Midwest Beat

Albert Bouchard, co-founder and original drummer of Blue Oyster Cult, who has recently re-recorded that band's classic 1988 album, "Imaginos."  Selections will be played from the newly released Bouchard version, cleverly titled "Re-Imaginos."  

The veteran keyboardist/vocalist whose recording career began in the mid-1970s with a trio of albums on Columbia Records, will call in from his home in Sweden to talk about his decades spanning musical journey as selections are featured from the band's latest album, "Free Angel Express." All of this on Midwest Beat!

This edition of "Midwest BEAT with Tom Lounges" was originally aired on 11-24-20 on 89.1FM-Lakeshore Public Radio.

GUEST:  JOSEPH "MOJO" MORGANFIELD
 

JOSEPH "MOJO" MORGANFIELD, the youngest son of Chicago blues icon MUDDY WATERS (whose real name was McKinley Morganfield) has released in a digital format his newest recording, "It's Good to be King," an advance single from his forthcoming album for the international blues label, Delmark Records. 

Mojo Morganfield IS blues royalty -- even though he came into the royal court much later than his already successful older brothers Mud Morganfield and Big Bill Morganfield -- while focusing on sports in his earlier years.  Muddy's youngest is now wasting little time in staking his claim as heir to the throne, while keeping his famous daddy's name and the influential music alive and well.

Not only a rising performer and recording artist, Mojo is recognized as an ambassador of the Chicago Blues scene, and was inducted as such into the prestigious "Chicago Blues Hall of Fame" because of work promoting Chicago blues music and keeping his father's legacy alive for future generations. 

While backstage with Morganfield in 2018 during the "Stars Align Tour" with British guitar god Jeff Beck, this columnist overheard Beck say to Mojo -- "If it wasn't for your father, none of us would be here today doing this!" Muddy was a huge influence on Beck's early band, The Yardbirds, along with The Rolling Stones (who took their name from a Muddy song title), The Animals, John Mayall & The Bluesbreakers, and many other British Invasion groups.

With the release of his 2018 EP -- "Mojo Risin'" -- young Morganfield set the stage for his entrance into the recording world.  The live dates with The Mannish Boyz to promote that EP put him on the blues radar in a big way.

The COVID pandemic could not have come at a worse time for Morganfield,  who was on the rise as many high profile performances began coming his way. Among them was being invited to perform with Grammy Award-winners Don Was, Jamey Johnson, and Warren Haynes at the Windy City stop of 2019 "Last Waltz Tour" at The Chicago Theatre; sharing the stage at "The Chicago Blues Fest" with older brother Big Bill Morganfield; and getting to open for Paul Rodgers & Bad Company at Hammond's 2019 "Festival Of The Lakes."

This edition of "Midwest BEAT with Tom Lounges" was originally aired on 11-20-20 on 89.1FM-Lakeshore Public Radio.

GUESTS: PATTI SHAFFNER

For this edition of the program, Patti Shaffner joined show host Tom Lounges in-studio to discuss her latest recording, the special meaning behind it, and her long involvement in the Northwest Indiana and Chicagoland music community.

A veteran of the NW Indiana music scene, Shaffner discussed the inspiration and creative process behind her recently released a 14-track spoken word collection released under the collective name -- Shaffner-Sarver-Cowan. 

Recorded at Hammond's Thunderclap Recording Studio, the "Messages For The Heart" CD is the result of a creative partnership with regional musicians and songwriters Jef Sarver and David Cowan.  The CD is a tribute to Cowan, Shaffner's late husband, who passed away in May 2019. Cowan wrote or co-wrote much what is heard on the CD, along with performances on a variety of instruments. More: www.jazzdakini.com.

This edition of "MIDWEST BEAT with Tom Lounges"originally aired on 11-17-20 on 89.1FM-Lakeshore Public Radio

MUSICAL GUEST:  GAIL PETERSEN
Songwriter/Vocalist/Rhythm Guitarist of THE CATHOLIC GIRLS

On this program, GAIL PETERSEN will reflect on her long career at the forefront of the new wave rock band, THE CATHOLIC GIRLS, who were one of the first all female bands of the New Wave/Pop-Punk Scene.

