Mumcast: The Rick Mummey Show

 Kyle Bledsoe is a fabulous musician who has been perfecting his craft for years now. He established himself in the Lafayette, IN scene, and now lives in Indianapolis, where he can be seen regularly doing his acoustic sets at Fat Dan's and other spots (including some Anthem work at Colts games!).  Kyle's new project is "Milkman and the Jugs". Kyle's debut with them will be at the Vogue on 7/20, and there will be many more gigs. This rockin' band has a unique feature of two (count 'em, two) bass players!   We discussed the band, the new music, and being a professional musician with a family, including his son Leo and partner Kali. We also include 2 Milkman tunes for your enjoyment.    When I first met this young man some years ago, I had a feeling he was going to crush it. Consider it crushed.

 On our last podcast, many of you sent us your feelings about live music experiences. The response was great. Now, we want to do a series of podcasts about your musical experiences; the first important song or album, concert experiences, music related to life milestones. You can send your stories to mumcast@rickmum.com.   On this episode, I turned to two favorite people of mine, Dr. Will Miller, a frequent flyer on the Bob and Tom radio show, minister, stand-up comic, counselor. He talked about an early special album, and a U2 concert experience. Then Joe Peters talks about some high school special music, and the thrill of being able to become a musical influence himself. We finished with a song from Joe called, "Kingdom Come", which features Joe and music genius Mike Kelsey.   Let us know your musical stories, and we'll pass them on, and contact some of you for a podcast interview. Enjoy!

 There's always plenty of discussion about the health of live music and its venues. Any town's music scene will have some ebb and flow, certainly. I asked folks on Facebook and Instagram to opine about what makes them decide to go or not go to a live show. Is it venue? Start time? End time? Price? The acts themselves? Quality of publicity? Some combination of all these. We talked about their responses, and gave some thoughts of our own directed to venues, acts, and the General Public. We concluded withy music from a group that did a fantastic show locally, sponsored by one of the premier organizations in our area for bringing in shows. Feel free to comment at mumcast@rickmum.com

 Recently in Lafayette IN (home of our podcast), racial tensions flared due to separate events. There was angry debate, along with substantive discussions. Hate groups had posted racist signs and flyers in prominent places, and two groups were booked to appear locally that many believed to be racist performers. To counter all that, a group of musicians have decided to perform in a show called "No Time To Hate" at the Lafayette Theater.   We spoke to one of those performers, Christopher Lee from the Grateful Dead cover band, Graciously Departed. We talked about the band and its upcoming gigs, especially No Time To Hate, and the idea behind the show. It's something other communities could do to help ease tensions and promote positivity.   We end with a song from one of the participating acts, Sheeza, a brilliant band with a desire for social justice that comes from the heart.

 Jason Wells is a guitar phenom who has been taking his music around the country for several years now. He's brought all that experience, along with three other superb musicians to his new release "Nine Hours". Wells intended for this album to sound like a spontaneous jam feel, and he hit the target. Varied in style, but never lacking intensity, 9 Hours is a piece of work the author can be proud of.  We discussed the album-making experience and got a sense of Jason's intentions for the album. I think this interview would be a good companion to the album. We also provide a taste here, a song called "My Love is Real". The whole album is the real deal, as well.

  Do you have a friend that you can talk to for hours and be entertained and educated? I sure do. He's Dr. Will Miller, author, counselor, clergyman, stand-up comic, frequent contributor to the Bob and Tom radio show..he even did a series of appearances on "Nick at Night". He's a busy and brilliant man. We recently recorded one of our chats, which I have excerpted in this podcast. We spoke about the meaning of wealth, and addressed the recent sexual harassment revelations, and its effect on our appreciation of creative people involved in this movement.   Looking back on the past year plus, we finish with a tune from one of my favorite people and musicians, David Corley, called "Available Light". Happy New Year!

 Jason Wells plays the blues and rock, sells his own coffee blend, runs an open mic night, and generally works his butt off. Which is good for you, since you can see the fruits of his labor on stages across America, and in Lafayette IN on 12/30. His band will perform at the Lafayette Theater with a local band called Graciously Departed (a nice dose of Dead!), and up-and-coming singer songwriter Tara Marlow.  The show will start with Marlow's acoustic music, follwed by the GP and their happy set, then Jason Wells and Friends with some crunchy rockin party jams. Jason talked about his music, his coffee brand, how to run an open mic, and a cool deal for those who buy tickets prior to the show.   We conclude with a Jason jam and a Merry Crimble to all!

