Listening Lyrics

This weeks show features music from an older generation of songwriters to be performed by Dan Dressen. As a teen in the 1960’s Dan Dressen enjoyed music on the radio.  He started playing guitar around the time when folk music was popular.  But in the 1970’s Dan started to hear singer/song writers who were just starting their music careers and who performed at small local venues, like coffee houses and the like.  It was these lesser known musicians, at that time, that influenced Dan the most, artists such as John Hiatt, Guy Clark, Robin and Linda Williams, Tom Paxton, John Prine, Joni Mitchell, Tom Russell and others.Over the years Dan played guitar mostly for his own enjoyment.  His fans say he does “talking songs” or plays ballads but Dan just likes to play songs that tell stories.

STEPHEN MICHAEL POCUS - Musician: keyboard. Do not listen to this episode of LISTENING LYRICS while drinking Red Bull or coffee. Stephen brings all the energy we need. He has been playing piano since the age of 10, but has been surrounded by music his entire life. He began playing by ear, writing songs and leaning from his parents and siblings. By the time he was 14 he was playing at local Winery’s and Brewing companies doing private parties and events as a solo artist. He also was playing in his high school jazz band and his own side project metal bands with friends. During that time, he was also involved in the San Jose Jazz Society programs going to jazz camps during the summertime and participating in their Advanced Youth Latin Jazz Ensemble and Advanced Youth Jazz Ensemble groups throughout the school year.

Rita Hosking - new CD FRANKIE and the NO-GO ROAD

This episode of Listening Lyrics Rita introduces us to her latest CD

Rita has giving us a gift. A book of music wherein each song is a chapter that’s heard on pages of music. A journey unfolding and ending, explained in song with her unique voice and musical arrangements. The listener can decide if this is a journey of life, a day, a relationship or battling a disease. The out come being is “to build a bridge ’cross the divide”  This CD is a mountain of lyrics, artistry, songwriting and story telling. “Put your head to the mountain, Tell me, what you hear”

Quotes are from the song SING in the CD FRANKIE and the NO-GO ROAD.

Visit Rita at www.ritahosking.com

This show was a treat. A refreshingly authentic artist with a unique sound and story. Joe Kye is a violinist-looper-songwriter and leader of the Sacramento band Joseph in the Well. Born in Seoul, Korea, raised in Seattle, Joe draws upon an eclectic array of influences, like rock, jazz, classical, and world music. Featuring violin, lush string loops, upright bass, and percussion, Joseph in the Well's unique sound has been influenced by artists including Andrew Bird, Sufjan Stevens, and Miles Davis. Joseph in the Well was recently awarded 2015 “Outstanding New Artist” and “Artist of the Year” by Sacramento News & Review’s Sammies Music Awards. Kye draws upon his immigrant upbringing for much of his songwriting. Visit Joe at http://www.joekye.com/joseph-in-the-well/