Brokedown Podcast

Mikey Wehling

Back at last with a fresh episode and a terrific guest, St. Louis picker, Mikey Wehling. Wehling has taken to the dobro in recent years which you can hear on his latest releases, Camp Scout Vol. 1 & 2. We get into that, his days with Messy Jiverson, some classic flat pickers, a bit of Phish, and some good old Grateful Dead. Head over for Bandcamp to scoop Mikey Wehling's Camp Scout Vol. 1 and Vol. 2. Don't sleep on his  Hearth Songs release. Only a few 7"s remain! Other music from this epi...

Matt Valentine Returns

We're back again for a new year with a special episode that features the return of Matt Valentine (Wet Tuna, MV & EE) to the podcast. We get kind of out there on this long chat but, along the way, we talk about long form music as a practice, the fiddlyness of envelope filters, and then zoom in on the upcoming Wet Tuna/Dunza split 7" release. Lastly we talk about the one hundred minute mix of MV's music that  fills out the rest of this episode. Tune in for the rap, stay for the ride. You can...

Daniel Bachman

This episode features a long awaited conversation with Daniel Bachman. Don't fret the early audio issues, we cross that hurdle, skim through a little local Virginia stuff, and get into the making of his latest record "When The Roses Come Again" and so much more. This includes the incredible "Stop MVP" benefit album Daniel helped put together with WarHen records. You can hear all about that, Daniel's background and even a teaser of future music in our chat. Be sure to stick around for some Go...

Liam Grant

Greetings Dead Freaks! We are back with guest Liam Grant, a fine guitar player and composer int he American Primitive tradition. We discuss his background, his new record, and touring. I also take a minute to discuss a couple recent albums that I've enjoyed and, of course, we've got a dose of Grateful Dead. You can find Liam Grant's album, "Amoskeag" via Carbon Records at Bandcamp or via Feeding Tube Records. He's also got a couple 7" records out now which you can find via Liam's  Bandcam...

Matt LaJoie

Greetings Dead Freaks! On this episode, I am proud to have Matt LaJoie join me to discuss his work as a guitarist, an improviser, and more. We unpack his many projects, dive into his history and that of his label, Flower Room Records and manage to spin a little music along the way. Also in this episode, I shamelessly plug my own upcoming album, and we manage to get a hefty dose of weird and wonderful Grateful Dead. You can find Matt LaJoie's vast catalog on the Bandcamp page for his label,...

Catching Up

I've been catching up on so much listening these days that I thought I'd share with you a few choice releases that I've been enjoying from The Jauntee, Dave Heumann, and The Modern Folk Trio Band. Afterwards I pay tribute to the late Robbie Robertson. This all adds up to a set of interesting tunes including a closing medley of Phil & Friends, Jerry Garcia Band, & (of course) Grateful Dead. It was difficult to narrow things down but, as usual, leaving something unmentioned doesn't mean I hav...

Organ Fairchild

This episode features a chat with Dave Ruch of Organ Fairchild. A fairly new organ trio out of Buffalo, New York, Organ Fairchild features three players who have been jamming together for about 40 years. Their sound blends classic Organ groove with jam band sensibilities stretching their grooves out live and making danceable new sounds to thrill the listener. I talked with Dave about the group, their history together, playing in Dead cover bands in the 80s, how he came to know Tony Rice(!), ...

Aaron Feder

It's episode 120 and my guest is Aaron Feder, Barcelona-based leader of Afro Dead and music director for Guinean singer Sia Tolno. Afro Dead merges the Grateful Dead material we love with the sounds of African music and Aaron Feder breaks it down for you and I. We'll hear a sample of their work and then get into a dose of Good ol' Grateful Dead. Sia Tolno's website is http://siatolno.com. Head over there for more information and some tunes or check your favorite streaming service for her mu...

Jordan Perry

Back once again with a talk with guitarist & composer, Jordan Perry. Jordan has a terrific new album, entitled "What Do You See Everyday?", coming out June 16th on Feeding Tube Records & 20/20 Records. We discuss the album, his background, his work as a music educator and, of course, the Grateful Dead.  You can find "What Do You See Everyday?" on vinyl at Feeding Tube Records. Digital purchases can be made via Jordan's Bandcamp page where you will, of course, find a great deal more excellen...

James Toth

James Toth joins me again (his previous visit was in episode 30) to discuss his new album "James & The Giants". We dig into songwriting, improvisation, touring, and more. We go pretty deep and then wrap with some listening recommendations followed by a taste of the album before I spin a nice mix of Grateful Dead. You can find "James & The Giants", which will be released on June 30 by Kill Rock Stars, via Bandcamp (of course) at WoodenWand.bandcamp.com. It is available digitally as well as o...

