Songs by Rachael Sage

 I had the pleasure of interviewing Rachael Sage for my Inclusion Interview Show. We cover her creativity and being cancer thrivers (we both had Endometrial Cancer). Rachael is celebrating her label, MPress's 30th Anniversary, and keeps making music, touring, finding syncs including on Netflix and in Dance Moms. She's worked with Judy Collins, Lulu, Ani DiFranco, and Howard Jones with whom she's collaborated on the song "I Made a Case." 

Rachael and Cassandra Kubinski are playing DROM, NYC this Saturday Night.

Visit RachaelSage.com for more shows and music!

Here's the interview, and some of my favorite Rachael songs, including a few for the December holidays! 

Canopy  Acoustic, twangy, slow‑tempo folk with a gentle female vocal. Themes of connection, emotional refuge, and women leading with compassion. Key lines include: “If the world were run by women…” and “you just have to want to heal insanity.” A song about peace‑making and emotional sanctuary. 

Tchatchkes & Latkes  A festive Gypsy Oom‑Pah‑Pah waltz. Rachael sings the ingredients of a late‑night Hanukkah dish — playful, rhythmic, and full of personality. “Onions, peppers, oy gevalt!”

Hanukkah in the Village  Mellow piano, singer‑songwriter style. Rachael’s warm, observational storytelling about Hanukkah in New York City — cozy, urban, reflective.  cultural storytelling.

Joy to the World  Gentle soprano reminiscent of Olivia Newton‑John; chamber‑pop textures like Regina Spektor. Cello drives the rhythm; guitar and light accordion add warmth. A joyful, pulsing holiday track with the refrain “Joy! Joy!”  uplifting holiday scenes, family moments, community celebrations, feel‑good ads. 

I Made a Case  Waltz‑tempo ballad with lush instrumentation and horn. A gentle, vulnerable vocal delivering the refrain: “I made a case for you to love me, but you disagreed.”  male/female vocal interplay — adds emotional depth and dual perspective.

SisterSong A song of support, companionship, and kindness — a musical embrace. Themes include: keeping someone company, “standards of goodness,” corsets (metaphorically), and the “year of the woman / year of the human.” A deeply compassionate piece about staying with someone through their hardest moments. 

Congressional Candidate & Edgar Poe Reader on the Anne Leighton Inclusion Interview Show

 I enjoyed this new interview with Congressional Candidate Jose Vega, who is running for the 15th District here in the Bronx in both the Independent and Democratic primary races. We talk about peace, deportation, music, and Edgar Poe, and his Intervention advice with party leaders that don't pay attention to their constituents. #Civics https://youtu.be/WCSLxFzjmGc?si=4wF1kRJ9zGz3WMuK If you have any concerns about comments made in our interview, please express them in the comments under the video, and cite sources. Thanks.

Bob Halligan, Jr. Songs

 

“Thanks” is a gorgeous, uplifting song about gratitude — the kind that comes from being lifted up by someone who sees the best in you. It’s tender, universal, and sync‑friendly, with a sweet, slightly shady electric‑guitar solo that gives it emotional lift.

A key line: “Can’t thank you enough, I’m high from you lifting me up.”

It’s a natural fit for scenes of reconciliation, reflection, family moments, personal triumph, or any storyline where gratitude is the emotional payoff.

About Bob Halligan Jr.

Bob is one of those rare songwriters whose work spans folk, Christian, pop, Celtic‑rock, and hard rock — and somehow he’s equally authentic in all of them. His kindness‑centered writing shows up in his solo work and in his long‑running Irish‑pop‑folk band Ceili Rain, but his catalog also includes cuts by some of the biggest names in rock and pop.

A few highlights:

• Judas Priest — “Some Heads Are Gonna Roll”
• KIX — “Don’t Close Your Eyes”

Plus songs covered by Cher, Jennifer Rush, KISS, Michael Bolton, Joan Jett, Rik Emmett (Triumph), Bob Carlisle….. has had over 140 songs recorded, published over 975 songs, and his catalog has sold more than 30 million units.

