It was an absolute thrill to have my friend and Stratospheerius drummer Jason Gianni talking about his Polymetric Drumming Book, new on Hudson Books. https://youtu.be/5DmwweEq_AI?si=mKmAAwG4SdfbVeU9
10/6/26
Dan Berggren, The Songwriter Laureate of the Adirondacks
Dan Berggren is "The Songwriter Laureate of the Adirondacks.” He writes timeless folk and Americana songs rooted in community, family, environmental stewardship, working lives, and the stories that bind generations together.
Based in a rural community near Albany, NY, his music is authentic Americana and folk storytelling rooted in community, family, working-class wisdom, history, nature, and social consciousness. Dan Berggren's rich baritone, acoustic-driven arrangements, and timeless narratives offer emotionally grounded songs for documentaries, public television, independent film, family dramas, historical storytelling, and socially relevant projects.
As a legacy song, "
Never Take Love For Granted celebrates the Christmas season with a timeless message about on connection rather than consumption. The core lyric: "You'll never take love for granted if you always give love in return."
Road to Bethlehem is a thoughtful retelling of Mary and Joseph's journey to Bethlehem that brings humanity and everyday reality to a familiar story.
Free to Read champions intellectual freedom and the power of literature. It’s a list of books that have faced challenges or bans with a marching tempo. Free to Read | Dan Berggren
"Immigrant Blues" This song is about folks that have traveled through challenges to get to America to seek opportunity. "There's been struggle for many a year, and the sweating of blood, sweat, and tears." This includes our ancestors. Immigrant Blues | Dan Berggren
Power from Above blends folk traditions with gospel-inspired spirit, "Power from Above" celebrates renewable energy and environmental responsibility through the language of faith, hope, and stewardship. This song is rich in the craft of songwriting and performance--traditional in feel but contemporary in message, the song offers a unique perspective on caring for the Earth while embracing innovation. “There’s salvation in the power from above.” People fighting for some forms of power. In the song, Dan, also, refers to “power from below.”
Don't Spin Here Anymore A nostalgic folk journey through the evolution of recorded music, from 78s and vinyl to digital formats, ultimately affirming that music lives beyond the medium. “We can lift our voices in Song.” Featuring banjo, deep male vocals, and a warmly reflective spirit, the song evokes changing times while celebrating music's enduring power to connect people. "Don't Spin Here Anymore" is a natural fit for documentaries about music history, radio, cultural change, record collecting, community traditions, and stories about preserving what matters. Don't Spin Here Anymore | Dan Berggren
9/29/26
"13-Live" by the Slambovian Circus of Dreams
“They’re the kind of band you don’t just listen to – you become part of their universe.”- Karl Sharicz, Rock & Roll Underdogs (2025 Palmetto Publishing)
The Slambovian Circus of Dreams’ new album “13-Live” is the result of the group enjoying their November 23, 2024 performance at WAMC-Radio in Albany.
The group heard their concert broadcast this past February 18, 2026 on WAMC’s Live in Concert program, which is hosted by Peter Hughes, the station’s General Manager and Producer of WAMC’s On The Road and produced by the station’s engineer Nathan Schied.
Slambovian members performing
for the 2024 concert are Joziah Longo (lead vocals, acoustic and electric guitars, harmonica), Sharkey
McEwen (electric and acoustic guitars, mandolin, backing vocals),
Tink Lloyd (accordion, cello, flute, recorder, theremin, background vocals), RJ
McCarty (keyboard, banjo, background vocals), Bob Torsello (bass), and Matthew
Abourezk (drums).
Peter and Nathan handed the recording over to the band for Sharkey to bring home the post-production and mastering for this treasure of this live recording.
Now, in honor of America’s 250th birthday (born with 13 states), the album is called “13-Live,” with a bonus track of “The Star-Spangled Banner” which the group performed before a crowd of thousands at a Tampa Lightning Hockey game at the St. Pete Times Forum in 2008. Joziah on vocals, Sharkey on guitar, Tink on piccolo, and former drummer Tony Zuzulo on snare, and thousands of enthusiastic hockey fans!
