KC Cafe Radio Performing Artist Ray Taylor's new album Country Birthday Song Album has been getting a lot of attention, from fans and critics alike. It recently received rave reviews from Country Chart Magazine and Natalie's World Blogspot.  Ray is a seasoned songwriter from San Francisco who cut his musical teeth in the classical music world.  He was kind enough to take some time and answer some questions about his songwriting and his successful new album with us recently.

KC Cafe Radio: Tell me a little bit about your background in music.
Ray Taylor:  I started attending the conservatory of music in San Francisco at the age of 10. I studied classical piano and voice while I was there through age 19.  I performed recitals and concerts at the conservatory and private parties and schools.  I even played in night clubs like the "Red Roof" in San Francisco but it doesn't exist any longer. Mostly classical with a specialty in Chopin Mazurkas.

KCCR: What is your favorite cut on your new album Country Birthday Song Album?
RT: Despite the fact that my new album is entitled Country Birthday Song Album, my favorite cuts are My Sweet Texas Bed, and Designer Girl.  I plan to do a YouTube over the next few months on Designer Girl.
 
KCCR: Where was your newest album recorded?
RT:  Nashville, (FunHouse Studios)
 
KCCR: How long did it take to record?
RT: Less then a day.
 
KCCR: What's your favorite song of all time by someone else? Why?
RT: I can't tell you I have a favorite song.  I love many songs.  Recently I truly enjoyed "Toes in the Water" by the Zac Brown Band, and "People are Crazy" by Billy Currington.  I think the lyrics are something that I would write, plain and simply, but to the point, and the sound is just perfect.  Great idea's!!
 
KCCR: How did you hear about KC Cafe?
RT: I Googled "free Internet radio" and voila, KC Cafe came up!
 
KCCR: Anything you would like to add?
RT: My album, Country Birthday Song Album is for everyone who has a birthday.  There is one version for the male and an other for the female. Good for most everybody!

John has performed music for several commercials, has written the music to several popular television series, and has sung the theme songs for a number of well known television series.  He has performed background vocals for a diverse group of artists including Motley Crue, Rod Stewart, Donna Summer and Dwight Yoakum.

John has also recorded several of his own albums over the past 40 years, the most recent of which is called Old Man Dreamin’.

Recently, Music Director Kathy Forste talked with John via Skype from his Los Angeles recording studio.

Listen To or DownloadThe Interview Here (47:27):

Music By John Batdorf On KC Cafe Radio:

Monday, March 1, 2010 – KC Cafe Radio announces the addition of Michael Gaither's "Songs And Stories" podcast series to its programming lineup.  The program will air Saturdays at 9 a.m., and Sundays at 6 p.m. Eastern Time beginning March 6th.

The series, which recently celebrated its third anniversary, stems from Gaither's past as a journalist.  "I used to be a journalist for the local paper, the Santa Cruz Sentinental." Gaither said.  "I've always done writing, and I have been a songwriter for about 8 years.  When I started my website about five years ago, it seemed awfully narcissistic.  So, I put a blog on the front page and I talked about songs I was working on.  Then I started reviewing other CDs.  After my first CD came out, someone suggested I do a podcast."

It didn't take long for Gaither's journalistic roots to take hold, which assisted him in developing his new podcast.  "I did a few episodes where I picked apart a few of my songs, told the stories behind them." he said.  "Then I thought, I used to interview other performers for the newspaper, and now that I am a performer, maybe I can give a different spin on it.  So, I went around and interviewed a few local people that I knew so I could get comfortable with it.  And then when somebody rolled through town that I liked I would contact them, and it went from there."

It was during this experimental phase in podcasting, when Gaither came up with the series title.   "At first it was mostly interviews," he said.  "Then it became 'well, while you're here, play us a couple of songs, tell us the stories behind them,' and that became 'Songs And Stories'."

With more than 85 episodes under his belt, Gaither has acquired quite a bit of experience, both as an interviewer and producer of his podcast.  Still, according to Gaither, the best plan for his show is to not necessarily have a plan at all.  "Usually I have no questions prepared," he suggested.  "If I don't know the person at all I may have one opening question, and then we just go from there.  So it's really an informal chat between a couple of songwriters."

