Wachtelligence

Season 3, Episode 11. A conversation with our host. AJ Wachtel has probably seen more club shows in Boston bars than anyone. As the head writer for BEAT Magazine, and holding ground at Bunrattys, he was out 7 days a week, seeing at least 4 bands a night. He has interviewed the greatest of the greats in the world of music. When the local press needs a comment of a recently passed artist or a remembrance of a local event, AJ gets the call. For this unique episode we have adjusted his microphone from host to guest, as our producer David Schwartz interviews this legendary journalist. From Chuck Berry to every local Boston Band you can think of, he has met them, chugged a beer, smoked his chillum and let them know he was there to support them in the press. This is an interesting episode from a man who has had a front row seat to some of the most infamous nights in Boston Rock history and as he says, "For many, many moons."

Season 3, Episode 9. AJ chats with Billy Bud. As the Production Manager of the historic Paradise Rock Club in Boston, Billy has had a front row seat for some of the greatest shows ever. For over 30 years, Billy has been setting the stage for some of the most legendary national acts as well as local musicians who are living their dreams by playing on that stage. You would think this would be plenty to talk about, but before his club days, he was the tour manager for one of Boston's most important bands: The Atlantics. Lots to cover, I'll stop typing, so you can stop reading and simply enjoy the show.

Season 3, Episode 7, If the voice sounds familiar it is because you have been hearing it on the radio since the early 1970s. AJ chats with Harvey Wharfield about a career that kept him in the Boston Market for over 50 years, up and down the dial on different rock 'n roll stations. No matter where he was, he was always a strong supporter of local music and was one of the first DJs to have a radio show that only focused on local talent. This was an amazing opportunity to connect with True Royalty ~ The Commander of the Rock N Roll Air-Force, someone who truly loved and helped shape the local Boston music scene.

Season 3, Episode 5, AJ chats with "Cowboy" Mach Bell. A fixture on the Boston Music Scene since the mid-70s. Initially a Glam Rocker, this lead singer/songwriter has an amazing ability to adapt to the times and the current music trends. His bands are legendary: Thundertrain, the Joe Perry Project and currently the Mach Bell Experience. As if that is not enough he teached music for local home-schooled students, is the author of 3 books of his career and was recently inducted into the New England Music Hall of Fame. This episode is simply when 2 old friends get together and chat, lets listen in … This episode is dedicated to the memory of Daniel Hargrove, a bass player who played with Mach in many bands and passed away the week after we recorded this.

Season 3, Episode 3, AJ chats with Rick Berlin. A fixture on the Boston music scene since the mid-70s, this Iowa born piano playing songwriter established himself for his visionary writing of theatrical rock n roll songs. With their exposure on WBCN, Orchestra Luna captured a national audience, recorded for a major label and opened for established bands on every major stage in Boston. Thru his solo career and many bands, including Luna, Berlin Airlift, Rick Berlin the Movie and the Shelly Winters Project, Rick has been one of the true local artists who has constantly been reinvented himself and luckily is taking all of us along for the journey.

Season 3, Episode 1, AJ chats with Ray Tabano. Growing up Ray was best friends with Steven (Tallarico) Tyler. Naturally they started a band with Tyler on drums, and Ray on bass. Eventually he switched to guitar and was a founding member of The Bad Boys of Boston: Aerosmith. When Brad Whitford took over on guitar, he became their Marketing Manager, from designing their logo, to running their fan club, writing their newsletter and overseeing all merchandise sales, he helped get the word out about this legendary band. But why am I telling you this, check out the episode and let Ray tell you how it went down. Enjoy.

Season 2, Episode 16, AJ chats with guitarist Cliff Goodwin. From Worcester, Massachusetts, Cliff was one of the first members of the Jon Butcher Axis, before making his name as being Joe Cocker's Musical Director and Band Leader for over 12 years. An absolute musical experience, taking him around the world and on to some of the biggest stages with an iconic Musical Legend. As a session musician some of his studio work includes Robert Palmer's biggest hit, "Bad Case of Loving You". A true music legend right here from Wormtown. Enjoy the chat.

