​
The mysterious “radio muse” returned after an abrupt departure.

Set One

New Stuff Includes:
Jesse Malin & Ian Hunter
Songs: Ohia
Darrell Scott
Graham Nash
Joe Henry

Plus
Lowell George and Linda Ronstadt together and live on the radio... specifically WHFS / BETHESDA,MD in March of 1974. For the last few weeks I have been a bit off, unsteady, out of sorts and perhaps feeling a tinge sorry for myself, which is not unusual at this time of year. But finding this show and my old pal Steve Poltz somehow telepathically helped me turn towards needed mental clarity.

Steve Poltz begins FTB #259 by covering his own enormous hit song that, by its conclusion, lands me in front of the mixing board with my head on the table laughing so hard there were tears streaming down my cheeks. It was 2004 and from one of my favorite early Loft Sessions. Steve Poltz is entirely too talented to be as famous and wealthy as he deserves.  If you somehow managed to secure a gathering of Steve, Robin Williams, Warren Zevon, John Prine, Bill Hicks, Martin Mull, Harvey Lembeck (as Eric Von Zipper) and Dick Shawn it might make the news cycle since only Steve would be able to attend, the rest are at the After Party hanging in a saloon with Country Dick Montana. If he started performing in the early Sixties he would have been a famous celebrity, with a massive hit single that he wrote for Michelle Phillips. There would be featured guest spots on McMillan and Wife and he would have tried to seduce Susan St. James. I don’t think he would have done Love Boat, but Columbo, Cannon, McCloud, a surfer on Hawaii 5-0, an arc on The Rockford Files. He would be on all the late night talk shows and a regular on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson. Everyone would call him "A Great Entertainer." He would be tan and drive a convertible and one day the center square for Paul Marshall on Hollywood Squares.  That is if managed to forget that Marshall's real last name was LaCock and his son played for The Dodgers. Steve loves his San Diego Padres. He would have created the TV Show "Cops." If you left Steve out of the gathering and put all the others in a blender, you would go to prison, but get an idea of what you may experience at one of his shows.

He wrote the following.

Steve Poltz on Paul Komanski, October 6, 2024.

Paul Kamanski passed away yesterday. I hear it was a heart attack. Man, I was on a plane and we were just taking off from Nashville to Chicago to Arkansas. I was aimlessly scrolling through FB and saw a post about Paul. It’s the kind of thing where you audibly gasp and the stranger next to you glances over and you lock eyes for just a second and they go back to reading their book.  I scratched my head and teared up. Good lord I hate death. It’s so final. And it just keeps happening. The hits keep coming. It’s a fact of life that we all meet our demise. We just don’t know when it’s our turn. 

So back in the 80s when I was at USD and then when I graduated in ‘84, I used to frequent many San Diego bars in search of music. There was a place called The Mandolin Wind in Hillcrest that had a hot moment. I can’t remember the best night of the week to go but I wanna say it was every Thursday. The place would be packed and there was a scene. To me it was the beginning of what we might call Americana. The band at the center of this movement were called The Beat Farmers. There were a lot of bands making great albums like The Blasters and Los Lobos and X. But for my money The Beat Farmers were the kings. Their shows were the stuff of beer soaked legend.  So anyways, The Mandolin Wind  was where all the musicians would hang out and play music and drink tequila and sing songs. Jerry Raney, Joey Harris and Mojo Nixon would be there. The Farage Brothers. They’re twins! They were in a band called The Sidewinders. And also DFX2. But on Thursdays every musician would be at the bar. Country Dick Montana would be holding court around a bottle of mescal. 

But there was one mysterious dude named Paul Kamanski. He had beautiful wavy long hair. Wore cowboy boots. Very handsome. He was the songwriter of songwriters. He studied at the altar of Neil Young, Springsteen, The Replacements and Dylan. He wrote cool lyrics and hooks.  I remember one night after a few shots of tequila I was at that packed Mandolin Wind bar and I had just enough courage to go up and talk to Paul Kamanski. I was standing next to my friend Lorna and she told me to compliment his guitar playing. I was nervous so I drained another shot and I walked up and tapped him on the shoulder. His eyes were beautiful and mischievous and I said, “Hey man, my name is Steve Poltz and I write songs too. I really love your song ‘Bigger Stones’ but I REALLY love your guitar playing!” He thanked me and shook my hand and then went back to talk to some friends he was with. I hadn’t played that many shows yet but just meeting him gave me a jolt of energy. I remember telling Lorna that I complimented Paul’s guitar playing and she said something like, “You’re like a golden retriever. You didn’t shake his hand, you hugged him and probably scared him. Don’t worry, I know him really well. I’ll tell him you’re an ok dude.” Sometimes Paul would play these duo acoustic shows with Joel Harris. Another legendary songwriter and  Beat Farmer member. They’d play these shows at a bar in Coronado called McP’s Irish Pub. 

I would watch Joey and Paul sing all these old and new songs. They’d wear cool cowboy boots and their guitars were banged up and I’d lean in and listen to every song with all of my attention. This was my real college degree. I may have been at USD but this is where I’d get my education. 

