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Lisa Torem


Interviews



Header: Singer-songwriter Elliott Murphy is celebrating “50 years on the road” with a brand, new single, ‘Old-Timer.’ He catches up with Lisa Torem to talk about his career highlights.




Robin Trower
Zombies
Megon McDonough

When British guitarist/songwriter Robin Trower tours the UK and the US in 2024, he will feature songs from his 1974 gold record, ‘Bridge of Sighs,’ which is being meticulously reissued in May. Lisa Torem talks to him about the tour and the reissue.
Vocalist Colin Blunstone talks to Lisa Torem about the Zombies’ upcoming UK and US tours, special guests and how the music business has changed since the Sixties.
Lisa Torem speaks to one-woman musical institution Megon McDonough about her long career, from working with John Denver, Harry Chapin and John Prine, to her latest project doing jazz covers of the Burt Bacharach and Hal David songbook.




John Philip Shenale
John Philip Shenale
Ashley Reaks
Nani Noam Vazana

Los Angeles composer and arranger John Philip Shenale is associated with Grammy-nominated artists: Tori Amos, Jane’s Addiction, Tracy Chapman and Billy idol. To celebrate the 25th Anniversary of ‘Night of Hunters,’ he shares excerpted highlights of his five-decade career.
To celebrate the 25th Anniversary of ‘Night of Hunters’ L.A. composer/arranger/producer John Philip Shenale discusses his role in the intricacies of Tori Amos’s classically-based album, and more.
Harrogate multi-talent Ashley Reaks just released ‘Winter Crawls,’ which includes a host of well-known guests, superb imagery and one-off instrumental work. He updates Lisa Torem with the back stories.
Lisa Torem speaks to vocalist, songwriter and instrumentalist Nani Noam Vazana, who is touring internationally in support of fourth studio album, ‘Key Haber,’ a tribute to the Ladino language


Black Duck
Ringo Starr and His All-Starr Band
Zombies
Brian Ray

Black Duck is a rising star of a band hailing from Chicago. The trio’s guitarist, Bill D. MacKay, talks to Lisa Torem about their self-titled debut, influences and songwriting.
Lisa Torem finds that a press event held during a rehearsal break reveals the true spirit of the All-Starr Band, helmed by iconic drummer/singer-songwriter Ringo Starr, prior to their 2023 US tour.
Lisa Torem discusses the production decisions and various tracks of the new Zombies’ album, ‘Different Game’ with founding member, songwriter and arranger Rod Argent.
In a second interview, Lisa Torem catches up with guitarist/songwriter/producer Brian Ray, acclaimed for his solo work, as well as with Paul McCartney, Etta James, and The Bayonets, who have recently released dynamic new singles.


Tommy James
Debbie Benjamin Koller and Aret Sakal
Jay Bergen
Linda Gail Lewis

Guitarist, front man and songwriter Tommy James, with The Shondells, and as solo artist, is one of the greatest influencers of the 21st century. With Lisa Torem, James chronicles early times, principles of songwriting and news about his life story detailed in a film and musical.
Chicago DJ Debbie Benjamin Koller and Chicago DJ/Windy City Soul Club founder, Aret Sakal share insights regarding the Northern Soul phenomenon in an exclusive interview.
Lisa Torem speaks to Jay Bergen about his ‘under-the-radar’ memoir, ‘Lennon, Mobster and The Lawyer’, which is a fascinating account of John Lennon’s commitment to the courtroom when battling two lawsuits, with Bergen as his attorney.
Rockabilly queen Linda Gail Lewis talks to Lisa Torem about the remastered ‘Early Sides: 1963-1973’ and studio work with Van Morrison, Robbie Fulks and Jerry Lee Lewis.


Profiles



Lisa Torem enjoys new Bob Dylan biopic, ‘A Complete Unknown,’ but still has burning questions about the Nobel Prize Winner’s legacy.




Mars Williams
Jerry Lee Lewis
Jann Klose
Andrew Môn Hughes, Grant Walters and Mark Crohan

Lisa Torem recollects meeting, interviewing and enjoying Chicago-based saxophonist Mars Williams’s music and endearing personality over the years.
Lisa Torem recalls the positive effects that Jerry Lee Lewis had on her musical career and why he should be forever remembered.
Lisa Torem profiles the extraordinary new single and video 'Sugar My' from singer-songwriter Jann Klose.
Lisa Torem examines a new book 'The Bee Gees in the 1960s’ which examines their early career.


Live Reviews





Robby Krieger Band
Dennis Tufano
Patti Smith

Lisa Torem watches The Robby Krieger Band put on a red-carpet performance at Chicago City Winery as the audience rocked to The Doors' hits.
Lisa Torem watches Dennis Tufano and friends perform the songs of Bobby Darin with stunning effect.
Lisa Torem finds Patti Smith’s explosive, emotional performance with Jackson Smith, Dee Jay Daugherty, Lenny Kaye and Tony Shanahan at Chicago’s Salt Shed exceeding expectations.