Two songs--“Enemies of Love” and “Holy Rollers” will be on the Slambovians’ next studio album.
The album cover is a photograph of a bicentennial (1976) marching band drum from Tink’s collection of rare musical instruments.
Voted "Best Band" by NY’s Chronogram Magazine for
their rootsy, rockin’ psychedelia, the Slambovians' deep connection with
audiences and exciting live shows are legendary. Musical influences of Dylan,
Bowie, Incredible String Band, Syd Barrett, and The Waterboys can be heard, yet
the Slambovians' musicianship and critically acclaimed songwriting stand on
their own. This Woodstock-tinged psychedelia has a hint of southern rock
and British folk combined with solid songwriting - a slice of Americana
pie that is irresistible!
“A breath of fresh air in a sometimes stagnant world - especially as a live act - with varied eclectic influences and great musicianship. Plus moustaches, hats and stage presence gild their Interesting and thought-provoking lyrics for the curious adult mind.” – Ian Anderson, Jethro Tull
1. The Grand Slambovians (Live)
2. Silent Revolution (Live)
3. Lost Highway (Live)
4. Radio (Live)
5. A Very Unusual Head (Live)
6. Enemies of Love (Live) 05:42
7. Beez (I Know Where the Beez Have Gone) (Live)
8. Circus of Dreams (Live)
9. Solve It All Dālí (Live)
10. Step Outta Time (Live)
11. Holy Rollers (Live)
12. Flapjacks From the Sky (Live)
13. The Trans-Slambovian Bipolar Express (Live)
14. The Star-Spangled Banner (Live) Bonus Track, live October 25th, 2008 at the St. Pete Times Forum for Tampa Lightning pre-show.
Robeone's “If You Don’t Know What It Is, It Must Be Jazz" Out October 1, 2026
100% of Sales Supports The Bob Moog Foundation
Keyboardist and composer Robeone will release his new instrumental album, “If You Don’t Know What It Is, It Must Be Jazz,” on October 1, 2026 through Transglobal Records. The seven‑track album blends progressive rock, jazz fusion, electronic textures, and playful experimentation. 100% of the album’s proceeds will support The Bob Moog Foundation, continuing Robeone’s long relationship with the organization.
About
the Album
Robeone
performs all instruments --all are keyboards-- to create the depth and variety
of a full ensemble. The music moves through elements of funk, progressive rock,
jazz fusion, and cinematic electronic storytelling.
Track
titles such as “Crimble Crumble,” “Hello Bambinos,” “Fox in the Freezer,” and
“Sit Wilson Sit” reference the British sitcom Friday Night Dinner,
adding humor and personality to the project.
The
opening track, “A Lovely Bit of Squirrel,” introduces the album’s approach:
guitar‑like tones, flute‑like colors, bass textures, and suspenseful percussion
emerging entirely from Robeone’s keyboard arrangements.
The music video, “Hello Bambinos” will be live on Oct. 1, as well, and you'll be able to view it at www.youtube.com/watch?v=jZo-2bKgqz8 Created by Blake Carpenter, the music video intersperses Robeone's performing at his keyboards at home with puppies and kittens. When he's not making music or playing live, Robeone fosters rescued dogs.
Track
Listing
- A Lovely Bit Of Squirrel
- Crimble Crumble
- Fish In The Cupboard
- Salty Water
- Hello Bambinos
- Fox In The Freezer
- Sit Wilson Sit
Artist
Background
Robeone
(Robert Schindler) has recorded and performed since the early 1970s. His
credits include work with Ronnie Spector, Johnny Nash (playing the mini Moog on
“I Can See Clearly Now”), and Jimmy Page, programming the Moog module at
Electric Lady Studios for the mixing of Led Zeppelin’s The Song
Remains the Same.
He has
performed and recorded with Mayson (Bearsville Records), The States
(Chrysalis/Boardwalk), ZOOM (New Age Music Planet Records), and Melodic
Revolution Records artists Red32, Tony Romero’s Vortex, and Joe Mac’s American
Garage. His soundtrack work includes the award‑winning documentary “The
Fiery Narrows – Following the Path of John Charles Fremont.”
