The Talk Music Podcast

Hi everyone, and welcome to another episode of THE TALK MUSIC PODCAST!I recently caught an incredible show featuring Canadian arena rock legends Triumph and April Wine—and I’m still buzzing from it. So I’m especially excited to welcome my guest: guitarist extraordinaire BRIAN GREENWAY who’s been a driving force behind April Wine’s sound since 1977! When you talk about Canadian rock royalty, April Wine is always in the mix. With 16 studio albums, multiple Gold and Platinum records in Canada and the U.S., and a catalogue stacked with radio staples, their legacy is undeniable. From anthems like "Roller" and "I Like to Rock," to hits like "Just Between You and Me," "Sign of the Gypsy Queen," and "You Could Have Been a Lady," their music helped define a generation of rock fans. Add in 20+ Top 40 singles in Canada—including six Top 10 hits—and their 2010 induction into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame, and you’ve got a band whose impact still resonates today.In this episode, Brian and I dive into his early days, how he joined April Wine, and some great behind-the-scenes studio stories—including insights on Roller, Say Hello, and their take on 21st Century Schizoid Man by King Crimson. We also talk about life on the road, sharing stages with Rush and Styx, and even opening for The Rolling Stones.It’s a fun, wide-ranging conversation with one of Canadian rock’s true lifers! Enjoy!  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hi and welcome to another episode of The Talk Music Podcast!What does it take to build a global rock career—from underground scenes to arena stages? This episode dives deep with WALLY VAN MIDDENDORP a powerhouse music executive whose fingerprints are all over the international rock and alternative landscape. Now based in London and working with In De Goot Management as Senior Vice President, International, with a roster that includes Shinedown, Halestorm, Black Stone Cherry, GWAR, and Canadians Theory of a Deadman, Wally shares insight into international strategy, bridging U.S. and European operations and the growing success of artists selling merch and physical goods.But his story goes far beyond management. Wally has held top roles across the industry—from SVP International at Roadrunner Records working closely with founder Cees Wessels to General Manager of Sony Music Netherlands, as well as GM of the prestigious PIAS label AKA Play It Again Sam in the Benelux where we actually met when I signed Voivod to the label for European distribution. Our chat includes his early beginnings—when, in his teenage years, he was president of the David Bowie fan club—and his time as an artist himself, fronting the pioneering Dutch post-punk band MINNY POPS who opened for Slash and Joy Division. We also touch on his time spent with Lars Ulrich and working with acts such as Ricky Martin, Julio Iglesias, Mötley Crüe, Alterbridge and many others.From leading European operations to shaping global marketing strategies, his career is a masterclass in how music moves across borders and audiences. If you’re a fan of great music stories, this episode is packed with them.Enjoy! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hi everyone, and welcome to another episode of The Talk Music Podcast!In this episode, my guest is founding member MATTHEW GILSENAN as we take a deep dive into one of Ireland’s most remarkable musical exports — The CELTIC TENORS. For over 25 years, The CELTIC TENORS have been blending classical technique, Celtic tradition and contemporary repertoire, appealing to audiences far beyond the traditional classical world. With more than one million albums sold worldwide and chart success across Ireland, the UK, Germany, North America, and Australia, their journey began with a multi-album deal with EMI Classics, and a debut release that became a bona fide international hit.Along the way, they’ve earned prestigious honours including Germany’s Echo Award, performed in renowned concert halls and festivals around the globe, and sung for world leaders and international audiences alike.Now, for the first time ever, they’re releasing a live album, recorded at the EMPIRE theatre in Belleville and currently being broadcast on the PBS network. Capturing the emotion, humour, and musical connection fans have cherished for decades, the album features traditional Irish favourites alongside classical and crossover covers — including “Perfect Symphony,” their take on Perfect by Ed Sheeran. Currently on tour — with Ontario dates coming up and a return this November and December — I absolutely loved chatting with Matthew about the band’s beginnings, how their unique sound evolved, and what it takes to sustain a career at this level for over two decades. ENJOY!  