One of the very few singing piano players who transcend the law of popular music. There’s Elton John, Harry Connick, Leon Russell, Randy Newman, Jerry Lee Lewis, Little Richard, Fats Domino etc.
Billy grew up on Long Island..in the shadow of NYC.
Determined to play piano and write songs Billy paid his dues in a Hollywood Bar. The kind where no one in the room was listening.
He has become a legend and a world star. Songwriter & Rock and Roll Halls of Fame. Grammy winner. Kennedy Centre Honours. This interview was done around 1998 or 1989..following the release of his album Storm Front. Produced by Mick Jones of Foreigner.
There’s a good segment on Billy’s songwriting PROCESS…IT’S DREAMS EMBEDDED IN SLEEP.
The celebration includes Sam’s songs, his voice, and his influence on multiple generations of artists.
Those influenced would make up their own two-hour show.
We include…..
Amy Winehouse
Sam and Dave
Rod Stewart
Neville Brothers
Mavis Staples
& Cat Stevens
Then we open up a bag of new tunes from…
Elvis Costello, Dominique Fils-Aime, Keb Mo, Matt Anderson, Jann Arden and Amy Helm.
We have Live tracks from The Wood Brothers, Tedeschi Trucks, California Honeydrops, and Norah Jones. Plus Adrian Sutherland, Thanks for any and all mentions.
Presented by The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association
THE SHOW
We come to the last show in a series that started August 21st (you remember August, right?)
The master plan was to reconnect with the people, wineries and food of the Okanagan after a two-year hiatus.
So many changes, many Covid related.
Thankfully we found an excellent supporting partner in TOTA – The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association. They sure know their territory. Top shelf management.
To my delight, I also got to re-connect with long-time friend CEO Ellen Walker-Mathews and discovered the invaluable assistance of Rob Grifone. My thanks to both.
For week five we find ourselves back at our home base at Moon Curser Vineyards in Osoyoos. Got to stay and do the interviews at their fabulous Hideaway.
The whole thing is on Corey Wood’s video. (see below)
Our final guests are:
Beata and Chris Tolley – Our hosts at their gorgeous winery and the co-founders of Moon Curser Vineyards www.mooncurser.com
Beata & Chris Tolley
Moon Curser
Pouring 2020 Arneis (the little rascal of Piedmont. A flinty white) and 2019 Dead of Night
(a spectacular blend of Tannat and Syrah. Spicy/Opulent)
Just a note that Paula came by at my request, as I wanted to salute her work at CC Jentsch and to honor her mentor Chris Jentsch who passed away recently.
The vineyards are up for sale now and likely the new owners will rebrand. This week’s Tasting Room Radio is dedicated to Chris and CC Jentsch.
Things got emotional on both sides of the microphone. We thank Paula for hanging in. Thanks also to Michael J McCoy for keeping CC Jentsch open until the end.
At first taste, I knew these were special wines. When I discovered their mentors were Richard Cleave and Senka Tennant, that explained everything.
Dan and Carol listened and learned well. They brought and poured 2020 Viognier (one of the very best expressions in all of Canada) and 2018 Carmenere (glorious pepper heaven. 70% French Oak 27% new)
Dan and Carol Scott. Lariana
And that’s it – 25 interviews captured in one week and spread out over five weeks of shows. Now it’s time for you to do your own reconnect.
When it’s safe to do so please consider making plans to do your own week in the Okanagan Valley.
Senka Tennant Lariana
Remember to check out www.totabc.org All the safety and planning info is there.
Lariana vineyards
Thank you TOTA. Thank you, guests, Corey Wood and Meg.
Ronnie Spector has left the stage. Gone but never forgotten. Leaving Ronettes hits like…
Be my baby
(The best part of) Breakin’ Up
Baby, I love you
Timeless.
It’s where Brian Wilson went to cool school. Amy Winehouse was pure Ronnie. From the hair to the sound.
Huge, raw voice. With an attitude. But one of the nicest people you could ever want to meet.
We start The Stew with a track you may not have heard before.
It’s Ronnie Spector singing lead vocal on Billy Joel’s Say Goodbye to Hollywood with the E Street Band. The song and the singer helped to raise some cash so Bruce Springsteen could continue his climb to the top.
