Audio Vault

Let me just say that when it comes to interviews, I'm a fan first, and then a radio geek, and some people have a problem with that. I can't help it when it comes to Journey. This band has provided the soundtrack to decades of great times in my life, and when it comes to Deen Castronovo there's a very special place in my heart for him. Deen was in the band Wild Dogs and they were on the KGON Album 2 with a song called "Born to Rock" which we played on the air when the album was released. Deen was just a pup then. Seriously, very young.

Since my first job at KFMY in Eugene, Oregon, I've been proudly playing "One Toke Over the Line," an anthem for the time it was written and still very appropriate in today's world. It's amazing that 40 years later it still has that punch. Michael talks about what happened after the song was released and climbed up the charts, being on Nixon's enemies list, what Spiro Agnew had to say about them, having the song done as a "modern spiritual" on the Lawrence Welk show, and the years between which find the duo still performing.

Ian Anderson calls Iris from London to talk about the upcoming concert at McMennamins Edgefield on June 17th. I must confess, Ian is such a brilliant man and I am such a fan that I'm surprised that I can form a complete thought when in his presence, either in person or on the phone. We discuss his favorite venues around the world, Facebook, why he doesn't want to write a biography, Aqualung, and more.

Styx rocker, Tommy Shaw, has taken a bit of a turn with his newly released "The Great Divide." The album is a celebration of bluegrass, the music he grew up with, and a collection of songs that he wrote or co-wrote. With guest mucisians including Dwight Yoakam, Alison Krauss, Jerry Douglas, Sam Bush, and more, the album is number two on the bluegrass charts, right behind banjo virtuoso, Steve Martin. It's always so great to talk to Tommy, and hear his passion for music. SO...rockers, open your hearts and minds to Tommy's "The Great Divide."

I had just finished reading John Elder Robison's first book "Look Me In The Eye" and was delighted to hear that he was about to release another book, somewhat a more practical guide to living with and dealing with people diagnosed with Aspergers. I found it was just a great read, and a fine guide for anyone who is deemed "different" in our society. John designed the exploding fire guitars for Ace Frehley, and was at the forefront in video game design. His story is an amazing journey of triumph and I recommend it highly. He will be appearing at Powell's on April 20th. Enjoy the interview.

Jean M. Auel has just released the sixth and final book in the Earth's Children series, "The Land of Painted Caves." While she's been a Portland resident since the 50's, Jean was calling from New York on the day of the book's release. In 1982, Mayor Ivancie declared September 8th, "Jean Auel Day" in Portland. She is a Portland treasure, and a beloved author as well as a graduate of Portland State, and University of Portland. I'm a fan! Enjoy the interview. -Iris

Jennifer Lauck, author of "Blackbird," "Still Waters," "Show Me the Way," has a new book dealing with her experience of adoption titled "Found." I was instantly hooked on the subject, since I too am adopted. Her journey has similarities to other stories of adoption but is unique in the discovery of the feeling of loss that comes with the situation, and how to overcome the difficulties associated with being adopted. March 22, 2011 -Iris

A collection of Jefferson Airplane early live recordings have just been released on Sony's "Collectors Choice Music Live" label, and the show recorded on 10/15/66 just happened to be Signe Anderson's farewell show. The very next night, Grace Slick took her place with the band, and Signe went off to...well, I'll let you hear it from Signe herself. She's always been someone I wanted to know more about. A Pacific Northwest native, she's still living in the area, and still performs from time to time, with old friends, and new musicians who call on her talents.

After seeing The Doobie Brothers at Edgefield this summer, I am so ready for this new album. It's called "World Gone Crazy" and will be released on September 28th. Guests on the album include Willie Nelson, Billy Payne, Gregg Bissonette, Mic Gillette and even Michael McDonald on a backgroud vocal. Having heard 3 cuts on the album already, I know Doobies fans will love it! An instant classic! Enjoy.

Okay, I'll confess that Amy the KGON'sider and myself are great big geeks for this band. We love the production elements, the visuals, the musicians, the holiday feeling that you get when you are sitting in the Rose Garden Arena with wild pyrotechnics, lasers that rival any show on the planet, and well, there's Al Pitrelli. We LOVE this man to pieces. If TSO was a circus, we'd run away and join it!