Real life Catholic schoolgirls Gail Petersen and Roxy Andersen put their guitars together while still required to wear the school girl uniforms that soon became, and still remain, their stage wear.  Not long after forming,  they became the first all-female band from New Jersey signed to a major label, when they inked contracts with MCA Records.

Their self-titled 1982 debut album included the new wave anthem, "Boys Can Cry," which landed the Girls on MTV and commercial radio.

THE CATHOLICS GIRLS ARE BACK... with a new double CD, "Rock N' Roll School For Girls," an anthology of their songs from 1979-2017!  

DISC ONE includes some demos never heard before plus songs never available before.  DISC TWO features a cross section of previous released CG recordings from over the years. "Rock N' Roll School For Girls" was released worldwide via JSP Records on November 20, 2020.

Listeners to this program got an early a sneak listen to some of the tracks while show host Tom Lounges chatted up the band'songwriter, vocalist and guitarist. More on the group at: www.thecatholicgirls.net.

This edition of "Midwest BEAT with Tom Lounges" was originally aired on 11-13-20 on 89.1FM-Lakeshore Public Radio.

GUEST: GREG ROSS / bassist of EPIC TANTRUM

For this edition of the program, show host TOM LOUNGES interviews GREG ROSS, the bassist of EPIC TANTRUM, an eclectic rock band from Syracuse, New York.  Their debut release is an ambitious, double full-length CD titled, "Abandoned in the Stranger's Room." 

The impressive collection was released in November 2020 and features both studio album and a live recorded album.  Some of the studio tracks are given the live treatment, but others on the live side of the set are new songs that were included because as Ross said -- "It these times...You don't know when you are releasing your first album, if you will have the opportunity to release a second one..." 

The studio side of the collection is stellar and will make a fan of the more progressive side of hard rock music sit up and take notice.  The live album serves to prove that these incredibly talented band members really have the chops and musicality to pull off their complex musical compositions in a live setting. 

Best listened to with quality headphones or a really awesome stereo system, I believe that fans of groups like Dream Theatre, Queensyche and Steely Dan will surely enjoy this band and this outstanding first effort from the studio by Epic Tantrum.   

As for Ross' statement that a band never knows if a "next album" will follow... Show host/producer Lounges predicts, not only will a second album follow, but many more as the rock world turns on to this killer collective of musicians.

More on the group at: www.EpicTantrum.com

This edition of "Midwest BEAT with Tom Lounges" was originally aired on 11-13-20 on 89.1FM-Lakeshore Public Radio.

GUEST: FREDDIE SALEM / OUTLAWS

For this edition of the program, show host TOM LOUNGES welcomes and interviews Southern Rock guitar great, FREDDIE SALEM, about the newly released DVD/CD capturing THE OUTLAWS live on August 29, 1981 in Lorelei in Germany.

This hour-long performance captured and released as -- "Live at Rockpalast 1981" --  has been issued via MIG and includes all the expected early Outlaws classics are included – “Devil’s Road,” “Hurry Sundown,” “Holiday,” "(Ghost) Riders In The Sky," and "Green Grass And High Tides."

In 1981, the group was still a live musical force to be reckoned with, and still capable of packing stadiums with entusiastic fans in Europe.  This 1981 live snapshot in time, allows fans to see and hear the band's powerful three guitar army assault in action. This 60-minute collection is a trip back to the glory days of classic southern rock.

The Outlaws line-up captured in action and full rockin' glory on this surprisingly high quality board recording included:  FREDDIE SALEM (guitar/vocals), HUGHIE THOMASSON (guitar/vocals), BILLY JONES (guitar/voc), DAVID DIX  (drums) and RICK CUA (bass).  

For THE OUTLAWS, it’s always been about the music. For more than 40 years, the Southern Rock legends have remained one of the most influential and best-loved bands of the genre. That proud legacy is discussed by former band member Salem and Tom Lounges on this episode of  "Midwest BEAT."

Along with plenty about The Outlaws, Lounges talks with Salem about other periods of his long career in rock music.  Salem has been a touring & recording artist, session musician and producer for several decades and began performing professionally at the age of 16 with various bands from the Midwest before joining the legendary Chambers Brothers Band as their lead guitar player.

In 1977, Freddie joined The Outlaws and for six years played lead guitar for 'The Florida Guitar Army' and wrote many songs on their albums which sold over 10 million copies worldwide, earning Freddie platinum and gold albums with Arista Records.  