John Dutton, Operations Director for KC Cafe radio said the addition of "Songs And Stories" to the station's lineup is a perfect fit.  "It really makes sense if you think about it," Dutton said.  "Since the beginning, almost two years ago, we have always been about discovering unique, original, never-before-heard music.  Many of the musicians Michael has interviewed are already playing on the station, and we are looking forward to discovering even more new music through the show."

The series begins running on KC Cafe Radio beginning March 6th with the most recent episode in the series.  Since the show is produced on a bi-weekly basis, broadcast of the program will then alternate between the most recent program, and an archive selection for the following weeks.

The entire series of podcasts are also available from Gaither's website, www.michaelgaither.com.

Recently, John Dutton talked with Michael Gaither about the podcast series, and his music:

Listen To or Download The Interview Here (20:52):

Music By Michael Gaither On KC Cafe Radio:

September 1, 2009 – KC Cafe Radio Performing Artist Whitehouse announced today the release of their newest single, "Gonna Make It Up To You," a cut that will be included in their forthcoming yet-to-be-named album.

Recently, KC Cafe Radio Music Director Kathy Forste had an opportunity to talk with Whitehouse about the band, the new release, and their work on the  new album.

Kathy Forste: We have loved having Whitehouse’s music playing on KC Cafe Radio and having you as one of our original artists. Tell us more about Whitehouse.

Whitehouse: Well, Whitehouse is actually a group of 4 individuals that have been making music together on and off for the last 10 years. We decided to get together and did ”Games” which we were very happy with and so we continued with ”Gonna” and the new album because we are really enjoying making music together again.

KF:  The new single is called "Gonna Make it Up to You."  What inspired you to write this song?

WH: I think that it is a common situation in peoples’ everyday lives. These things happen. None of us are perfect and we sometimes get confused and wonder off track. I think we can all identify with such a situation, either through personal experience or we know someone who has been there.

KF:  How long did it take you to write the song and is that a typical length of time for you to write?

WH: Actually it did not take very long. It never does when it is there. You feel the urge and the rest just flows out of you. I sometimes think that the song – this one and all the others – was always there, it was just waiting to be brought out. I just happen to be the medium through which it expresses itself.

KF:  What instrument do you usually write your songs on?

WH: That varies. It could be the piano or the guitar.

KF:  Will this song be the title track to your new album, or are you going to call it something else?

WH: We have not decided yet. But I would think that the album will be titled differently. Up to now we have never named an album after a song.  Usually the album title is just an idea that somehow touches all the songs on it.

KF:  Why did you choose "Gonna Make it Up to You" as the first single from the new album?

WH: There was never any discussion. We all thought it would be nice to start off with Gonna.

KF:  I really love the arrangement on the song.   It has, what I call, a building block quality, where an instrument is added every few bars.  How may tracks did you ultimately use in recording the song?

WH: Around 28 I think. But I am not sure.

KF:  I also like the lyrics a lot.  I think it’s something we all can relate to.   Was this song written from a personal experience?

WH: I often get that question. I think it must be because so many people can identify with the situation somehow. No, actually it is not from a personal experience. I tend to be faithful in my relationships.

KF:  Let’s talk about the new album.  Is there any musical surprises for us coming from Whitehouse?

WH: I think with Whitehouse there can always be musical surprises because we don’t limit ourselves to any one particular style or musical direction, and that allows us to be as creative as we like and to do and try things that we’re not always in the plan when we started out.

KF:  What are your plans for promoting the album and the single?   Where and when will it be available?

WH: The worldwide promotion for the brand new single has started already in the daily press, all over the internet and on U.S. and international radio stations. ”Gonna make it up to you” is on sale from Amazon, Itunes, Rhapsody and CDBaby among others and will be available as a physical CD with 2 different versions of the song from Sept. 20. For both the single and the upcoming album, we get help with the promotion from professional promotion agencies and of course from our label Black Mountain Records (USA).

KF:  Any plans to tour or come to the U.S.?

WH: We are working on it. But we are all involved in many projects which sometimes makes it difficult to coordinate everyone’s diary to fit us all. But it is certainly on our to do list!

Music by Whitehouse playing on KC Cafe Radio:

KC Cafe: Tell me a little bit about your background in music.  When did you start playing?

