirring harmonies and incendiary live performances.

The writing tandem of Lerman and bassist OMAR TUNNOCH has produced a large body of work that has enjoyed time on the US, European and Canadian music charts.

Guitar ace TEDDY LEONARD and iconic drummer BUCKY BERGER round out FATHEAD's sound, infusing elements of funk, soul, and R&B into their strong blues backbone. FATHEAD is truly an original band with a sound immediately recognizable as their own. They have a ball wherever they play and it shows!

The Music of FATHEAD

Saskatchewan-born, Toronto-based singer, songwriter, session musician, concert performer and  recording artist  Suzie Vinnick.

Suzie is an award winning performer who Access Magazine dubbed, The Voice of Spun Gold and Honey and it’s a perfect description.  Suzie who plays plays bass, guitar, saxophone, piano, Dobro, lap steel and mandolin is one of the busiest session players and singers in the Canadian blues/roots music and jazz communities, having made appearances on more than a dozen recordings by other artists.

Suzie is a frequent headliner at festivals across the country and in the U.S., and in November shared the Massey Hall stage as musical director and featured artist in the Toronto Blues Society’s annual all-star Women’s Blues Revue.Suzie was nominated for a 2009 JUNO for her 3rd album, Happy Here, produced by Juno-Award winning singer/songwriter Stephen Fearing.

She was nominated for two 2009 Canadian Folk Music Awards (CFMA’s) and has also won 6 Canadian Maple Blues Awards – 4 for Female Vocalist of the Year in 2009, 2008, 2006 and 2003; Bassist of the Year in 2006 and she shared Songwriter of the Year with Rick Fines for their 2006 release, Nothing Halfway.

Suzie also won 1st place in the Blues Category of the 2009 Unisong International Songwriting Contest for her cowrite Sometimes I Think I Can Fly. She  has been featured nationally on CBC Radio on Stuart McLean’s Vinyl Café, and has performed across Canada and the US, and for Canadian Peacekeepers in Bosnia and the Persian Gulf. She performs powerfully as a solo act or with her tasteful side players, as a duo and band with Rick Fines, and is also a member of the groups the Marigolds (with Gwen Swick and Caitlin Hanford of Quartette) and Betty & the Bobs.  

Suzie’s  CD’s..

And these songwriting talents could stand alone, but they don’t stop there! 

JOEL MELTON – Having learned to play guitar from his father, Joel Melton began his career in music very early.   Playing parties, small gatherings and wherever music could potentially enhance life, you’d find Joel with his guitar entertaining the crowd.  Joel credits the Blue Door and owner/promoter Greg Johnson in Oklahoma City for nurturing his unique craft of songwriting.  It was here where Joel met and performed with other great Americana/Roots musicians like Jimmy Webb, Ray Wylie Hubbard, Kevin Welch and of course, Michael Fracasso.  As a result of these influences and a desire to focus on songwriting, he moved to Austin, TX in 2004.  Since then, Joel’s music has been selected for use by Bravo Network on one of their shows titled “Tale Lights” and also on the PBS station KCNT at a special Fort Hood dedication by returning Marines from Iraq.  Joel is a master at entertaining and story-telling; performing comes as natural to him as breathing and though he could be content with his own success, Joel enjoys listening and encouraging other songwriters. Whenever requested, he willingly and unselfishly gives of his time and creative talents, whether it’s through collaboration, sharing resources  or just simply through generous and always kindly guidance and mentoring.  Joel has filmed and screened two documentary films “The Journey” and a movie about Texas songwriters “There’s Something in the Water”.  One of his inspirations for this film grew out of befriending fellow songwriter, actor and composer Alton Watson.  It was from this friendship that Joel and Alton created and host the annual “There’s Something in the Water” songwriting festival held in Regency, Tx each spring.   This festival has been dubbed by folks as far as California and Michigan as, ‘The longest half-day festival around!’  and if you’re a fan of homegrown music in a non-pretentious, warm and comfortable atmosphere, then this festival is not to be missed!