All the strings were pulled by Miami Steve van Zandt. We start with the story than the song.
Check out the REST of The Stew in our playlist below…
CLARENCE LOUIE has been chief of the Osoyoos Indian Band, in the south Okanagan Valley of British Columbia, for almost 40 years. In 2013, Maclean’s named him one of the “Top 50 Canadians to Watch.” In 2003, Louie was chosen by the U.S. Department of State as one of six First Nations leaders to review economic development in American Indian communities… He is a member of the Order of British Columbia, the Order of Canada, and in 2019, he was the 1st First Nations person ever inducted into the Canadian Business Hall of Fame.
And some info you may not know.
When you talk to Chief Clarence, ask your question, and then Get Out of The Way.
He believes in Native names for Sports Teams. He believes in renaming mountains, parks, rivers and cities/towns after the original nations who called it home for 10,000 years.
“tribes have been hanging around the Funding Trough for far too long. I was taught by the old-timers that there is no such thing as a free lunch – Indians gotta stop looking for that free lunch. I’ve learned we have to move from spending Grant money to making our own money.”
The Osoyoos Indian Band leases include Arterra (Jackson Triggs), Spirit Ridge Resort, Sonora Dunes Golf course, District Wine Village, a provincial prison, 1,100 acres of prime vineyards, etc.
OIB businesses include a 300-acre vineyard, Nk’mip Cellars, a culture center, campground RV park, daycare, gas stations, cannabis stores, etc.
“A raw and honest perspective on First Nations leadership.” —Manley A. Begay, Jr., former co-director, The Harvard Project on American Indian Economic Development.
“A common-sense blueprint for what the future of First Nations should look like as told through the fascinating life and legacy of a remarkable leader” Google Books
Hey kids. What’s the secret of great comedy? TIMING.
Just as we were starting to post our latest podcast, this weeks guest Brent Butt posted this message:
Sorry for the Butt Bummer.
However, we have some great news. Brent Butt, star of Corner Gaswill still be the special guest of the MulliganStew Podcast.
After all, this is the comedian, writer, actor who created small town funny for 6 years with Corner Gas. Then the movie and finally the animated version. Brent’s fans stick to him like super glue.
Please Enjoy this audio and video visit from the man himself., Brent Butt.
Click the YouTube tab at the top of the page and you’re magically transported into Brent’s garage.
When you think about the history of popular music – especially Rock & Roll, the names of Elvis Presley and David Bowie are always at the top of the list. Amazingly, they were born on the same day Jan 8 – Elvis in 1935 and David Bowie 1947.
I thought it was time to have a listen to artists influenced by both.
Everyone has a little Elvis in them. From The Clash to Bruce Springsteen. Bowie’s influence wasn’t just with words and music. David showed that you could write and become a character. Then change that character every several years. Elvis stayed Elvis right up to the end. Bowie was constantly changing and bringing his fans along with him.
The feature includes artists influenced by both.
For Elvis – Paul Simon, Ry Cooder, Billy Cowsill, Clapton, Norah Jones (Little Willies), and Bob Dylan.
For David Bowie – Queen, Mott the Hoople, Peter Gabriel, Natalie Merchant, Rickie Lee Jones.
PLUS
And I found a small portion of a much longer interview I did with David Bowie many years ago. (Thanks to Duke for the audio save)
Bowie talks about leaving his characters behind, his first impressions of touring the USA, and whether his fans have followed him through his various personas.
The Mulligan Stew Podcast is Brent Butt…who has hit the stand-up road again.
Jan 20 in Canmore and the 21st at the Arden.
The Zoom recording can be seen on the Mulligan Stew YouTube Channel as well. Click the tab at the top of the page
Executive Chef Jeff van Geest – Miradoro at Tinhorn Creek (Golden Mile)
Jeff talks about the staffing problems that all restaurants have been having. It’s tough times in the Okanagan and some restaurants are cutting down hours and days in order to stay open. Jeff is revealing, enlightening, and a damn fine chef.
For me…2022 will be about trying to find “balance” in my life.