MUSIC – CUBANARAMA

SPELLBOUND | AFTER SUNSET | CUBANARAMA | 9-25-2021

Guests: Paul Thomas and Bobby Moon, Spellbound Band | 9-25-2021

After Sunset is the upcoming album from Los Angeles band, SPELLBOUND. The group was formed in in the 1990s by Paul “Pablo” Thomas (keys and guitars) and Bobby Moon (vocals and percussion) and their sound is an intriguing hybrid of blue-eyed soul, AOR, pop, Latino dance and of course the “California sound” . Hear all that and more on the eleven tracker that is ‘After Sunset’ which features two new singers – Jenny G and Anna Moore. The material is all new and penned by Thomas and Moon save for a cover of the Ohio Players’ ‘Heaven Must Be Like This’.

The artwork and the band’s background might suggest that ‘After Sunset’ is a typical Californian album. But Moon and Thomas (both local social activists) have infused the music with socially conscious elements while some of the lyrical themes have a darker tone than you’d expect from a typical West Coast album. lects the band’s ethos re. packaging and waste. The few CDs that will be available will use recycled material in all their various elements.

GINO CASTILLO | BUENA VISTA LEGACY BAND “THE SHOWCASE” | CUBANARAMA | 6-6-2021

MUSIC

Guest: Guest: Gino Castillo | 6-6-2021

Gino is an Afro-Cuban jazz percussionist, and singer. We’ll be discussing his newest project- Buena Vista Legacy Band “ The Showcase”. Exploring the phenomenon of the Buena Vista Social Club, an album recorded by anonymous Cuban musicians in 1996 which led to documentaries with a large cult following. His background includes an honorary degree in percussion teaching from George Gershwin Conservatory (Ecuador), a degree in percussion studies from the Caturla Conservatory and the Felix Varela Conservatory, and many private lessons, included studies with Cuban artist Oscar Valdes (Cuba).

He has collaborated with many international artists, such as: Etienne Charles, Earl Klugh, Ray Parker Jr, Horacio el Negro Hernández , Charleston Jazz Orchestra , Jose Pepito Gomez, John Benítez, Pascoal Meirelles,, Paulo Moura, , Alex Alvear , Oscarito Valdés, David Lee, Jessy J, André Neiva, Zacai Curtis, Rafael Paceiro, Emilio Morales, Frank Rubio, Ymelda Marie-Louisa , Cruks en Karnak, Juan Fernando Velasco, Carmen González, and more.

STEVE PICHAN | IS THIS AMERICA | 4-29-2021

MUSIC

Guest: Steve Pichan | 4-29-2021

A prolific artist whose musical expression of past, present and current events will leave you examining your own beliefs and trying to understand the world around you. Pichan began writing music and lyrics as a young boy. Over the years his focus has been more “story” styled songs as demonstrated in “You Don’t Know Che”! about Che Guevara, chief exectutioner during the late 50’s and early 60’s in Cuba under Castro. Che is celebrated by celebrities and others that don his image on clothing and jewelry. He was also glorified in the movie “Motorcycle Diaries” directed by Robert Redford. Che was responsible for the execution of hundreds, if not thousands, of Cubans who resisted the iron fisted rule of Fidel Castro.

Other songs: The day God Laughed, Leaving Detroit, Am I Here Already? “Bob” Iron Man, shines the llight on the goodness of everyday Americans when faced with a tragedy such as 9/11. “Look Away” written for the documentary “Our Vietnam Generation. The topics are varied with each song but often touch on a cultural or politcal issue of the day. The songs presented for this interview are downloadable on Sound Cloud for free. All other material is available on traditional sites for listening and / or purchasing. Spotify, Amazon, Itunes. Is This America, Pipeline Fields, Big Brother Big Sister, The Mask

SPELLBOUND | ILLUSION OF CHOICE | 3-6-2021

MUSIC

Guests: Paul “Pablo Thomas + Bobby Moon; Spellbound | 3-6-2021

Are you free today think your own thoughts, make your own decisions? Even though, you are aware, how much control or power does your mind have? Through a series of musical notes and lyrics put into context for today’s uncertain times. The kind of music that awakens you from the sleep.

TRACY WALTON | IF I EVER GET AWAY | 5-21-2013

MUSIC

Guest: Tracy Walton | On Desk Studio | 5-21-2013

Tracy decided in 2010 that it was time to start “Brand New Again” and focus all of his energy on his solo career. And with the release of “If I Ever Get Away”, 2013 is starting out strong featuring the song “Songs for You” which many are calling Tracy’s best song to date and his breakout track.

