Acoustic Alternatives (John Bommarito)

West Michigan based singer/songwriter Kyle Rasche stopped by Acoustic Alternatives to chat about his new record Catch and play a couple of award winning songs.

Back in 2016 I discovered a young singer by the name of Katie Pederson. By 2018 I was pretty invested in singing her praises while she continued to put out great music on albums like The Landing and Limitless. On our last visit in a studio together on the Acoustic Alternatives podcast, you may have learned more about her. This time I was very happy to welcome her new project with her friends Jilian Linklater (who I had also first heard in 2016) and Grace Theisen. I got to see one of their first shows awhile ago and I knew immediately I wanted to find a way to get the trio on the podcast so you could be introduced to them too.

Turns out, this is their first interview as a group.

Songs include:

"The Rebel Eves"

"Long Gone Don Juan"

"American Dream"

"Trying To Find Healing"

Songs written by Katie Pederson, Jillian Linklater, Grace Theisen.

Learn more about the trio at:

https://www.therebeleves.com/

Thanks to Grove Studios!

https://grovestudios.space/

Support me and find out more here:

https://johnmbommarito.wixsite.com/johnbommarito/acoustic-alternatives

Multiple Detroit Music Award winner Jill Jack joins John Bommarito for an interview and performance.

Detroit area singer Tom Butwin chats with and performs for John Bommarito's Acoustic Alternatives

Goldpine is a Nashville based duo who I first heard this year at a festival. It was a cold day in June, but they performed their hearts out.

Once you hear Kassie's voice, you'll instantly hear what brings me in. It's hers, but it's familiar. The songs are strong and the stories are really good.

She and Ben have been married 14 years and live a good part of the year in their home on wheels. Like all good bands, they have a back story that's important to understanding their present. You might even hear some crying.

Songs (written by Benjamin and Kassie Wilson):

Do You Have Me?

Thinking About Love

The Human Invasion

Find out more about them at https://goldpinemusic.com/home

Support me on Patreon and learn about the other things I do on MY WEBSITE

Recorded at Grove Studios

Alison Albrecht from the Ann Arbor, MI music scene joins John Bommarito for performance and chat.

Former Ann Arbor now Nashville based singer songwriter Katie Pederson talks and sings for you and John Bommarito

Jesse Terry joins John Bommarito for a chat at Grove Studios in Ypsilanti, MI and talks about his career. Jesse also plays four original songs from throughout his career.

My guest this time is Nashville based singer songwriter Steve Everett. Steve plays tracks from his excellent album Little WIns and chats about his life. Brought to you by Zingerman's Greyline https://www.zingermansgreyline.com/

Musical duo The Rough & Tumble sing songs, share stories and laugh with John Bommarito on Acoustic Alternatives

Sam Robbins grew up in New Hampshire, but, like many aspiring musicians, calls Nashville home these days. Influenced by the likes of James Taylor, Jackson Browne and Neil Young, Sam writes thought provoking lyrics with very skilled guitar playing. Not bad for a former drummer.

You can learn more about Sam including his brief experiences with The Voice and American Idol by listening to this chat. The song that first caught my attention when I saw him in concert the first time is the one he plays first. I hope you'll stay for the entire chat.

All songs written by Sam Robbins

Hard To Hate

Reverence

Bigger than In Between

Saying Amen

More about Sam:

https://samrobbinsmusic.com/

Recorded at Grove Studios in Ypsilanti, MI

https://grovestudios.space/

Sponsorships available. Contact me at

https://johnmbommarito.wixsite.com/johnbommarito

Mike Ward is the Detroit based singer songwriter who differentiates himself from the other musically inclined Mike Ward's of the world by modifying his hockey nickname "psycho ward" into Mike Ward Psychosongs.

Since retiring from the advertising world, he has concentrated heavily on his love of singing and songwriting. With four albums, a single and and EP in five short years, this Detroit Music Award nominee has established himself firmly in the Michigan music scene and he's coming for the rest of the Midwest. Find out more about Mike by enjoying this podcast.

All songs by Mike Ward:

The Currency Of Forgiveness

I Follow

Broken

Compact Life

https://www.psychosongs.com/

Recorded at Grove Studios April 24, 2023

https://grovestudios.space/

This episode of Acoustic Alternatives features the "distance band" Frances Luke Accord. Though when they formed they both lived in Indiana, the currently live in different states. The harmonies are as beautiful as a Simon and Garfunkel record and the songwriting of Nicholas Gunty and Brian Powers matches that beauty.

Learn more about this duo and hear songs from their latest album Safe In Sound.