I learned recently that May Pang was his song plugger during the era when Priest, KIX, Cher, and KISS were cutting his material — a fun surprise, since May and I bonded at The Cutting Room over our shared love of discovering new artists.

Bob also taught songwriting as an adjunct professor at Syracuse University from 2003–2019, and Kathy Mattea recently posted a photo with him after a show in Homer, NY — she’s covered several of his songs, including “Love Travels,” “Give It Away,” and “Junkyard.”

It was a joy working with Bob since 2023 in support Ceili Rain’s album Crash This Gate.

“It’s You I Love About It” — Ceili Rain Mid‑to‑uptempo, Irish instrumentation blended with commercial rock. Male vocals. Think The Strawbs meets The Proclaimers. A nostalgic look at movie memories — but the real hook is that you made the memories meaningful.   

 

 

“Love Corporation” — Ceili Rain A kindness‑forward anthem about starting with your own heart and paying it forward — perfect for scenes about community, generosity, or personal growth.

 

Recognizable Covers   

 Kathy Mattea — “Love Travels.”  Kathy also covered: “Give It Away,” “Junkyard” 

 

 "Some Heads Are Gonna Roll"  by Judas Priest 

"Peace Has Broken Out" by Moya Brennan 

 "Don’t Close Your Eyes" co=written with Crack the Sky's John Palumbo, and recorded by KIX

"Love Corporation" by Ceili Rain

 One of the songs I'm plugging this week: the soulful "Love Corporation" about paying it forward and backward.

"Gonna start with my own heart

And pray for dividends"

Bob Halligan Jr. is the band's frontman and main songwriter.

Michael Veitch Songs

Drive Beach Boys harmonies with jazz chords, tenor vocals, summertime pop, guitar, harmonies. the hook is "Drive my baby driving." It's about togetherness and summer nights. Towards the end of the song it lifts the tempo of "California Girls."  

Michael's Walk Away Renee cover is an acoustic cover of the Left Banke hit. His thoughtful interpretation is dedicated to Renee Good. The lyrics fit the pain of what we've been going through with ICE's attacks on both immigrants and those born in this country.  

April Fools isan upbeat folk-rocker with electric guitar about being fooled by leadership. This song deals with delusional thinking. The song can be applied to any topic, from romance, personal dilemmas and battles, and world situations—anything that can be prevented.

Close to the Flame slow-mid tempo, harmonies, flying too close to the flames "I have to confess, we all tried our best"  

One Wish is a male & female duet and wishes peace for Christmas.

Above The Rain is a live performance from the PBS documentary, “We Remember: Songs of Survivors,” which showed Woodstock area songwriters collaborating with Holocaust Survivors.  "Above The Rain," which is available for covers and airplay was co-written by Michael and survivor Rita Schwartz. Live performance. Acoustic guitar, accordion, cello, gentle male vocals,  Remembering what life was like before how they were “changed forever.” They’re praying and waiting for the rain to end.  Has an optimistic tilt as “the sun still shines above the rain.”

Poet Cornelius Eady on The Anne Leighton Inclusion Interview Show

 https://youtu.be/X0nbGhjeGrU?si=tKyrXswM4vyI6ygi  It was a pleasure interviewing my friend and fellow poet/songwriter Cornelius Eady. He wrote and read "Proof" for the Inauguration of New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani.  "Proof" is his upcoming chapbook, which will be out this September on Tupelo Press.

Author, Poet, Businessman Bill Pezzimenti on The Anne Leighton Inclusion Interview Show

 It's a pleasure to interview my longtime friend Bill Pezzimenti, who wrote the book "Facing the Monkey's Grin," a delightful and easy read about crazymakers in the work world. Bill's also a working poet and talented salesperson. https://youtu.be/abAWDZ1KBtc?si=qtif8T6ETkJX2IBm via @YouTube

Refestramus - Live at HRH Prog 15

Hot on the heels of Refestramus' "Morri's Rock Boutique" the band has more for you. The official pro-shot, 4K video of their full 30-minute live set from the HRH Prog 15 festival last November.

