Audio Vault

Local music hero, Tommy Thayer, will be inducted into the Oregon Music Hall of Fame on October 9th at the Roseland Theater for his work in Black 'n Blue. They haven't played together in 20 years, but they will when they are inducted into OMHOF! Tommy tells the story of how they formed the band, who helped along the way, and how they opened for KISS which started a personal path for Tommy to become a member of that legendary band. We talk about the old music scene in Portland, old haunts, and others that should be inducted into the OMHOF.

Carlos Santana has just released an album of cover tunes called "Guitar Heaven" and he played several songs on the TV show "Dancing With the Stars" the night it was released in the stores. Carlos Santana is amazing and wise. It's great to catch up with him about the shows in Las Vegas, how "Guitar Heaven" came together and how he faces his fears. He's a delight to talk to and one of the top five people that I'd like to have lunch with, and I think I'd still have questions for him. Enjoy this little chat.

Can I just say how much I adore Ann Wilson?! Heart has just released their first studio album in 6 years called "Red Velvet Car." The album rocks...of course...just like we want to hear from Heart! Ann talks about several of the cuts on the album, and also about the upcoming show at the Sleep Country Amphitheater on September 24th, 2010. She also talks about being on the bill for several "Lilith" shows and Seattle's music background. Enjoy the ride in the "Red Velvet Car" with Ann and Iris!

Jason Bonham, son of the late Led Zepplin drummer, John Bonham, honors his father's life 30 years after he passed away with Jason Bonham's Led Zeppelin Experience. He will do 30 dates, and Portland, Oregon is on the list of cities for the tour. He has also been busy with a new "supergroup" project, Black Country Communion with Joe Bonamassa, Glenn Hughes, Derek Sherinian and produced by Kevin Shirley. Their album will be released on September 21st, and they have plans for another album, plus a tour coming in 2011. So, Jason's going to be a very busy man in the years to come.

I was lucky enough to get an interview with Steve Gorman, who started with the Black Crowes since their inception through 2001, then took a break to play with other projects, and then came back to the band in 2005. We talked about music, Crowes, Warren Zevon, and sports. Enjoy,
Iris

Being a huge Sons of Champlin fan, I always love getting the chance to talk to the namesake of the band. Bill Champlin is funny, cool, and one of my favorite musicians ever. With the Sons coming to the Aladdin again, he also has a true SON of Champlin in the band now, and wait until you hear him talk about his son, Will. His wife, Tamara, is also in the band, and when these three sing together, angels will be weeping from heaven because it's so good! Enjoy the chat. Oh, and go to the show!!!

Peter Frampton, Grammy winning rocker, and the heart throb of several decades for me, has a wonderful new album taking a look at how life has been with us Baby Boomers. The title track gives a nod to the historical and larger than life Winston Churchill. The CD also pays homage to Motown, and his son, Julian plays on the CD as well. He's a delightful interview, and such an interesting man. Thank you Mr. Frampton!! -Iris

George talks about how to stay healthy in this business, Mother's Day, The Roseland Theater's pole, and wonders why Martin Scorsese hasn't called.

The premiere voice of metal, Rob Halford of Judas Priest, has released an album with his band Halford called "Winter Songs." Not only does this album treat the songs with genuine respect and joy, but also with what we expect from this King of Metal! This is a must have Christmas album for rockers! Rob also talks about Priest, the British Steel Anniversary tour, Nostradamus, and coming back to Portland. He is one of the kindest people you will ever meet, which seems in direct contrast to his on stage persona. Merry Christmas from Halford!

Kansas released a DVD/CD set called "There's No Place Like Home" on October 13th, 2009. Recorded in Topeka in honor of their 35th Anniversary along with The Washburn University Symphony, it's a loving record of Kansas live. Rich Williams talks to Iris about how the concert came together, how it differs from their tour which was recently in Tacoma, how they decided on the songs, and why you probably will not be hearing any brand new songs from the band in the near future. They would however like to do more shows with local symphony orchestras in the tours to come.