The College Crowd Digs Me

"Where would you recommend I take this?" ~ Michael Jan Friedman ~ With nearly 60 books notched on his pencil, many appearing on the New York Times bestseller list, it's safe to say, author Michael Jan Friedman knows his way around the alphabet. Add to the list some television and radio work and you've got yourself a pretty fine box of candy.  Call it good and wake me in the morning. But, for this reader, being handed the heavy baton to carry forward new Star Trek ideas as the writer for the Star Trek: The Next Generation comic book series is the feather.  If there is anything more cool-breeze than being linked to the iconic Star Trek franchise...in a medium that is cool unto itself...the list is short.  Like many fantasy and sci-fi ideas, Michael dreams them in aurora and remembers them in words.  As Pete Townshend once said, "Nothing is everything." MICHAEL JAN FRIEDMAN INTERVIEW  MAY 2016 Casey Chambers:  Michael, ...

As familiar as a Cracker Barrel rocking chair. As satisfying as an extra-long back scratcher. That would be John Prine.  And for nearly 50 years, John has been trying to connect the dot-to-dots of life in song. And he reminds us, with a gentle hand, that feelings are never cheap. Lives are never simple. And a smile goes a long, long way. He's as rare as honesty.  An American treasure, for sure.   He's the "Ferris Bueller" of singer-songwriters.  And though John would be the last one to admit it...he's a righteous dude. This list could easily be filled with another ten songs. And another.  And yet, another still. But for today... 10 UNDERRATED JOHN PRINE GEMS "You'll be waitin' on a phone call at the wrong end of a broom." "Crazy As A Loon" / "Fair & Square" (2005) "One red rose in the Bible pressed between the Holy alphabet." "One Red Rose" / "Storm Windows" (198...

"Save my life... I'm going down for the last time." ~ Head East ~ We've all seen those five-star lists. The critically-acclaimed album this and blah-blah-blah album that.  And I get it.  I appreciate the opinions.  They're fun to read. But sometimes you just have to judge an album on a different scale.  Like how much you actually play it.  And how much you enjoy it. Sometimes...you just have to let your own ears be the judge. So when Roger Boyd's keyboards explode from out of my speakers to kick it in gear...I feel better.  My car drives better. I get better gas mileage.  Pretty simple, really. ROGER BOYD INTERVIEW - APRIL 2016 Roger Boyd Casey Chambers:   "Never Been Any Reason" is the opening track from Head East's debut... "Flat As A Pancake." (1975) And your keyboard really strikes the match for the rest of the album. How did you get your keyboards to sound the way they did? Roger Boyd:  The synthesizer p...

"I won't cry  for the wasted years, 'cause you ain't worth the salt in my tears." ~ Martin Briley ~ Martin Briley is one of those wonderful creative musical cats who may not necessarily be a household name (except for those in the 80s who had their hearts busted up) and yet you know him just the same.  This successful singer-songwriter-musician has performed, recorded, and written spirals of songs for a host of diverse artists.  From Ian Hunter to Gregg Allman.  Pat Benatar to Barry Manilow.  Mick Jones to Charlie Pride.  And dozens in-between. Martin Briley has also provided music for television and movies.  And, of course, he has recorded his own albums, as well...including the pop-rock, critical rave-up... "One Night With A Stranger." Well worth seeking out.  A one-trick pony, he's not.  He thinks quick on his feet.  Leads, when necessary. Improvises, when needed.  Adapts, when imperative.   Martin Bri...

"I am a  repairman of  neon lights." ~ Freedy Johnston ~ One of the unexpected gems from 2015, and one that seems to have passed mostly unnoticed, is singer/songwriter Freedy Johnston's beautiful... "Neon Repairman."  And it's one of his best. A collection of ten songs filled with out-of-step characters who find themselves traveling on the kind of roads that demand single file.  And they may be broken, but he likes them.  You can hear it in Freedy's voice. And his voice has never sounded better. Just listen as he sings... "...in the winter night. She remembers longer days..."  (" Summer Clothes")   An achingly beautiful story about a woman left to wander the streets with no place to go.  Not really, anyway. Then there's the terrific..." A Little Bit of Somethin’ Wrong" ...about a soldier struggling to adjust.  The deceptive melody disguises darker lyrics.   "...I've got a wife and kid, but ...

"... I'd rather do without prediction." ~ Steve Forbert ~ With 16 albums now under his belt, all sorely under-appreciated, Steve Forbert has taken us from "Alive On Arrival" (1978) to "Compromised."  (2015)  So, has he?  Compromised, I mean? Steve Forbert is a little older, obviously.  Wiser, well probably. He continues to wear his heart on his sleeve, but he keeps his arms a little closer to his vest.  And, I suspect, he's not near as "careless in his way"... not in the way that youth allows.  But he continues to write with a painter's eye.  And he lets us ride shotgun while he discovers his lot.  So...compromised?  I guess so. But fearless?  Hell yeah! Steve Forbert  Interview - December 2015 "Compromised" - Steve Forbert (2015) Casey Chambers:  Steve, I'm really excited about the release of your 16th studio album... "Compromised. "  It's good to know you're still..."...