The band was honored to share the stage with some absolute legends for this special performance:

* David Jackson (the legendary Van der Graaf Generator saxophonist)
* Alex Hutchings (guitar virtuoso known for his work with Steven Wilson)
* Gareth Cole (Tiger Moth Tales) on guitar

If you couldn't make it to the festival, this is the next best thing. Mixed directly from the soundboard, this isn't just live footage—it is a real concert film of Refestramus' signature progressive rock intensity and cinematic songwriting on one of the biggest prog stages, featuring songs from "Morri's Rock Boutique" and "Intouríst." 

Gaelynn Lea on the Anne Leighton Inclusion Interview Show

 My interview with singer-songwriter-violinist-public speaker-- and now author Gaelynn Lea is live on YouTube. She's on tour in support of her book, “It wasn’t meant to be Perfect." I'll be hearing her live at Joe's Pub Saturday. https://youtube.com/watch?v=HOPsy8M2r4o&si=sL_UXJwQWOFtN-3h

Poets With Purpose's Noel Figueroa on the Anne Leighton Inclusion Interview Show

 Noel Figueroa loves poetry and poets, and he created a group "Poets with Purpose." He's curating the Blackbird Stage happening the New York City Poetry Festival on July 18 at Governor's Island. We also talk about his poetry book, "One Man's Journey" in this interview. https://youtube.com/watch?v=qgAjuXYDaB0&si=WMnSxlVRsv0bi9tm

Summer's Musical Colors

Right Where I Should Be  Jenn Cristy  dramatic and vulnerable reflection leading to personal triumph over sad and hard times, piano driven band, female vocals. about the climb and "Here I stand more naked...”  dramatic build with descant harmony and much orchestral. Grounding.  

Jacaranda Trees Erinn Alissa  Contemporary folk, electric guitar solo, female voice-a little Joan Baez range, this is a metaphor or memory of losing everything, including her beautiful Jacaranda Trees after the fires. descriptive lyrics. The house slipped away, the sun always stays.

Archilochus Re-Deemed  James Naughton  Folk rock with bold male vocals, hook: "I am a servant of the Lord God of War" shout out to Greeks gods and a poetic approach to old-fashioned war and supporting those in the trenches not the guy in a high horse manicuring his beard. No self pity. 

Drive  The Veitch Boys  Beach Boys inspired harmonies with jazz chords, tenor vocals, summertime pop pop, guitar, the hook is "Drive my baby driving." It's about togetherness and summer nights. Towards the end of the song, it lifts the tempo of "California Girls"  

Walk Away Renee  Michael Veitch  An acoustic cover of the Left Banke hit. male tenor with falsetto. thoughtful interpretation dedicated to Renee Good. sadness, forced to cry,

   

Zombie Cornelius Eady  Electric guitar and hey yeah vocals, About a zombie rising again, eating the sensitive ones, being judge & jury, we'll never get out of the zombie's way. this song could be taken literally or used as a metaphor,

I Can’t Take it Anymore  Arianna D.  female, rich harmonies, cold ending, jazzpop/yacht rock, inspired by Taylor Swift. Break up song. It's direct about waiting by the door for the boyfriend that never comes and ultimately she realizes he’s useless when he feels like it, "you're wasting all my time." Teenager.  

 Slaying Dragons  Jonell Mosser  live recording, bold female vocals and electric guitar w/ reggae rhythms, singing about recovering from abuse. "I am not that fragile little girl…I am slaying dragons…. armor bright… rescue princess….fearless knight.”  

Johanna Hall on the Anne Leighton Inclusion Interview Show

Rich interview with Orleans and Janis Joplin co-writer Johanna Hall. She is a multi-faceted writer, contributing to classic music magazines Crawdaddy and the Village Voice, plus independent outlets in her homebase of Woodstock, NY.  I think this is one of my all-time favorite interviews. Full disclosure--I've worked with Orleans and her ex-John Hall a lot through the years.