S2, Episode 14: David Hull Is Never Dull Season 2, Episode 14, AJ chats with David Hull. Living in Connecticut in 1970, as a teenager in high school, David is chosen by Buddy Miles to be the bass player in the Buddy Miles Band and had a front row seat to the legend that was Jimi Hendrix. Opening shows for Jimi and even being in the house band at his memorial service, this is the stuff legends are made of. But the story does not stop there, he has also played with Aerosmith, Ted Nugent, Joe Cocker, Dirty Angels, Joe Perry Project and Farrenheit. As well as his current solo career he is also the bass player for the James Montgomery Band. Lots to cover, so hit play and enjoy the chat.

Season 2, Episode 12, AJ chats with Sal Baglio. From East Boston comes a legend, the lead singer, songwriter and guitarist of The Stompers has been performing in Boston clubs since the late 70s. Their shows during the 80s and 90s were always a packed house, with an audience who knew the words to every song. They got national attention thru MTV videos and touring with some of the top grossing acts of the time. This is a great opportunity to catch up with someone who was vital in creating the Boston music scene.

Season 2, Episode 10, AJ has a Fab conversation with Charles Rosenay. Living in New Haven, CT, like most of the nation he immediately fell in love with The Beatles, watching the Ed Sullivan show in 1964. So much that for over 50 years, he has been been involved with Beatles conventions, concerts, for 25 years he published the ultimate Beatles Fanzine "Good Day Sunshine" and currently (since 1983) he has been organizing Beatle Tours to Liverpool. His passions also involve Horror Movies and Paranormal Investigations, which of course, they cover. This episode is "guaranteed to raise a smile".

Season 2, Episode 8, AJ talks to Bob Margolin. When you think of classic blues guitarists, Brookline, Massachusetts very rarely enters the conversation. But todays guest was born there and then made a name for himself in the world of the Blues, playing guitar for the legendary Muddy Waters from 1973 to 1980. "Steady Rollin" Bob Margolin is a walking blues historian so when you get him in a room with our host, it is essentially a blues lesson for all. You will hear the tales of the road from a true blue aficionado. Pinetop Perkins, Johnny Winter, Chuck Berry, Bob Corritore, Jimmy Vivino and even The Band's The Last Waltz are some of the topics. Sit back, pour a pint and listen to an amazing conversation of a true road warrior, who we are proud to claim as a Bostonian.

Season 2, Episode 6, AJ talks to Tom Hambridge., multi-Grammy award winner. Although he grew up in Buffalo, he really made his name in Boston after he graduated Berklee in the early 80s. He started out drumming and singing lead for guitar legend Roy Buchanan, created his own band: T.H. and the Wreckage and also quickly became the "must have" drummer when any legend needed a back up band. Since then he has become the "must have" songwriter and producer for such artists as: George Thorogood, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Delbert McClinton, Meat Loaf, ZZ Top and many others. He has even won or been nominated for Grammys for his work with: "Kingfish", Kenny Neal, Buddy Guy, James Cotton, Johnny Winter and Susan Tedeschi. He is currently on tour as the drummer in blues legend Buddy Guy's band as well as the opening act. To say I am exhausted just typing that is an understatement, but somehow AJ covers all this and more. A must listen with an extraordinary talented musician.

Season 2, Episode 4, AJ talks to Boston's Queen of Rock: Robin Lane. A vital part of Boston Rock history, Robin Lane and the Chartbusters led the charge of Boston bands in the 80's with singles on the charts and videos on MTV. Fronting that band was the first women to really make a mark on the scene, Robin Lane. Sure AJ talks about that, but also her time before that as a back-up singer with Neil Young, living in LA and meeting the infamous "Family", married to Andy Summers, growing up around Dean Martin and that is only the first 5 minutes. When we get to her current, amazing charity work with Songbird Sings, you will realize you are truly in the company of someone really special.