All songs written by:

Nicholas Gunty and Brian Powers

"Thank You, Derrick Watson"

"This Morning/All The Things"

"In My Life"

Special thanks to Chris DuPont for engineering and mixing the session.

Recorded at Grove Studios in Ypsilanti, MI

https://grovestudios.space/

More about Frances Luke Accord

https://www.franceslukeaccord.com/

More about Acoustic Alternatives

https://johnmbommarito.wixsite.com/johnbommarito/acoustic-alternatives

Contact me for Sponsorship opportunities

The duo King Margo stop by Acoustic Alternatives to play songs from their forthcoming album. Special guest Hollier joins in the fun.

Following a performance from outside of Grove Studios in Ypsilant, Jackamo joins John Bommarito for a chat

Two of my favorite people, singers and musicians combine for one session featuring two songs by both artists. Return visitors to the podcast, Chris DuPont and Kylee Phillips recorded in the home of Chris DuPont to talk about the collaborations and show sharing they've been doing lately.

Songs by Chris DuPont:

Setting Fires

Fragile Things

written by Chris DuPont

Songs by Kylee Phillips

Somedays

Float

Written by Kylee Phillips

A extraordinary duo from the south comes north for the Acoustic Alternatives Podcast to preview songs from their forthcoming album and talk about their lives and career.

Pete and Crystal Demore are Ordinary Elephant. Crowded around two condenser microphones at 9 p.m. at night is nothing new from this duo. It was a great experience for me and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

All songs written by Ordinary Elephant

I Come From

Relic of the Rain

Scars We Keep

Once Upon A Time

Find Ordinary Elephant HERE or their PATREON

I am also on Patreon. I could use your support.

Recorded on Sep 6, 2023 at in Ypsilanti, MI

Boston based singer songwriter and all around great guy Chris Trapper is my guest on Acoustic Alternatives .

This episode of Acoustic Alternatives from Grove Studios is brought to you by Zingerman's Greyline, A great space you can trust:

https://www.zingermansgreyline.com/

All songs written by Chris Trapper

Sponsorship information available by visiting

wwww.johnbommarito.com

He's got a more impressive resume than just being the lead singer of The Verve Pipe. One of my favorite songwriters is my guest on this Acoustic Alternatives episode.

Heywood Banks - Musician - Poet - Comedian - Cult Icon - just as it says on his web site.

A performing musician (under his birth name Stuart Mitchell) since the 70's. A comedian since the 80's and a cult icon since he added a toaster to his act, Heywood has been making us laugh with good, clean comedy songs for a long time.

A staple on the syndicated Bob & Tom radio show and a regular on morning shows (especially in the Metro Detroit area), it is my pleasure to welcome Heywood to the Grove Studios podcast studio to talk about his newest collection of songs "New Holiday Standards." If you are worried about hearing the same Christmas songs you've heard thousands of times, there is nothing to worry about here. These aren't those songs. If you need a good laugh while learning the back story of a comedian who has been covered on American Idol (seriously) and had one of his Christmas songs recorded by a Billboard Magazine topping Christian artist (again, seriously), this is the podcast for you.

All songs written by Heywood Banks (https://heywoodbanks.com/)

Cash Cash Cash

Scandinavian Baby

My Birthday Suit

Turkey Bird

Recorded on Dec 10, 2022 at Grove Studios (https://grovestudios.space/)

A fixture in the Michigan music scene, Adam Labeaux has been making music for over three decades. After living in Midland, MI and San Francisco, CA (to name a couple), Adam is based these days in Ann Arbor, MI and has called on other members of the Michigan music scene to help out on his fourth solo album, "Brave Face." The new album is due out June 3rd and in its fully produced form is equal parts ‘the sounds of today’ and ‘the classic sounds of the 70’s & 80’s pop.' You can get a preview of some of the songs in an acoustic setting on this episode of Acoustic Alternatives.

Songs include

"Clutch"

"Don't Listen"

"Straw Man"

All songs written by Adam Labeaux.

https://www.adamlabeaux.com/

Recorded May 15, 2023 at Grove Studios in Ypsilanti, MI

https://grovestudios.space/

Michigan's Joanna (Ransdell) Sterling is in her third incarnation as a performer. Previously using her surname as well as fronting a band called Joanna and the Jaywalkers, Sterling has arrived with her strongest work to date. A new album called Queen of Wands.

Working with Ypsilanti, MI's Chris DuPont on the recording and production side, this release is a collection of open and honest songs that are sure to grow her audience and reach. During the interview, you can hear how far away one of her songs has touched someone she's never met.