Favourite Albums




Tommy James and the Shondells
Jefferson Airplane
Third Rail

Lisa Torem enjoys a new compilation from unrivaled American singer-songwriter Tommy James which includes distinctive recordings from his long-standing solo career.
Lisa Torem finds that this Jefferson Airplane live album, which was recorded at the Fillmore East in New York in 1969 and features hits and fillers, exemplifies the Summer of Love experience.
Lisa Torem finds that the Third Rail’s 1967 only album ‘ID Music’ is somewhat dated, yet a fine period piece for those with fond memories of an earlier time.


Features




Lisa Torem examines record label executive Tommy Mottola's new memoir 'A New America: How Music Reshaped The Culture and Future of a Nation and Redefined My Life ' about his role in the rise of Latin American music.
In her 'Raging Pages' book column Lisa Torem examines a new photo book on 1970's Chicago rock concerts from photographer Jim Summaria and writer Mark Plotnik



Byrds
Pete Berwick
Bob Dylan
Graham Nash

In her 'Raging Pages' book column Lisa Torem reflects on Andy McArthur's new book 'The Byrds: Every Album, Every Song'.
In her 'Raging Pages' book column Lisa Torem enjoys fellow Midwesterner Pete Berwick’s biker band tribute book, 'Too Wild to Tame: The Story of the Boyzz'.
For her 'Raging Pages' column, Lisa Torem gives ‘Bob Dylan 1962 to 1970 : Every Album, Every Song’, Opher Goodwin’s new book on Dylan’s studio work high marks.
In her ‘Raging Pages’ book column Lisa Torem assesses legendary singer-songwriter Graham Nash’s 2014 memoir ‘Wild Tales’.


Reviews



Ashley Reaks
Meredith Moon
Ceili Rain
Linda Gail Lewis

Consistently inventive fourteenth album from Harrogate visual artist/instrumentalist/songwriter Ashley Reaks
Evocative and sensitive second album from Canadian folk artist Meredith Moon
Forceful first album in almost a decade from Syracuse-based Celtic rock band Ceili Rain
Heartfelt tribute to her late brother, Jerry Lee Lewis, on new album from singer/pianist Linda Gail Lewis


Jann Klose
Julian Lennon
James McMurtry
Poppermost

Empathic and socially-conscious pop on latest album from New York-based singer-songwriter Jann Klose
Evocative and heartfelt seventh album from Julian Lennon
First new album in seven years from singer songwriter and guitarist James McMurtry which features killer stories and raucous guitar
Enjoyable album from one-man Glaswegian multi-instrumentalist The Poppermost which sheds a bright light on the British Invasion and 1960s American bands


Pulsar Ensemble
Joe Bonamassa
Various
Earl Slick

Excellent second album from five-piece Italian band Pulsar Ensemble who create a sci-fi world and bring it to to life with nine, disparate compositions
American guitarist Joe Bonamassa, refusing to rest on his laurels despite the Covid-19 pandemic, reunites with his vast number of fans on a new DVD of livestream filmed in Nashville.
Fantastic five CD compilation from Cherry Red of the early recordings of bossa nova artist and pioneering 50’s composer Carlos Antonio Jobim
Versatile latest album from Brooklyn guitarist Earl Slick, who has played with Bowie, Lennon and Jeff Beck, which will please devout blues fans and more.


Damn Truth
Various
Nature's Neighbor
Joanna Connor

Explosive psychedelic rock on first-rate album from undiscovered Montreal-based band The Damn Truth
Well-researched three CD box set which provides to the listener with a compelling sonic history of 1970's rock's lesser-known acts as well as also its legends
Eclectic twelfth album from Chicago-formed band Nature’s Neighbor which reflects upon the current pandemic
Extraordinary album from Joanna Connor, which, produced by Joe Bonamassa, pays tribute to the Chicago blues club scene


Ace of Cups
Robin Trower, Maxi Priest, Livingstone Brown
Ronnie Earl and the Broadcasters
Kevin Godley

Fantastic psychedelic-influenced second album from 1960’s-era all-female band Ace of Cups
Memorable collaboration between guitarist Robin Trower, singer Maxi Priest and bassist/producer Livingstone Brown
Fantastic collection of reworked classics, original songs and live tracks from blues veterans Ronnie Earl and the Broadcasters
Singer/musician/producer Kevin Godley’s new album creates original lyrics and music against instrumental tracks sent in by fans.


Lawrence County
My Girl The River
Mandoki Soulmates
Soul Asylum

New album from Nottinhamshire-based sextet the Lawrence County is full of great vocal and instrumental solos and original ideas
Revealing and beautiful second album from My Girl The River’s , the project of American-born but British-based vocalist/guitarist Kris Wilkinson
Enthralling double album from prog rock supergoup and collective Mandoki Soulmates which is a cultural and musical revelation
Fantastic twelfth album from American alernative band Soul Asylum which serves up a ton of variety






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