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on The Talk Music Podcast, my guest is the enchanting CANDICE NIGHT— the radiant voice and creative force behind Blackmore’s Night, the internationally beloved Renaissance-folk-rock project she co-founded with her husband, legendary guitarist Ritchie Blackmore (yes — that Ritchie Blackmore, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame icon who when with Deep Purple wrote one of the most famous guitar riffs in history: “Smoke on the Water”).For more than two decades, Candice has helped shape the band’s unmistakable sound — a mesmerizing blend of medieval melodies, acoustic charm, and mystical storytelling. Her crystalline vocals and poetic lyricism are at the heart of Blackmore’s Night. But Candice’s artistry extends far beyond the band as she’s also stepped into her own creative spotlight with a solo career. Her most recent album, Sea Glass, is a deeply personal and beautifully textured work featuring introspective, uplifting and cinematic songs proving she’s a remarkable artist in her own right.In this episode, we dive into her creative world and how she brings ancient stories to life and we explore the many inspirations that shaped Sea Glass. We also go deep on how she met Ritchie when he was in Deep Purple and became a co-writer and part of his band Rainbow before the evolution of Blackmore’s Night’s signature sound.This is Candice Night fully expressive, sharing the stories behind the songs of Blackmore’s Night and her wonderful solo career - music that continues to captivate fans around the world. Enjoy!  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hi everyone!My Talk Music guest this week is LILY SAZZ— singer-songwriter, bandleader, and now producer of her first solo album! Her brand new record, WHAT JUST HAPPENED, has just been released, and it’s an absolute must-listen! The album features deeply personal songwriting sprinkled with refreshing humour and showcases fantastic performances from a star-studded lineup of special guests — Colin Linden, Suzie Vinnick, Harry Manx, Steve Marriner, Darcy Hepner, Mike Branton, Trombone Charlotte, Boreal, and many more.Our chat, recorded on my back porch (with a little wine involved), was indeed a fun one! We talked about Lily’s early years growing up in a farming community in the Niagara region, and how she made an abrupt life change to study classical music, majoring in piano and harpsichord. She got sidetracked during a chance encounter with a rockin’ blues band, and that experience ultimately set her course in the music lane that she’s been thriving in ever since.Lily spent ten years as musical director of the Toronto Women’s Blues Revue Band, performing annually at Massey Hall, backing up a wide array of powerful singers — everyone from Lee Aaron, Sass Jordan, Carole Pope, Jackie Richardson, Serena Ryder and Molly Johnson. She also toured with Canada’s Queen of the Blues, Rita Chiarelli. Lily co-founded and led several acclaimed bands, including Trailblazers, Groove Corporation and the Maple Blues Award–nominated Cootes Paradise.Her debut solo album What Just Happened is available now on Bandcamp and all major streaming platforms.And in some exciting recent news — Lily has teamed up with one of my favourite singer-songwriters, ROB LAMOTHE, for some upcoming shows together. Check out her website for further details.Enjoy the episode! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hi everybody, I’m incredibly delighted to welcome STEVE HACKETT as my guest for this episode of The Talk Music Podcast.Steve is one of the most innovative and influential guitarists to emerge from the progressive rock movement. Born in 1950, he spent a year in Vancouver at the age of seven before growing up in the UK, eventually rising to prominence as a member of GENESIS, which he joined in 1971. His debut with the band came on Nursery Cryme, where his distinctive, textured playing helped shape Genesis' unique sound during their most acclaimed era. Hackett was central to the creation of progressive rock landmarks such as Foxtrot, Selling England by the Pound, and the ambitious double album The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway. After contributing to Wind & Wuthering in 1977, Hackett left the group, eager to explore his own creative path. He was later inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2010 as a member of Genesis.Even before leaving the band, Hackett had begun forging a solo career, releasing his debut album Voyage of the Acolyte in 1975. Over the following decades, he built an extraordinary body of work, from Spectral Mornings to the darker tones of Guitar Noir, as well as forays into classical guitar with albums like Momentum. In the 2010s, he revisited his Genesis years with the Genesis Revisited projects, reintroducing the band’s 1970s masterpieces to a new generation of