Recorded at Grove Studios in Ypsilanti, MI, songs (all written by Joanna Sterling) include:

Honesty

So Afraid

White Horse

Girl By Choice

More ways to find Joanna's music:

https://joannasterlingmusic.bandcamp.com/

More about Grove Studios:

https://grovestudios.space/

Join me on Patreon! I could use your support:

patreon.com/AcousticAlternativeswithJohnBommarito

Originally from Plymouth, MI Kylee Phillips joins John Bommarito for an interview and performance

Another emerging artist from the rich Michigan music scene is my guest on this episode of Acoustic Alternatives. 18 year old Kanin Wren has already captivated large audiences as a tribute artist. Now she's ready to start releasing more of her original music. It's good. It's really good. Meet Kanin Wren from Dewitt, MI on this episode of Acoustic Alternatives.

Songs include:

Hell or Minnesota (written by Aron Rosing)

Could've Been (written by Kanin Wren)

I Was There (cowritten by Lauren Veil and Kanin Wren)

Cry Baby (written by Kanin Wren)

Learn more about Kanin Wren.

Subscribe to all things Acoustic Alternatives (and find the Liz Longley session I mention herein).

Book Grove Studios and stop bugging your neighbors with your noise!

Chuck Brodsky is one of the best storytellers around. Though not a household name like Bob Dylan, he's every bit as good at embodying the characters in the songs he sings - and he often sings about real people. Probably best known for his two complete albums of baseball songs (and a third one on the way), Brodsky has released a new album in 2022 and, in my opinion, the most solid record of his lengthy career. We talk about life, music and baseball.

Songs heard during this podcast from Grove Studios include:

It Takes Two Wings

How I Changed His Mind

Cup of Coffee

Them and Us

https://www.chuckbrodsky.com/

https://grovestudios.space/

Recorded in part via Zoom and in part on their CD release tour, this session with The Accidentals is a long time coming.

Detroit based singer Al Bettis joins John Bommarito for a chat and performance.

Singer Songwriter Ari Hest is my guest on the Acoustic Alternatives podcast. Audio and video for this special session recorded at Grove Studios in Ypsilanti debuts at 7:00 PM tonight.

Ari is a grammy nominated singer/songwriter who began his career as an independent artist in 2001. He built a loyal following touring the college circuit extensively between 2000 and 2003, after which he released two albums on Columbia Records, Someone To Tell (2004) and The Break-In (2007) all the while touring both in the U.S. and abroad with artists such as Martin Sexton, Suzanne Vega, and Ani Difranco.

You Tube video link:

https://youtu.be/pLrHEqRrxlU

Links to many of the audio only sources where you can listen:

https://johnmbommarito.wixsite.com/.../acoustic-alternatives 

Ari Hest joins John Bommarito on Acoustic Alternatives to talk music, baseball and play some songs including:

I Remember When

Doin' The Math

Strangers Again

Private Party

All songs written by Ari Hest.

https://www.arihest.com/

The Young Fables are a duo from Nashville recommended to me by their manger. Their manager happens to be the husband of one of my favorite artists (Liz Longley), so thank you Patryk Larney!

He sent me their catalog for review and I felt like I had been missing out for years. All three records are super strong efforts. When Patryk gave me a sneak peak at a film about the writing of one of the songs included in our session, "Daddy's Girl", I knew I had to talk to them.

The audio for the songs needed help and I got it from Sean Morse from The Mission Recording Studio. That's why they sound significantly better than the rest of the session. Same recording device as the interview, just in the hands of someone who knew what to do with them.

Songs included:

Drive (L. Wright, W. Lunsford)

Daddy's Girl (L. Wright, W. Lunsford, D. Fields. P. Larney)

Just Good at Hurtin' (L. Wright, W. Lunsford)

House of the Lord (L. Wright, W. Lunsford, D. Fields. M. Smith)

Visit The Young Fables on the web

Recorded at Grove Studios:

Support me on Patreon and find out more about Acoustic Alternatives:

https://johnmbommarito.wixsite.com/johnbommarito/acoustic-alternatives

Uber talented and socially conscious singer songwriter Seth Glier joined me for an episode of Acoustic Altenratives.

Detroit based singer Syd Burnham chats with and performs for John Bommarito

Steven Page is not just another great guest to me. He sings on one of my top 15 albums of all time, Gordon. He's a multiple Juno award winner and Grammy nominee with his former band Barenaked Ladies. As part of that group he's sold over 15 million albums and singles and is in the Canadian Music Hall of Fame.

There is so much more I could have talked about with this gifted singer and songwriter. So many awesome experiences he's had that I didn't have time to ask about (opening for The Who for example), but I think if you are already a fan, you'll still learn a thing or two you didn't know. If you aren't already a fan, welcome to the club.