Well the years have certainly whizzed by and now we are deep into 2024. Over many years I became friends with Paul Kamanski. He married a wonderful girl named Caren and had a beautiful daughter named Tennessee. We sporadically kept in touch. I became a full time traveling bard with my own banged up guitar.  On September 17, 2023 I was driving from a festival I played called Millpond and I was in Northern California headed to Grass Valley to play a show with my friend Shawn Mullins. It was a special day. The sun. The weather. The blue skies and puffy white clouds. The flowers. The water. Everything was perfect. I was driving all alone in silence. One of those moments where everything was just right. A feeling of gratitude enveloped my entire being. Then I looked ahead and saw a sign that said Walker, California. I thought to myself “I think Paul and Caren Kamanski live in this little town.” So I called Caren. I couldn’t believe it but she answered the phone. I told her where I was and she screamed, “you have to come over. We wanna see you and show you our studio.” So there we were on Sept 17, 2023. I was with one of my teachers. A man I drunkenly hugged in the 80s. Here I was at his compound in Walker, California. He and Caren made me some coffee and played me music they were working on. They talked about wanting to have a festival on their land. They built a stage. They said I could sleep in their super cool Airstream trailer next to their house. Shoot, I would’ve stayed for a week but I had shows to play. So we hugged and professed our love and I hugged ‘em both again because that’s what golden retrievers do.  I’m so glad I stopped in Walker, California last Sept 17, 2023. I’ll see you on the other side. Enjoy every cup of tea.

Now he’s gone. Just like that. 
God bless you Paul Kamanski. 

Look at these lyrics and listen to this song "Bigger Stones" by The Beat Farmers. Paul wrote this. It’s beautiful.

Sometimes I wanna fall asleep and die off in a dream
The music takes me back to my old past when I was young and feelin' mean
And as I stare into the spotlight it's like drivin' my car
We had the girls and a will and a bill on a stolen credit card
Sayin' someday we'll be stars, Joe
Now, I feel the pain of growin' old I hear voices in the rain
I see a vision of doubt that keeps rollin' through my baby's eyes
When she calls out my name each time that she complains
Seems like we rolled bigger stones back then
Seems like we rolled bigger stones
Seems like we rolled bigger stones back then
Seems like we rolled bigger stones 

Musically speaking, the unpacking, purging and cataloging marches on and yielded a few things I thought were lost forever. Top of the list, a pristine WHFS Aircheck from 1974, with Cerphe hosting Lowell George and Linda Ronstadt live on the air playing and singing together, educating the audience about incredible musicians like Roy Estrada, Lowell’s bandmate in The Mothers Of Invention and the beginning of Little Feat. They were buds, and seeing their names on that first Feat record is why I bought it unheard, as a new release. There are no current broadcasts like this anymore. It is truly live, unscripted and entirely reliant on the willingness of the musicians to allow magic to occur with not an algorithm in sight. It was honest and presented with love by all involved. Absolute magic and it made me so sad listening to it the other day. The business I worked in from 1974 until getting sick in 2018 was gone. That old saying is absolute truth, “Do something you love and you will never work a day in your life.” 

I’ve had many different bootlegs of this WHFS broadcast since 1975 and never stopped looking for the best possible source. This was duplicated and packed away years ago. I saw them at least 4 times in Maryland, NJ/NY and Philly between ‘74 and ’77 and for my money there wasn’t a better American band at the time. Ritchie Heyward was as much of a personal inspiration as Bill Bruford, Buddy Rich, John Bonham, Tony Williams, Dino Danelli, Ginger Baker, B.J. Wilson, any and everyone playing with Zappa at any time (Aynsley Dunbar, Paul Humphry, Chester Thompson, Terry Bozio, Vinnie Coliuta, Chad Wackerman, Ruth Underwood and Ron Selico -- who only ever played on 1 Zappa tune “Peaches En Regalia,” my long-time theme music. Great trivia question, “Peaches” used only three musicians, Frank, Ron and a bass player. Who played Bass?), Lenny White, Carmine Appice, David Garibaldi, Shelly Manne, Art Blakey, Joe Morello, Elvin Jones, Cozy Powell, Mitch Mitchell, and about 100 more I could think of instantly...definitely Ian Paice, who is still amazing today in his late 70’s. There are so many more. 

For playlist, pictures and more info -  click me please.

New Stuff Includes:
Suzanne Vega
John Lennon
Paul McCartney & Linda McCartney
Ben Lee
Paul Kelly
Primal Scream
Fantastic Negrito
The Devlins

I need to call Steve and thank him for giving me a spark that helped the fog fade.  I owe him a call but have avoided trying to explain to him why I haven’t even watched a single Yankee game since I’ve moved back home to NJ. We talked a lot of Baseball over the years, I even revealed my 1984 Yankee Boycott to him and my defection to his Padres, because that’s where George traded Nettles and The Goose. Of course they wound up in their first World Series, losing to The Tigers. I bought a George Steinbrenner Dartboard at a flea market and felt somewhat responsible when their attempt at a speed team built around new signing Dave Collins failed miserably. He was a fine ballplayer but there was no way it had even a ghost of a chance.  I’m looking at it right now.

To quote a leading Baseball philosopher, the great Earl Weaver during a post-game Manager’s Corner found him answering a question about why he didn’t emphasize Team Speed, “TEAM SPEED? Bunch a gnats runnin’ around the bases, gettin’ picked off. Just give me some big cocksuckers who can hit the fuckin’ ball out of the ballpark and we’ll be fine.” Earl also had some advice to caller Alice Sweet for asking  about planting tomatoes. But we’ll leave that for another day. I was blown away that during the early years of XM we became the home of MLB and that was after I found out Goose Gossage was a fan of my channel and sent me an autographed baseball.

It would be joined less than a year later by a pair of 8 x 10 color action shots from Graig“Puff” Nettles (in a NY uniform).  They were both inscribed in Sharpie "To Mike", the first says "You Suck" the other "Best Wishes." This was the work of Kevin Straley, the VP of Talk radio and a diehard Red Sox fan.  I miss working with Kevin. He is now the Chief Content Officer at TuneIn. A great Human. We became fast friends. Moving to Washington from 5 years “in enemy territory” (Peabody, MA) my neighbor Kenny was also a diehard Red Sox fan. Constant pranks and hijinx were hilarious.  Yanks get swept in a series by his Sawx, he’s on my back deck sweeping it with his broom. Later that night I put a video tape of “the” Bucky Dent HR in between his screen and front doors housed in a plain white sleeve with “Have you seen this missing child” in neat block letters on front. Real Baseball fans know, true nerdy diehards get along fabulously and have the most fun with it.  Bandwagon jumpers get in fights while Baseball Junkies are incredibly knowledgeable, not just about their chosen team, but the Sport itself and history of the game.  We identify with each other.  Geography was the primary factor and if we grew up where they did team loyalty would be reversed. Kevin and I instantly made a yearly wager with a twist. Whichever team finished higher at the end of the season won. Winner gets a case of beer of his choice from the loser, BUT the loser must present it with a concession speech from the “overlook area” in front of the entire staff.  We each won once.  It was prior to 2006 when I turned 50 and drank my last beer.  

