Audio Vault

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

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!!!

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.

Tommy cut his teeth rockin' the local Portland bar scene when we first met and he was just out of high school. From local bands, to the nationally known Black 'n Blue, and now a member of KISS, he is one of the nicest and coolest guys on the planet. Tommy talks about the KISS Alive 35 Tour coming to Portland on November 17th, the new album "Sonic Boom," his rock history, joining KISS, Gene Simmons, and giving back to the community he's from.

The founder of The Sons of Champlin and member of Chicago for 28 years goes it alone on his new CD "No Place Left to Fall" and a tour to back it up. He'll be in Portland at Jimmy Mak's on November 19th for 2 shows. He talks about making the album, leaving Chicago, moving back to Southern California, the solo tour, and even gives fans of The Sons hope about future projects. No matter what Bill does, I'll be there to support it!

I'm still in awe after talking with Dr. Angelou. She's wise, warm, funny, and I'm absolutely blessed that I had this opportunity to chat with her about her book "Letter to my Daughter." The mother of only one child, a son, she writes this for all the women of the world. Also being a mother of only one son, I think it's a book that men will benefit from as well. I've read it. It's very truthful, and sometimes takes your breath away with how frank it really is. She's walked an incredible journey, and at age 81, she still laughs at life's little hardships that teach us about ourselves.