All songs written by Steven Page:

What a Good Boy (co written by Ed Robertson)

A New Shore (co written with Craig Northery)

The Golden Age of Doubling Down

Over Joy (co written with Stephen Duffy)

More about at this link Steven Page

More about all things Acoustic Alternatives related HERE

And it doesn't happen without Grove Studios.

Glen Phillips has had two excellent careers. One as the lead singer in one of the most successful bands of the 90's, Toad the Wet Sprocket, and one as a solo artist (who happens to have many side projects like Mutual Admiration Society, Works Progress Administration, etc.).

He's written and sang some of my all time favorites and it was my pleasure to visit with Glen and talk about his new album, "There is So Much Here"

All songs written by Glen Phillips (https://glenphillips.com/)

The Sound of Drinking

Center of the Circle

All I Want

Stone Throat

Recorded at Grove Studios

https://grovestudios.space/

Jason Singer aka Michigander stops by Acoustic Alternatives for a chat and performance with John Bommarito

My first podcast guest from "across the pond" is the 25 year old Scottish singer Iona Fyfe. Drawing from the Celtic identity of her homeland, her beautiful voice helps paint imagery in your mind's eye of far off lands. She's quite an accomplished, intelligent and talented performer who is absolutely delightful to talk to.

In 2021, she became the first singer to win the coveted title of Musician of the Year at the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards. It was an absolute pleasure to spend an hour chatting with her.

Songs include:

Bonny Udny

Scotland Yet (written by Davy Steele)

The Waters Meet

For more information and to purchase her music Visit Ionafyfe.com

More information about how to support Acoustic Alternatives via Patreon visit johnbommarito.com

Thanks as always to my partners at Grove Studios!

Extra special thanks to my first patron on Patreon, Stan Garfield and his wife Barb Hayes for opening up their home to me and Iona for not only her to perform a house concert for 50-60 people, but allowing me to use their front room to record this podcast in AFTER the show.

Olivia Dear's impressive career gets a highlight with performance and interview by John Bommarito

Recorded at Trinity House in Livonia in front of a live audience as part of a benefit for the non-commercial radio station, WHFR.FM. John chats with Jo Serrapere from Dearborn, MI about her life and career. Jo performs: Wash You Clean, Stardust and Bromide, Loneliness, Life and All with special guests.

Bradley Rhodes and Brent Shuttleworth discuss their new project Elevado in an interview and performance.

Rachael Davis, the former Michigan, now Nashville resident with an incredible voice joins John Bommarito for a chat and performance.

I'm very excited that Jonatha Brooke was able to join me on Acoustic Alternatives. Her first album came out in 1991 as part of the duo, The Story. Since then she has put out many excellent releases including one that found her collaborating with Woody Guthrie by creating songs from unused lyrics from his archives.

All songs written by Jonatha Brooke.

https://jonathabrooke.com/

Detroit area performer Trey Simon joins John Bommarito for a chat and performance

Annie Bacon is a current resident of Ann Arbor, MI, but she's lived on both side of the country before landing there.

With 3 albums, 3 EPs and a single released since 2009, Annie is ready to take big leaps forward with two new albums and a book in the works as well as a musical that she cowrote with Kyle Rasche that could make its debut on stages next year if she's lucky.

Hear her new single, a track from one of the forthcoming albums and two from her most recent album in this podcast recorded at Grove Studios.

All songs written by Annie Bacon:

When Will I Learn

Gallatin Pike

California Heat

I Wanna Die Like Lou Reed

Find Annie on line here:

https://www.anniebacon.me/home

Find out more about Acoustic Alternatives and how you can support me via Patreon:

https://johnmbommarito.wixsite.com/johnbommarito/acoustic-alternatives

Much love to my podcast home, Grove Studios:

https://grovestudios.space/

Julianne Ankley is a gem of the Michigan music scene who is more than ready for national attention. From the Port Huron area, Julianne is making some of the best modern country music these ears have heard. Myself not being a fan of modern country music, that says a lot! The voice, the songs, the stories, the charm. It's all there.

All songs written by Julianne Ankley

There's Still Time

The Gospel Truth

Why

My Heart Always Years For You

Recorded at Grove Studios (https://grovestudios.space/)

Julianne's music page: https://www.julianneankley.com/

More about Julianne's art: https://www.julianneankleyart.com/

There were problems with the audio because the SD card I recorded it to failed, so what you are hearing is the "cleaned up" audio from my iPhone. It's not ideal. If this is your first of my podcasts, don't judge it on this or Rebecca's talent. I strongly encourage you to check both of us out independently of this episode.