Mark Neeley

Back again and this time with excellent guest, Mark Neeley an animator and frequent contributor to one of my favorite online publications, Aquarium Drunkard. We talk about his work, Grateful Dead, and more. After the talk, I play you an extremely relevant selection of Grateful Dead music. Also in this episode, I have a stack of outstanding new and upcoming music to share with you so, get ready to fill up your Bandcamp carts with some terrific new tunes. You can find a bunch of Mark's work o...

rootless

December 2022

Greetings Dead Freaks! The last episode of 2022 is here with a variety of new (and old) music recommendations coming straight from my playlists to your earholes. Its definitely been a year over here at Shrunken Road Studios and I thank you for sticking with me through it all. In addition to the recommendations, I'm taking one last chance to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Grateful Dead's 1972 shows with a healthy mix that gets good and weird. Please check out these fine releases as h...

Dave Heumann

Greetings Dead Freaks! For this episode, I'm thrilled to welcome Dave Heumann to the show. Dave is the long-time leader of Baltimore's Arbouretum and has great new solo release entitled "Guitar Tapes Vol 1" out now (and coming soon on LP.) We discuss these projects and more including (obviously) Grateful Dead. You can find "Guitar Tapes Vol 1" on Bandcamp via https://daveheumann.bandcamp.com/album/guitar-tapes-vol-1. It's an exploration of Heumann's current state of affairs guitar-wise and ...

Mike Horn's Seawind of Battery

We're back once again, this time with guest Mike Horn to discuss his latest project, Seawind of Battery.  This Summer, the debut Seawind of Battery album, "Clockwatching" came out impressing many including your host prompting me to rave about it on episode 110. Now Mike is here to tell us all about himself, Seawind of Battery, and so much more. we'll check out some of his music and some good old Grateful Dead. You can find "Clockwatching" and the newer release, "Live: September 2022", on ba...

Eli Winter

Eli Winter returns! Previously appearing in a short chat for ep 47, he's back for a full length interview and an amazing new self-titled album. Although it's just his name on the front of the record, this album finds Winter collaborating with a fabulous array of artists including Cameron Knowler, Yasmin Williams, David Grubbs, Ryley Walker, Tyler Damon, and the late jaimie branch.  I've included a track from the album and it's followed by a lengthy blast of Grateful Dead from Chicago's Kinet...

ragenap

Greetings, Dead Freaks! We're back with a great conversation with guitarist and deep improv musiv head, Joel Berk. Berk releases deep guitar-based zones under the name ragenap. We talk about his work and its origins before diving into a bit of a discussion about Chicago's improv music scene and, of course Grateful Dead. in and around the interview, we sample some ragenap and one of his more recent releases leads of a deep mix of Dead jams and songs. You can find Berk's music at the easy to...

New Music with Brian Brinkman

Back again and this time, as promised, I'm rounding up a stack of new releases with my good friend Brian Brinkman. We each pick a few and discuss at length followed by a lightning round of picks we couldn't leave out. Later, we swing around to talk Grateful Dead and we've put together a potent mix that's sure to thrill. You may know Brian from The Helping Friendly Podcast which I'm pleased to co-host or from his old show, Beyond The Pond. He's got a new show too, called The Live Show. All o...

William Tyler

Greetings Dead Freaks! I am very pleased to have guitarist William Tyler on the show. We sat down and spoke a few weeks ago about som many things including, starting out in Nashville, his earliest band, joining Lambchop & The Silver Jews, his first solo ventures and some of his latest work. Naturally, we bring it around to Grateful Dead. After the chat, you'll hear a track from the latest release, "Lost Futures", a collaboration with Marisa Anderson. All that is followed by an excellent sel...

Scott Ferber

Greetings Dead Freaks! Back at last with an interview with Scott Ferber, drummer of The Jauntee, about his new solo album, "Mine Yours & Ours" which comes out June 17. We also talk Jauntee album news and festival dates like their upcoming appearance at Peach Fest. I also (finally) recap my experience at the Three Lobed Recordings 21st Anniversary celebration. The recap includes some audio clips and we also get to hear some of the new material from Scott Ferber, some live Jauntee, and some g...

Grateful Guitars

Greetings Dead Freaks! Jason Scheuner joins me once again to talk about Grateful Guitars, and the Dusty Strings exhibit at the upcoming Skull and Roses festival where they will be displaying numerous stage-played instruments including Phil Lesh's Mission Control bass. After our chat, stick around for a terrific bit of Grateful Dead music.  Be sure to check out GratefulGuitars.org and head over to SkullandRoses.com to learn more about the Dusty Strings exhibit and get your tickets!   Allow...

