Jim Price
Moderator
Joined: 07 Dec 2002
Posts: 4817
Location: Altoona, PA
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 Posted: Tuesday Sep 02, 2008 |
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Hello Everyone,
Here is the recap of the August 31 edition of Q94's weekly local music program, "The Backyard Rocker," which airs every Sunday night from 8 to 10 PM on WBXQ 94.3.
This week, we presented the latest installment of the “Fast Forward Special.” During this show’s course, we presented double-shots of songs; the first song a number from earlier in the career of an area band or musician, and the second song featuring a more recent song involving that same band or musician. Through the program’s course, we heard the evolution of some area bands and musicians, as well as the diversity between what musicians were playing years ago and what they are doing now. This was again a fun “then and now” edition of the “Backyard Rocker,” and we’ll definitely be doing this special again in the future.
Here is this week’s playlist (with years of each song listed, as well as a brief explanation of the musicians spotlighted):
HOUR ONE:
NEOGUMBO – “Star” (1997)
CHRIS V. & THE STANLEY STREET BAND – “Freedom” (2008)
This fast-forward double-shot spotlighted two musicians, singer/guitarist Chris Vipond and bassist Mike Stanley. In the late 90’s, both comprised half of popular Altoona-based funk/jam combo Neogumbo. In a sort of evolution from the Neogumbo years, Chris and Mike are still performing together now in Chris V. & the Stanley Street Band, with a more acoustic-based, freewheeling sound.
CUT THE MUSTARD – “Cut the Mustard” (1980)
ISSUES – “Back Atcha” (2007)
Back in the early 80’s, bassist Bob “Zorbo” Slovikosky and drummer Skip Fisher were providing the rhythms behind hard-rocking Coalport/Blandburg-based quintet Cut The Mustard. Now, the two are again working together as the rhythm section behind female-fronted quartet Issues.
SIDESHOW BOB – “Falling In all Over Yourself” (1999)
TED McCLOSKEY – “The Lowest Common Grain of Salt” (2007)
We again spotlighted a pair of musicians in this fast-forward double-shot. Singer/guitarist Ted McCloskey and drummer Daryl Branford were both members of popular State College-based funk/rock band Sideshow Bob in the late 90’s. Now, Daryl plays drums in Ted’s current band, Ted McCloskey & the Hi-Fi’s; and is the drummer on Ted’s latest solo album, Technicolor Thieves.
INSIDE OUT – “She’s No Angel” (1993)
INSIDE OUT – “Taking My Life” (2007)
Johnstown’s Inside Out has been rocking western PA stages since the early 90’s; but the only constant between the early 90’s edition and current edition of the band is founder/guitarist/singer Tim Frick. This double-shot contrasted the more 80’s-sounding, Van Halen-influenced early 90’s Inside Out with the group’s current, more modern-geared rock sound.
THIN ICE – “Born to Rock” (1985)
MAMA CORN – “Shenandoah Mountaintops” (performed live on air 3/9/08)
Back in 1985, freshly graduated from high school, Huntingdon’s John Stevens fronted an aspiring heavy metal band called Blytz, which soon evolved into Thin Ice, which had a successful run on regional stages in the late 80’s and early 90’s. Now, John has returned to the roots music he listened to as a child, as he plays resonator guitar and sings with Altoona-based modern bluegrass group Mama Corn.
BAD LEE WHITE – “The Deal (Goes Down)” (1988)
THE BADLEES – “Hindsightseeing” (2002)
One of Pennsylvania’s most successful bands in the 90’s, The Badlees evolved out of the earlier Bad Lee White. Singers/songwriters/guitarists Bret Alexander and Jeff Feltenberger, and drummer Ron Simasek played in both bands; Bret and Ron are still members of the current edition of The Badlees, who are recording a new album for release later this year.
HOUR TWO:
FELIX & THE HURRICANES – “Way Behind” (live) (1997)
FELIX & THE HURRICANES – “La La Land” (performed live on air 3/2/08)
Felix & the Hurricanes have had a number of different line-ups throughout their nearly 20-year history, with the constant through it all being singer/guitarist Felix Kos. This double-shot featured songs from two of the most popular editions. Through a good portion of the 90’s, Felix was joined by singer/drummer John McKnight and bassist/singer Bill Nusom; the current edition features singer/bassist Jeff Clapper and drummer Bob Watters.
