Fill in the Blank

NO AIR GUITAR ALLOWED!: Steve Weinberger

dave.mason@signonsandiego.com — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 15:35:39 +1700

Back in the old days, "rock concert etiquette" meant little more than trying not to hurl on the conertgoer next to you or remembering not to bogart that whatever-you-called-it thing-ie before you passed out in a stupor during the opening act's set. But it's a new day and San Diego's Steve Weinberger is here to set the record straight with his book, "No Air Guitar Allowed." (That's Steve at the right, in the black shirt, with drummer Peter Criss of Kiss.)

Steve, who esitmates he has attended more than 1,000 concerts, counts everyone from Kiss and The Who to Modest Mouse and Kings of Leon among his favorites.

Steve, who has a naster's degree in Special Education, will also play some of his favorite cuts by AC/DC, Radiohead, Toad The Wet Sprocket and Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band.

THE KILLER RETURNS: Multi-instrumental wiz Ray Suen returns

dave.mason@signonsandiego.com — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 10:48:19 +1700

Ray Suen knows how to make an impression. His guest appearance on my last show was so interesting -- local music luminaries Gregory Page and Joanie Mendenhall both phoned in with questions and praise for Ray -- that we invited Ray back for an encore appearance this Monday.

Ray, who leaves for Las Vegas Tuesday to begin rehearsing for a European tour with The Killers, is equally skilled on violin, guitar and various other stringed instruments. He performs locally as a member of The Exfriends and in Joanie Mendenhall's band, The Joanie Men. He spent much of last year as a touring member of Louis XIV, who hired him in large part so that he could singlehandedly cover on stage the parts of the string orchestra featured on the band's second album.

As he discussed on last week's show, Ray recently signed an exclusive contract with The KIllers, with whom he will work as a touring band member for at least the next 18 months. On this Monday's show, Ray will play and discuss some of his favorite recordings by such varied artists as Charles Mingus, Tom Waits, Wu-Tang Clan, Hank Wiliams and Nat "King" Cole.

FIDDLIN' AROUND: Ray Suen

dave.mason@signonsandiego.com — Mon, 7 Jul 2008 15:26:48 +1700

He's not in the Beach Boys, but Ray Suen gets around. Equally skilled on violin, guitar and various other stringed instruments, Ray performs locally as a member of The Exfriends and in Joanie Mendenhall's band, The Joanie Men. He spent much of last year as a touring member of Louis XIV, who hired him in large part so that he could singlehandedly cover on stage the parts of the string orchestra featured on the band's second album.

Now, Ray is poised to become a touring member of The Killers, with whom he begins a tour July 31 on the East Coast. A 2007 UCSD grad, Ray will discuss his past, present and future musical pursuits.

We'll listen to a recent solo recording by Ray, and he'll play and discuss some of his favorite songs by such varied artists as Charles Mingus, Tom Waits, Wu-Tang Clan, Hank Wiliams and Nat "King" Cole.

James LaValle, the musical mastermind of San Diego's acclaimed The Album Leaf

dave.mason@signonsandiego.com — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 14:36:25 +1700

Jimmy, as he's known to his friends and fans, will perform three shows with his band this week: Wednesday at UCSD's Che Cafe; Thursday at the Belly Up Tavern; and -- surging drum roll, please -- Sunday at the 17,500-seat Hollywood Bowl, where The Album Leaf will collaborate with Mike Heron of England's legendary Incredible String Band, as part of a triple bill that also features Brazilian tropicalismo music pioneer Gilberto Gil and psychedelic American minstrel Devendra Banhart.

Jimmy will play and discuss music by The Album Leaf, The Incredible String Band and some of his favorite artists. With any luck, he'll also chat about his apparent secret life as the author of such helpful books as "Cracking the Metabloic Code: 9 Keys to Optimal Health," "Smart Medicine for Healthy Living" and "Black Cohosh: Nature's Versatile Healer."

San Diego bass virtuoso Danny Weller - PART 2

dave.mason@signonsandiego.com — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 12:41:42 +1700

San Diego bass virtuoso Danny Weller

dave.mason@signonsandiego.com — Mon, 9 Jun 2008 16:11:37 +1700

Danny Weller , 24, was also featured in "Basses Loaded," our recent feature on seven of San Diego's leading bassists (who all performed together last Sunday at Dizzy's). You can read a more detailed interview with Danny in this weekend's "Into View," a weekly feature in the Sunday Arts section of the Union-Tribune.

