The Pete Feenstra Feature
Interviews and the Blues...
Sunday 20:00
This weekly show gives listeners the opportunity to explore in more depth an artist or album.
Pete chats to a variety of artists, sometimes discussing (and featuring) their own favourite tracks that have inspired or influenced them over the years.
Please note that if you are in the USA, for copyright reasons, you might not be able to listen again via our Mixcloud player. Where possible, we have used an alternative inline player.
Due to licensing restrictions many of these shows are edited versions of the original broadcast.
Shows are posted within five days of the last repeat broadcast.
PETE FEENSTRA VOTED BLUES BROADCASTER OF THE YEAR IN THE UK BLUES AWARDS 2020 & 2021 Nominee!
“BEST PODCAST” WRINKLY ROCKERS CLUB AWARDS 2021!
The Pete Feenstra Feature Archive (Index, 2016-2022)
PETE IS NOMINATED IN 2023 UK BLUES AWARDS!
2024
Sunday 21 July PANGAEA
Originally called Artica, the band formed in 1989 in Tulsa, Oklahoma, with featured The Schenck brothers; Ron Poulsen on bass Darrell Masingale (guitar/vocals) and Keith Tinker (keyboards & vocals). Keith subsequently left though still contributed to the band, while the operatically trained lead vocalist Steve Osborn joined in 1991
They released their debut album Le Collage D’Exoticolours in the same year and in 1992 Peavey Magazine called the band “an art-rock band that has a huge repertoire of highly original music”
In 1996 they met producer Robert Berry, and cut the ‘Rite of Passage’ album.
They have worked with him ever since, exploring a mix of melodic classic progressive rock with a number of well received albums, the last being ‘A Time & A Place’ in 2002.
They took a 15 year break, but returned in 2021 with the addition of multi-instrumentalist Scott Draughon, working again with Robert Berry on a new album called ‘Beowulf, released 23 May on HMG Records.
The striking art work comes from old friend the German artist Rainer Kalwitz.
Sunday 14 July TORONZO CANNON (Tuesday 16 July, 21:00 repeat)
Toronzo Cannon is a groundbreaking Chicago Bluesman with plenty to say.
Originally schooled in reggae, he made his name with afresh take on Chicago blues, shot through with equal amounts of integrity and vitality.
He penned many of his songs while driving a Chicago Transit Authority bus for 28 years. He has single handedly reshaped blues as contemporary music dealing with universally relatable themes, be they relationships family or politics.
Blessed with a rich vocal talent, incendiary guitar chops, original and meaningful lyrics, deep grooves and resonant hooks, Toronzo Cannon flies the flag for socially relevant blues.
The ironically titled ‘Shut Up & Play’ is his third album for Alligator, on which he rocks hard, digs deep for emotion leave us in no doubt that he’s in the vanguard of new Chicago Blues.
https://www.toronzocannon.com/
Sunday 30 June ROBIN TROWER (Tuesday 2 July, 21:00 repeat)
Pete chats to the guitar legend with tracks from the recently reissued ‘Bridge Of Sighs’ and his collaboration with Sari Schorr.
Sunday 23 June BLUES PARTY! The best blues old and new!
Sunday 16 June JONATHAN EARP (Big Wolf Band) (Tuesday 18 June, 21:00 repeat)
Formed in Birmingham in 2014, by acclaimed guitarist, vocalist and songwriter Jonathan Earp and bass player Mick Jeynes, Big Wolf Band is a powerful rock blues band with funk and Americana influences.
The band also features Tim Jones on drums, Robin Fox on keyboards , co-songwriter Justin Johnson on rhythm guitar and special guest Zoe Green on backing vocals.
The band has been described as explosive, dynamic, raw, emotional, and hardworking.
They’ve been voted into the Top 5 Best blues bands in the UK in 2023/24, while their new ‘Rebel’s Journey’ (their third studio album) has reached Number 1 in the Amazon Best Selling Blues Chart; and Amazon Hot New Releases. It was also Number 1 in the IBBA chart for May 2024.
Sunday 9 June WHIFFING THE PEACHES
Whiffing The Peaches is an ever evolving experimental rock project from Grimsby in the UK.
They currently feature founder member Adrian White (musician, main composer, with recording, mixing & mastering responsibilities) and vocalist and poet/lyricist Victoria Edwards.
Additional lyrics and video content comes from Dave Larder (founder of the influential, but now defunct Lincolnshire Arts & Music Bulletin (aka LAMMB) website.
