Audio Vault

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

Gloria Interviews Joe Elliott 3/9/2011

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!

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.

The label "supergroup" has been given to several bands of the past...Blind Faith, Derek and the Dominos, and The Traveling Wilburys all come to mind. They were made up of musicians who had achieved great fame prior to coming togther for a completely new project. This is true of the members of Black Country Communion. I was the last interview of the morning, and the gentlemen were probably on their last nerve having to talk to radio geeks for a couple of hours straight.

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

Gloria Johnson and Brian May of Queen catch up about his recent projects.

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!!!

Gloria Johnson chats with Joe Elliott of Def Leppard in July of 2010 to hear about his latest projects.

Jeff Mitchell interviews Burton Cummings from the band, The Guess Who.

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.