Where The Living Room Used To Be

RI 5 with Joe Potenza

This was an emotional episode as Joe Potenza takes us back to some of the places he used to buy records - including a jazz spot that was new to me. Plus, you'll learn about what was going on around him while he enjoyed his favorite local drink, the place he agrees is "dog heaven" here in Rhode Island, the two sides of his connection to pizza, and a quick history of one of the most famous music festivals in our state.
At the end of the episode you'll hear "Can't Find My Way Home" by Evening Sky from their album, Guest Stars, which features Michelle Mybelle Hill. 
// Interview recorded November 27, 2023 at Joe's house// Intro music by Cedros// Hosted by James Toomey // 

Sound Advice with Joe Potenza

On this episode Joe Potenza shares what can happen in small music scenes, his take on the true purpose of being a freelance sideman musician, and he talks about some of the people that have inspired him because of the impact they've had both on and off the stage. 
At the end of the episode you'll hear "Blues Burger" by John Monllos from his album Shadow's Dance, which includes Joe Potenza on bass. John is based out of Newport, RI and I included this song as it's a good example of Joe (and others) not being phased by some of the geographic cliques that keep peers apart.
// Interview recorded November 27, 2023 at Joe's house// Intro music by Cedros// Hosted by James Toomey // 
 
 

Joe Potenza (Evening Sky, freelance bass player)

I was lucky enough to meet back up with the one and only, Joe Potenza, to talk more deeply about his impressive music career. In our conversation we go back to the start of how various instruments came into his life, the moment he became attached to bass, and who motivated him to play early on. We also cover the many styles of music he's performed over the years, some of the big names he's joined on stage, and we go all the way up to the connection he has with his current band, Evening Sky.Speaking of that, this jazz/roots quartet just released another installment of their "Plus One:" series. This one features singer Eden Casteel, and in our interview you'll learn a lot more about the thought behind how this band writes together and with others.
Interlude song order:
"Driving To Essex" by Dean Marcellana
"On This Morning" by Mary Ann Rossoni from her album, Timber & Nails
"Down the Stairs" by Evening Sky from their album, Plus One: Ben Shaw
"You Must Believe in Spring" by Evening Sky from their album, Plus One: Eden Casteel
"Sea of Heartbreak" by Evening Sky from their album, Plus One: Eden Casteel
// Interview recorded November 27, 2023 at Joe's house// Intro music by Cedros// Hosted by James Toomey //

Joe Potenza: Post-Interview Stories

After my interview with legendary bass player, Joe Potenza, wrapped up we actually continued our conversation sharing stories about growing up, what it means to be part of the rhythm section of a band, and how the experiences we've had as musicians have helped us in our everyday lives. 
Joe Potenza's band, Evening Sky, has a new album out Friday, December 1st. This features vocalist, Eden Casteel, and is the next installment in the band's +1 series. At the end of the episode you'll hear a single off of this entitled "Big Log", which is a reworking of the classic Robert Plant song! Pick up the album in the highest resolution audio via Native DSD, or over on their Bandcamp page when it's released!
As I was editing the full interview (which will be available very soon!), I realized this segment could act as a good intro to that full conversation and shout out his band's exciting new record. I hope you agree and enjoy!
// Interview recorded November 27, 2023 at Joe's house// Intro music by Cedros// Hosted by James Toomey //

Clatta Bumboo talks ”Make Way Rasta” (album preview and song premiere)

I reconnected with Clatta Bumboo to give you all a preview of his new album Make Way Rasta, which will be available on November 24th.In our conversation, we go track by track talking about the inspiration and meaning behind this impressive and important record. We cover the need for introspection, revolution, collaboration and motivation. Plus, you'll get to learn about all that went into its making and the studios he worked with both here in Rhode Island and in Jamaica.If you want to find out more about Clatta's music history, check out our interview from earlier this summer and support him by heading to clattabumboo.com
Interlude song clips from the album Make Way Rasta 
"Make Way Rasta"
"The Sound"
"Calling To The People"
"Give I Strength"
"Be Strong"
"Digital Dystopia"
"Where Is Home"
"Live Up Now"
"Got What I Want"
"Good Vibration"
"Angel Of The Night"
"Digital Dystopia (Dub Style)" - full song premiere
// Interview recorded November 7, 2023 via Google Meet// Intro music by Cedros// Hosted by James Toomey //

RI 5 with Sean Carney

Sean Carney and I get nostalgic about trips to the record store... plus, he covers the polar opposite places he enjoys getting a drink; why he could never really leave Rhode Island, what's good and bad about our local pizza, and his favorite place to party when welcoming in a new year!
At the end, I've included one of my personal favorite tracks from Structure Sounds new album Light Up Your Sorrow. The track is "Andrea" and you can also check out the video that Sean directed and co-edited. 
// Interview recorded October 17, 2023 via Google Meet// Intro music by Cedros// Hosted by James Toomey // 

Sound Advice with Sean Carney

Sean Carney explains what the Hot Water Music method is as well as some advice he learned directly from The Living Room. He also passes along what he feels is the most important thing when playing live. Plus, you'll find out what essential item is a must for him on tour and what truly inspires him about the punk scene.
As you heard in the full episode, Sean talked quite a bit about his commute to play in The Scandals and how it helped inspire his song "34th & 8th". What I have for you at the end of this episode is Structure Sounds take on it followed by the earlier version which can be found on Sean's solo ep as I thought it would be interesting to share the evolution of a song. Enjoy!
// Interview recorded October 17, 2023 via Google Meet// Intro music by Cedros// Hosted by James Toomey // 

Sean Carney (Structure Sounds, The Scandals, This Is A Movement, The Jesse Minute)

My guest on this episode is Sean Carney, who you may know from bands such as The Jesse Minute, This Is A Movement, the New Jersey band - The Scandals, and most recently, Structure Sounds. In our conversation we talk about his introduction to punk music, the thought process and what he puts into his songwriting, as well as his experience recording at different studiosStructure Sounds just released their debut album, Light Up Your Sorrow, via Wiretap Records. You can pick it up a cassette or the vinyl, as well as some cool bundle packages, over on their Bandcamp page now
Interlude song order:
"No Telling" by The Jesse Minute from their album, DO or DIE 
"Sleep Well" by This is a Movement from their EP, The Destruction of Yourself and the World Around You
"Birthmarks" by The Scandals from their EP, Lucky Seven
"Floating Beacons" by Structure Sounds from their album, Light Up Your Sorrow
"New Horizons" by Structure Sounds from their album, Light Up Your Sorrow
"Break Me" by Structure Sounds from their album, Light Up Your Sorrow
// Interview recorded October 17, 2023 via Google Meet// Intro music by Cedros// Hosted by James Toomey //