 This episode, we spoke to Brittany and Hans Rees of the band Frank Muffin, following their triumphant show at the Lafayette Theater: Sgt. Pepper in its entirety, with 22-piece orchestra. They talked about their view of how things went, the money made for charity, and what might be their next big show.   We also spoke to Jeff Lagaveen of Lafayette Super Group about their upcoming benefit show, a benefit for a friend of Jeff's (details in the podcast). We talked about the LSG, basically a music collective of whatever of Lafayette's finest players can be rounded up. It's a concept that makes for plenty of spontaneity and flexibility in performance.   One awesome gig down, more to come.

 In 1967, we opened our new copy of the Beatles' "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band", expecting something brilliant and groundbreaking. Turned out to be much more, as Pepper became one of the most influential albums, not only in the Beatles' canon, but in all of contemporary music.  Members of local Lafayette band Frank Muffin, along with 20 musicians from the community and elsewhere, will be staging that album from start to finish, with extras, December 9, at Lafayette Theater. It's a mammoth undertaking, and we spoke to Frank Muffin's Brittany and Hans Rees about the idea and the process of rounding up band members, dividing the labor, and coming up with a fitting tribute to this cultural landmark. Details: Tickets locally at the Theater Box Office, $10 advance, $15 day of show. Also available at People's Brewing, JL Records, and McGuire Music. Proceeds to a wonderful charity, Therapeion, a therapeutic equestrian center in Brookston, IN

 Gail Davis and her Unitarian minister husband Charlie make music to and from the soul. They hope to provoke reflection, understanding, empathy, and peace. They are in the middle of a 4-album journey through the emotions, and the effects of modern life on the soul. The second of the four is recently released and entitled "Scared". It addresses not only fear, but the idea of standing up to it with strength and perspective. The album was produced by Michael Kelsey, musician and producer extraordinaire. His credit on the album says,"Producer, guitars, percussion, mystical vibrations". And those vibes permeate the album. We feature their song, "Amanda", a great example of how this artist-producer collaboration can produce beautiful results.    This pair's discussion of their work is interesting and compelling. And the story of their music is testimony of their desire for peace among us.  

Joe Peters is a natural man. What I mean by that is He spends a lot of time in natural settings, and creates music out of that natural spirit. His latest release "Prophetstown" is no exception. From a lilting, upbeat "Wanderlust Blues", to a personal vignette in "Mother and Her Sons", and the shameful history that inspired the title track, Joe covers the emotional bases. And to do it so well, he works with guitar wizard, studio chief Mike Kelsey. Kelsey is as flexible in the studio as he is crazy good on guitar. Both will be onstage at the beautifully renovated Delphi Opera House in Delphi Indiana on Nov. 3rd for a "Prophetstown" release show, as will a number of other musical friends. Joe spoke to us about the process of creating this one, and where to getcha some. (tickets here)

 Mosey Down Main Street is a music festival that happens throughout the summer in downtown Lafayette Indiana. It has become a perfect example of how the right planning and a willing community of store owners, vendors, and musicians working together to make something unique. The vibe at the Mosey is excellent, which is a big draw for the event. You can wander (or mosey) down Main, get a bite to eat, and hear good bands on 3 different stages. And the musicians are mostly local, which is another good aspect. Steve Bultinck, who along with Ken McCammon, originated this event, is our guest. We talk about the upcoming 50th Mosey Session, and what it takes to put on an event of this nature. If you want to originate an event like this in your community, get with me on Facebook or by email, and I'll put you in touch with Ken and Steve. We finish this episode with some Dr. Fine music. You can see our band at the Mosey at 6th and Main at 6:20 on 10/14.

 The last time we spoke to John Bower on this podcast, we talked about the hard grind that is a career in music. Those careers often include full-time side jobs, bad gigs, math-challenged club owners, sketchy promoters, and more. Now, John is seeing the culmination of all that hard work. In fact, you could say he's "livin the good life". The Good Life is a new tune by Bower and songwriting partner George Domiano, with some bars from Brandon Reed, also well-known in local circles for his solo music, and his work recording and encouraging other artists. The song, included on this podcast, has everything a hit needs. It has a great hook, good vocals, expert recording, and a tasty rap section. Johnny called it "country hip hop", but he did so facetiously, and because Brandon was not in the room.   We can all use a little positivity these days, and Bower and friends deliver that with "Good Life". It's the beginning of a good new phase for the artist, and for us, as well.

 Three Cities is a band on a mission to keep the fun in hard rock. We spoke to Patrick Barry Brown, guitarist for this rock band whose members hail from Indy, Fort Wayne, and Marion, IN. They recorded a live set in May at the Lafayette Theater, in Lafayette, IN. The theater is a beautifully renovated and expertly run music venue that was once an Art Deco style movie theater.    Three Cities' "Live from Lafayette" release consists of a few favorite originals from their previous sets, along with new original music. It all has edge without being an overt attempt at "edginess". That's due to the band's philosophy that "this ought to be fun". And it is, with big ballsy vocals, guitar jams and swooping keyboards. Patrick gave us some band history and his thoughts on music. We finish up with a sample from "Live from Lafayette" called Walkin', which has a cool story behind the tune's origin.