Danny, who deservedly won a loud ovation after his impressive solo spot at last week's concert at Dizzy's, will discuss his music and play selections from albums by some of his favorite artists.

Gregory Page

dave.mason@signonsandiego.com — Mon, 19 May 2008 16:43:14 +1700

In honor of his terrific new album, "All Make Believe," San Diego troubadour Gregory Page will join me for a live radio interview that will be mostly make-believe -- or not.

True, Page will join me live in the studio to play some of his songs and music by other artists who have inspired him. But when it comes to details -- he was born in England (no, India, or is it Indiana?), his mother was in The Beatles, and he's released 419 albums -- well, you'll just have to hear for yourself.

DAN PAPAILA: Versatile San Diego guitarist

dave.mason@signonsandiego.com — Mon, 12 May 2008 16:54:53 +1700

Dan Papaila may be one of San Diego's leading jazz guitarists, but his blues and R&B credits are impressive in their own right.

Big Joe Turner, Eddie "Cleanhead" Vinson, Big Mama Thornton, Percy Mayfield and Johnny "Hammond" Smith are among the blues and R&B greats Dan has worked with. During his tenure with Hammond organ dynamo Smith, he toured extensively through the south on the Chitlin' circuit. An in-demand guitar teacher (Anna Troy is one of his students), Papaila has also worked with such jazz luminaries as Herbie Hancock, Eddie Harris, Jimmy Smith, Blue Mitchell and Hank Crawford, as well as collaborating with Sheila E. and Randy Crawford.

You can watch Dan, who recently authored an acclaimed instructional guitar book, perform here.

DAN PAPAILA: Versatile San Diego guitarist - Segment 2

dave.mason@signonsandiego.com — Mon, 12 May 2008 17:01:46 +1700

GET ON THE GOOD FOOT, PART 2: Joanie Mendenhall encores

dave.mason@signonsandiego.com — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 16:19:39 +1700

Joanie Mendenhall was such a hit as the guest on last week, that we invited her back for today's show.
In addition to giving lessons to her 35 classical piano students each week, this North County singer-songwriter is also a member of The Exfriends, the leader of her own band, a frequent guest in fellow group Correatown, and, well, why not tune in today from 2 to 3 p.m. to hear about more of her exploits, including songs from her upcoming second solo album?

Joanie, incidentally, performs Sunday at the Casbah with the Exfriends as part of a triple-bill that also includes Gregory Page and Paul Curreri (the brother of Exfriends' leader Matt Curreri).

GET ON THE GOOD FOOT, PART 2: Joanie Mendenhall encores - Segment 2

dave.mason@signonsandiego.com — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 16:19:29 +1700

GET ON THE GOOD FOOT! Joanie Mendenhall

dave.mason@signonsandiego.com — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 09:50:15 +1700

Joanie Mendenhall, the guest on today's edition of "Fill In The Blank" on SignOnRadio.com is one busy musician. (That's Joanie in the center of the photograph at right, with two of her band members.)

In addition to giving lessons to her 35 classical piano students each week, this North County singer-songwriter is also a member of The Exfriends, the leader of her own band, a frequent guest in fellow group Correatown, and, well, why not tune in today from 2 to 3 p.m. to hear about more of her exploits, including her upcoming second solo album and her Wednesday night gig at the Belly Up Tavern?

GET ON THE GOOD FOOT! Joanie Mendenhall - Segment 2

dave.mason@signonsandiego.com — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 13:31:27 +1700

CHUCK SCHIELE: The Grams' frontman

dave.mason@signonsandiego.com — Mon, 7 Apr 2008 11:01:14 +1700

Chuck Schiele (shown at far right) of of The Grams will be the guest.

The Grams celebrate the release of its new album, "Love Factory," with an April 16 concert at Anthology in Little Italy. Chuck will preview a few songs from the album, as well as playing some of his favorite songs by everyone from Miles Davis to Johnny Cash.

CHUCK SCHIELE: The Grams' frontman - Segment 2

dave.mason@signonsandiego.com — Mon, 7 Apr 2008 11:01:02 +1700

COLORS OF CHLOE: Teen sax wiz

dave.mason@signonsandiego.com — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 16:31:10 +1700

Only 15, Chloe Feornazo has already earned praise from international jazz sax star Charles McPherson for her assured playing and devotion to her musical craft.

Chloe, whose debut album, "Learning to Fly," has just been released.