MICHAEL FRACASSO – Born to Italian immigrants in the town of Mingo-Junction, Ohio, Michael’s father worked the steel mills and his parents grew vegetable gardens and made their own wine to compliment authentic, home-cooked Italian meals.  Along with listening to music on the AM radio shows, Michael would sometimes travel with his family to the Country Music Jamboree held in W. Virginia and it was here where Michael saw his first concert, country legend Kitty Wells.  As a young adult, Michael too would work the mills in the summer before going away for college in Ohio and Washington state and later, his travels brought him to Greenwich Village, NY where he learned the art of songwriting.  In 1990 Michael moved to Austin, Texas “with everything that would fit in the back of my Volkswagen Rabbit, which was mostly my guitars”.  Fracasso is a badass folkie with a sweet Italian tenor and has been compared to legendary singers Roy Orbison and Gene Pitney. Michael truly is a “songwriter’s songwriter” and is well respected and admired as such.  He was voted best new artist upon his arrival in Austin by Third Coast Music Magazine.  Michael Fracasso has recorded and toured with artists such as Charlie Sexton, Lucinda Williams and Patty Griffin and recently, Michael has songs on “Ribbons of Highway: Tribute to Woody Guthrie”. His seventh CD, Red Dog Blues(May 2007) was number one on the Americana Charts in Europe and throughout his songwriting career, he has toured extensively in the US and Europe.   In addition, Michael combines his love for singing/performing with that of cooking!  He is available for house concerts where he will cook up a wonderful gourmet Italian meal for you and your guests and after dinner, wow them with his amazing songs/performance!  Wherever Michael is performing, if you can get to one of his shows, you need to GET THERE!!.. and be ready to escape into pure musical magic by one of the true masters of his craft!

From the time he was 7 years old, Canadian born Danny Middlebrook knew he was going to be a musician and not just any musician. He was going to be famous like his mother’s favorite singer  Hank Williams and  Dj’s with colourful names like Howlin “Wolf Man”  Jack  would be announcing his name. The only problem was HOW  could this 7 year old boy make that happen. Coming from a devout Christian home, Danny was made to read the Bible and  memorize scripture every day. He remembered a verse that said ” As a man thinketh, so he is”, and he knew it would come to pass. This would become an important principle in Danny’s life for years to come.

When Danny was in Grade 3, he saw 3 kids play Guitar at his school and this changed his life. To support his growing passion, his mother  bought him a $9.00 ukuele which Danny picked up so fast that by that Christmas, his parent exchanged that for had a new guitar and he was off to the races as they say. 

 Danny’s older brother Greg helped define his taste for blues, funk, gospel and soul music with records he drove to Buffalo to buy, r & b, soul music that couldn’t be bought  in Toronto back then. When Danny heard the sounds of Taj Mahal, Solomon Burke, Joe Tex, and Bobby Blue Bland, he knew he was going to play the blues, unfortunately he would have to pay his dues first, and that opportunity came soon enough.

At the tender age of 15, Danny’s father gave him a choice. Either give up his budding fascination with the devil’s music, or get out of the house.

Danny chose to  run off with the devil and it was a long time before he stopped running.  He soaked up all the inspiration he could by watching touring American blues legends like Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf and John Lee Hooker play a theater in his native Toronto, then hit the road to play — and live — his own blues.

Danny’s voice is a raspy gravelly growl and  the perfect instrument for  delivering the messages he writes within his songs. Once when he had the privilege and honor to perform with Brownie McGhee, Danny says that as Brownie was walking off stage he said , ’son fo’ a white boy, you sho’ nuff gotta suntan on the inside’.

Hard living and the music industry took its toll on his soul. Here was a good man with a heart of gold that was living some really BAD lifestyle  choices. Burned out on speed, coke, acid, marijauna, and hard booze, by the mid-’80s, Danny took stock of his life, and he knew he wasn’t going to last long in this world. With the love and support of a good woman, he checked into rehab, and reemerged a changed man.

These days, his music is still as rockin’ and soulful as ever, ( Danny has written well over 500 songs), he now uses his potent voice and songwriting chops in the service of contemporary gospel. His records, including It’s a Southern Thing, Soulsville: Souled Out ’n Sanctified, Rock This House and No Easy Way Out, are testament to the healing power of faith and rock ’n’ roll, as is his recently published book, Miracle for Breakfast .

No Easy Way Out, that was engineered and produced by legendary Capricorn producer Johnny Sandlin, and backed by the most renowned musicians in Muscle Shoals, David Hood on bass, Spooner Oldham and Kevin McKendrie on keyboards, Scott Boyer, James Pennebaker, and Kelvin Holly on a multitude of guitars, Bill Stewart and Roger Hawkins on drums, and Bonnie Bramlett.  

Dannys Albums include:

If you would like to learn more about Danny I highly recommend his autobiography  Miracles for Breakfast- How Faith Helped Me Heal My Addictions