The conversation and performances were too good not to share.

Enjoy.

https://rebeccaloebe.com/

Harmonica legend, Grammy winner, blues, folk, world music and rock musician not to mention all around beloved member of the Ann Arbor music scene, Peter Madcat Ruth joins me to celebrate 3/4 of a century of life and a life mostly spent playing music.

His 75th birthday celebration takes place at The Ark in Ann Arbor on April 2, 2024.

Songs include

Jaw Harp Improvisation (Ruth)

Pocket Full of Soul (Ruth)

Phonograph Blues (Robert Johnson)

Walk Right In (Gus Cannon)

Visit his website: https://www.petermadcatruth.com/ to learn even more about him.

Visit my website https://johnmbommarito.wixsite.com/johnbommarito/acoustic-alternatives to find out how to support me and my other related activities.

Visit Grove Studios website to book space for your band, podcast, etc. https://grovestudios.space/

Based in Ypsilanti, MI Drew De Four has been putting out original music since 2006 and playing in clubs and piano bars for a long time too. Recently Drew decided to pursue a new adventure and try his hand at producing a movie...about a group of piano bar singers. Shot in a vacant former piano bar in Pontiac, MI the film brings to life what it's like to work in a piano bar while following the stories of several characters at the bar. Unlike at most piano bars, this one features songs entirely from Drew's back catalog. Strangely, the song all feel familiar even if you don't know them.

Get to know Drew and his back story and learn a bit more about the movie in this rather long form interview done in his home studio.

All songs written by Drew De Four.

https://www.drewdefour.com/

"Marie"

"Be Here With Me"

"I'm Not Alone"

"Gotta Get On"

"Last Call"

More about the movie Duelers:

https://www.youtube.com/@duelersfilm

Thanks to Grove Studios for their support

https://grovestudios.space/

More about Acoustic Alternatives can be found here:

https://johnmbommarito.wixsite.com/johnbommarito/acoustic-alternatives

Rachael Davis returns to Michigan from Nashville for her second visit with John Bommarito. This time she only brought her banjo.

The focus of this conversation is her participation in the event at The Ark in Ann Arbor on Jan 27th, 2023. Banjofest (https://theark.org/event/friday-night-folk-banjofest-230127/)!

Songs include

Sweetwater Sea

Angeline the Baker

The Wind

Featherbed

https://www.rachaeldavis.com/

Recorded at Grove Studios in Ypsilanti, MI 12/30/22

https://grovestudios.space/

Misty Lyn Bergeron has been a staple of the Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti music scene since she released her first album, For the Dead, in 2009. She has since gone on to become an in demand photographer and even done a women-centric podcast. We discuss all of those things and more including the new album, Narrows, in this discussion. She even performs an as of yet unreleased song.

All songs by Misty Lyn Bergeron

"Hard To Hear"

"Grief is a Chorus"

"Smaller"

https://www.mistylyn.com/

Recorded at Grove Studios, Ypsilanti, MI

https://grovestudios.space/

Jill Jack has won 50 Detroit Music Awards since starting her music career 30 years ago. On the eve of her 60th birthday, she has planned a special celebration of her career in music at The Ark in Ann Arbor (January 14th, 2023).

Since our last visit nearly two years ago, Jill has faced a serious health issue. We talk about that and other things that Jill has planned. You'll also hear music including the song that got me choked up thinking that my friend might not have survived her health scare.

All songs written by Jill Jack. (https://www.jilljack.com/)

Recorded at Grove Studios, Ypsilanti, MI (https://grovestudios.space/)

Nowhere Bound

The Love Hotel

Breathe

Live Like There's No Tomorrow

Former contestant from The Voice and one of the premiere blues rock artists out there, Laith Al-Saadi joins John Bommarito for an interivew and performance

Jeff Daniels has done many things on screens and stages in his career. One of the things he has done that hasn't gotten as much attention as his roles in The Newsroom, To Kill a Mockingbird or Dumb and Dumber is playing music on stages and studios.

He's been putting out albums since 2004 and, on many occasions when I was a DJ at WHFR in Dearborn, I've played his music on my radio program. Take your negative preconceptions about an actor picking up and guitar and singing and put them away. He's good. Damn good.

His son Ben has also been releasing albums with his Ben Daniels Band since 2008. He's also a talented recording engineer. In the home studio on Jeff's property, the two of them collaborated on Audible Original audio program called "Alive and Well Enough." If you choose to listen, and I recommend you do, you will be treated to stories and songs from Jeff's life.