She'll discuss her album, which features such local jazz stalwarts as Chris Klich, Joe Azarello, Ray Vinole and Elliott Lawrence. She'll also play and talk about some choice tracks by some of her favorite artists, including Sonny Rollins, Charlie Parker and Ray Charles.

COLORS OF CHLOE: Teen sax wiz - Segment 2

dave.mason@signonsandiego.com — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 16:30:55 +1700

BEYOND THE CUTTING EDGE: Marcos Fernandes

dave.mason@signonsandiego.com — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 09:58:44 +1700

As the founder of Accretions Records, one of San Diego's most respected indie labels, Marcos Fernandes has provided a home for daring, mind-bending music for more than 20 years. Marcos, who is also a driving force behind the Trummerflora musical collective of cutting-edge area musicians, will be the guest.

In addition to Accretions and trummerflora, Marcos will discuss the annual Spring Reverb music festival, which kicks off here next week. And he'll play an array of songs by some of the artists who have most influenced him, from The Ventures and Pink Floyd to Mahavishnu Orchestra and Terry Riley.

BEYOND THE CUTTING EDGE: Marcos Fernandes - Segment 2

dave.mason@signonsandiego.com — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 09:58:35 +1700

ENCORE with Danielle LoPresti & Alicia Champion - Segment 1

dave.mason@signonsandiego.com — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 15:02:26 +1700

ENCORE with Danielle LoPresti & Alicia Champion - Segment 2

dave.mason@signonsandiego.com — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 15:02:11 +1700

TALKING INDIE: Danielle LoPresti & Alicia Champion - Segment 1

dave.mason@signonsandiego.com — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 12:31:34 +1700

The fourth annual San Diego Indie Fest is rapidly approaching on March 29. You can get a sneak preview from Danielle LoPresti and Alicia Champion on today's episode of "Fill In The Blank." LoPresti is such a staunch supporter of indie music that she literally bet the house -- her own -- by mortaging it to underwrite the first San Diego Indie Fest. She's also the driving force behind Say It Records and the Indie By Design concert series. Champion, a native of Singapore, heads her own indie label, Champ Records, and is second only to LoPresti as a driving force behind San Diego Indie Fest. Both LoPresti and Champion also lead their own bands, and each have several albums to their credits, startying with LoPresti's memorable 2001 debut, "Dear Mr. Penis Head." On today's show, they'll talk about their music, their influences and, of course, Indie Fest on today's show.

TALKING INDIE: Danielle LoPresti & Alicia Champion - Segment 2

dave.mason@signonsandiego.com — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 12:31:22 +1700

Cindy Lee Berryhill

dave.mason@signonsandiego.com — Mon, 3 Mar 2008 15:57:11 +1600

Cindy Lee Berryhill - Segment 2

dave.mason@signonsandiego.com — Mon, 3 Mar 2008 15:57:04 +1600

ELDAR: 21-year-old piano phenom

dave.mason@signonsandiego.com — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 14:25:22 +1600

Young jazz piano virtuoso Eldar, who performed a dazzling solo piano improv as part of the Feb. 10 Grammy Awards telecast, will be the guest today.

A 21-year-old graduate of San diego's Francis Parker High School, Eldar earned his first Grammy Award nomination in december for "Re-imagination," his third release on major label powerhouse Sony Classical.

Eldar, who now divides his time between New York and here, will discuss growing up in Russia, his music and his blossoming career, which has seen him perform at Carnegie Hall, the Hollywood Bowl and the White House. He'll also play songs by some of his favorite artists, including Bjork, Herbie Hancock and Michael Brecker.

ELDAR: 21-year-old piano phenom - Segment 2

dave.mason@signonsandiego.com — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 14:25:10 +1600

ANTI-FOLK LIVES: Cindy Lee Berryhill

dave.mason@signonsandiego.com — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 12:56:20 +1600

Singer-songwriter Cindy Lee Berryhill has been a mainstay of the San Diego music scene for the past 20 years.

As timely as she is provocative, Cindy Lee made some waves with her 2006 song, "When Did Jesus Become a Republican?" But this veteran San Diego singer-songwriter has been bucking convention since the 1980s when she was part of the same anti-folk scene in New York that also yielded Beck and Roger Manning. Not coincidentally, Beck and Manning both contribute background vocals to Cindy Lee's 1990 album, "Naked Movie Star."