As a true Gemini I possess the superpower to call a mandatory meeting with myself. I confirmed this power when creating and running The Loft during the first 4 years, aside from Genius Audio Animator Pants, the best production person I ever encountered, I had no staff at all. I did everything myself and through the magic of computers programmed every day’s music, mixed every element by hand and most of the time even ingested it into the system, while completing all the necessary metadata. I was heard on the air 23 of the 24 hours, 7 days a week. My weekly hour total for that period averaged out to around 80. I’m not complaining as I would do it all over again, plus the programming staff were all (mostly) working that type of schedule. With my fog of funk starting to clear it was time to call my first meeting in a long time. After long, tense deliberation a binding agreement was reached that if any game went into extra innings and they put an automatic runner on second base to start the 10th, that would be it. Complete deal-breaker. Sure enough, Thursday night Yanks/Cleveland goes into extras and I had my finger on the button… but THEY DIDN’T USE IT. I know it was in use during the season so I may be returning if they drop it completely. The pitch “clock” was my initial issue, but this boneheaded T-Ball element was a bridge too far. Honestly, the pace of the game has definitely improved, which was nostalgic. I still don’t understand how the Umpires refused to control this aspect of the game. From the 1960’s through to the steroid era it was the job of the Umpire to keep things moving and they ruled with a iron-fist. I remember seeing Whitey Ford pitch a complete game shutout in no longer that 1 hour and 45 minutes at the old Stadium. A Sunday afternoon contest. There was no stepping out, stepping off or any unnecessary delay. As another great Baseball philosopher Lee Elia once opined, “You pitch the ball, hit the ball, catch the ball and get the fuckin’ job done. That’s Baseball, fellas.” The only time I have reached for the remote so far was the Intentional Walk issued to a batter, without the Pitcher throwing a pitch. That still pisses me off because I had instinctively moved to the edge of my seat, anticipating a Wild Pitch due to the fact, as we used to chant, “Pitcher’s Blowing Up.” Alas, another rare delight for the true Baseball fan is lost forever.

As far as the music in this set, This track from Suzanne Vega is an uptempo semi-punkish tune that grabbed me by surprise as I was not expecting the new sonic vibe but love it. I have been a fan since the very beginning and she was a core part of every station I have programmed. The Fantastic Negrito album blows me away. I’ve been a fan for years and played the hell out of his debut, his growth is remarkable. The Devlins are another band that I have loved from their debut and “All The Days” doesn’t disappoint, same goes for Ben Lee and Paul Kelly. Interestingly, aside from Fantastic Negrito all of these artists recorded Sessions with us, Suzanne and Ben multiple times.

Full details, including PLAYLIST is right HERE

​New Stuff Includes:
Dr. John
Santana
U2
MC5
Robin Trower
Jimi Hendrix
Jesse Malin and Counting Crows

IIn early 1980 I had been playing in my favorite band ever for about a year, having left a band that did Pink Floyd and Who tribute sets.  Joining up with my dear old friend and hot shit guitar slinger, Hot Dog Johnny Cook. We formed The Amazing Bolts and were working and having a blast. We were completely out of our minds. Someday I will write it all down, but we had 2 unbreakable rules: no facial hair and no sleeves. If asked any question, the only allowed answer was, "Because it makes us want to kill."  The most used slogan was "Everything On 10 and sleeves OFF!"  We would throw our no longer needed sleeves by the bagful to the crowd at dramatic moments while calling for an immediate Coast Guard Alert, our code to bring drinks to the stage PRONTO. They named a Sub after us in a Belmar or Manasquan Sub Shop. The Amazing Bolt - everything on it, ends off!  The previous Spring both bands did a song each at our wedding. The band I was leaving did "Squeeze Box" while we chose "Frustrated" … we did have a Wedding band (who were very good) but they welcomed us with open arms and seemed just a bit afraid. Nobody wanted to leave. By the next year, I was 24 and getting restless . I didn't want to end up playing cocktail music in a Holiday Inn at 40 and there was no future in cover bands, as it looked like the 18 to drink law was rumored to soon be raised back to 21, and there was an escalating amount of DWI crackdowns. You could go out any night of the week back then and find live music, unlimited choice. We had a few originals and I proposed we all get day gigs and work on expanding our originals with an eye toward getting a record out. Now 24 and married to the remarkable woman that is still here, I knew that although a solid drummer, I  would never be Chad Wackerman or any of the other great players listed in Set One. The first time I saw Chad play with Zappa, I came home, threw my drumsticks against the wall in frustration and vowed to somehow make a career that involved music without working in Retail, unless I could own the store, not just run it for someone else. When an offer to work at Jem Records came my way (thanks always, Phyllis) I asked the guys one more time if they wanted to get out of the Cover Circuit and change direction but it was not to be. Still love them as true brothers to this day and we have remained in each other's lives ever since. Johnny, Tommy and Mikey Bolt.  Same father, different mothers.