April 16 The Kindness Session Returns to Poe Cottage

The Bronx County Historical Society is presenting "The Kindness Session," a free poetry workshop on recognizing the difference between kindness and cruelty to channel that in our writing on Thursday, April 16 at 6 PM till approximately 7:45. The Poetry Workshop takes place at Poe Cottage, 2640 Grand Concourse, in the Bronx. Subways near the Visitors Center are the 4, B, and D train at the Kingsbridge stop. Buses to the Center are Bx9, Bx22, Bx28, Bx38, and BxM4 (Express bus). The Poe Visitors Center is up the Hill from the Fordham Metro North train stop. 

Led by area poet Anne Leighton, the Kindness Session will include sharing works from classic and contemporary writers including Edgar Allan Poe, Naomi Shihab Nye, the Bronx’s Peppy Castro, Charlie Iris, Mary Oliver, John Masefield, Emily Dickinson, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, as well as selected poems from attendees.

 

Once the attendees discuss poems, they’ll be encouraged to think of incidents where they recognize kindness from life experiences, friends and acquaintances, and how it affected their lives. From there, writers will be encouraged to create a first draft of poetry. Writers will read their poems, and be encouraged to revise the poem in the days, weeks, or months to come.  

 

Anne Leighton appears on the Grammy-nominated album, “Healthy Food for Thought: Good Enough to Eat,” (Audio & Video Labs) reading her poem “Feed Your Parents Well.” She’s contributed to The Indie Collaborative, The Literary Parrot, and Elephant Journal. Her poetry book “The Leighton Explosion” made enough of a profit to use her earnings to record an original song, “Got My Eye on You, Santa,” which found her a publishing deal with Sheer Music South Africa/Downtown Music, USA. Anne's performed in the Bronx at ART in the Basin, Johnny Zs, and throughout New York State including NYC's Nuyorican Poets Cafe and Peter Max's Studio. Visit workinggalrockandroll.blogspot.com.

 

For more information, please reach out to Anne at LeightonMedia@aol.com. 

BCHS Home bronxhistoricalsociety.org

 

workinggalrockandroll.blogspot.com/2024/10/bronx-historical-society-presents.html

This Week Refestramus New Album “Morri’s Rock Boutique”

Refestramus’ third studio album, “Morri’s Rock Boutique,” is available through Melodic Revolution Records. This nine-track release is available on all streaming media.  Fans can order a the CD with two bonus tracks (“Wasteland Pt. 1” and “Another Country”) at refestramus.bandcamp.com/album/morri-s-rock-boutique .   

Prog UK calls “Morri’s Rock Boutique” “enjoyably vibrant and hooky.”

Echoes and Dust praises the album’s “cinematic landscape with its surrealistic wonders, ghost-town amusement parks, and the haunting ghost that spooks the location”!

Powerplay writes the album features “Grown up prog full of Great musicianship and songwriting.”  

“Morri’s Rock Boutique” charts a path through collapse and illusion toward clarity—where the joke turns serious: right and wrong still exist, and you still answer to them.

A concept album about surviving the absurd—emotionally, spiritually, and politically— “Morri’s Rock Boutique” moves through storms of loss, collapse, and memory toward moments of humor, tenderness, and human connection. Blending folklore, mental health, myth, and modern life into an eclectic progressive-rock soundscape, the record explores the fragile beauty of becoming: not perfection, but refinement.

Across the album, each song presents its own vignette. “Storms” frames a human life like a thunderstorm—powerful, beautiful, and temporary. “The Lucky Ones” nods to the Sermon on the Mount’s upside-down blessings and features Crack the Sky guitarist Rick Witkowski. “Tonight, Tonight, Tonight, Tonight, Tonight” (feat. Lynx of Old Blood) plays like a David Lynch noir—dreamlike, unstable, and haunted by the question of what’s real and what’s remembered—until the only way out is forgiveness.