listeners. In total, Steve has released over 30 solo albums, the most recent being the brilliant The Circus and the Nightwhale.Steve Hackett has secured his place as one of the greats of modern guitar, never ceasing to push boundaries. It was truly an honour for me to chat with him. Genesis was one of the main reasons I entered the world of music, and I had the privilege of seeing them perform numerous times. Our conversation covers his time with Genesis, his reasons for leaving to go solo, info about his amazing fellow musicians joining him on tour and his continued passion for songwriting and performing around the world—including some upcoming Canadian dates. His current tour is titled Steve Hackett – Genesis Greats, Lamb Highlights & Solo.Enjoy the episode! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hi everyone!My fascinating guest this week is Michael Bishop, a.k.a. Blöthar the Berserker from the legendary band GWAR! Formed in Richmond, Virginia in 1984, GWAR is known for outrageous sci-fi/horror costumes, over-the-top theatrical shows, and a wild intergalactic warrior backstory.They’re infamous for spraying audiences with fake blood, elaborate props, and comedic skits—blending metal music, B-movie aesthetics, and sharp social satire. Despite lineup changes, GWAR has thrived for decades, crafting DIY costumes and sets, lampooning politics, religion, and pop culture, and building a HUGE global cult following.Why so successful? They turned a niche concept into a full entertainment universe—music, theater, and parody like no other. Over their career, they’ve released 15 studio albums (including the new The Return of Gor Gor, with an accompanying comic), earned two Grammy nominations, and just recently even launched their own Mischief Toys line.Back in the '90s, GWAR also scored some unexpected pop-culture glory thanks to Beavis and Butt-Head. The cartoon’s dim-witted metalhead duo were huge “fans,” often watching GWAR videos, headbanging furiously, and declaring them the GREATEST band in the universe. Their fan base is as eclectic as their shows—rock icons like Dave Grohl, satirist Weird Al, TV host Jon Stewart, and metal contemporaries like Randy Blythe of Lamb of God.In our conversation, we dive into GWAR’s history and origins, the tragic loss of founder Dave Brockie to a heroin overdose, their THIS IS GWAR documentary, and what you can expect from their current tour. Enjoy! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hi everybody,I’m thrilled to announce my guest this week is pianist, composer, arranger, and producer-extraordinaire BILL KING, whose recording and production credits include hundreds of releases across his five-decade career.Bill is a three-time JUNO nominee, and the list of artists he’s worked with is remarkable: Janis Joplin (as Music Director and keyboardist), Chaka Khan, Linda Ronstadt, Martha Reeves, The Pointer Sisters, Oscar Peterson, Sophie Milman, Pat LaBarbera, Ronnie Hawkins and many more. He has been instrumental in shaping Canada’s jazz scene through work with his label Night Passage Records, founding and editing The Jazz Report Magazine, hosting nationally syndicated jazz radio programs, and creating the National Jazz Awards to recognize Canadian talent.Beyond music, Bill is also a celebrated photographer and author, known for capturing iconic images of musicians and urban life. His books, Coming Through the 60s – An American Rock ‘n’ Road Story, Rolling Through the ’70s: Weed, Woman and Song, Rhythms of a Lifetime and The Night and the Music, showcase both his visual artistry and storytelling skills. In 1988, Bill became the founding Artistic Director of the Beaches International Jazz Festival in Toronto, helping to grow it into a major annual music event over his 30-year tenure.Today, Bill continues to contribute to the arts in many ways by booking shows at the intimate Redwood Theatre, teaching at the Harris Institute, writing for Billboard Magazine and co-hosting a Saturday morning radio show on Toronto’s CIUT with his son Jessie. He’s also about to release new music from his upcoming album, Mint Julep – from his Jazz Room Sessions.I absolutely loved this chat as we dove deep into the magic of songwriting, his early beginnings in Jeffersonville, Indiana and his big bold leap from New York to Toronto in 1969. We also shared some laughs reminiscing about our time working together with the fabulous all-girl group Real Divas on their superb album Cafe Society —Bill produced it, and yours truly was their booking agent. Enjoy! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hi everybody, I’m thrilled to have as my guest this week singer-songwriter JULIAN TAYLOR. For over 25 years, Julian has been steadily building a strong reputation with his roots-driven sound, earning a devoted following and a catalogue of critically-acclaimed albums along the way.Back in 1996, he co-founded the rock band Staggered Crossing, and by 2001 (with the help of publisher Frank Davies) signed to Warner Music, scoring a Top 10 Canadian rock hit with “Further Again.” After the band went independent, Julian launched his own label, releasing standout records like Tech Noir, Desert Star, and Zero to Eleven.In recent years, it’s been his solo work that’s really put him on the map internationally. Albums like The Ridge, Beyond the Reservoir, and his latest, PATHWAYS—co-produced by COLIN LINDEN and featuring ALLISON RUSSELL on the title track—have brought a wave of well-earned recognition. Multiple JUNO nominations and glowing reviews from well beyond Canada have followed, firmly placing Julian among the rising stars of the contemporary folk scene. Most recently, Julian recorded and released a soulful version of the classic cover song “Tulsa Time” with longtime friend JIM CUDDY and he also took part in the Robbie Robertson tribute in LA. Beyond the music, Julian also hosts the syndicated radio show Julian Taylor’s Jukebox and is deeply engaged in educational and cultural outreach, particularly around Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation efforts.This conversation took place just after I’d seen him deliver a stunning show in a church setting and just before he hit the road for a U.S. tour with MATT ANDERSON.Besides song clips from some of his albums, I also feature Julian’s brand new single "Dedication”. Enjoy! Coming Next: JOHN CORABI from the Dead Daisies and former singer of Motley Crue!  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hi everyone!I’m really thrilled to announce that my guest this week is Gavin Rossdale from BUSH!With over a billion streams, 20 million albums sold, and continued sold-out shows around the world in iconic venues and massive arenas, BUSH has truly earned their place in rock history. Since their explosive debut back in 1994 with Sixteen Stone—which sold six million copies and gave us iconic pop classics like “Comedown,” “Machinehead,” and “Glycerine”—they’ve been unstoppable. Their follow-up, Razorblade Suitcase, produced by Steve Albini, hit #1 on the Billboard charts and went triple platinum, with the single “Swallowed” topping the charts too. Over the years, BUSH has racked up an incredible 23 consecutive Top 40 hits on the Modern and Mainstream Rock charts—six of which hit #1!We kick things off chatting about what fans can expect from BUSH’s current tour across Canada, the US, and Europe—and having just seen them live, I can vouch the show is packed with wall-to-wall hits and stage energy that’s off the charts! From there, Gavin shares his love for life on the road and what it means to still have such a powerful connection with fans after all these years.We then dive into BUSH’s upcoming album, I Beat Loneliness, which explores themes of mental health and personal growth—something Gavin talks about with real honesty and insight. We shift gears to talk about the current rock scene, his passion for tennis, and how his brand new cooking show, Dinner with Gavin, came together.Enjoy as I also feature the current single “60 Ways to Forget People” along with clips from some earlier albums. UP NEXT -Ian Thomas! He’s a Juno Award-winning singer, songwriter, film composer, author, and actor. I dive into his incredible career, starting with his 1973 debut album Ian Thomas, which gave us the classic hit Painted Ladies. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hi everybody, This Talk Music episode is a VERY special one for me personally. I am a Massive Pat Metheny fan, and vocalist extraordinaire DAVID BLAMIRES who sang and performed with Pat from 1986-1997 is my guest. David, for his vocal chops, took home 2 GRAMMY Awards for the albums Still Life (Talking) (in my top 5 desert albums of all time) and also We Live here. He also performed and sang on the Grammy award-winning album Imaginary Day. Our conversation took place about a month ago, shortly after David returned from one of his frequent tours in Italy, where he performs regularly with outstanding musicians, including jazz guitarist Antonio Onorato. A few days later, I had the wonderful opportunity to see David live with the superb rock-symphonic group Jeans ’n Classics. As a featured vocalist, he delivers powerful performances of classic material by The Who, Led Zeppelin, Fleetwood Mac, The Beatles, and more—accompanied by local orchestras across North America.David has enjoyed an incredible career doing what he loves—singing and performing. I loved diving into his early musical roots in Toronto, where his remarkable 3.5-octave vocal range and expressive style led to significant success in the jingle studio scene. Our chat then takes us through a pivotal moment in his journey: being invited to join Pat Metheny’s band after being recommended by David’s friends Canadian master luthier Linda Manzer and singer-songwriter Johnny Rutledge. This amazing opportunity led to his involvement in 3 great studio albums and extensive touring across the globe, with David eventually relocating to the burgeoning studio jingle scene in Chicago. David has continued to develop his artistry over the years, releasing a range of solo projects and collaborating with talents like Emilie-Claire Barlow, among others. Be sure to check out his latest release, MELT INTO ME. I really enjoyed this engaging chat with David and can’t wait to see him sing again! Enjoy the episode! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