We lost our brother Petey Bolt (aka Dodge/Margaret/D.D.) to Cancer about 6 months after I came home to Jersey. It was during Covid and while we were living with my closest pal, Joe and his wife Robin. Joe and I were closer than the others. He was my drum roadie in the band days and whenever I DJ’d a gig of any kind. In my many moves around the country, he was the expert at moving my ridiculous collection, setting up the studio/Music Room, but above all he was my very best friend. Joey Bolt had colon cancer and I had survived Stage IV Lymphoma. They had just moved to a new very large house and could use some help, so we helped each other. Because of the pandemic we were there way longer than planned, but it was all good. He was putting on weight, getting healthier. We continued to search for a place to live and finally had a sort of plan.  About 2 weeks after we found this place in Absecon, he dropped dead from a massive heart attack.  Joey Bolt had recently turned 60.  We have been in this house 4 years this month, he never even got to see it. And I am still not fully unpacked or set up. 

Well, it’s Saturday and I promised to deliver this today and I never miss deadlines. The biggest musical surprise of the new things in this set was how fucking great this song from the first new MC5 album in a staggering 53 years is! Of course it’s not “the single” but the first of the pile for my ears is a blistering tune called “Change, No Change.” The album came out yesterday and I have played that song 5 times already.  Produced by Bob Ezrin “Heavy Lifting” is by far the best sounding MC5 record ever, sonically speaking.  Wayne Kramer announced this project a few years ago and wrote 13 of the songs, 2 of which feature original drummer, Dennis Thompson.  Also helping out are Slash, William Duvall, Vernon Reid (Living Colour), Don Was, and Tim Mcllrath (Rise Against). Also Vicki Randle (Aretha Franklin), Stevie Salas (Parliament Funkadelic and Rod Stewart), Abe Laboriel Jr. (Paul McCartney), Winston Watson Jr. (Bob Dylan), and Joe Berry (M83).  Wayne Kramer died February 2, 2024 following a bout with Pancreatic cancer. Drummer Dennis Thompson passed away at age 75, May 9, 2024 at a nursing home following a heart attack a month before in April. Both men were the sole surviving members of the original band’s lineup.

I was reading an interview about this project a few years back that stuck with me, especially Wayne’s motivation. explained his reason for doing it after so many years and band members had already passed. I tracked it down to get his correct quote, ““Some bands need a little time between records. I needed a lot of time between records!” He said Donald Trump’s presidency and the effects of the pandemic were creative influences. “I know myself well enough to know that the treatment for my meaninglessness was to take creative action.” (https://ultimateclassicrock.com/wayne-kramer-new-mc5-album)

Donald Trump has also been at the root of my mental distress. For the last decade his never ending barrage of lies, narcissism, hate, fear mongering and greed (to name just a few) and his bloviating ignorance and unbridled racism have inspired a movement that has the thumbless mouthbreathers celebrating Berlin in the 30’s and The Fuhrer’s idol Mussolini. Given a choice for how it should end I would vote for Benito’s farewell from the Italians. Make sure to include Fox News, the chickenshit Republicans that continue to enable him and kiss his diapered ass and last but certainly not least, Thomas, Alito, Roberts, Kavanaugh and Gorsuch. 

VOTE!

Playlist, information, artwork and surprise await.... HERE

​Since it is the last day of September, here’s a peek at the next episode, as well as a quick farewell to the brilliant Kris Kristofferson.  A great songwriter, Rhodes Scholar, Good Actor and First Class Human. Sets 2 and 3 will follow soon.

PLAYLIST INFO isHERE

SE^T 1

The 1976 “Black Rose” album was much more than a collection of tunes that instantly connected with my musical sensibilities. While they did immediately burrow deep, these songs became a sort of life-line,”Silver Blue,” “Faithless Love,” “Baby Come Home,“ “Doors Swing Open,“ “If You Have Crying Eyes,” “Banging My Head Against The Moon” and “Simple Man, Simple Dream” all served at one point or another like a shield guarding my very first broken heart. Along with Jackson’s “Late For The Sky” and especially Warren Zevon’s eponymous Asylum Records debut, actually his second album. “Midnight Prowl” and the title track were ideal for playing along with. I was  a miserable 20 year old, but only when I was alone. I managed a record store, played my drums every day and desperately wanted to get in a band that played out in clubs. I finally was able to buy a great set of Ludwigs at Rondo Music, receiving a killer deal on a floor model, all white, 24” kick, 12”, 14”, 16” and 18” concert toms arranged like Chester Thompson as wrap around, with an 18” floor tom on the ground under the hanging 16 and 18 concert toms. I wanted a 20” floor tom but when they came up empty, apparently I looked disappointed. This was my first brand new, Pro Drum Set, and Rondo Music on Route 22 was always on your side. Well worth the 45 minute blast up the GSP. We all had long hair in the Bicentennial Year and aspiring musicians working in a well appointed music gear store got the bonus ticket, perhaps a leg up on a 20 year old managing a record store. No complaints from my view. I needed to work in a record store, unless I could get in a “working band.” 

When they emerged with a color matching set of 6 and 10 inch NORTH toms on their own dedicated stand I was ecstatic. I wasn’t interested in the emerging Roto-Tom trend, and while Octobans where cool as fuck, they would cost more than the entire set I was buying. I had first seen fiberglass North drums, with their unique “porthole” design not long before this. I was at the Garden State Arts Center in Holmdel (exit 114) to witness Jackson Browne’s performance. Russ Kunkel was using a few different sized North’s around his kit, but on his right hand (ride cymbal) side. I know at least a few of the songs from that show made it onto “Running On Empty.” “Stay” was definitely taken from that show, I remember reading the liner notes. 