Joan Meyer: I started playing guitar in the 70s. During the 80s in Eugene, Oregon I played keyboard in an all-women rock band called TranSister. Later I played guitar and bass in a folk duo called Shards of Lace. In Portland, I played bass in a folk-rock band called Lonesome Taxi then a rock band called Oversol. I finally started my own band called Jessie Rae to play out my original music. Jessie is my grandmother’s first name and Rae is my sister’s middle name.

KCC: When did you start writing?

JM: I became inspired to write music after listening to my older sister’s albums – Bob Dylan, early Elton John, Sly and the Family Stone, Joan Armatrading, Joni Mitchell, Rikki Lee Jones…..I started writing songs on the guitar during the 80s while I was playing keyboard in TranSister. I’ve written almost every song on a beat up no-name electric guitar that I rarely even plug in. I love my guitar.

KCC: What/when was the first song you ever wrote?

JM: The first song I ever wrote was called “Medallion” about my sister. It’s a very personal song.

KCC: How would you describe your style?

JM: Cool funky folk. Roots pop with a blues edge. Funky folk pop….

KCC: Who are your favorite writers and how do they influence your style?

JM: I have been influenced by the jazz-tinged rhythm and blues of Steve Winwood and Me’Shell Ndegécello. I like the syncopated rhythms and positive grooves of The Neville Brothers and Booker T and the MGs. I like the rootsiness of songs written by Bernie Taupin, JJ Cale, and Lucinda Williams. I just love Joan Armatrading. I am also into Amy Winehouse, Adele, Duffy, Dave Matthews….

KCC: What is your writing process?

JM: I have a writing process? If I think of it as a “process” it runs away. I let my curiosity and discovery take its course and try to grab the song as it comes through and then give it some form. I just have to be there for it when it comes through.

KCC: How often do you write?

JM It comes and goes, but I keep putting ideas in a journal that I can refer to when it strikes. Often a song is sitting there waiting to be pieced together.

KCC: What comes first?  Music?  Lyrics?  Or do they happen simultaneously for you?

JM: The music usually comes first and the lyrics later, although there is usually a theme that defines the song that comes simultaneously.

KCC: What is your favorite song on your new album?

JM: Each song has been my favorite cut at one time or another, but I like Blue Armor because it is both grounding and spiritual at the same time.

KCC: Where was your newest album recorded?

JM: It was recorded in my basement using a Korg D1600 Digital Recording Studio here in Portland, Oregon. Kipp Crawford played the drums and did an amazing job mixing the tunes. It was mastered at Nettleingham Audio.

KCC: How long did it take to record?

JM: It took about 6 months to record.

KCC: What’s your favorite song of all time by someone else and why?

JM: Joan Armatrading – City Girl. I like it for its simple, yet subtle sophistication.  Les McCann’s “Compared to What” also comes to mind. It really grooves. My current favorite is Lucinda Williams’ song “Righteously.”

KCC: How did you hear about KC Cafe Radio?

JM: Twitter! I got an email that you were following me, so I checked you out.  Now I am following you too!

 Music By Jesse Rae Playing on KC Cafe Radio:

Sarah Pierce was born in Rockford, Illinois and raised in rural Texas and Colorado. The daughter of a cowboy raised in a family of cattlemen (4 members are in the Cattlemen's Hall of Fame), Sarah's dream was to be a singer, a dream that began to take shape when she was 12 years old. Her stepfather was a small town doctor by day and played bass in the local country band on the weekends. One day he asked her to come along and sing a few songs. After one song, Sarah had a gig. “The stage is like a big comfortable couch; I am so at home there.”

While performing at a local club, Sarah was seen by John McEuen (The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band). That evening he asked if she'd be willing to go on the road as his opening act. Thirteen weeks and thousands of miles later, Sarah had performed before tens of thousands of people, receiving standing ovations wherever she sang. In 1991, Sarah regionally released her debut record, “West Texas Wind”, on Little Bear Records.