Started in 2008 by Ade, the band was originally a trio with now departed trumpeter Trev Nimmo and vocalist, Owenna McKenna, with nearly all the past members coming from Skip of Fools, a 7 piece covers band known for eclectic set lists
The latest incarnation of WTP continues to produce self written, studio originals, as part of a non gigging musical project.
So far the band have released an album and an EP. Now comes the brand new ‘Funky Peach’, a self release on the 8th June
https://whiffingthepeaches.co.uk/
Sunday 2 June RICHARD TOWNEND
Richard Townend is an independent musician and very original songwriter, video creator and guitarist, who has been compared to the likes of Mark Knopfler, Chris Rea and JJ Cale
His prodigious output stretches to 15 albums, with over 300 songs and 90 videos since 2011
He studied at the Leeds School of Music, and initially worked on the old “light Music” circuit with the likes of The Platters, Tony Christie & Ronnie Corbett.
He took an extended break before returning as a solo and then band artist with The Mighty Bosscats
He’s a 6 time British blues awards nominee, though his music encompasses blues, jazz, country and Americana.
His new album is called ‘Photoshoot.’
Sunday 26 May JJ GREY (Tuesday 28 May, 21:00 repeat)
JJ Grey is a Florida based, roots rocking singer songwriting guitarist who front his own soulful jam band called Mofro
With over 10 albums and 20 years on the road, JJ Grey’s has carved out a swampy, funky roots rocking style which the New York Times noted was full of; “Impassioned singing, riff-based Southern rock, cold-blooded swamp funk and sly Memphis soul.”
He’s a heartfelt, imagery laden, storytelling lyricist, as evidenced by his new ‘Olustee’ album on Alligator Records
Sunday 19 May T BEAR (Tuesday 21 May, 21:00 repeat)
T Bear is a keyboard playing, vocalist, songwriter, solo artist, session and studio musician who has worked with Crosby, Stills and Nash, The Blues Brothers, Billy Squier, Richie Havens, Cher, and was even Carly Simon’s road manager.
During a self imposed three decade hiatus from the music industry he still helped establish the charity organisation, The Musicians Picnic, and Musicians Assistance program, now known as The MusiCares Foundation.
Since coming back to music in 2017 he’s released a single and an all star comeback album called ‘Fresh Bear Tracks’. He’s also established his popular podcast called “The Bear Facts,” and last year he undertook a World Tour with Walter Trout.
He’s just released a brand new album called ‘The Way Of The World’ on Quarto Valley Records.
https://rock.quartovalleyrecords.com/t-bear/
Sunday 12 May ROCKY ATHAS (Tuesday 14 May, 21:00 repeat)
Guitarist Rocky Athas is known as The Texan Tornado, and a Rock Texas Blues legend.
He played with John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers for eight years, Black Oak Arkansaw for five years, recorded with Buddy Miles, SRV’s Double Trouble, Glenn Hughes and played with Mick Taylor, Joe Walsh and others.
He’s appeared on 21 albums in all, including eight solo albums- the latest of which is called ‘Living My Best Life’, his first for 7 years.
https://www.rockyathas.com/
Sunday 5 May TOM KILLNER (Tuesday 7 May, 21:00 repeat)
South Yorkshire based Tom Killner is a 27-year-old award-winning powerhouse vocalist, subtle singer songwriter, guitar player, and band leader who brings together soulfully infused Blues, with Southern Rock, Country, and Americana.
In 2015 he signed with the LA based Cleopatra Records for his ‘Hard Road’ debut album.
He’s since cut a live follow up, and a second studio album called ‘Get Back Up’, as well as an EP and a single.
His new cross genre release is called Borrowed Time and is a big statement about who he is, and is notable for strong songs, an intricate production and fine vocals
Sunday 28 April Psych & Space
Sunday 21 April New Blues
Sunday 14 April It’s 1974!…(Monday 15 April, 16:00, Thursday 18 April, 23:00 repeat)
Sunday 7 April GEORGE JONES (Son Of Man) (Monday 8 April, 16:00, Thursday 4 April, 23:00 repeat)
George Jones is a Welsh guitarist, vocalist and band leader of Son Of Man.
The band features members of Man and Sassafras. They originally formed to pay homage to legendary Welsh psychedelic rock band Man – which featured Micky Jones, the band’s founder member who was also George’s Dad.