I set my North’s up over the Hi-Hat and loved them. Back then it was not standard to have a set of drum mics, maybe an overhead if it was a large place. That would change soon. You could see live music every night of the week in 1976. At 18 years old it was legal to drink and get into the clubs. It was the best. Playing since I was 12 years old, I took lessons from Dennis Nardone (5+ years older), a great player that lived around the corner. He dug Rock and Roll, especially Dino. After all, Nardone/Marrone… our Pop’s would occasionally speak Italian to each other  Dennis had played a ton of dances with first call club bands since his Teens. A true Pro even prior to being old enough to drive. He was committed, an excellent sight reader and a Jazz man studying with the legendary Joe Morello. Yes, Dave Brubeck’s Drummer during I believe his most fertile and adventurous period. That’s Joe managing to play 5/4 with everyone else in 4/4 and make it swing like crazy. 
. 
As Jersey drummers of Italian heritage there were Rules. We didn’t just “like” Dino Danelli, we worshiped him and Carmine Appice of Vanilla Fudge, later Cactus who actually played my High School on a bill with Matthews Southern Comfort and making their US debut, Atomic Rooster, who did not have the proper transformer to modify UK to US electric current, rendering them unable to perform.Carl Palmer had already left but Vincent Crain was indeed there. I wanted to hear them play “Death Walks Behind You,” a staple of the cover circuit repertoire. Speaking of which, Part 1 of the 4 part JD Souther show will air in Set 2.

Until meeting J..D. in 2009 when the live tracks within were recorded, I knew nothing of what caused him to become a musician. His personal history and background. I had the Longbranch Pennywhistle album as well as the first solo album, both SHF albums. He was not a typical product of the Laurel Canyon finishing school. There were legit musical chops involved in his work. We spent literally all day together and the above text was the kind of stuff we talked about. I had heard he could be difficult but I usually found those kinds of stories to be unreliable. He was a listener and became intrigued by the wide and deep nature of the music we played as well as the lack of repetition. When he asked what a Loft Session consisted of I told him there were 3 rules that I didn’t want to break.
 
1.  Play and say whatever you want. Do not play anything you don’t want to play. There is no censorship at all.

2. I prefer at least 45 minutes of performance time, but you can play as long as you desire. We will use it all, unless there is something you do not want to include. The final decision is always the providence of the artist.
​
3.  Above all, have fun. There is no interview dog and pony show, unless you want one. This time is unrestricted and offered as a legitimate opportunity to share what you want on your terms. 

Like so many before and after him, his smile kept getting wider. When finished he shook his head and asked, “Really!?” That’s fucking amazing. He wanted an audience, which was always an option left up to the artist and asked if it was possible. I said, “Sure, as long as you have a mailing list. We can comfortably seat about 40 people,” There’s no charge and I recommended that unless he was okay with interacting with them during the performance, and setting some time post show to chat and sign some stuff for them he shouldn’t. As I soon learned, he was as down to earth and personable as possible. 

SET 2

​Set 2 begins with another story and it is not at all a surprise there would be some linkage. Last week I began digging back in to fully unpack, organize and purge the massive amount of music collected and dragged around the country over the past 60+ years.There’s still a ton to get through but that is in no way, shape or form a complaint. The last time I actually used the item uncovered was early in Loft history and the first time Jackson Browne came to visit us in D.C. After reading about his Birthday last week it reminded me about it, I was on the hunt, so to speak. 

There is a version of one of his most loved songs that has only ever appeared on a promotional 7” 45 RPM vinyl single. “Rock Me On The Water” was officially released on his eponymous debut, often mistakenly referred to as “Saturate Before Using.” It is the 9th song and has a run time of 4:14. However, in 1972, Asylum Records issued a promotional single of the song. The A side (Blue label) was stereo, B side (White label) Mono. That’s how it was done back then. The run time is 3:45 on the stereo side, 3:44 on the mono. I played it all the time and it was in the first batch of vinyl transfers I did for The Loft. When I first found it back in the 70’s the fact that it was shorter than the album version was not a big deal, as more often than not record companies have edited songs for the singles market. But after a single listen it was glaringly obvious this was not an edit but an entirely different recording. I had never found out the story and over the years had kept a sharp eye out for it to be included on a reissue of some catalog project, but it never had. If it was a throwaway or obscure song it might make sense to leave it buried. But this was “Rock Me On The Water” easily one his most beloved songs, right from the beginning.

With Jackson set to visit now was my chance. I hadn’t met him before and not only am I a long-time fan but have seen him live many times. I was looking forward to it. He knew all about the station and his role in its history. He claimed to be a fan of what we were doing, which I had heard quite a bit from people who allegedly would know. One of the finest Humans I have ever encountered in this business was bringing him in, the wonderful Michael Jensen. Jackson is known to be a huge fan himself of all kinds of recorded music, and keely knowledgeable when it comes to guitars, recording gear and technology in addition to records that run the gamut of style, genre etc. At this time he was trying to find a good quality pressing of Root Boy Slim and The Sex Change Band’s Warner Brothers debut album, and knowing Washington, DC was their home turf thought it was possible. I love that album, especially “Mood Ring", " My Wig Fell Off” and “Heartbreak of Psoriasis”... a stone cold classic in my world.   

After giving Michael and Jackon a tour of the inner workings of what we were doing, even taking him inside creating a show from soup to nuts. A hands on demonstration of exactly what my process was, it was getting late so I was taking them from the space age second floor and getting them to transportation. As we got in the elevator I finally remembered to ask him about “Rock Me On The Water.”Imagine my surprise when not only Michael, but Jackson were giving me looks like I had two heads. As we exit the elevator, Jackson slaps his head and says, “Wait a minute, we did recut that.” I remember it vaguely, turning to me he asks if I actually have a copy and I confirm it is at my desk. Let’s go. In a minute I am grabbing it out of my overhead storage and handing it to him. He asks,  “Where’s the turntable?” Not on this floor, but don’t worry. I can play anything in our database right here on my computer. I pull it up and as it starts to play I hear, “Holy shit. I forgot all about that.”