This Labor Day weekend included a tragic loss for the music community. Walter Becker, one half of Steely Dan, died at age 67. The Dan have influenced legions of musicians with their potent mix of jazz, rock, and r&b influences, not to mention the sardonic wit and their brainy, sometimes obtuse take on songwriting. Their music isn't for everyone, a big reason why those who get them love their ethos. We read an excerpt of Rob Sheffield's Rolling Stone article on Walter, which describes and sums up Steely Dan and Becker in an elegant manner. Mungion Update: The band we talked about last time are on the verge of their tour, and are halfway to their GoFundMe fundraising goal. They were recently robbed of $50k worth of instruments and gear, and need your help here. We concluded the podcast with a Mungion tune called "Hindsight". Take a listen, then give til it helps.

    Mungion are an incredible band from Chicago, Illinois. Their music shows a number of influences; pop, rock, jazz, funk. And it's all done with incredible musicianship, intricate arranging, and a great sense of humor. At some point along the way, the Mungions met some guys from out HQ in Lafayette, Studio 37s Scott Ausherman, Noah Freeman, and LD Miller. Noah is Mungion's FOH engineer. The band has done some recording at 37, and Noah has been traveling with them. It was on one such trip that the unthinkable happened. The band was in their Detroit motel room when two guys broke into their truck and made off with $41,500 worth of equipment: guitars, drums, sound gear, the works. They are now involved in a GoFundMe campaign, and are only halfway to goal with a tour in one month!     All of us who love music and musicians have a very familial feeling among our bands. Please help this family member in a crisis.

   In this episode, it's a family affair. We spoke to my 11-year old nephew Cecil. But this is no cutesy give-a-kid-a-mic interview. Cecil Mummey is already a serious composer, and has written a musical produced by his school, and acted in a number of productions. He is now working on a musical about Albert Einstein. He'll talk about the process, and his hopes for getting the piece produced in a larger venue. It's a kid's-eye view of the creative process that you'll find refreshing and interesting. The future of the Arts is in good hands. We end the episode with a song co-written by Joe Peters and yours drooly, entitled "A Mother and Her Sons", about my late mother and her relationship to my brother and me. You'll find it on Joe's newest release "Prophetstown" with a collection of musicians and producer Mike Kelsey known as "The Joedai Warriors". Enjoy!

  Cheryl Fletcher is a gifted songwriter from Lafayette, Indiana, which is fast becoming an incubator of amazing talent. Cheryl, after waiting , writing, and maybe a bit of procrastinating, has issued an EP of original music called "It's About Time". We talked motivation, inspiration, and Pokemon Go. On "It's About Time" Cheryl had help from some stellar musicians, including guitarist Jason Wells (soon to be bluesin' up a venue near you) and wizard Mike Kelsey, who played guitar and worked his production magic. Cheryl's music is poignant, funny when she wants to be, and toe-tappin'! Cheryl's song "Road Trip" finishes the podcast, after another installment of "Every Week I Write the Book", a literary project of mine that includes observations and recollections from our checkered past. Feel free to comment by email at mumcast@rickmum.com.

RickerRocker and Jason Wells are major dudes in the Lafayette, IN music scene. They have organized, for the 2nd time, the Music Matters Festival, a two-day event in Darlington IN this Friday-Saturday 8/4-8/5. A dozen bands over two days, with diverse styles. Locals include Uncle Buck's Mojo Box, Sheeza, Frank Muffin. Rick gives us the details. And we aadd a new segment called "Everyday I Write The Book", which features excerpts from a writing project I'm starting. Love to hear your comments on that. Jason Wells' tune "Friend or Foe" caps the show

Nicky Kerr knew from the start what she didn't want: the picket fence, the Ivy League school, becoming "Suburban Royalty". Her mission is well laid out and accomplished on her new CD "Paper Towns". It's an autobiographical set of 10 tunes, produced by wizard Micheal Kelsey. She'll perform those songs on May 6th at the beautiful Delphi Opera House (a beautiful, award-winning restored building) with Mike (Tickets and details here). The title tune, "Paper Towns", sums up the message about living your own life, folllowing your own path. She does it beautifully, with a pop country feel, and crisp production from Kelsey. Every bit of her Berklee School of Music training is on display here, her debut album, which has been in the making through long hours of teaching, training,and delving into her ever-increasing bag of musical tricks. Paper Towns will be released (along with loads of related merch) 5/6 at the Opera House. Don't miss it. Even if you're suburban royalty.