Megon McDonough
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
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.
John Philip Shenale
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.
Ashley Reaks
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.
Nani Noam Vazana
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
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.
Ringo Starr and His All-Starr Band
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.
Zombies
Lisa Torem discusses the production decisions and various tracks of the new Zombies’ album, ‘Different Game’ with founding member, songwriter and arranger Rod Argent.
Brian Ray
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
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.
Debbie Benjamin Koller and Aret Sakal
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.
Jay Bergen
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.
Linda Gail Lewis
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.
Mames Babegenush
Copenhagen’s award-winning sextet Mames Babegenush is a Klezmer band which has put an exciting twist on this traditional genre. They’re currently touring and have recently recorded their sixth album.
Felix Cavaliere
American singer-songwriter-organist Felix Cavaliere, who founded The Rascals in the 1960s, shares his deep knowledge of the music industry, talks about his memoir and more.
Howard Emerson
Fingerstyle guitarist and composer Howard Emerson, who toured with rocker Billy Joel and folksinger Eric Andersen, talks Lisa Torem through selects from his extensive solo discography.
James McMurtry
Austin, Texan singer-songwriter James McMurtry talks to Lisa Torem about his first album,in six years ‘The Horses and The Hounds’, and songcraft, politics, early influences and why he never could play like Johnny Cash.
Earl Slick
New York guitarist Earl Slick has recently completed the eleven-track, all-instrumental 'Fist Full of Devils,' will be touring the UK in November and has a memoir project ready for publication. Lisa Torem catches up with him to find out the details.
Zombies
Colin Blunstone, the frontman with The Zombies, talks to Lisa Torem about their plans for a worldwide stream on September 18th, an upcoming album and how their classic hit ‘Time of The Season’ is being used to promote the launch of the new Chelsea FC kit.
Damn Truth
Lee-la Baum, lead singer of the Montreal-based The Damn Truth, discusses the setbacks and rewards of creating their third album, ‘Now or Nowhere’, during the pandemic,as well as their future plans.
Robin Trower
British guitarist/songwriter Robin Trower speaks to Lisa Torem about his collaboration with vocalist Maxi Priest and producer/bassist Livingstone Brown on ‘United State of Mind’.
Joanna Connor
Guitarist Joanna Connor speaks to Lisa Torem about her new Joe Bonamassa-produced album, ‘4801 South Indiana Avenue’, the Chicago club scene and her blueprint for balancing artistic work and family.
Kevin Godley
10cc and Godley and Crème's Kevin Godley talks to Lisa Torem about his new interactive album project, ‘Muscle Memory,’ which asks pertinent questions about these unsettling times.
Sarah McLachlan
Originally published in Examiner.com in 2016, Lisa Torem talks to multi-platinum selling Canadian singer Sarah McLachlan about her most recent LP ‘Shine On’ and her role in co-founding hugely successful all-female touring festival Lilith Fair.
Allison Moorer
Singer-songwriter, Alabama-born Allison Moorer talks to Lisa Torem about her new album ‘Blood’ and her memoir of the same title.
Zombies
Lisa Torem catches up with Zombies co-founder Colin Blunstone about their upcoming UK tour and much more.
Graham Gouldman
Lisa Torem speaks to award-winning British songwriter Graham Gouldman about his upcoming UK tour and new album, ‘Modesty Forbids’, his first full studio album in eight years.
Pete Berwick
Singer/songwriter/guitarist Pete Berwick’s triple-threat status is fully explored in his first Pennyblackmusic interview with Lisa Torem.
Beat
Frontman Dave Wakeling reminisces on the 40th anniversary of the Beat’s fiery debut ‘I Can’t Help It’ and updates Lisa Torem about the band’s ambitious 2020 tour.
Michael Dorf
Lisa Torem speaks with American music entrepreneur and venue owner Michael Dorf about operating the City Winery, and his new memoir, 'Indulge Your Senses'.
Brian Downey
Former Thin Lizzy drummer Brian Downey talks to Lisa Torem about his years with the band, and touring again with his current band Alive and Dangerous.
One Man Bannister
New Zealand singer-songwriter One Man Bannister tells Lisa Torem about his new interpretation of a classic Beatles record.
Earl Slick
New York guitarist Earl Slick talks to Lisa Torem about performing with former Sex Pistol Glen Matlock, and his experiences working with David Bowie and John Lennon.
James Williamson
Former Stooges guitarist James Williamson speaks to Lisa Torem about several new projects that he is presently involved in, including a remake of 1960s girl-group classic, ‘Leader of The Pack’.