Dusty Strings Exhibit

Greetings Dead Freaks! Jason Scheuner joins me once again to talk about Grateful Guitars, and the Dusty Strings exhibit at the upcoming Skull and Roses festival where they will be displaying numerous stage-played instruments including Phil Lesh's Mission Control bass. After our chat, stick around for a terrific bit of Grateful Dead music.  Be sure to check out GratefulGuitars.org and head over to SkullandRoses.com to learn more about the Dusty Strings exhibit and get your tickets!   Allow...

Seattle 95

Greetings Dead Freaks! We're back with returning guest Lenny Stubbe to tackle a show that he suggested and much more besides. Lenny last joined me to talk about Jerry Garcia Band's Fall '93 tour on episode 31 and, once again, we had a good time looking back. After the chat I've got some tunes for you as well. Allow me to remind you that the Brokedown Podcast is part of the Osiris Media. Osiris is creating a community that connects people like you with podcasts and live experiences about ar...

Slow January

Greetings Dead Freaks! No guest this time around just your host with a few updates, a couple tidbits, and a mess of Grateful Dead. Allow me to remind you that the Brokedown Podcast is part of the Osiris Media. Osiris is creating a community that connects people like you with podcasts and live experiences about artists and topics you love. Check out OsirisPod.com to stay in the loop. Also, if you would like a BrokedownPod t-shirt or sticker or other merch in that vein, please head over to ...

Space Is The Place

Greetings Dead Freaks! On this episode, Bubba Ayoub joins to take us on a journey through Space. Bubba operates the @OTDISpace twitter account, makes synthesizer music, and runs light shows with video synthesis & manipulation and can be found on instagram as @juggableoffense. So buckle up as we launch into the outer limits and shine a light on the weirdest corners of Grateful Dead. Thank you for sticking with the show through 2021. I'm looking forward to more great stuff in 2022.  Allow m...

PG Six

Greetings Dead Freaks! In this episode we welcome PG Six (aka  Pat Gubler) to the show to talk about his latest release, "PG Six / Louise Bock - All Summer Long Is Gone". But that's just a sliver of the ground we cover as he's not only an active member of Garcia Peoples and Wet Tuna, but there's more than twenty years of work to discuss! The conversation is augmented and followed by a few selections from his more recent work before I spin a nice slab of Grateful Dead. "All Summer Long Is G...

Moviola

Greetings Dead Freaks! Episode 102 features Ted Hattemer of Columbus Ohio's Moviola. They've recently released their tenth album, "Broken Rainbows" on Anyway Records. We discuss the record, what it's like to be in a band for decades, Punk Rock, Ted's time seeing Grateful Dead in the 80's and so much more.  After everything was recorded and ready, Moviola announced that they are releasing the film of their September 24th performance of Broken Rainbows at The Wexner Center For The Arts in Col...

Jeffrey Alexander & The Heavy Lidders

Greetings, Dead Freaks! We return with another chat with Jeffrey Alexander. He's previously been on not once, but twice (eps. 32 & 61) and returns here to discuss his latest record, waiting out covid, the end of his Grateful Dead touring days, how he fell into the radio business and more. The record, released under the name Jeffrey Alexander and The Heavy Lidders, is entitled, "Elixor of Life" and is out now on Centripedal Force Records. You can find it on Bandcamp, of course. You can find...

Howlin' Rain

On this episode I've got a great conversation with Ethan Miller of Howlin' Rain. We talk about their latest album, The Dharma Wheel, along with some of Miller's other projects, background, and of course, Grateful Dead. After the chat, stay tuned for a terrific track from Howlin' Rain and a great mix of Dead tunes. The Dharma Wheel comes out Friday, October 8, and is available wherever you like to get your music including my favorite; Bandcamp. Check it out at https://howlinrain.bandcamp.com...

Steve Gunn

Greetings Dead Freaks! Here on the latest episode, I speak with Steve Gunn about his latest album, "Other You", the benefits of collaboration, and moving effortlessly between songcraft and improvised music. You'll hear a cut from the new record as well as a hefty slab of Grateful Dead. "Other You" is out now on Matador Records. You can find it wherever records are sold and/or streamed as well as on the Matador Record Website and Steve Gunn's bandcamp: stevegunn.bandcamp.com. His most rece...

Powers/Rolin Duo

Greetings Dead Freaks! This week I have Jen Powers & Mathew Rolin of the Powers/Rolin Duo on the show. We talk about improvised music, their work as a duo, individually, and their new album with Jayson Gerycz (Cloud Nothings). After our chat, I spin a lengthy mix of Grateful Dead because, what could be better? "Lamplighter" from Gerycz/Powers/Rolin is out on Friday, September 3 and you can get your copy via Bandcamp. Their previous release, "Beacon" can also be found on Bandcamp at this lin...