My guest this week is guitarist/songwriter RIK EMMETT! After a dozen PLATINUM albums from ‘75 to ‘88 with TRIUMPH (who celebrated their legacy and rise to stardom with the documentary “Rock and Roll Machine”), Rik has now released 25 more solo projects. Six decades in the biz have landed him in five halls, including the Canadian Music Hall of Fame, along with a few Best Guitarist awards. Rik has also released a poetry collection titled REINVENTION and a memoir, LAY IT ON THE LINE. His latest work is a collection of instrumental pieces called TEN TELECASTER TALES, and it’s accompanied by a book with detailed liner notes and personal stories. This super entertaining chat was done in person at Rik's beautiful home in his cozy studio. We chatted so long I've decided to release our conversation in two parts.In this Part 1, we dive deep into Rik's solo career after leaving Triumph. We chat about the creative process, his roots, influences, philosophy, and spirituality involved in writing and recording. Additional stories, career highlights, jams with George Benson and Alex Lifeson and a Juno-nominated album with Pavlo make part 1 a MUST listen! Stay tuned for Part 2 for a deep dive into Rik Emmett's ENTIRE Triumph career!  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hi everybody, my truly special Talk Music guest for this episode is ESTONIAN PIANIST KRISTJAN RANDALU, who exists among the most sought-after piano players of his generation, carrying the torch in both the improvised world of jazz and the traditional realm of classical music. Between creating his own original blend of contemporary jazz as a leader and collaborating with several generations of respected musicians, Randalu has brought his music to some of the world’s most renowned jazz festivals and concert halls. The prestigious magazine Jazz Times describes Kristjan’s playing as an “open invitation to an unnameable exotic land." At the same time, he is viewed as an esteemed interpreter of a broad spectrum of contemporary and classical music, performing alongside internationally acclaimed orchestras and conductors. We chat about how Kristjan was born in Estonia's capital Tallinn and how his family escaped Communist rule by relocating to Germany where he graduated from the Stuttgart Music University. Kristjan then went on to study at The Royal Academy of Music in London, followed by the Manhattan School of Music where he attained an additional master´s degree. We also delve into some of his most recent recordings including Sisu (awarded Jazz Album of the Year at the 2023 Estonian Music Awards) and Schumann’s Dichterliebe (Berlin Classics, 2024) whereby Randalu has not only deepened his musical ties to the classical world, but presented a truly original recasting of one of the Romantic repertoire’s cornerstones. We discuss his recordings with saxophonist Dave Liebman (Mussorgsky Pictures Revisited), Bodek Janke (Double Standard) and his album “Absence,” produced by Legendary owner of the ECM label, Manfred Eicher. Coming soon, his collaboration with Martin Kuuskmann (Schubert Voyage, release in March 2025 on Berlin Classics). Kristjan's list of musical partners include: Eivind Aarset, Mark Guiliana, Dieter llg, Marilyn Mazur, Nils Petter Molvaer, Claudio Puntin, Nguyen Le, Trygve Seim, Mathias Eick, Petros Klampanis, Dhafer Youssef, the Stuttgart Chamber Orchestra, the New Chamber Orchestra of Berlin, the Tallinn Chamber Orchestra, the London Symphony, Dennis Russell Davies, Paavo Järvi, Kristjan Järvi and Maria Schneider.With a discography of over 50 albums under his belt (including a Grammy-nominated recording) and numerous awards to his name (including “Jazz Artist of the Year” and “Jazz Composer of the year” in Estonia), Randalu’s prolific body of work continues to grow in breadth and quality. His unique voice is becoming internationally more and more important. This was for me a most interesting deep dive into an amazing musician and fellow Estonian! Whenever I can attend a performance you will always find me in the front row! Enjoy!  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.