Keyboards for Compositions on “If You Don’t Know
What It Is, It Must Be Jazz”
A Lovely Bit of Squirrel Kurzweil Artis,
Kurzweil K2600, Mellotron M4000D, Roland AX-Edge Keytar, MOOER Micro Drummer
Fish in the Cupboard Kurzweil K2600, ROLI
Seaboard, Zoom RT-223, Roland AX-Edge Keytar, Moog Muse, Moog Subsequent
37, Korg M3, Technics KN7000, Yamaha S80
Salty Water Kurzweil K2600, Roland AX-Edge
Keytar, Electro Harmonix 95000, ASM Leviasynth, ASM
Hydrasynth, Moog Muse, Technics KN7000, Korg M3, Korg KARMA, Mellotron
M4000D, ROLI Seaboard, Yamaha S80
Crimble Crumble Kurzweil K2600, Roland AX-Edge
Keytar, MOOER Micro Drummer
Hello Bambinos Moog Muse, Technics KN7000,
Kurzweil Artis, Roland AX-Edge Keytar, Mellotron M4000D, ASM Leviasynth,
MOOER Micro Drummer, Korg M3, Korg KARMA
Fox in the Freezer ASM Leviasynth, Yamaha S80,
Kurtzweil Artis, Kurzweil K2600, Moog Muse, Moog Subsequent 37, Zoom RT-223,
Technics KN7000, ROLI Seaboard, Korg M3, Yamaha S80, Mellotron
M4000D, Roland AX-Edge Keytar
Sit Wilson Sit Technics KN7000, Moog Muse, Zoom
RT-223, ASM Leviasynth, ASM Hydrasynth, Yamaha S80, Korg M3, Roland
AX-Edge Keytar
"Hello Bambinos" Music video to go live on Oct. 1
www.youtube.com/watch?v=jZo-2bKgqz8
CD Release Event at Progstock
Robeone is a returning performer at ProgStock, where
he is known as the festival’s “resident minstrel in the park.”
The American Northeast's Only International Progressive Rock Festival,
October 8-10, 2026 in Rutherford, NJ
Main Event (Thursday, Oct 8 – Saturday, Oct 10, 2026):
Williams Center, 15 Sylvan Street, Rutherford, NJ 07070
After-Party (Sunday, Oct 11, 2026, 12:30 PM): Bolero Snort Brewery,
316 20th Street, Carlstadt, NJ 07072
https://www.progstock.com/2026/artists-schedule/2026-artists/robeone/
9/24/26
Official Unofficial Music Video Release! “What You Didn’t Say” by Erinn Alissa
Watch Erinn Alissa’s “official unofficial” Music Video for “What
You Didn’t Say”
Erinn says, “I'm calling it ‘official unofficial’ because I didn't have a crew
or a director, or hardly any help at all. I filmed it myself, along with shots
from my talented friend, Gabi Miranda, who took all of the pictures I've been
using for my singles covers. Like many independent artists, we do it all!!
Music reviews site, The Real Gone Singles Bar praises Erinn and the song as
having, “an absolutely captivating vocal presence – someone who would have been
an absolute shoo-in for the Lilith Fair festival back in the day. The way Erinn
shifts the tone of this track to strong and questioning on the verse to
presenting an absolute outpouring of emotion at the climax creates a great
listen throughout.”
“What You Didn’t Say” is finding airplay throughout the
world, from the UK to L.A., the Southeast USA through Canada, and more. With
just word of mouth outreach on digital streaming media, the song is coming up
on 30,000 streams on Spotify on dozens of playlists. Follow Erinn Alissa at https://open.spotify.com/artist/5ku7735Hs8kKhwcPIKHu0i
“What You Didn’t Say” is based on a true story of being
ghosted, something most of us have experienced
Erinn’s friendship was with someone that helped her come out of a rough
time, “this person was AMAZING to me and instrumental (pun intended) in being
there for me and getting me through the initial wave of it all.” But then he pulled back and didn’t say
anything. Without finding resolution, she put the feeling of absence into a
song that so many of us relate to.