The incredible guitar work and producer credits of Freddie Salem can also be heard on recordings with The Godz, The Zippers, Raging Slab, Snatches Of Pink, Michael Rank and more. 

Learn more and follow the career of Salem online at: www.freddie-salem.com.

One of the true regional stars on the rise, Ms. Dukes will discuss her career, her influences and her forthcoming original music album. She and Byrd will perform a pair of songs live on air and a studio recording of her original song, "Same Things," will have it's worldwide radio debut.

"Hey Yo" listen to what we "Say-O" We have Tribute Artist Red NOT Chili Peppers LIVE in studio right here on Midwest Beat!

This edition of "Midwest BEAT with Tom Lounges" was originally aired on 10-30-20 on 89.1FM-Lakeshore Public Radio.

GUEST: ELVIN BISHOP

Shameka Copeland has been here before and now shes back with powerful new music. Come listen to some great music with some great messages right here on Midwest Beat!

Uriah Heep has a new 23- CD Box Set and we have Mick Box to talk about it on this week's, Midwest Beat.

Built on a rock-solid foundation of blues and soul, infused with the ageless tendrils of folk melodies and world music rhythms, the new album reveals the power of song and the maxim of love and togetherness that is core to Ace of Cups. 

This edition of "Midwest BEAT with Tom Lounges" was originally aired on 10-13-20 on 89.1FM-Lakeshore Public Radio.

GUESTS: DONALD KINSEY & JOHN HUBER

For this edition, a brand new music video project and new song written by DONALD KINSEY of The Wailers and Kinsey Report fame was debuted for the first time to the public.   

This edition of "Midwest BEAT with Tom Lounges" was originally aired on 10-09-20 on 89.1FM-Lakeshore Public Radio.

GUEST: RACHEL BROOKE

For this week's program, host Tom Lounges welcomed down the incredible Midwest music talent, RACHEL BROOKE, to discuss her career, life during COVID as a musician, and the making of her latest album, "The Loneliness In Me," which she says is the most "honest" to who she really is as a person. 

Fantastic long time Region cover artist is coming out with her NEW ORIGINAL music album "Wrecked" and debuts some songs with Tom Lounges right here on Midwest Beat!

Bay Area Godfathers is coming HOT with a new documentary that highlights the Thrash Metal scene in San Francisco during its peak with bands like Slayer, Metallica, and MORE on this special of Midwest Beat!  

This edition of "MIDWEST BEAT with Tom Lounges" originally aired on FRIDAY, SEPT. 25th @ on 89.1FM-The Lakeshore

This edition's MUSICAL GUEST is classic rock guitar great, Ricky Byrd, a former member of Joan Jett's Blackhearts and a popular and in-demand side and session player with a cavalcade of other top stars.

Tom's musical guest is fast rising Pennsylvania-based blues-rock guitarist/vocalist Jeremy Edge.  A red hot talent that has a strong buzz behind his debut album, will talk that release and his band, “The Jeremy Edge Project.” Songs from this buzz-worthy album will be featured for the first time on NPR for Lakeshore/"Midwest BEAT" listeners. 

This edition of "MIDWEST BEAT with Tom Lounges" originally aired on FRIDAY, SEPT. 4th @ on 89.1FM-The Lakeshore

This edition finds British glam-rock legend NODDY HOLDER of the pioneering U.K. Glam Rock band SLADE doing a trans-Atlantic live interview with TOM LOUNGES. Holder talks with the show host about the band's long career and the soon-to-be-release anthology collections, "Cum On Feel The Hitz." 

On September 25th 2020 BMG  released Slade’s "Cum On Feel The Hitz", a superlative and comprehensive collection of Slade singles from 1970 to 1991. "Cum On Feel The Hitz"  has been  released as a  single CD and single LP collection: the CD comprises of 43 singles, while the double vinyl features 24 singles, In addition, there will be a 1LP and 1CD version available for North America exclusively.

"Cum On Feel The Hitz" includes all six of their UK Number one singles: "Coz I Luv You”, “Take Me Bak ‘Ome”, ”Mama Weer All Crazee Now”, “Cum On Feel The Noize”, “Skweeze Me, Pleeze Me“ and “Merry Xmas Everybody”  and a total of 16 Top 10 singles.