She unveiled her debut album -- "Who Will Save the World?" -- in 1987 and has since released five more, the most recent being last year's "Beloved Stranger." She is also the leader of her excellent band, The Garage Orchestra, which at various times has featured former members of The Penetrators and The Harry Partch Ensemble.

More with Cindy Lee Berryhill

dave.mason@signonsandiego.com — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 12:55:33 +1600

An encore with AJ Croce Segment 1

dave.mason@signonsandiego.com — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 15:02:24 +1600

An encore with AJ Croce Segment 2

dave.mason@signonsandiego.com — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 15:02:07 +1600

GET JAZZED! Dan Atkinson

dave.mason@signonsandiego.com — Mon, 4 Feb 2008 16:04:13 +1600

Dan Atkinson may not have the name recognition of Street Scene founder Rob Hagey or Casbah honcho Tim Mays. But as the Jazz Program Coordinator for the La Jolla Athenaeum Music & Arts Library, Dan has been responsible over the past 20 years for booking and producing nearly 300 concerts here by some of the most innovative and respected artists in jazz, from Jimmy Smith, Charlie Haden and Carla Bley to Bill Frisell, Mark Dresser and "Tonight Show' band leader Kevin Eubanks.

Dan, a San Diego native and accomplished classical guitarist, will talk about his work at the Athenaeum. He'll also discuss the annual UCSD Jazz Camp, which he created, the Revelle Lecture Series, which he launched several years ago, and the UCSD Extension, which he has headed since 2001 and now has an annual budget of more than $2.4 million.

Dan will also play and discuss nine of his favorite records by nine of his favorite artists, including John Coltrane, Oregon and Charles Lloyd (whose upcoming Jazz at the Neurosciences Institute Auditorium concert was booked by Dan).

More with Dan Atkinson

dave.mason@signonsandiego.com — Mon, 4 Feb 2008 16:04:01 +1600

Veteran singer-songwriter and all-around piano wiz A.J. Croce

dave.mason@signonsandiego.com — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 17:15:07 +1600

A.J. is a multiple San Diego Music Award-winner and the founder of the indie label Seedling Records, whose roster of artists includes the hard-rocking Dirty Sweet and ace jazz trumpeter Gilbert Castellanos. The son of the late Jim Croce, A.J. released his debut solo album in 1993 and has made at least six more albums since then. Although born in a Philadelphia suburb, A.J. has lived almost his entire life in San Diego. He'll discuss his music and play some of his favorite songs by some of his favorite artists. Considering how eclectic A.J. is -- he plays blues, jazz, rock, country, boogie-woogie and more with equal verve and skill -- you can expect to hear an especially diverse array of music.

More with A.J. Croce

dave.mason@signonsandiego.com — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 17:14:59 +1600

Guitar wiz Mike Keneally encores

dave.mason@signonsandiego.com — Mon, 21 Jan 2008 17:25:03 +1600

Once wasn't enough for San Diego guitar wiz Mike Keneally, who will be the guest Monday for the second time in a row on Fill In The Blank. The decision to invite Mike back was prompted by the enthusiastic phone calls last Monday (one from a fan in Michigan) and by Mike's wealth of fascinating stories about his work with Frank Zappa, XTC and other music luminaries. Mike has 16 solo albums to his credit, dating back to his 1992 debut, "Hat." The former leader of the San Diego band Drop Control, he first gained international attention in 1987 when he replaced Steve Vai as the "stunt guitarist" in Zappa's final touring band.

More with Mike Keneally

dave.mason@signonsandiego.com — Mon, 21 Jan 2008 17:24:54 +1600

Guitar wiz Mike Keneally

dave.mason@signonsandiego.com — Mon, 14 Jan 2008 17:38:20 +1600

Mike Keneally has 16 solo albums to his credit, dating back to his 1992 debut, "Hat." The former leader of the San Diego band Drop Control, he first gained international attention in 1987 when he replaced Steve Vai as the "stunt guitarist" in Zappa's final touring band. Mike went on to work with a dizzying array of artists, including Vai, Solomon Burke, Screamin' Jay Hawkins, Negativland, and L. Shankar, to name just a few. He counts among his admirers fellow guitar great (and periodic performance partner) Robert Fripp and Wilco six-string master Nels Cline, who says: "Mike is amazing; he's one of those guys who is scary good on guitar."

More with Guitar wiz Mike Keneally

dave.mason@signonsandiego.com — Mon, 14 Jan 2008 17:38:30 +1600