She says, “It's a song for the ones who never got a goodbye, driven by the gut-punch realization that nothing can say everything.”
Born in Albany, NY, and now based in sunny Santa Monica, CA, Erinn Alissa is a folk pop singer-songwriter inspired by the sun-drenched golden era of the '60s and '70s West Coast music scene. A natural-born performer, Erinn Alissa began writing songs from a young age and has made a name for herself performing covers and originals through residencies at some of Los Angeles's iconic venues, including The Hotel Cafe, Molly Malone's, and The Viper Room. Having previously opened for Katey Sagal, Erinn Alissa consistently performs over 200 shows a year. Influenced by the likes of Joan Baez, Joni Mitchell, and Sheryl Crow, her music channels the traditional lyricism of the '60s and '70s through honest, deeply emotional lyrics with a modern twist.
Visit linktr.ee/erinnalissamusic
To stay updated on Erinn Alissa's newest releases and upcoming shows, follow @ErinnAlissaMusic on Instagram and check out her website ErinnAlissa.com.
Song credits:Song: “What You Didn’t Say
Artist: Erinn Alissa
Written by: Erinn Alissa Selkis
Produced by: Erinn Alissa Selkis and Janet Robin
Recording Engineering: Erinn Alissa Selkis and Janet Robin
Vocal Engineering: Erinn Alissa Selkis
Instruments:
Acoustic and electric guitars: Janet Robin
Bass: Jennifer Oberle
Drums: Denny Fongheiser
Additional Instruments: Janet Robin
Mixed by: Erinn Alissa Selkis and Matt Hyde
Mastering: Matt Hyde
“What You Didn’t Say” lyrics by Erinn Alissa
You were soft when I was breaking
Like you knew just what to do
Built a fire, stayed up with me
'Til I trusted you
Then the wind changed, or maybe you did
You pulled your warmth away
Left me standing in the doorway
You had nothing to say
I don't know what I did
And I don't know what you felt
But silence hits harder
Than anything you could’ve yelled
You don’t owe me closure
But you held me when I cried
And it’s what you didn’t say
That sounds like goodbye
That sounds like goodbye
I tell myself you’re busy
That you shut down when it’s real
But it doesn’t stop the bleeding
Or change the way it feels
I reach out but it’s empty
Like I’m talking to the dark
And the words you never sent me
Keep breaking my heart
I don't know what I did
And I don't know what you felt
But silence hits harder
Than anything you could’ve yelled
You don’t owe me closure
But you held me when I cried
And it’s what you didn’t say
That sounds like
That sounds like goodbye
That sounds like goodbye
That sounds like goodbye
What you didn’t say
What you didn’t say
What you didn’t say
What you didn't say
You said nothing
But it said everything
C 2026 Erinn Alissa/ASCAP “Selkisongs
Brian Tarquin & Heavy Friends “Tyranny of Tone”
featuring Joe Satriani, Steve Hackett, Bruce Kulick, Gus G, Ron “Bumblefoot” Thal, Doug Rappoport, Gary Hoey, Carl Verheyen, Hal Lindes, Stu Hamm, Joe Deninzon & Karen Briggs
“Tyranny of Tone” is the 2026 powerhouse release from Brian Tarquin
& Heavy Friends, a guitar-driven instrumental album that unites Tarquin’s
analog craftsmanship with an extraordinary roster of world-class players.
Recorded at Tarquin’s Jungle Room Studios and mastered by David Glasser at Airshow
Mastering, the album blends fusion, rock, cinematic textures, and deep musical
camaraderie all in service of a cause that matters—California Fire
Foundation—helping families of fallen firefighters
and communities recovering from catastrophic fires. Tarquin’s Heavy Friends
projects have long centered on giving back, and “Tyranny of Tone”
continues that legacy.
The album hits all streaming media on September 18.
Fans can buy the album at guitartrax.bandcamp.com.
Tarquin’s compositions that are finding radio
airplay include the explosive “Tyranny of Tone” with Joe Satriani, his sonic swagger “IG
Nite” featuring Steve Hackett, the celestial funky “Intergalactic
Burn” with guitar from Bruce
Kulick, and the jazzy and soulful “Visions of the Eternal Flame”
featuring Peter Gabriel’s violinist Karen Briggs.