We sat down on September 25, 2023 in the same studio the audio book was recorded and discuss that and more. You'll also hear:

When My Fingers Find Your Strings (written by Jeff Daniels)

A new as of yet untitled song by Ben Daniels

The Good On The Bad Side Of Town (by Jeff and Ben Daniels)

Mile 416 (written by Jeff Daniels)

More information about Jeff's music: https://www.jeffdaniels.com/

Ben's music: https://www.bendanielsband.com/

My playlists and podcasts: https://johnmbommarito.wixsite.com/johnbommarito/acoustic-alternatives

Find the Alive and Well Enough here:

https://www.audible.com/pd/Alive-and-Well-Enough-Podcast/B0CDCPB67X?action_code=ASSGB149080119000H&share_location=pdp

Annie Capps has long been part of a duo with her talented husband Rod, but for her latest album, it needed to be all about the women in her life.

Learn more about her newest project, How Can I Say?, and a bit of background on this internationally known singer songwriter from Chelsea, MI.

Songs include:

How Can I Say

Dirty Little Secret

Only Sometimes

Written by Annie Capps.

https://www.anniecapps.com/

Recorded at Grove Studios in Ypsilanti, MI

https://grovestudios.space/

Care to be a sponsor of the program? Find me at

https://johnmbommarito.wixsite.com/johnbommarito

Michigan's Lilly MacPhee chats with and performs for John Bommarito

Jen Cass grew up in the Metro Detroit area and now calls Flushing, MI home. After three successful solo albums, she started a new project with her husband Eric Janetsky called The Lucky Nows. Their excellent second album is due out in June of 2024. Jen talks about her life and plays three emotionally charged songs from the new album and one from their first.

All songs written by Jen Cass (except where noted):

Broken Homes and Hearts of Gold

Syracuse

The Lesson (Jen Cass, Michael Robertson, Eric Janetsky, Jack Redmond Barnes)

Girl With No Name

Find out more about The Lucky Nows: https://theluckynows.com/home

Get information about all things Acoustic Alternatives related including how to support me on Patreon so I can do better videos: https://johnmbommarito.wixsite.com/johnbommarito/acoustic-alternatives

It doesn't happen without the support of the team at Grove Studios. Musicians or DJs, this is a place you can practice and make as much noise as you need: https://grovestudios.space/

Griffin House stopped at Grove Studios in Ypsilanti to discuss his career and "Stories For A Rainy Day." His newest album has a song that I am named dropped in. Of course my laptop decided this was the episode to have issues. You will hear replacement audio (courtesy of my iPhone) about 15 times where audio was missing from my recording. Time to get a new laptop!

Singer Songwriter Mark Jewett from Plymouth MI and his drummer/producer friend Billy Harrington join me for a chat about his forthcoming album, The Lucky One.

Will Kimbrough plays rock, stripped down folk, Americana, and Country. He is an in demand guitar player, producer and songwriter. Oh and an author working on a book of the stories of his life. You'll hear tales of his adventures and collaborations with Jimmy Buffet, Emmylou Harris, Rodney Crowell, Todd Snider, and a young R.E.M.

My relationship with his music started in 1989 with a self titled record by his band Will and the Bushmen (which I recommend if you are a fan of Crowded House, find it HERE). One of my favorite songs of all time that you've probably never heard is on there. It's also within our conversation.

Will has a lot to say and has a great story. Get comfortable. This is a long one.

Songs performed written by Will Kimbrough except where noted:

"I Like It Down Here"

"Bubbles Up (co written with Jimmy Buffet)"

"Like Laughing"

"Closer To the Ground"

Find out more about Will here: https://www.willkimbrough.com/

Found out more about Acoustic Alternatives and how to support me on Patreon for bonus content: https://johnmbommarito.wixsite.com/johnbommarito/acoustic-alternatives

Found out how to book Grove Studios for your band practice, podcast, DJ practice, etc. here: https://grovestudios.space/

Raised in Manitowoc, WI, but now calling Ann Arbor, MI home, Judy Banker is set to release her fourth record, Bonafide, on November the 4th. Filled with deeply personal lyrics and backed by a great band, this new release, produced by her son Ben, is her best yet in my opinion.

Learn more about the four sides of Judy (singer/songwriter, photographer, psychologist and non-profit founder) in this conversation that also includes performances of three new songs:

"Taciturn Heart"

"Bonafide"

"After It Ends"

all songs written by Judy Banker. More at https://www.judybanker.com/

Support me on Patreon and find out more about Acoustic Alternatives at https://johnmbommarito.wixsite.com/johnbommarito/acoustic-alternatives

Recorded at Grove Studios on Oct 17, 2023

Special guest...some cricket that wandered in at the end.