The Slade band's vocalist, rhythm guitarist and primary songwriter -- NODDY HOLDER -- spoke for a full hour from his home in England about his iconic band's long and impacting career and their latest multi-format anthology project. 

What was the secret to the band lasting a quarter century with the original line-up? 

Why did they spell their song titles so strangely? 
Were they pleased or unpleased with the popular cover versions of classic Slade songs during the '80s by the American bands Quiet Riot and Britney Fox?

How involved where the band members in compiling and creating the new multi-format boxed set of Slade music? 

Will the new box set mean a reunion and possible tour by the original band?

The answers to those questions and many more are found by clicking and listening to this amazing interview with one of the most influential member of one of the most influential British bands of the 1970s... Noddy Holder!

Of course, a nice mix of  SLADE recordings are played to break up the blocks of titillating conversation and spotlight some of the things of which Noddy was speaking. Classic Slade songs featured here  include such original gems as "Cum On Feel The Noize," "Mama, Weer All Crazee Now," "Gudbuy T'Jane," "Skweeze Me, Teeze Me," "Run Runaway," and "My Oh My." 

Live in-studio this evening, James Gedda and Frank Ruvoli performing and talking about the popular solo option many local artists are doing in the COVID environment. All this and more on Midwest Beat!

Formerly the frontman of well-known mid-90’s Chicago band LOUDMOUTH, Robert earned a gold album from the soundtrack for the film Varsity Blues, penning the hit song "Fly." His songs have also appeared in numerous movies, movie trailers and TV shows. He joins live in studio with Tom Lounges on Midwest Beat!

Joe Bouchard is a very successful recording artist, best known as one of the founding members of the band Blue Öyster Cult.  The original band recorded classic albums for Columbia Records in the 70s and 80s.  The band toured all over the world with shows in the US, Canada, Europe, the UK and Japan. From those days Joe earned nine gold and two platinum awards.  

Special guest Steve Hackett joins by phone! Steve will be calling in live from England at 2pm Central to discuss his soon to be released live album "SELLING ENGLAND BY THE POUND & SPECTRAL MORNINGS: LIVE AT HAMMERSMITH", his new biography, "A Genesis In My Bed," and of course some of his amazing musical history.  Selections from the forthcoming live album will be played, giving NPR listeners a sneak preview of this beautifully recorded collection of live performances.

Alligator Records is has some new music up to bat and we here at Midwest Beat showcase some of the best acts with tom Lounges including SHEMEKIA COPELAND, SELWYN BIRCHWOOD, and the incredible pairing of ELVIN BISHOP & CHARLIE MUSSELWHITE.

Ross Friedman, or Ross the Boss. was born in the Bronx, New York, and formed the punk rock band the Dictators with Andy Shernoff in New Paltz, New York, in 1973. We have him here seeing how life has been treating him on this special heavy episode of Midwest Beat

Midwest Beat with Tom Lounges features Midwest talents that you won't want to miss!   JOHNNY IGUANA and DAVE SANCHEZ... live interviews and great music!

This edition of  "MIDWEST BEAT with Tom Lounges" originally aired on FRIDAY, AUGUST 21st on 89.1 FM-Lakeshore Public Radio

Musical Guest:  JOHNNY IGUANA 

"MIDWEST BEAT with Tom Lounges" featured two great musical guests on this date. First up from 1-2pm was Chicago music maker JOHNNY IGUANA of The Claudettes fame.  Iguana spoke of  his debut piano blues album being release that very weekend.  

Selections from the album were spotlighted as Johnny spokes with Lounges about the making of the new album, its many celebrity guests, and why the time for a solo release is now.  What wil the future of The Claudettes be moving forward?   Listen as that very question gets asked.

Come check out the best artists from the ages in the Chicago and NWI Music scenes from your own Region Radio Host Tom Lounges!

Veteran country music singer/songwriter/guitarist BERNIE GLIM will guest with host Tom Lounges in-studio with his guitar in hand to perform some brand new songs and perhaps spin a song or two from his last album.

It's has been a long time since Glim and Lounges have gotten together on the radio and there is much ground to cover. Among the topics will be Bernie's live performance this weekend, the loss of a close friend, the evolution of his music and what the future holds for this much respected Midwest recording and performing artist.