Dave Harrington of Darkside

Greetings, Dead Freaks! On this episode, I am joined by Dave Harrington. Dave has a lot of musical irons in the fire but his band, Darkside, has returned from hiatus with a new album entitled, Spiral. We talk about putting the duo back together, improvisation, Dave's numerous other projects and, of course, Grateful Dead.  After the chat, there is a heavy dose of 1974 Dead to keep your head right for late July. Nothing beats the heat like blowing your mind.  Be sure to check out Spiral, th...

July Mix

Greetings, Dead Freaks! I've got a fresh episode today with no guests and no reason for being other than to entertain all of you. There's not a lot of talk here this time, either, other than to direct you to my guest spot  on the Deeper Listening Podcast which, I believe, will be out this week. So, if you want to hear more of my voice, make sure you follow them on Twitter or subscribe at Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.  The mix this week has some great songs, deep jams, a...

June Jams

Greeting Dead Freaks! No guest this go-round just you and me, some music recommendations and the Good Old Grateful Dead. First off, let me share the links to the great music I discuss at the top of the episode. Daniel Bachman's album, "Axacan" can be found on the Three Lobed Recordings bandcamp page: ThreeLobed.bandcamp.com Yasmin Williams' album "Urban Driftwood" is available via her bandcamp page. Or via Spinster Sounds. Tiny Lights, the new band featuring my dear friend Andy Barnes (f...

Buck Curran

Greetings Dead Freaks! In this episode I chat with Buck Curran, a terrific musician known for his work as one half of Arborea as well as his more recent, excellent, solo work. His third solo album, No Love Is Sorrow, is a lovely release that came out as the pandemic took hold. Buck spoke to me from his home in Bergamo, Italy where he has weathered the pandemic and things are just now starting to reopen. In addition to his music and the madness of the past year we talked about his early influ...

John Andrews

I had the pleasure of chatting with John Andrews about the upcoming John Andrews & The Yawns album, "Cookbook". We talk about growing up in New Jersey, playing in Quilt and Woods, and so much more. After the chat and a lovely sample from the album, I've got a terrific mix of Grateful Dead music for you. You can purchase physical editions of "Cookbook" direct from the label, Woodsist at woodsist.com. Of course, digital purchase is possible via Bandcamp at johnandrewsyawns dot bandcamp com. ...

April Mix

Greetings Dead Freaks! This episode is simple. A quick word from me to you with some album recommendations and other business and then it's straight into a big old mix of Grateful Dead music. Spring is here and the time is right for relaxing on the porch in the cool evening sun with some tunes. Here's hoping you can do just that. Allow me to remind you that the Brokedown Podcast is part of the Osiris Media. Osiris is creating a community that connects people like you with podcasts and live...

The Modern Folk

Greetings Dead Freaks. We've got a great chat with Josh Moss of The Modern Folk. Josh's music ranges from gentle folk to, well, out there and covers a lot of points in between. We talk about his recent and upcoming releases and spin a huge mix of Grateful Dead. I also take a few minutes to remember the late Rick Harris. Known for his work on the brilliant Thoughts On The Dead blog, Rick passed recently and he will be sorely missed. If you're not familiar with his work, please head over to ...

Donna Jean Godchaux McKay

Greetings Dead Freaks! For this episode I am proud to share my conversation with the one and only Donna Jean Godchaux  McKay. Donna Jean has just released a terrific remix of a song that she's previously recorded with Jeff Mattson (Dark Star Orchestra, Zen Tricksters) under the name,  Donna Jean and the Tricksters. The song is called "Shelter" and we discuss that, some Grateful Dead stuff and more. Then I spin the new remix and a bunch of other great music from Keith & Donna Band and the go...

Jerry Grillo on Col Bruce Hampton

Greetings Dead Freaks! This week, I welcome Jerry Grillo, journalist and author of a terrific new biography about the late, legendary, Col. Bruce Hampton. The book is called The Music And Mythocracy of Col. Bruce Hampton - A Basically True Biography and it is set to be released in April 1 by the University of Georgia Press. We talk about the book, dig into the man, the music, and the mystery that was the Colonel. After our chat you'll hear a mix of Hampton Grease Band, Aquarium Rescue Unit, ...