Bob Mervak is a Detroit area musician who has been both a sideman and a front man in his musical adventures. He has many stories to tell that include people like David Foster, Sara Bareilles, Dax Sheppard, Kristen Bell and George Clooney to name a few. That, and he plays and writes great original music. Recorded in his home studio in Southfield, MI.

https://www.instagram.com/bobmervak/?hl=en

Another mighty fine up and coming artist based in Michigan is my guest on this episode of Acoustic Alternatives. Jackie Pappas grew up on 28 acres and played in the woods of Ortonville, MI and her tunes reflect her outdoorsy personality. There's a lovely voice to accompany her charm. I see this as the beginning of a wonderful journey for a talented artist who is gigging pretty regularly.

All songs written by Jackie Pappas

The Extraordinary Flight of the Dandelion

Taste The Stars

Leto

The Fall of the Jester

https://www.facebook.com/jackiepappasmusic/

Recorded at Grove Studios

https://grovestudios.space/

My relationship with Stephen Kellogg's music goes back to 2005 and my first commercial radio job at a station in Ann Arbor that, at the time, was the most supportive station in the country of his band Stephen Kellogg and the Sixers. He's released record after record of high quality songwriting with great, passionate singing. You can learn a lot about Stephen though his lyrics, or his book, or his Tedx Talk, or even the feature documentary about him, "Last Man Standing." My hope was to help you learn more about him through conversation.

All songs written by Stephen Kellogg. Songs include:

"It Goes Fast"

"If Anyone Is Listening"

"Blue Jean"

https://www.stephenkellogg.com/

Recorded at Grove Studios

https://grovestudios.space/

Up and comer Grace Rembinski from Plymouth, MI joins John Bommarito for interview and performance.

Please forgive the interference that is coming through during this recording. The equipment was picking up a broadcast from a nearby Spanish radio station.

It's been a long and varied journey for Dan Navarro. From co-writing one of the biggest hits of the 80s, to voice acting, to touring and releasing a plethora of material as part of Lowen and Navarro.

If you only know his music, get ready to learn more about some of the other things he's been part of and is also known for. If you don't know him at all, get ready to hear what you've been missing.

Songs written by Dan Navarro:

"She Dreams In Music"

"Better Man"

"Circling the Drain" (co write with Deborah Holland)"

"All Is Quiet"

More about Dan Navarro: https://dannavarro.com/

More about Acoustic Alternatives and how you can support it: https://johnmbommarito.wixsite.com/johnbommarito/acoustic-alternatives

Find Grove Studios, the home of the podcast, at: https://grovestudios.space/

Multi-instrumentalist Brad Phillips joins John Bommarito for a chat and performance

I've been waiting years to present this episode. It's been ten years in between releases for Yspilanti, MI's, Adam Plomaritas. As soon as I started doing this podcast I told him "I want to do something when that next release is ready"

It's been worth the wait. The EP, Old Time Love, is A+ excellent. It's got a full band and horns, unlike these stripped down performances, but you can hear the voice and the songs in all their glory from Adam's basement studio.

Songs include:

"All I Need Is You"

"Love On Your Side"

"Love Me Better"

"How Does It Feel"

All songs written by Adam Plomaritas.

https://www.adamplomaritas.com/

More about Acoustic Alternatives:

https://johnmbommarito.wixsite.com/johnbommarito/acoustic-alternatives

Well loved Singer Songwriter Kim Richey stops by Grove Studios to chat about her life and career and play 4 songs.

Married duo Dave Boutette and Kristi Lynn Davis join John Bommarito for an interview and performance

Here is the audio only visit with Australian born guitarist extraordinaire, Kyran Daniel. You may want to watch the video too in order to enjoy his guitar playing with your eyes. Tommy Emmanuel thought he was good enough to take him on tour when Kyran was just a teenager, so you know you are dealing with someone very talented, even if you haven't heard him before.

Learn more about him and how to support him here: https://www.kyrandaniel.com

All songs written by Kyran Daniel

"Pensieri" 

"Sangria"

"Like the Night Itself"

Interested in supporting me on Patreon and finding out about the other things I am doing? https://johnmbommarito.wixsite.com/johnbommarito/acoustic-alternatives

None of this happens without Grove Studios. Need a place to practice and be loud?

https://grovestudios.space/

Mike Vial is an Ann Arbor based singer/songwriter, teacher, father, and husband who is doing a 20 year celebration of playing gigs, teaching books, and ranting rants at The Ark in Ann Abor on May 23, 2024, opening for a mutual favorite (and previous podcast guest), Ari Hest.

Vial is prepping a new release due out soon and he plays a couple of new ones and a couple of old ones and we both have a strong reaction to his third performance. Don't miss it.