Since then Son of Man have now forged their own hard hitting heritage rock style’ with two well received albums, and a brand new release called ‘Gaslight’, set for a 26 April release via Esoteric (Cherry Red).
The new album is a riff driven, harmony heavy, classic rock album, with prog edges and an imposing wall of sound.
They play Nene Valley rock festival, at Grimsthorpe Castle near Bourne in September.
Sunday 31 March The Rock Show (Monday 1 April, 16:00, Thursday 4 April, 23:00 repeat)
Sunday 24 March LEE BATES (Tuesday 26 March, 21:00 repeat)
Lee Bates is a vocalist slide guitarist guitarist and kazoo player for the 5 piece Struggle Buggy, a 30’s and 40’s acoustic blues band from Newcastle.
The band play good time blues that spans Hokum, Ragtime, Swing, and Jug band blues played on National Resonator Guitars, lap steel, harmonica, double bass and drums, the way roots music should be played.
https://strugglebuggy1.bandcamp.com/album/keep-it-clean
Sunday 17 March ADAM SWEET (Tuesday 19 March, 21:00 repeat)
Adam Sweet is a riff driven, groove laden, roots-rocking and acoustic guitar player and singer-songwriter with a soulful voice.
Taking his cue from the British Blues Boom and rock riffs of the 60s and 70s, he’s carved out his own territory between classic rock, blues and Americana and Country on 2 albums, 2 EP’s, a single.
He’s just released a new 4 track EP called ‘Live At Crescent Records’ on Bandcamp, complete with live filmed performances of each song.
He was a ‘Breakthough Artist Of The Year’ on Get Ready To ROCK!
Guitar Techniques noted he had: “A whole new perspective on the blues genre,” while Laurel Canyon Music called Adam’s music: “Wonderful rock, blues and roots guitar and very classy arrangements.”
His band was also voted Introducing Stage Winners at The Great British Rock & Blues Festival in 2023
https://www.adamsweetmusic.com/
Sunday 10 March ROBBIE McINTOSH (Monday 11 March, 16:00, Thursday 14 March, 23:00 repeats)
Robbie McIntosh is a singer, songwriter and guitar playing session man extraordinaire.
Aside from his own 8 album solo career, he’s spent over 10 years in The Pretenders and Paul McCartney’s band as well as touring and recording with John Mayer’s Band & Norah Jones.
He has a stellar musical CV that includes Talk Talk, Mark Knopfler, Tears For Fears, Roger Daltry, Sinead O’Connor, Kirsty McColl, Tori Amos, Annie Lennox, CandY Dulfer, Tom Jones, Zucherro, Paul Young Joe Cocker, Nine Below Zero, and early career bands such as The Foster Brothers, Night and Chris Thompson.
https://robbiemcintosh.co.uk/
https://robbiemcintosh.bandcamp.com/merch
Sunday 3 March HOLLY LERSKI (Monday 4 March, 16:00, Thursday 7 March, 23:00 repeats)
Holly Lerski is a British alt-Americana singer songwriter, band leader, label boss, author and artist.
Her 30+ year career, has included bands such as the indie pop outfit The Nivens, folk rockers the Rainbyrds, and the more adventurous Angelou who signed with Sanctuary Records.
Her subsequent solo career since 2006 has seen her gain critical acclaim.
Her new solo album is called ‘Sweet Decline’ on her own Laundry label. It’s the result of a relationship break up which led her to travel through 7 American states in 20 days, as well as a subsequent trip to Southern California, during which time the songs flowed.
Sunday 25 February GARY BREWER
Gary Brewer is a stalwart of the London R&B/blues scene.
In the 80s, his highly regarded outfit Little Sister toured the world and backed musical greats such as Etta James, Alison Moyet, Ronnie Hawkins and Country Joe MacDonald (of Woodstock fame).
His current band includes former Little Sister bassist Malcolm Hoskins and drummer Peter Stroud.
Pete Feenstra met up with Gary in February 2024. As Pete says, the background clatter of a London pub shouldn’t detract from an interesting chat about Gary’s career.
Sunday 18 February JOHN FIDDLER/Medicine Head (Monday 19th, 16:00, Thursday 22nd, 23:00 GMT repeat)
John Fiddler is an original member of the groundbreaking two man band Medicine Head.
The band formed in 1968 and were mentored and signed by John Peel for 3 albums on his Dandelion label, as well as being encouraged by John Lennon.