“The Cossack’s Dream,” featuring Kansas electric violinist Joe Deninzon, is Refestramus’ English-language adaptation of a traditional Slavic song. “Lakeview Samurai” is a surreal character sketch set in Chicago—part satire, part fever dream. “Hell or NYC?” features Van der Graaf Generator saxophonist David Jackson, leaning into the album’s vertigo and dark comedy.

The record’s culminating epic, “Deathless,” draws on Slavic folklore’s Kashchey the Deathless—a figure who feeds on conflict and feels at home in the smoke of war—unfolding as a three-part suite: “Above Volokov’s Mill,” “Goodbye, America!,” and “And He Always Will.”

“Morri’s Rock Boutique” is produced by Ian Beabout, mostly in Dan Bozek’s studio at Aardvark Productions in Steubenville, Ohio. The group Refestramus is a Chicago-based progressive rock project blending literate songwriting, political reflection, and classic prog influences. Led by Derek Ferguson (songwriter, drums), Refestramus features Jan Christiana (vocals/keys/guitars/bass) and Dyanne Potter Voegtlin (keys/vocals) of Octarine Sky, with Mitch Lawrence (saxophones, clarinet).  

Refestramus are booking concerts and have confirmed they’ll be returning to the International Pop Overthrow in Chicago at the Montrose Saloon on April 25.

Track-list:
1. Storms 04:33
2. The Cossack’s Dream (feat. Joe Deninzon) 05:37
3. Tonight, Tonight, Tonight, Tonight, Tonight (feat. Lynx) 07:37
4. Lakeview Samurai (feat. Nam Chumo) 04:15
5. Hell or NYC? (feat. David Jackson) 06:02
6. Deathless (incl. Above Volkov’s Mill, Goodbye America! and He Always Will 08:32
7. The Lucky Ones (feat. Rick Witkowski) 04:21
8. Wasteland, pt1 04:19
9. Another Country 04:02
Total Running Time: 47:98 Minutes

Musicians
Ian Beabout – Production, Mixing, Mastering, and Screaming “Watch out for the katana!”
Derek Ferguson – Drums and Screaming “Hey buddy, shut the fuck up!”
Mitch Lawrence – Clarinet and Saxes

Associated Artists – Special Guests:
Jan Christiana – Bass, Guitars, Keyboards, and Vocals (Tracks 1-3, 5-7)
Dyanne Potter Voegtlin – Keyboards and Vocals (Tracks 1-3, 5-7)
Dyanne Voegtlin and Jan Christiana appear courtesy of Octarine Sky
octarinesky.com
Arrangements by Refestramus and Jan Christiana
Derek Pavlic – Additional Guitars (Tracks 1-4) and Viola (Track 2)
Dan Bozek – Additional Bass (Track 4)
Tanaka Seijin ( ⽥ 中 正 ⼈ – Shamisen, Koto, and Shakuhachi (Track  4 ）
Cover art by Refestramus and Veseli ć &Veseli ć
Produced by Ian Beabout and Refestramus

All words and music by Derek Ferguson, except:
“The Cossack’s Dream” – traditional Russian song, lyrics translated by Derek Ferguson

Mixed and Mastered by Ian Beabout at ShedSounds Recordings
Recorded Feb-May 2025: Aardvark Productions & The Rec Room, Steubenville, OH: Studio L, Weirton, WV; Uberwald Elektroakustik Chicago, Il
Engineered by Ian Beabout, Jan Christiana, Dan Bozek, and Rick Witkowski
©2025. Published by Refestramus Music Publishing.
Licensed to and Distributed by Melodic Revolution Records

The Levins on the Anne Leighton Inclusion Interview Show

 It was a pleasure to interview my friends Ira Scott Levin and Julia Bordenaro for my Inclusion Interview Show. Ira and Julia are The Levins who specialize in harmony and making the world a better place. I've attended some of their performances and "Checking Inward" online events. Join us. https://youtu.be/k7J4rshkw8s?si=uagRpPg0FqbnuoWN