Singer songwriter, bassist, producer, author, studio owner.
He has toured the country with various groups including most recently the duo Belle of the Fall.
Tracy has also played bass with David Bromberg, and Vernon Reid among others.
He is currently recording his 4th solo album with an expected release of fall 2021.
He also produces albums for artists at his studio, On Deck Sound Studio, in Northfield CT.

TRACY WALTON | BRAND NEW AGAIN | 4-1-2012

MUSIC

Guest: Tracy Walton | On Desk Studio | 4-1-2012

Tracy Walton has never been afraid to re-invent himself. In this spirit, He released the aptly titled “Brand New Again” in 2011. At once rough and vulnerable, Tracy’s voice cuts to the heart of any story, taking you down back roads, through broken lonely hearts, and into hopeful, open skies.

Singer songwriter, bassist, producer, author, studio owner.
He has toured the country with various groups including most recently the duo Belle of the Fall.
Tracy has also played bass with David Bromberg, and Vernon Reid among others. He is currently recording his 4th solo album with an expected release of fall 2021.
He also produces albums for artists at his studio, On Deck Sound Studio, in Northfield CT.

STEVE PICHAN | WARS AND STRIPES | 11-6-2011

MUSIC

Guest: Steve Pichan | 11-6-2011

Songs from the “Wars and Stripes” CD were chosen for use in his documentary “Our Vietnan Generation”. The premiere featured at the Fox Theatre in Detroit and honored Vietnam Veterans for their service. Songs used for the feature; “We shall never forget” (theme song), “Mikie’s Minutes” (tribute to Sgt. Michael Ingram) and “Look Away” (a music video reflection of the treatment of our Vietnam Vets upon their return to the States). I owe a debt of gratitude to Keith for including me in his extraordinary and important work! In October, 2010, Director Agustin Blazquez, chose “You don’t know Che” for his documentary, “Che; the other side of an icon” that premiered in Miami, Florida. A music video was produced as well intended to expose the true Che Guevara, right hand man and executioner for Fidel Castro. Past songs and CD’s are story based, American folk and rock genres and include “Ironman” (tribute to John LaPointe, an ironworker who volunteered his time to tear down the steel structures of the Twin Towers after the 9/11 attacks) and “Leavin’ Detroit” (a reflection on tough times and lost jobs in the Detroit auto industry).

STEVE PICHAN | II | 10-5-2010

MUSIC

Guest: Steve Pichan | 10-5-2010

I began writing music and lyrics as a young boy. Over the years, I have focused my writing more on “story” styled songs as demonstrated in “You don’t know Che!” , “The day God Laughed”, “Leavin’ Detroit” and the first CD, “Am I Here Already”. The topics are varied with each but often touch on cultural or political issues of the day. “Leavin’ Detroit”, also subtitled “a short musical tale of a displaced autoworker” was released in April 2009 and inspired by the multiple factory closings and job losses in the automotive industry. The 5 track EP chronicles the experiences of one fictitious character “Bob” as he loses his job, then his home and decides to pack up his family and head for North Carolina where they struggle to adjust to the new region. “Am I Here Already” begins with “The line” which was a plea to political candidates in 2008 to deliver the truth to the public. Citizens, accustomed to having to sort through spins and lies, are becoming increasing complacent and disheartened by the political process. Simple truth telling from politicians (a novel idea) would hopefully earn the trust of voters and improve public perception and interest. This song is currently available in full version at the music link. Other songs such as “Iron man” shines a light on the goodness of everyday Americans when faced with a tragedy such as 9/11. For every song, there is likely a story or hidden meaning. I hope there is one here that speaks to you.

STEVE PICHAN | I | 10-3-2010

MUSIC

Guest: Steve Pichan | 10-3-2010

GINO CASTILLO | 6-9-2010

MUSIC

Guest: Gino Castillo | 6-9-2010

Percussionist, composer, singer and educator. His music studies begin in Ecuador and Cuba where he lived for several years and spent most of his time studying with master teacher Oscar Valdez Moreno. His album “Ya llegamos” (dedicated to Paola Racines [r.i.p.]) is his first Latin jazz record as a solo artist. Before that in 2006, he had already done a similar album with the band “Santa Palabra”. The album was called “Un Dia” which contained compositions by various musicians.