Bill German
Lisa Torem speaks to Bill German, who spent seventeen years as a journalist during the heyday of the Rolling Stones, during which time his ‘zine, 'Beggars Banquet', became a “must-have” bible for many of the group's fans.
Adele Koltun
Oregon drummer Adele Koltun's youthful enthusiasm for playing live is contagious, even though she learned the instrument later in life. 'Crash' Koltun talks to Lisa Torem about overcoming fear and finding passion, whatever one's age.
John Mayall
On the heels of new album, ‘Nobody Told Me’, and looking forward to an extensive UK tour in November with new guitarist Carolyn Wonderland plus Greg Rzab and Jay Davenport, Lisa Torem finds that British blues legend John Mayall has much to talk about.
Charlie Young
Imagine finding yourself suddenly responsible for bringing to life the captivating music of some of the earliest American recording artists. Charlie Young tells Lisa Torem how he did that and more with his 'Unheard of Jazz' podcast.
Tony Visconti
Seminal producer Tony Visconti talks about working with drummer Woody Woodmansey with Holy Holy, recording with David Bowie in the studio and his legacy.
Lani Hall
Singer/producer Lani Hall discusses her evocative book 'Emotional Memoirs and Short Stories', her international singing career and what keeps her current
Kevin Armstrong
British guitarist/songwriter/producer Kevin Armstrong’s new album, ‘Run’ is rife with exciting tracks. He talks about the new release as well as working with legends such as Brian Eno, David Bowie and Iggy Pop.
Dhani Harrison
Dhani Harrison, son of the late George Harrison and Olivia Harrison, has formed several bands and most recently released a solo album. In this 2016 archival interview he spoke to Lisa Torem before a show in Chicago.
Mud Morganfield
Mud Morganfield, AKA Muddy Waters Jr., speaks about performing at the upcoming London Blues Week this coming January at the 100 Club and his latest album 'They Call Me Mud' with fellow Chicagoan Lisa Torem.
Woody Woodmansey
Drummer Woody Woodmansey speaks to Lisa Torem about Holy Holy’s upcoming UK tour, his compelling memoir and working in the studio with David Bowie.
Lucas and King
Lucas and King, the award-winning 60's-influenced duo which consists of vocalist Bo Lucas and guitarist Hayleigh King, discuss with Lisa Torem their just released eponymous debut album.
Joe Milliken
Music journalist Joe Milliken, author of a new biography about The Cars’ Ben Orr, talks to Lisa Torem about the book and the process behind writing it.
Matt Brown
Executive Producer Matt Brown talks to Lisa Torem about 'On Big Shoulders', his fascinating album project which takes as its theme the city of Chicago.
Ashley Reaks
In our third interview with him, Lisa Torem speaks to experimental artist and multi-instrumentalist Ashley Reaks about his latest album, ‘The Earth Swan Sings Again'.
Michael Bruce
Founding member of the original Alice Cooper Group and guitarist/keyboardist Michael Bruce currently performs with his self-named band. He speaks to Lisa Torem about his recently reissued memoir, ‘No More Mr. Nice Guy’.
Rita Coolidge
Rita Coolidge tells Lisa Torem some pre-production back stories, talks about her appreciation for guest artists and explains why true love remains a timeless endeavour
Tomiko Dixon
In her first Pennyblackmusic interview, Chicago-based singer/songwriter Tomiko Dixon unveils her artistic inspirations and desire to explore experiential themes, whilst carrying on the legacy of her grandfather, Willie Dixon
Bacon Brothers
On the eve of a North American tour Kevin Bacon and Michael Bacon of Americana act the Bacon Brothers talk to Lisa Torem about their new self-titled ten-track album.
Zombies
Colin Blunstone’s solo band will perform this April in the UK, as he concurrently continues his role as front man of the Zombies. He chats with Lisa Torem at a sold out show at City Winery, Chicago.
Jann Klose
International singer-songwriter Jann Klose talks to Lisa Torem about the making of new studio album, ‘In Tandem,’ which celebrates the art of collaboration and the personnel that enabled the project to crystalize.
Neal Smith
Drummer/percussionist/songwriter Neal Smith discusses with Lisa Torem his early influences, the 2017 UK reunion of the original Alice Cooper group, solo milestones and the alchemy of true friendship.
Bob Shiel
Bob Shiel talks to Lisa Torem in a wide-ranging discussion of his entertaining and well-researched book documenting 61 Bob Dylan albums.