It is the center of Set 2.

Set 3

For the full playlist of any or all sets and perhaps a map to a hidden dimension try clicking right...... HERE.

​Until meeting J..D. in 2009 when this was recorded, I knew nothing of what caused him to become a musician. His personal history and background. I had the Longbranch Pennywhistle album as well as the first solo album, both SHF albums. He was not a typical product of the Laurel Canyon finishing school. There were legit musical chops involved in his work. We spent literally all day together and the above text was the kind of stuff we talked about. I had heard he could be difficult but I usually found those kinds of stories to be unreliable. He was a listener and became intrigued by the wide and deep nature of the music we played as well as the lack of repetition. When he asked what a Loft Session consisted of I told him there were 3 rules that I didn’t want to break.
 
1. Play and say whatever you want. Do not play anything you don’t want to play. There is no censorship at all.
2. I prefer at least 45 minutes of performance time, but you can play as long as you desire. We will use it all, unless there is something you do not want to include. The final decision is always the providence of the artist.
3. Above all, have fun. There is no interview dog and pony show, unless you want one. This time is unrestricted and offered as a legitimate opportunity to share what you want on your terms. 

Like so many before and after him, his smile kept getting wider. When finished he shook his head and asked, “Really!?” That’s fucking amazing. He wanted an audience, which was always an option left up to the artist and asked if it was possible. I said, “Sure, as long as you have a mailing list. We can comfortably seat about 40 people,” There’s no charge and I recommended that unless he was okay with interacting with them during the performance, and setting some time post show to chat and sign some stuff for them he shouldn’t. As I soon learned, he was as down to earth and personable as possible. 

SET One                                                                                                                                                                                                dl

​Although this arrives on Saturday during the Labor Day Weekend, it is in no way an end of Summer vibe. Summer does not end this weekend, only the business of Summer. The 2024 autumnal equinox occurs at 8:44 a.m. ET Sept. 22, so we have another 22 days to get that episode ready. Retirement does have advantages, my friends. I envision this episode to be a perfect soundtrack to a late Summer gathering of old friends, catching up on each other's lives and how time sure is starting to move fast. Photo albums are passed around to share those snapshots not yet available on your phone. Laughs, fellowship, an occasional tear and lots of love. Comfortable, content but missing those that are gone. 

​Set One
The legendary Dave Barthalamew gets things underway, some funk from The Godfather and a nice portion of Blues, containing two of the most underappreciated guitarists of my lifetime - Rory Gallagher and Roy Buchanan. There’s early R&B and the first appearance of Jimi leads to a touch of Jazz from the Birds, first Charlie Parker but also containing a new remaster of Joey DeFrancesco and Jimmy Smith getting downright filthy on the way to winding up at a logical piece from Donald with a “y.” 

​Set Two
Concentrating on mood, now we get around to attempting an elevation of the head and spirit with the ethereal voices of the late Mark Hollis, Paul Buchanan and David Sylvian. They are joined by an astonishing new effort from Jon Anderson in setting the tone. Bill Hicks breaks the mood as only he could and a few heartbreakers from Dolorean and Ryan Adams and comfy memories courtesy of The Beatles and Stones, leading to one of my favorite new songs from Anders Osborne’s new album.

Set Three
Opening with a pair of tunes from Irish band Fontaines D.C. and their new album “Romance.” If you like to keep up new music, as so few from my generation do, this is one of the finest bands to emerge in the last few years. Then we head toward the stars, Mott, Bowie, Radiohead, Roxy and the deeply missed Sparklehorse bring everyone together singing and counting along with Lothar and The Hand People and their classic head trip of “Space Hymn.” Mick Jagger tries to explain the magnitude of influence the arrival of Jimi Hendrix to London’s Swingin’ Sixties before closing with the Nostradamus-like warning of John Kay and Steppenwolf.  

As always thanks for listening, let me know your feelings on the new format and if you have some spare change, we always appreciate it click here  to donate                                                                                                                                                                          or HERE

PLAYLIST is HERE                                                                                                                                                    Thank you is HERE

You were warned that sometimes there will be a bonus set and this is a subject that practically demands one, especially now. I have revealed about a dozen times that I am not a Democrat, but this is not a political issue, it’s Societal. Close your eyes and think back to the days prior to Trump descending his gaudy surroundings. Lips pursed, makeup and hair overdone, atop his floating throne, his gold plated escalator. I turned away. So much has happened I understand if it takes a few minutes. Okay? What was going on in your life, your everyday routine? Work, family, school, neighbors, shopping, kids, hobbies, friends, events, etc. Now try and recall everything that has changed in your normal routine since that day, positive and negative, the good and bad. It was June 16, 2015, just short of a decade in the past but from my perspective it seems a lot longer. 

Every single day since, Donald Trump has demanded more attention. Even after he lost the last election by over 7 million votes in the popular vote. He lost the Electoral College 306 to 232. Reverse those numbers and that was the previous election result when Trump won 306 to 232, which he touted as a “massive landslide victory!” He lost the popular vote by 3 million!  We were doomed from that point on.  I wrote in this very blog the night prior, “One of them has never been elected to any public office, never shown compassion or concern for anything other than accumulating personal wealth, yet refuses to reveal his tax returns. That is something no candidate has ever done. He has spewed forth a steady stream of hate, fear and lies, denigrating any and all opposition with the zeal and temperament of a schoolyard bully. The fact that he is even on the ballot is an embarrassment to our country around the world, except perhaps Russia and North Korea. He has revealed no plan to "make America great again" and has no experience whatsoever in Public Service. He is reality TV and if like me you were concerned with someone like Al Haig or Dick Cheney having "the button" in reach, how will anyone get a good night's sleep with him possessing the nuclear codes?”  Click here 

Although I followed Politics, no one would ever confuse me with an obsessed political junkie. Family, Music and Baseball. Period. The running order occasionally swapped around but that was it. I was happy, very busy but generally my usual optimistic self, which has for 44 years annoyed the shit out of my wife at times, the “almost” exact opposite.  We agree on important stuff, otherwise I shudder to think what might have happened. 