SLAMMER – “American Steel” (1989)
WIDE OPEN – “Polish My Chrome” (2005)
This fast-forward spotlighted Osceola Mills/Clearfield guitarist and rocker Matt Socoski. In the 80’s and early 90’s, Matt was the driving force behind Slammer; now, he’s singing and playing guitar for Clearfield foursome Wide Open. As this double-shot clearly illustrated, Matt rocked hard then, and he still does so now!
THE BIG’UNS – “Pa Chaw” (1999)
THE MARAUDERS – “Rumble on the Rocks” (2006)
These days, you’ll find Chris Lawson thumping out the notes on a big upright bass as a member of popular rockabilly/punk performers The Marauders. Nine years ago, Chris was the bass player for Hollidaysburg-based ska/punk foursome The Big’Uns.
TEACHER’S PET – “Homeless Monday” (1995)
RISE PHOENIX RISE – “Walk Away” (2007)
It’s hard to believe that drummer Rob Hampton has been a fixture on Pennsylvania stages for over a dozen years! Now, Rob provides the beats behind popular Harrisburg-based modern rock band Rise Phoenix Rise. In the mid 90’s, Rob was making his first visits to our area as the drummer for Scranton-based rockers Teacher’s Pet. Although he did not appear on Teacher's Pet's 1995 album Marilyn's Broke Again, Rise Phoenix Rise bass player Ronnie Williams is a Teacher's Pet alumnus as well.
BLAZ-ON – “Little Jane” (1991)
EMILY’S TOYBOX – “Casualty” (2005)
In the late 80’s and early 90’s, singer/bassist Mike Wise, guitarist/singer Frank White and drummer Wade Corbin first arrived on regional stages as the hard-rocking Blaz-On. Soon after Blaz-On disbanded in the early 90’s, Mike and Frank had formed what would become one of the state’s most popular party bands, Emily’s Toybox. At one point, the Emily’s Toybox roster was Mike, Frank and Wade – the exact Blaz-On lineup! Now, Mike and Wade are half of Emily’s Toybox.
Next Sunday night, we welcome Indiana-based singer, songwriter and guitarist Larry Nath. Larry has entertained Pittsburgh area audiences for two decades, and recently issued his first solo album, Live It. Larry will discuss his music and career, and we’ll spotlight songs from the CD, plus listeners will have chances to call to win a copy! In addition, Larry is bringing along a friend, Pittsburgh blues guitarist Jimmy Adler, to perform some songs live on the air! We’ll also update Local Music News, and review a new local CD in “The Professor’s CD Corner!” Larry Nath and Jimmy Adler visit the “Backyard Rocker,” next Sunday night!
Forthcoming guests and specials include:
SEPT. 14 – The Lampshades
SEPT. 21 – DeltaPalooza Preview Special
OCT. 5 – Acoustic Jam Special
OCT. 26 – Satanic Bat/Halloween Special
NOV. 2 – Lies, Inc.
NOV. 16 – Clint Carothers/The Front
The "Backyard Rocker" is happy to announce its continued partnership with "The Underground TV," the local/regional music television show airing on WATM ABC 23 Friday mornings at 1:30 AM and on WWPC Fox 8 Sunday mornings at 1:30 AM. Check out "The Underground" as it features different unsigned local and regional bands every week; and watch for "Backyard Rocker" updates on the show each week as well! Their new television season is under way!
For regular updates on what is happening on the area music scene, pay a visit to Rockpage (www.rockpage.net). Rockpage features band links, a message board, "Backyard Rocker" updates, the online 'zine publication "The Final Cut," and other local music scene information.
Bands and artists interested in having music aired on "The Backyard Rocker" are invited to send their broadcast-quality recordings to: WBXQ Radio, 2513 6th Avenue, Altoona, PA 16601; ATTN: Jim Price. Or drop the recordings off at the station during regular business hours, Monday-Friday 9 AM - 5 PM.
Q94’s “Backyard Rocker” has been introducing listeners to the region’s best musical talent for over ten years, and we plan to do it for many more. Help guarantee the program’s future, and consider becoming an advertising sponsor of the “Backyard Rocker.” If your business involves music, a “Backyard Rocker” sponsorship can get your message in front of listeners interested in music. To inquire about becoming a sponsor of the “Backyard Rocker,” call Diane Boslet during regular business hours at (814) 943-6112, or email diane@wbxq.com.
Jim Price
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http://pamusician.net |
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