Chicago 81

Greetings Dead Freaks! I'm keeping it simple this week, as we slide into March, with a look back 40 years to the last few days of February, 1981. Chicago's Uptown Theater hosted it's final run of Grateful Dead shows on 2/26-28/1981 and great things went down each night. I get into some of the highlights and then let the tunes do the talking with an extended mix of music from the run. Here's hoping the tunes keep you warm. Allow me to remind you that the Brokedown Podcast is part of the Osi...

Dreaming of The Cap

Greetings, Dead Freaks! This time around I am joined by my friend, Lorien, to talk about the great run from 50 years ago this week at The Cap in Portchester, NY. Lorien is a student of the Grateful Dead and also did the research on one unique aspect of these shows; the E.S.P. experiments. We get into all of that and spin some great tunes for  you so sit back, relax your mind, and enjoy! Don't sleep on the Drew Gardner album that I mentioned in the intro. You can find "S/T" on tape and digi...

Brad Farberman of Middle Blue

Greetings, Dead Freaks! For this new episode,  I chat with guitarist, Brad Farberman. Brad plays with Middle Blue, Big Feet, and more. He's also producing a monthly compilation called "Stay In Shape" to benefit music venues that have been shut down due to coronavirus. Brad's music resides somewhere near the intersection of jazz, funk, and jam and, to compliment this, I've selected some live Jerry Garcia performances from similar zones. The "Stay In Shape" compilation comes out on Feb 5, an...

Time Travel

Greetings Dead Freaks! We've reached a new year and what better way to mark the coming of a new year than to toss away our calendars and journey back in time. My guest this episode is Brad Tenbrook, co-founder of the Helping Friendly Podcast and my co-host there and on the upcoming Osiris Media podcast, Undermine. Brad and I take several trips through time to visit a mess of terrific shows from the first twenty years of Grateful Dead. Come for the great jams and stay for the time travel jok...

Happy Holidaze

Greetings Dead Freaks! It's late December and the year is almost gone. I don't think many of us are going to miss 2020 but let's look instead to celebrate the season and remember a Christmas past. It's just you, me, and the Grateful Dead this time with a little something else thrown in for fun, so stoke up the fire, turn on the outside lights, and let's get this holiday party going on. As I did in the episode, I'd like to take a moment to thank everyone for listening, sending along your not...

Erik Jensen

This week I talked with actor, producer, playwright, and Deadhead, Erik Jensen. Erik has co-written several plays with his wife Jessica Blank including "How To Be A Rock Critic" in which he portrayed famed critic Lester Bangs and this year's "Coal Country" which featured songs and on-stage performance from Steve Earle. We talk about Erik's history as a Deadhead, how their music helped him heal and guides him in his work today. Afterwards, we check out one of Earle's songs from "Coal Country"...

Zachary Cale

Greetings Dead Freaks! On this episode, I chat with the talented guitarist and songwriter, Zachary Cale. We discuss his most recent album, False Spring, selecting and playing covers, the pros and cons of live streaming, and, of course, Grateful Dead. After that and a selection from Zachary's record, I've got a nice chunk of live Dead for your ear holes. Zachary is a Brooklyn-based musician and False Spring is his sixth full-length release. You can find that and so much more on his bandcamp...

California Dreamin' with Dan Horne & Farmer Dave Sher

In this episode I've got two interviews to fill your ears, hearts, and minds. Farmer Dave Sher (Beachwood Sparks, The Skiffle Players) talks about his new EP, "Speak of Love". Then, Dan Horne (Circles Around The Sun, Grateful Shred), tells us about his new release, "The Motorcycle Song EP." We hear a bit from each release and then dig into a big chunk of Grateful Dead. You can find Farmer Dave's release at his bandcamp,  https://farmerdavescher.bandcamp.com and be sure to head over...

California Dreamin' with Dan Horne & Farmer Dave Scher

In this episode I've got two interviews to fill your ears, hearts, and minds. Farmer Dave Scher (Beachwood Sparks, The Skiffle Players) talks about his new EP, "Speak of Love". Then, Dan Horne (Circles Around The Sun, Grateful Shred), tells us about his new release, "The Motorcycle Song EP." We hear a bit from each release and then dig into a big chunk of Grateful Dead. You can find Farmer Dave's release at his bandcamp,  https://farmerdavescher.bandcamp.com and be sure to head over to Cura...

Wood & Wire's Billy Bright

 Greetings, Dead Freaks! We've got a bonus episode here this week featuring an interview with Billy Bright of the great great band, Wood & Wire. Billy talks about their latest album, "No Matter Where It Goes From Here", Texas bluegrass, songwriting, and, of course, Grateful Dead. We get a taste of the album and then get down with some live Dead to get your feet moving on this late October week.  You can find Wood & Wire's album, "No Matter Where It Goes From Here" wherever music is sold or...