He was also an integral member of the all star Box of Frogs and the later British Lions.
After a ten year hiatus in the US, John returned with the name Medicine Head for the acclaimed ‘Warriors of Love’. Now comes the follow up, an exquisite album called ‘Heartwork’, arguably a career highlight.
https://www.medicinehead.rocks
Sunday 11 February GREGG WRIGHT (Tuesday 13 February, 21:00 repeat)
Gregg Wright is known as The King of the Rocking Blues.
He’s a singer songwriter and left handed rock-blues guitarist who apart from a 45 year solo career, has a musical CV that includes 3 years with The Jacksons, as well as Mick Fleetwood, The Gap Band, Spencer Davis, Aynsley Dunbar, Zac Harmon, Buddy Miles etc
He’s been inducted into the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame in 2013 and received the “Living Legend” Blues Award in 2019.
He was also presented with the Fret King Black Label Guitar “GWR” artist model, created by guitar maker Trev Wilkinson.
His latest album is called ‘Big Dawg Barkin’ on Left Hook Records.
Sunday 4 February DICK GRISDALE (Lazarus Heights)
Lazarus Heights is an Anglo-French rock band based in Dordogne, South West France.
They cut a few well received singles from 2006 onwards and by 2023 a revised line up of Dick Grisdale (singer, songwriter, vocalist and guitarist), Simon Pearson bass, Jeff Gautier drums & percussion and keyboard player single Paul Mouradian, cut a debut album called ‘Strangers’.
They’ve also just recorded 14 songs for an as yet untitled follow up due for a Spring release.
https://www.facebook.com/lazarusheights/
Sunday 28 January BUDDY WHITTINGTON (Tuesday 30 January, 21:00 repeat)
Buddy Whittington spent 15 years in John Mayall’s Blues Breakers as well as establishing a 3 album solo career, to go with the 8 he cut with John Mayall and 2 with Dr Wu & Friends.
He’s one of 3 guitarists featured on the ‘Texas Scratch’ album, which was originally recorded 14 years ago and has recently been issued by Quarto Valley Records.
The all star band features Buddy Whittington, vocals/gtr; Jim Suhler (George Thorogood & The Destroyers/Monkey Beat), vocals/gtr; Vince Converse (Sunset Heights), vocals & gtr; Nathaniel Peterson (Savoy Brown/Buddy Miles/Twin Dragon) on bass, and Jeff Simon (original member of George Thorogood & The Detroyers, with additional input from Roger Earl, drums (Foghat).
https://blues.quartovalleyrecords.com/texas-scratch/
Sunday 21 January DAN PATLANSKY (Tuesday 23 January, 21:00 repeat)
Dan Patlansky is a blues/rock singer songwriter, guitarist and riff master who is promoting his 11th album called ‘Movin On’, released on 1 March.
He will be supporting the album with an 8 date UK tour in April 2024.
Sunday 14 January Music from Black Top Records
Sunday 7 January: Rockin The New Year (Monday 8 January, 16:00 and Thursday 11 January, repeat)
Grand Slam – 19 from Hit The Ground on Marshall Records 3.19
Rob Tognoni – Rebel & A Gamble from Rebel on Mig / Indigo 3.37
The Petal Falls – Sometimes from The Rhythm Train, self release 4.07
Troy Redfern – The Strange from Invocation on RED7 Records 3.22
Cassidy Paris – Song For Broken Heart from New Sensation on Frontiers Records s.r.l. 4.22
Voodoo Ramble- Street Livin’ from Home Again on Thoroughbred 3.52
Bernie Marsden – Foolish Day from Working Man on Conquest Music 4.03
Clutch – We Strive For Excellence from Sunrise On Slaughter Beach on Weathermaker 2.55
Ivy Gold – Got What I Need from Golden Silence on Ivy Gold 3.46
Richard Rozze – Living Man from Lion, self release 5.28
James Leg – Mighty Man from Blood On The Keys on Alive Naturalsounds 3.10
Vambo – World’s Collide (Struggle for Power) from Vambo 2 on Pride & Joy Music 3.34
Matty T. Wall – Slide Ride from Live Downunder on Hipster Dumpster Pty Ltd 3.45
Shinedown – The Crow & Butterfly from The Sound of Madness on Atlantic 4.13
LINKS
The Pete Feenstra Feature Archive (Index, 2016-2023)
The Pete Feenstra Rock & Blues Show
Pete Feenstra Bio
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