In the album’s liner notes Larry Crane of Tape Op
praises Tarquin as “a damn good musician, writer, producer, and engineer”
calling “Tyranny of Tone” a warm, analog-rich record that feels like the
classic
albums of the ’70s and ’80s. Tarquin records to 2-inch tape, mixes through a
Trident console, and masters directly from tape — giving the album its focused
tones, musical warmth, and timeless feel. Every note
on “Tyranny of Tone” reflects Tarquin’s commitment to tone,
authenticity, and service. The album’s analog workflow gives it the warmth and
musicality of classic rock and fusion records, while the collaborative
spirit honors the friendships and artistic bonds Tarquin has built over
decades.
Brian Tarquin is a multi-Emmy Award–winning composer, guitarist, producer, and engineer whose career spans decades with Top 10 radio hits across several formats. His 2024 release “Beyond the Warrior’s Eyes” was the #1 fusion album in 2024 on Roots Music Reports.
Tarquin has also been heard by tens of millions on
such popular television scores as CSI, Ellen, Extra, TMZ, 60 Minutes, Sex and
the City to name few.
He has more than 50 million streams. Tarquin’s Jungle Room Studios have become
a creative hub where he composes, tracks, and mixes his Heavy Friends projects
— albums built around generosity, mentorship, and the joy of bringing elite
musicians together.
1. 1,Tyranny
of Tone — feat. Joe Satriani
Brian Tarquin rhythm guitar, bass, lead
melodies and 1st & end solo
Joe Satriani intro & 2nd solo
Reggie Pryor Drums
2. IG NITE — feat. Steve Hackett
Brian Tarquin rhythm guitar, keyboards, guitar melody & 2nd solo
Steve Hackett 1st solo
Brandon Miller bass
Rion Smith drums
3. Out of the Ashes — feat. Gary Hoey, Joe Deninzon & Hal Lindes
Brian Tarquin rhythm Guitar, Bass, guitar melodies & 1st & 3rd solo
Gary Hoey 2nd solo
Joe Deninzon violin solo & Hal Lindes intro & outro solos
Tony Morra Drums
4. Dead Reckoning — feat. Gus G
Brian Tarquin Rhythm, Bass, guitar melodies, intro solo, 3rd solo, &
end solo,
Gus G 2nd guitar solo
Tony Morra drums
5. Atom Smasher — feat. Bumblefoot & Stu Hamm
Brian Tarquin rhythm guitars, melodies & 2nd solo
Stu Hamm bass & bass solos, Ron “Bumblefoot” Thal intro solo and end solo
Reggie Pryor Drums
6. Intergalactic Burn — feat. Bruce Kulick
Brian Tarquin Rhodes, clave, guitar melodies, talk box, 1st & 3rd solos
Bruce Kulick intro guitar & 2nd solo
Brandon Miller bass
Reggie Pryor Drums
7. Übermensch — feat. Doug Rappoport
Brian Tarquin rhythm guitars, guitar melodies, 1st & 2nd solos
Doug Rappoport middle solo
Brandon Miller bass
Reggie Pryor Drums
8. Visions of the Eternal Flame — feat. Karen Briggs
Brian Tarquin Rhodes, clave, guitar melodies & solo
Karen Briggs violin, melodies & solo
Brandon Miller bass
Reggie Pryor Drums
9. Phoenix Rising — feat. Carl Verheyen
Brian Tarquin piano, organ, slide guitar, guitar melodies & 2nd solo
Carl Verheyen middle solo
Brandon Miller bass
Reggie Pryor Drums
Produced,
Recorded & Mixed by Brian Tarquin at Jungle Room Studios Mastered by
David Glasser at Airshow Mastering All songs composed by Liam Tarquin
(SESAC) Liam Tarquin Music Publishing (SESAC) BHP Music–Guitar Trax Records
©2026
"ANTARCTICA" New Album by Tom Ciurczak
Southern California singer/songwriter Tom Ciurczak (Sir-Zak) returns with his sixth album, “ANTARCTICA,” a collection that continues his signature blend of heartland rock, melodic songwriting, and vividly drawn characters. Influenced by artists like Bruce Springsteen, Warren Zevon, Steve Earle, The Who, and The Eagles, Ciurczak’s music balances driving rhythms with cinematic, story-driven lyrics.