On the very first day of his “massive landslide victory” he was ready to roll up his sleeves and start fixing what was wrong with the Country he swore to make great again. After mapping out his golf schedule he got right to the biggest problem, crowd size and the press who refused to print that it was the most people ever gathered in that location in history. He’s very smart, you know.  Each day or as he thinks of them, the news cycle, the volume of petty nonsense and stupidity was raised, turned up louder. His tiny hand has not moved from the dial since.

I can’t bear to recount everything he caused to happen, and I don’t blame him for The Pandemic, only how he mishandled it. Even those that supported him can’t be happy that he has made Women second class citizens, or can they? Let’s face it, he did not do this alone and optimism or not, logical thinking has not put a dent in slowing down his influence. I can’t explain how anyone that has witnessed his insane ranting, abject thievery, ingratiating stupidity and lack of a moral compass can even consider putting him back in The White House. Over the last nine years I can’t count the number of times the term “unpresidented” has been used in regard to the actions of The President Of The United States. I especially cannot fathom how anyone that served or is serving in the Military could vote for a blatant traitor, a person on record as disparaging those that gave their life in service to this country as “suckers and losers.”  He disrespected John McCain, a true American Hero even after he died. Unthinkable. His own Vice President does not support him, nor any other members of his staff. 

Whew… I needed to get that out. This edition of FTB Leftovers does not contain political content, aside from the Intro and Closing. It’s all music and it’s about the condition of our Society and the move toward an Authoritarian Regime replacing Democracy. Remind yourself and anyone who will listen that their Freedom is on the line. The only promise he made and kept was Abortion. Taking away the right of a woman to have providence over her body. Everything else pales in comparison. And everything else is really horrifying, and consider that
I didn’t even mention January 6 until now.

My innate optimism cannot help but think the only real way to beat the shit out of him properly is to have a woman of color kick his diapered ass. This simply can’t happen again. There will be no going back, ever.

THE PLAYLIST CAN BE FOUND HERE

​Once again you kids have brought an old man close to weeping like a 2 year old while reading through correspondence both public and private concerning my missive regarding the show. As anyone experienced in interacting with the public learns, there is always a jerk or two, which simply proves two infallible truths. That you are on the correct path and inflection simply does not translate on Social Media. 

When I retired (cough… forced out) I was overwhelmed with hundreds of wonderful notes, cards and letters and the expected few of the “good… you suck” variety. One stood out: “Yep  Mike, you may remember giving me complete shit over making a comment to Chris Muckley  about 'an amazing shift ' .. I'll never forget you saying ' we don't do shifts'... it was an innocent comment, going on, and on.. I even tried to explain my comment, you were a complete asshole.” 

I replied “I don't remember that but thanks for letting me know. Sorry.” I honestly didn’t remember but knew it had to be through text or the web site as this is something that I insisted upon from all staff members going back to WHTG in 1984 because my radio philosophy has always been that there should never be a “shift mentality” in any on-air position. We do “shows” as there is a beginning, middle and conclusion.  If you are a working actor or musician the time of the performance is not a shift, it’s clearly a “SHOW.” 

This seemingly innocuous element in my experience has often been the difference between building a bond with the listener and fostering a community, instead of the play this, say this and hit the post, paint by numbers that is anathema to creativity and integrity.  Of course, I may be wrong but I firmly believe it. Ask anyone who has ever worked with me. I never let a reference to a shift go by. I would say, we don’t do shifts, we do shows. We actually care about what we play and when we play it. Shifts are boring, shows are a journey, an adventure we are on together. 


I have said this hundreds of times and never in a dismissive or angry manner. Quite the opposite actually, the person would  say something like “Maybe that’s why I listen so much” or “I never thought of it that way” or even “That makes sense.” I had never before experienced a response like this, chalked it up to someone digging for dirt which was not going to happen since I love Muck Muck. He stayed with my family during the transition! I recommended him to replace me and was (and still am) happy for him. Chalking it up to yet one more clueless asshole I’ll never have to deal with again, I forgot all about it and moved on with more important life issues such as getting to the bottom of why I felt like shit. You know what comes next, right?

After posting #254 I went to bed and sure enough this love letter was waiting for me the next day. “Yep, I'll never forget what an asshole you were to me on chats years ago.” I actually laughed out loud, thinking about what I have been through since 2018 and simply wrote back. “Be well, Maynard.” I haven’t heard back. 

So Maynard if you happen upon this post, why don’t you go outside and play a nice game of hide and go f#@k yourself!  Have an absolutely beautiful rest of your life.

To everyone else, thank you from the bottom of my heart. I truly do love all of you. FTB #255 will be in your hands by Friday morning. There’s a title on this one… “Freedom.”