Songs written by Mike Vial

Free To Dream

I Just Want To Be Your Last

Two Angels (June 22, 1996 - Ann Arbor)

Burning Bright

Find out more about Mike:

http://mikevial.com/?fbclid=IwAR1hjEpVSE2VKEUCPl54ucYGM2c2IoLCAQTsY4VKkSkGCLiAHKrZbd_dCX0

Find out more about Acoustic Alternatives and how to support it:

https://johnmbommarito.wixsite.com/johnbommarito/acoustic-alternatives

Find out more about Grove Studios:

https://grovestudios.space/

"Eclectic indie singer/songwriter/producer Leah Marlene has been making music since she was big enough to hold a guitar. Taking third place on last year’s season of American Idol gave her career a boost, but she’s been working intently on her music, singing and songwriting for as long as she can remember. "

Get to know Leah and hear a couple of as-of-yet unreleased songs during this visit to Acoustic Alternatives.

All songs written by Leah Marlene

"Flowers"

"Tomorrow"

"Flashes"

More about Leah

https://www.leahmarlene.com/

Recorded at Grove Studios in Ypsilanti, MI

Find Grove Studios online:

https://grovestudios.space/

Guitarist Willy Porter (https://willyporter.com/) is joined in the Grove Studios by Dave Adler (https://www.daveadler.com/) and Carmen Nickerson (http://carmennickerson.com/) for a session with John Bommarito.

Willy plays songs from his forthcoming, as of yet, untitled album, chats about his lengthy career and highlights his band during the discussion.

Dearborn, MI's Jo Serrapere's first visit to the podcast happened as part of a live show at Trinity House in Livonia, MI in April of 2022. I encourage you to go back and listen to that one to learn more about this Michigan treasure.

Jo is ambitiously releasing two albums at once this Spring and the second chat was based around celebrating that. Hear acoustic versions of some of the songs before they are released into the wild.

All songs written by Jo Serrapere:

"In the Arms of Angels"

"This American Dream"

"Life and All"

Find out more about Jo on her website:

https://joserrapere.com/

Find out more about what I am doing and how to support it via Patreon:

https://johnmbommarito.wixsite.com/johnbommarito/acoustic-alternatives

Grove Studios makes it all possible. Rent their space to practice in:

https://grovestudios.space/

Recent graduate from the Interlochen Arts Academy and all-around talented musician Aspen Jacobsen plays new songs from her forthcoming album and chats about some of her young life experiences.

Rin Tarsy from the Grand Rapids, MI music scene is the guest chatting and performing for John Bommarito

The first full band since the podcast started. Distinctly non-acoustic, but a favorite from the Ann Arbor/Ypsi music scene.

One of the best singer songwriters out there, Nashville's Liz Longley is the guest for Acoustic Alternatives with John Bommarito

Steve Taylor from Lake Orion, MI is an accomplished singer songwriter who is currently up for a batch of Detroit Music Awards in the Americana and Country categories (though I debate with him about the country tag in the discussion). Dawson's Creek comes up as does his admiration for a previous guest on the program, Glen Phillips.

This Berklee School of Music and Wayne State University grad is out there playing songs throughout Metro Detroit and beyond regularly and has been for a long time. He deserves your attention.

All songs written by Steve Taylor:

"First Warm Day Of Spring"

"Uncommon Places"

"This Old House"

"Without"

More about Steve Taylor

https://linktr.ee/stevetaylormusic?fbclid=IwAR2yCKg1oiDLvI-m5cJ2EgLVmYyt0UCT392IyYYm10nbLSEPgcCxH35q-nw

Recorded at Grove Studios

https://grovestudios.space/

Recorded on location at Jess's home in Ann Arbor on the piano she learned to play on as a child, this session will sound a bit different than the others because of how it was recorded (see the video if you want to understand).

I must note, it only sounds as good as it does because of the incredible Chris DuPont (do yourself a favor and listen the other two podcasts I did with him) because he took the raw files, which didn't sound very good at all, and dressed them up and made them pretty.

Jess is an incredible singer I have seen on a number of occasions as part of a Christmas variety show in Ann Arbor known as EBird and Friends. She is often the most memorable vocalist on stage.

In this session we talk about her upcoming 40th Birthday party show at The Ark and she plays three originals:

Family Stone

Stones Alone

Impermanence

All songs written and performed by Jess Merritt (https://www.facebook.com/theunderstorey).

Thanks as always to Grove Studios for their support of my  endeavors.

https://grovestudios.space/

Ypsilianti, MI's Chris DuPont joins John Bommarito for an interview and performance