His path began in New York’s Hudson Valley, inspired by The Beatles’ first
appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show. With a
father who was a professional musician at the U.S. Military Academy at West
Point, Ciurczak was immersed early in music’s structure, rhythm, and
storytelling power.
After graduating from SUNY Oswego, he moved to Southern California, building
a career in the specialty lighting industry while continuing to write songs. A
turning point came in 2014 at Steve Earle’s Camp Copperhead. “It put me on the
road to finish my songwriting ideas and create new ones—I knew I’d found my
tribe.”
Ciurczak assembled a top-tier recording team—producer/drummer Stephen
Haaker, engineer Brett Grossman, and a group of seasoned studio musicians—to
record his debut album, “Call Me Ishmael.”
Subsequent releases include the singles “Christmas
Time in Hollywood,” the albums “I
Ain’t Ever Growing Up: – “Volume I and Volume II” and the critically praised
“YORICK” (2025). He is also a member of the
Copperhead Six Project, a collaboration of Camp Copperhead songwriters whose
album “Muscle Shoals Record
Shop” was recorded at the legendary Cypress Moon Studios
in Muscle Shoals.
“ANTARCTICA” builds on that
momentum, centering on Ciurczak’s ability to craft songs that feel like
self-contained three-act stories. The title track draws from the real history
of Deception Island, where early 20th-century whaling operations left behind a
haunting legacy—reimagined here as a ghost story echoing with the voices of the
past.
The album spans a wide emotional and musical range: from the driving opener Invisible
Man, about those left unseen in society, to the progressive-leaning
We Were Immortal, originally conceived for a rock
opera. Tracks like Going Down in Flames and Looking
for a Place deliver straight-ahead rock energy, while Losing
You offers a more intimate piano-driven reflection on life on the
road. Elsewhere, Ciurczak explores noir storytelling (Black
Out Jack), dark romance (Haunted House),
and surreal narrative twists (Atom Glow, Creature
from the Blues Saloon).that feel like self-contained three-act
plays.
Americana Highways called Tom’s previous album “YORICK”
“a celebration of the artform of storytelling,” while The Alternate Root
described his songs as “audio dramas.”
Ciurczak performs regularly with his
band throughout Southern California, appearing at venues including The Whisky a
Go Go, The Mint, The Viper Room, and The Coach House. His work reflects a
lifelong commitment to songwriting—proof that once the spark is lit, it doesn’t
fade.
9/22/26
John Palumbo on the Anne Leighton Inclusion Interview Show
I enjoyed this interview with Crack the Sky's John Palumbo. I've been a longtime fan of both his and the band's music and am thrilled they're playing ProgStock this October. Visit progstock.com for more information. https://youtu.be/ZiBx-phEQCw?si=BfkpnueCIQKHFFtw
7/29/26
Holiday Music in July
Alone at Xmas – Heartracer
Slow‑tempo but rhythmically busy synth‑pop with tenor
vocals. A bittersweet holiday track blending loneliness, longing, and magical
electro‑pop shimmer. Themes of a naïve boy, a poor person, and mutual need
(“You need me but I need you more”)
C’mon C’mon Rudolf –
Tom Ciurczak
Rock‑driven Christmas track with male vocals. A humorous
intervention with Rudolf, who’s been spending too much time at the watering
hole. Encouraging him to step aside for a younger buck — then a shift toward
empowerment (“Rudolf dig down deep inside… turn on that red light”).
Reiner the Rhinestone Reindeer -- Phoebe Legere
bling bling bling, Reiner was bullied. He loved to dress up. And one year Santa had him and his bling lead the reindeer! EDM. Female vocal. My Mother’s Menorah –
Judy Kaye
Season of Light – John Roy Zat
Country‑folk with guitar picking. A joyful reflection on the year, celebrating togetherness, giving, remembering those in need, and holiday traditions (candy, presents, gatherings, tree decoration). Warm Americana holiday energy.