Since that time Sarah recorded several CD’s including a beautiful children’s CD and a lovely Christmas CD. She has spent several weeks on the Adult Contemporary Charts. Moved to Austin, Texas and made it her musical home, and she has played for sold out crowds all over Italy.  Sarah has spent the better part of the last year promoting her most personal CD to date, “Cowboy’s Daughter”

One of her more recent gigs had her passing through Kansas City, Missouri, home of KC Café Radio. After a long drive from Chicago, Sarah and a couple members of her band, Doug Hudson and Merel Bregante, sat down and played acoustic versions from “Cowboy’s Daughter” for us. She was also kind enough to sit and talk with me for quite a while about her musical journey, life on the road, songwriting, Italy and working with her husband Merel Bregante.

Listen To or Download The Interview Here (46:57):

I would also like to add my thanks to Sarah, Doug, Merel and Eric Henke (who also debuted some new songs for us), for being so kind to my son and husband, enjoying the company of our dogs and taking the time to go out to dinner with us after such a long day.  Oh and special thanks to Sarah for the CD, “Buttercup Princess”. My son loves it!  You guys are awesome!

Sarah's Music On KC Cafe Radio:

If you want in on the fun, Stranger Creek plays regularly at Grinter House Fun Barn in Kansas.   Larry Dean sings lead vocals and plays rhythm guitar, Garry Bichelmeyer on guitar, Mary Bichelmeyer on bass, Gordon Riley plays lead guitar and John Malone on drums.  Their current CD is called “The Winner,” and they have plans for a new CD in the near future full of more tunes from the songwriting duo.  We recently caught up with Larry Dean of Stranger Creek and had him tell us a bit about himself, his songwriting style and the band.

KCC:  Tell me a little bit about your background in music.   When did you start playing?

SC: I was about 12 yrs old.

KCC: When did you start writing?

SC: About 10 yrs ago.

KCC: What/when was the first song you ever wrote?

SC:  A song called “Just a Mile or so from Town” in 2000 about an old abandoned church on my Fathers family farm.

KCC: How would you describe your style?

SC:  I don’t know maybe country folk.

KCC: Who are your favorite writers and how do they influence your style?

SC: Hank Cochran, Curly Putman, Merle Haggard, Cindy Walker, Iris Dement.

KCC: What is your writing process?

SC: Idea, Story, then Music.

KCC: How often do you write?

SC: Seldom by myself usually with my partner Garry Bichelmeyer.

KCC: What comes first music or lyrics or do they happen simultaneously?

SC: Words.

KCC: What is your favorite cut on your new CD, “The Winner?”

SC: “The Winner” by Garry Bichelmeyer and myself.

KCC: Where was your newest CD recorded?

SC: Markosa Studios in Roeland Park KS.

KCC: How long did it take to record?

SC: About three months.

KCC: What’s your favorite song of all time by someone else, and why?

SC: The Tallahatchie Bridge; it tells a story of mystery and young love around a dinner table of a poor family.

KCC: Anything else you like to add?

SC: I’m in the process of making new CD, with all Original songs.

If you were to ask Tom Goss a loaded question such as “what is the meaning of life,” you may get an equally-loaded answer!  At a young 27 years old, Tom has already been through a lifetime’s-worth of experience, which is reflected in his music.  From his first album, “Naked Without,” to his second album, “Rise,” and now with his brand-new release “Back To Love,” one can experience the growth, transition and comming to terms with what life has thrown at him.

Tom grew up in Kenosha, Wisconsin. He spent his childhood in the gym with his gymnast parents and brothers, but switched to wresting in junior high-a better outlet for some serious teenage aggression-and stuck with it through college.

Music was another, more enduring passion. His mom bought him a guitar as a high-school graduation present, and he quickly taught himself to play. Inspired by Dave Matthews and David Gray, he soon started writing songs of his own.

Through it all, Tom felt a strong spiritual calling. While at the University of Central Missouri, studying to become a teacher, Tom decided that he was meant to be a priest instead. He moved to Washington, DC in 2004 to enter Catholic seminary. It didn’t go as planned and, disillusioned by the institution in which he had placed his faith, he chose to abandon religious training-but not his quest.

Back in secular life, Tom sought new ways to work toward social justice, the issue that had led him to the church in the first place. He took a job running a breakfast program for the homeless. He began to build a life with his partner Mike. And he channeled his message of love, hope and reconciliation through his music.

Recently Tom stopped by my house while passing through Kansas City on his tour to support his latest album, “Back to Love“.  We had a wonderful chat and Tom played some songs for us on his 12 string converted to 6 string guitar.  He also played a song on my out-of-tune piano in my living room. With my dogs laying at our feet and the sound of kids outside screaming and playing we chatted about life, love and music.

