Wachtelligence
39 episodes - English - Latest episode: 27 days ago - ★★★★★ - 5 ratingsIn 1974, A.J. Wachtel left Springfield, New Jersey for Boston to attend BU, and well frankly he never left. Maintaining the “aggressive, in your face” charm of someone from New Jersey, he has used that tone to cover the Boston Entertainment scene as a music journalist for over 40 years. He is the expert of the Boston scene during the 80s and 90s and if you doubt it, just ask him. AJ has now put down the pen and picked up a mic for his podcast: Wachtelligence. Join AJ and his guests as they talk about the past, present and future of the local & national music industry.
Homepage Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Overcast Castro Pocket Casts RSS feed
Episodes
S3, Episode 5: Mach Bell: A Cowboy With No Respect for Authority
March 31, 2024 23:33 - 53 minutes - 123 MBSeason 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 Eng...
S3, Episode 4: Cha-Chi Loprete: A Day In The Life of WBCN & WZLX’s Distinguished DJ
March 10, 2024 22:38 - 49 minutes - 113 MBSeason 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 wit...
S3, Episode 3: Rick Berlin: The Podcast
February 18, 2024 22:40 - 1 hour - 154 MBSeason 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 Wi...
S3, Episode 2: Steve Berkowitz: The Many Hats Of A Local Legend
January 07, 2024 23:19 - 1 hour - 183 MBSeason 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, ...
S3, Episode 1: Ray Tabano Gets a Grip
December 03, 2023 22:59 - 59 minutes - 137 MBSeason 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 ab...
S2, Episode 17: Dan Vitale: Dynamically Directing Bim Ska La Bim’s Ska, Punk, Reggae & Caribbean Cadences
February 01, 2023 23:15 - 1 hour - 193 MBSeason 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 c...
S2, Episode 16: Cliff Goodwin: Serving The Song In Big Stadiums and Smaller Theaters
January 01, 2023 23:33 - 1 hour - 169 MBSeason 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 mu...
S2, Episode 15: Steve Cataldo: The Nervous Eaters Once An Original Band, Now A Supergroup
December 18, 2022 22:07 - 49 minutes - 114 MBSeason 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 ...
S2, Episode 14: David Hull Is Never Dull
December 05, 2022 23:07 - 1 hour - 182 MBS2, 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...
S2, Episode 13: Mike Girard: Fools Figurehead ~ Funny In A Serious Way
November 13, 2022 21:26 - 1 hour - 169 MBSeason 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 Gi...
S2, Episode 12: Sal Baglio: 50 Years as an Enormously Energetic Local Legend
October 24, 2022 12:33 - 53 minutes - 123 MBSeason 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 ...
S2, Episode 11: Chris Doherty: Gang Green’s Feisty Frontman Would Still Rather Drink Then ….
October 03, 2022 02:49 - 41 minutes - 95.1 MBSeason 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...
S2, Episode 10: Charles Rosenay: ... And The Beatles, Yeah, Yeah, Yeah
September 19, 2022 17:16 - 1 hour - 171 MBSeason 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 Pa...
S2, Episode 9: Charlie Farren: Farrenheit's Frontman is Hotter Than Ever
August 21, 2022 22:15 - 1 hour - 176 MBSeason 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. Gui...
S2, Episode 8: Bob Margolin: Further On Down The Road with
July 25, 2022 00:43 - 1 hour - 182 MBSeason 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 ...
S2, Episode 8: Further On Down The Road with Bob Margolin
July 25, 2022 00:43 - 1 hour - 182 MBSeason 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 ...
S2, Episode 7: Jerry Lehane: On The Record, 40 Years of The Dogmatics
July 10, 2022 23:51 - 50 minutes - 116 MBSeason 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 t...
S2, Episode 6: Tom Hambridge: From Buffalo to Berklee to Buddy Guy
May 30, 2022 00:07 - 1 hour - 153 MBSeason 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, L...
S2, Episode 5: Scott Spray: Four Strings and Many Other Things with Edgar and Johnny Winter
May 15, 2022 23:43 - 1 hour - 163 MBSeason 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...
S2, Episode 4: Robin Lane: When Things Go Right
April 20, 2022 01:24 - 47 minutes - 110 MBSeason 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 aroun...
S2, Episode 3: Danny “DK” Klein: Ace on Bass for the J. Geils Band & Full House
March 27, 2022 16:20 - 46 minutes - 106 MBSeason 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 ma...
S2, Episode 2: Bobby T Torello: Thunder & Lightning With Johnny Winter!
February 20, 2022 17:02 - 48 minutes - 111 MBSeason 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 d...
S2, Episode 1: Harvey Brooks: Who's Bob Dylan?
January 30, 2022 23:56 - 1 hour - 217 MBSeason 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 m...
Episode 16: Willie Alexander The Premier Punk Pioneer
September 09, 2021 01:29 - 40 minutes - 93.3 MBEpisode 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 breath...
Episode 15: Bill Sheerin Tells Tchaikovsky The News
August 24, 2021 01:36 - 49 minutes - 113 MBEpisode 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: Jimmy Harold: The Cat Who Owned The Rat
August 10, 2021 00:18 - 1 hour - 152 MBEpisode 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 H...
Episode 13: Jon Butcher: Everyday is Special
July 25, 2021 23:47 - 53 minutes - 122 MBEpisode 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 legenda...
Episode 12: Carter Alan: A Founding Father of Today's Boston Music Scene
June 15, 2021 00:45 - 50 minutes - 116 MBEpisode 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: The Cowsills: Another Side of the Family Band
June 02, 2021 23:14 - 54 minutes - 125 MBEpisode 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: John Davidson: No Longer a Square
May 19, 2021 00:27 - 51 minutes - 117 MBEpisode 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: Kate Taylor: Sister Kate is Better Than Great
May 12, 2021 00:31 - 56 minutes - 129 MBEpisode 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: Christine Ohlman: The Beehive Queen
May 05, 2021 01:23 - 42 minutes - 97.3 MBEpisode 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...
Episode 7: Johnny A: Six String Superstar
April 26, 2021 01:08 - 50 minutes - 115 MBEpisode 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: Barry Goudreau: More Than a Great Guitarist
April 17, 2021 00:19 - 43 minutes - 99.3 MBEpisode 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: Duke Robillard: A Genuine King of the Blues
April 03, 2021 00:22 - 38 minutes - 87.7 MBEpisode 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: Chance Langton: Give Chance A Piece
March 20, 2021 17:12 - 35 minutes - 81.3 MBEpisode 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: Congregating with Preacher Jack
March 11, 2021 01:07 - 28 minutes - 65 MBEpisode 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: James Montgomery Really Blows
February 28, 2021 22:58 - 59 minutes - 137 MBEpisode 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: The Rise and Fall of The Beat Magazine
February 21, 2021 23:22 - 45 minutes - 104 MBEpisode 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.