Today and All the New Year – Dan Berggren
Today and All the New Year | Dan Berggren
Acoustic folk with tambourine, inspired by “Greensleeves.” Updated lyrics for the New Year focusing on harmony, diversity, and good deeds. A tenor vocal with supporting harmonies. hopeful, reflective, traditional, warm.
Ave Maria — Aeone / Stephen Melillo (We have this available, also, as an instrumental)
A timeless sacred piece — depending on the version you’re including, it typically carries classical vocals, orchestral or piano accompaniment, and deep emotional resonance. Ideal for solemn, spiritual, or transcendent holiday scenes.A soft, ethereal alto vocal reminiscent of Clannad or Eva Cassidy, supported by classical orchestra. New‑age serenity meets sacred tradition.
7/17/26
"Banned in Sparta" meets "The Odyssey"
#ForFansOf The Odyssey
.jpg)
Christopher Nolan and Matt Damon’s epic triumph The
Odyssey resurrects the ancient world that turbocharged Western
civilization — democracy, theater, philosophy, architecture, art.
If that era had a soundtrack, it would sound uncannily like Robin Batteau’s magical, mystical Banned in Sparta: eleven songs mosaic‑ed from the shards of pottery and scraps of parchment left behind by Greece’s great lyric poets. These were the original singer‑songwriters — Archilochus, Sappho, Alcaeus — performing with lyres the way Dylan or Taylor Swift perform with guitars today.
Batteau built these songs like a paleontologist assembling a T. Rex, filling gaps in the ancient fragments with “musical bones” of his own devising. And to bring them fully to life, he chose voices from our own Golden Age of singer‑songwriting: Eric Andersen, Carolyn Hester (who hosted Dylan’s first recorded appearance), Livingston Taylor, Kate Taylor, Tom Paxton, rocker Robin Lane, plus Tony‑winning actor James Naughton and his children Greg and Keira, Batteau himself, and newcomer Matt Nakoa.
- Bonnie Raitt: dubbed him “The Love God”
Press Highlights on "Banned in Sparta"
- Goldmine:
“Contemporary sounding… readily accessible, any scholarly insinuation
aside.”
- House
of Prog: “So enjoyable and a whole load of
fun… well worth investigating.”
- Classic
Rock History: “A lifetime of weaving together
tradition and invention.”
- Let
It Rock: “Robin’s comeback… was totally
worth it.”
Cross (of Gold) Eric Andersen Breathy, resonant male vocal with bright guitar. A deep, introspective piece in which he asks himself, "I still adore her? Is love like this a torture. Why is this crucifixion on a cross of gold?" “I love you / hate you / love you.”
Archilochus Re‑Deemed James Naughton Bold male vocals over soft‑rock instrumentation. A soldier’s declaration of loyalty to the god of war — poetic, grounded, and free of self‑pity. The song states they want caring people in the trenches with them, not belligerent warm mongers, making it ideal for scenes about courage, grit, or moral conflict. “I am a servant of the Lord God of War.”
Thracian Filly Tom Paxton Uptempo, Appalachian‑tinctured folk with Tom Paxton’s unmistakable voice. A playful comparison between a woman and a spirited horse, full of movement and charm. Fun and timeless appeal. A lively, percussive refrain celebrating her dance. Namedropping Olympus, Dionysus, and Dorian. His imagination on what he’d love to experience with the “Thracian Filly.” Shake your hair, shake your hair, shake your hair, you Thracian Filly
7/13/26
Poet Tom Cintula on the Anne Leighton Inclusion Interview Show
Poet and New Friend Tom Cintula on the Anne Leighton Inclusion Interview Show. We're both reading with Noel A. Figueroa's Poets With Purpose this Saturday for the NYC Poetry Society on the Blackbird stage at noon at Governors Island!
https://youtu.be/Iq-ig-_RX8U?si=um968jcPWwNsADfg via @YouTube
6/19/26
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!”
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.
6/3/26
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.
5/27/26
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
5/21/26
"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.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