Listen To The Interview (44:53) Here:

Click Here to Download The Interview (41MB).

KCC: Tell me a little bit about your background in music.  When did you start playing?
MB: I have been playing seriously since age 13.  I played in a band during high school and in a rock band called “Jade”" while I was in college

KCC: When did you start writing?
MB: I have written songs since high school.  A serious knee injury 13 years ago gave me a good reason to really get after the music.

KCC:  What/when was the first song you ever wrote?
MB: A real “classic” called “No More Baby” which I chorded completely with my thumb!

KCC: How would you describe your style?
MB: Americana Roots Music

KCC: Who are your favorite writers and how do they influence your style?
MB:  Neil Young-honesty and integrity

KCC: What is your writing process?
MB: I always start with a musical riff. That will get an idea started. I am not much of a tinkerer. When I’m done, I’m done.

KCC: How often do you write?
MB:  It really varies. Whenever I get a spot of free time it often includes songwriting.

KCC: What comes first music or lyrics or do they happen simultaneously.
MB: Music-invariably

KCC:  What is your favorite cut on your new CD?
MB:  Shine

KCC: Where was your newest CD recorded?
MB:  Audio Loft Studios in Macks Creek, MO

KCC: How long did it take to record?
MB: About 4 different sessions.

KCC: What’s your favorite song of all time by someone else? Why?
MB: Jesus Just Left Chicago by ZZ Top because it feels so good!

So in 2005, Buck69 was formed, with a line-up that is reminiscent of the bluesy southern rock style of the 70’s.   Buck69 is made up of Tom Clawson – Vocals, Songwriter,  Rhythm Guitar;  Alex Clawson – Rhythm and Lead Guitar; Candice Coleman (who was on American Idol in 2003) – Vocals;  Buzz Anderson – Lead Guitar & Vocals; B.J. Love – Keyboards;  Dave Alan – Drums & Vocals; and Todd Ovall – Bass.

If you love the music of 70s icons ZZ Top and Lynyrd Skynyrd, you will LOVE Buck69.  They are like a smorgasbord of sound – every single player in the band brings something to the table.  From cool vocal work and sizzling guitar solos to the heavy beats of the bass and drums, every instrument plays a part.  Combined with Tom’s lyrics based on stories he’s heard, stories he’s been told and real life experiences from his unique perspective, Buck69 offers an eclectic blues-rock sound.

Recently, Tom took some time out of his busy life of playing music, managing a trucking company and running a small Human Resources software business, to answer some questions for KC Café.

KCC: When did you start writing?
TC: Really started writing full songs back in 1976

KCC: What/when was the first song you ever wrote?
TC: “She’s My Little Angel” 1975, about 3 months after I started playing guitar. What a sappy song

KCC: How would you describe your style?
TC: Blues, Country & Rock – 70’s style

KCC: Who are your favorite writers and how do they influence your style?
TC: Hank Williams Sr., Cat Stevens, Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard, Simon & Garfunkel, Allman Brothers, Eric Clapton, James Taylor & Jim Croce.

KCC: What is your writing process?
TC: I watch a lot of movies and when I hear a great line I write it down and then go back to my guitar and write a song around it. Example: Several years ago while watching the movie Nark. One of the cops used this great line: “She’s the best place I’ve ever been” talking about his wife that he had lost to cancer. Just an awesome line. So I wrote the song “The Best Place”

KCC: How often do you write?
TC: Every day, could be just a line or a whole song. I keep a notebook by my bed because I often wake in the middle of the night with an idea. I also keep a notebook in the visor of the car and at my desk at work.

KCC: What comes first, music or lyrics or do they happen simultaneously?
TC: No particular order, but usually a one line lyric.

KCC: What is your favorite cut on your new CD, “When She Whispers Your Name?”
TC: “Someone Like Me” I was really happy with the way the words and music came together.

KCC: What’s your favorite song of all time by someone else, and why?
TC: “Forever Young” by Bob Dylan. Just a very powerful song that touches everyone, no matter your age or gender. Katey Sagel from the FX show Son’s Of Anarchy does a great version of the song.