​"Freedom" is the title  and theme of these sets, collectively episode#255. Leon Bridges "Peaceful Place" is first out of the new release bin and I can't wait to hear the rest of what will be his fourth release, "Leon" which is due 10/4. The Asylum Albums (1976-1980) continues the wonderful Joni Mitchell catalog upgrade joining previously unreleased live material from The Staples Singers (recorded in 1972) and Tower Of Power (recorded in 1973). It's a nice smooth ride navigating from the Clash and Damned to Jon Batiste and John Coltrane.            DL

FTB255 Set 2 utilizes Brother Ray and Milt Jackson from a new remaster of their classic "Bags and Blues" album as a classy entry point which initiates a route toward the must listen new release from Devon Allman, "Miami Moon."  Forget everything  you think you know about Devon. On the way milepost markers will bear names like The Chairman, Oscar Peterson and The Velvet Fog, picking up new young jazz collective The Rare Sounds covering Dev (of course). The beautiful soul and spirit of the lovely and talented Syd Straw joined by that Stipe fellow and a tune from her "Surprise album I will never tire of.  More from Lemon Twigs latest, Chicano Batman contributing to our episode theme and a Sly & The Family Stone performance of a song I had never heard until the other day, recorded live at The Fillmore East in 1968.​            DL

Fontaines D.C., Amy Helm and Ray LaMontagne contribute a trio of new tracks that are not only strong individual tunes, they work very effectively as connective tissue taking us on a widely divergent musical adventure. Inspiring previously unheard linkage with Alvin Lee, Lead Belly, Primal Scream featuring Linda Thompson, Son Volt, a new to me Rick Wakeman solo piano version of "Close To The Edge, "Simple Song Of Freedom," my favorite Freedom song (Bobby Darin's version and a song he wrote for Tim Hardin as payback for his song "Reason To Believe" which provided the multi-talented Darin with a hit. I've long felt Bobby Darin is one the most underappreciated artists of my lifetime. He could do everything at an élite level. An amazing talent that tragically died young. I always appreciated Kevin Spacey as an actor, but I have never been more disappointed in a movie than his Darin homage, "Beyond The Sea."  Within a few days Set 4 "Freedom Leftovers" will wrap up the episode.        DL

COMPLETE PLAYLIST CAN BE FOUND HERE

​To say the past few years have been a whirlwind of adjustment is somewhat of an understatement in my life. While I feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude to have my mental facilities restored, financial and physical realities continue to present frustration that often feels beyond my control. 

I have always loved to share music. Whether turning someone on to something new or previously unknown it truly brings me joy. There are dwindling venues remaining that provide or even encourage the practice of presenting what I’ve always felt was the art of a DJ., programming, building and engineering a set of music that entertains while educating, flows but makes you think or simply feel good. It just somehow makes sense. 

In the last few years it has been torture for me to speak properly, at least to my satisfaction. I’ve never enjoyed talking on the radio, but did feel I could communicate my musical vision honestly and with passion. Due to the aftermath of my medical adventure and treatment I simply can no longer do that. Speaking has become a chore and embarrassment due to dental issues that I will never be able to afford to repair. It takes me a long time to manipulate my voice tracks to where they “almost” sound like me speaking to you, but they never will. I have never been one of those “Big Voice” radio guys but always able to say what was on my mind and the truth, at least from my perspective.      

I have tried a variety of things with A.I. over the past few years, creating imaginary characters like Art Damage, Hal Jalikeakick, Ripper McSesh, Biff Renaldo and so many others. Rest assured that Teenage Eddie is not a creation, uniquely real and loved and that is his voice, as is old friend, colleague and sister Loretta Windas who have both been on the show during this period. I can’t do it anymore, it feels dishonest.  

In addition, the way most people use music in this day and age is very different. Although approaching 70 when it comes to playing, sharing and collecting music, tools to do so have never been better, easier or more affordable and available. Everyone from fan level to professional have access to a remarkable tool kit for creation and enjoyment.

I am never going to stop putting sets of music together and am honored that some of you want to hear them. From this episode forward the show will be presented as 3 (sometimes more) sets, each one 60-75 minutes in length. No voice tracks. The music and occasional other noises when required but not me. 

There is another strong factor in the decision to put the music in 3 distinct sets and that issue is “content” presentation. For example, Mixcloud has some new rules (and I don’t blame them) that present a situation like this. A new album comes out that is just mind-blowing and in my view important. Think “Revolver,” “Pet Sounds,” “Entertainment!,” “Axis:Bold As Love,” “In A Silent Way,” “Nevermind,” and so many more. If I put a three hour show together I can only play 2 songs from it and nothing else by the artist. If I post 3 different 1 hour shows, I can play 2 in each.   

Today music is regarded as “content”... nothing more or less. Interchangeable and measured as a commodity. The 1:50 run time of “Old Fart At Play” from Captain Beefheart's seminal “Trout Mask Replica” album has the exact same value and footprint as the more than 25 minutes of Miles Davis’ “Yesternow” from “A Tribute To Jack Johnson” album.

Sorry for being so wordy… I love you and thank you for listening.

Any questions? 
[email protected] 

​MIXCLOUD LINKS COMING SOON.

SET TWO (1 MINUTE VIDEO PREVIEW)

​SET THREE (1 MINUTE VIDEO PREVIEW)

​The importance of John Mayall to the music of our lives since the mid-60’s can not be 
overstated. This episode begins with a token of our appreciation for his 90 years on the planet educating, inspiring and demonstrating his love affair with The Blues. 

When the studio hardware and database went crazy last month I was able to restore and patch up the damage with very little downtime. I ordered some new parts to complete a proper repair and when everything arrived after finishing FTB #252, my intention was to spend a few days doing the repairs and another 5 or so just chilling, fine tuning the system and enjoying some retirement time. It brings to mind that old quote adapted from Robert Burns' 1785 poem, “To a Mouse” -  “The best-laid plans of mice and men often go awry.” Unfortunately, it still rings true over 200 years later. 

It has taken this long to square away the project to the point of actually putting shows together without damaging another link in the chain. Since funds were limited I was apprehensive, but there was treasure uncovered while looking through boxes for connectors. This episode contains a few tunes from a forgotten 2011 Jason Isbell studio performance that otherwise might be lost forever. “Always look for the good parts not instantly revealed when you have a 40 foot flame up your ass.” That‘S a quote of mine from a few years ago.

There is now a huge backlog of new arrivals to dig into so expect something of an onslaught of fresh sounds in the next episode. Thanks for listening and your support.

If you find yourself in need of the playlist... CLICK