Backstage with the Troubadours

In this episode we interview accomplished guitarist and "walking encyclopedia of guitar history", Zac Childs. Zac has played for the likes of Brad Paisley, Vince Gill and Allison Krauss among others. He served as long time guitar tech for Brad Paisley as well as Carie Underwood and Terry Clark's band. Zac was a writer with Vintage Guitar Magazine for 15 years, writing the popular column "Ask Zac". He continues to share his knowledge of guitars, performers and guitar history through his You Tube Channel "Ask Zac". If that's not enough, Zac is Director of Distributor Relations for Truetone and is the host of Truetone Lounge, their in-house video show! 

My guest on this episode is Robin Hood Brians. Robin is a singer, songwriter, pianist and renowned recording engineer. He owns Robin Hood Studios in Tyler Texas. The studio has been in continuous operation for over 60 years. What an amazing accomplishment! Over the decades, Robin has recorded many great artists and bands such as The Uniques, ZZ Top, Ike and Tina Turner, James Brown, Neil Diamond, Mouse and the Traps and John Fred and His Playboys. Just to mention a few. This is a great interview with an amazing man.  He has so many good stories about the music legends he has recorded. You won't be disappointed. 

Ken "Nardo" Murray is a 53 year veteran musician who has played the drums for some of the greatest artists of all time. Some of the most notable include Mouse and the Traps, Bugs Henderson, The Coasters, Eric Clapton, Chuck Berry, and the amazing Dolly Parton.  Nardo has some great tales to tell. You will want hear about his experience with Chuck Berry. What a story!!  Ken also clues us in on how he got his nickname "Nardo".  If you love the history of Texas music, then this episode is for you!

Lynn Groom  is a gifted singer, songwriter, pianist, guitar and bass player who has spent his life touring the world playing music.  He’ splayed at notable venues including Billy  Bob’s Texas in Fort Worth, Disney World in Orlando, the World Cup Rodeo in Australia, The Shy Clown Casino in Reno, The Palomino in Hollywood, Aramco Oil Company dates in Saudi Arabia, and the wedding of Troy Aikman, former quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys. Lynn has also performed and recorded with greats such as Leon Russell, Dr. John, Bugs Henderson, Waylon Jennings, Larry Mahon, Susan Anton and many others.  Lynn’s cousin actually owned the historic Longhorn Ballroom in Dallas for 40 years.  Listen in as Lynn tells about some early music history that took place in Tyler, Texas and experiences on the road and in the studio with some of the greats. In fact, you've got to hear about his experience with the great Billy Preston.

In this episode we interview the great Steve Howard. Steve has some amazing tales to tell about his days playing and recording in New Orleans and touring with Paul McCartney, Albert King, Tom Jones, The Blues Brothers and others. Check out the following excerpt from Steve's website. http://stevecatfishhoward.comSteve Howard’s work with stellar artists and producers has made him a valuable asset through an extensive and varied career. As an expert in the fields of R&B, Blues, Rock, and Jazz, his talents have  honed to adapt to many genres and styles of music. As a result, Steve has been sought after to record and perform with many legendary musicians. In 1973 Steve moved to New Orleans to work with blues Legend Luther Kent. While there, he was discovered by legendary producer Allen Toussaint. He performed on Toussaint-produced albums Nightbirds by Patti LaBelle, which featured the #1 hit “Lady Marmalade”, and Toussaint's own critically acclaimed Southern Nights album. At Sea-Saint Studios Steve performed with the Meters, Dr. John, Little Feet, Tracy Nelson, Ernie K-Doe, and Lee Dorsey. In 1974 Paul McCartney came to New Orleans  to record at Sea-Saint. Steve was invited to play on “Call Me Back Again” which was featured on the Venus and Mars album. As a result, six months later Steve was asked to join Wings on their world tour. He spent the next five years performing in concerts in the USA, Europe, and Australia and recording at Abbey Road Studios in London as well as making five albums with Wings. He also appeared in films of the American tour and the Rockestra sessions. Rockestra included performances with rock legends Pete Townsend, John Bonham, Dave Gilmore, Ronnie Lane, and John Paul Jones.  During a break in the Wings schedule Steve toured with both Tom Jones and Ray Charles. In Ray's band he played sitting next to Johnny Coles, one of his earliest musical influences.Back home in the Dallas area during the 1980's Steve continued playing shows and recording albums. He rekindled his relationship with Dr. John (Mac Rebennack) and worked with him extensively while developing a friendship that endured until Mac's death in 2019. During this period Steve performed at Austin City Limits with Delbert McClinton and played concerts with the Spinners, the Four Tops, Martha Reeves, and Gladys Knight in the Dallas area.In 1989 Steve joined Albert Collins' band, touring worldwide and recording with Albert until his death in 1993. With Alberts band Steve played at the Mt. Fuji Jazz Festival in Japan and the Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland. The band toured in the USA, Europe, and Australia, played Austin City Limits, and recorded numerous albums.In 1994 Steve returned to New Orleans as a member of the Legendary White Trash Horns. During 1994-95 the White Trash Horns worked with producer John Snyder on albums for Junior Wells, Clarence “Gatemouth” Brown, Billy Branch, Larry Garner, and others. They also worked with producer Mike Post on recordings for Sonny Landreth. Steve performed on a solo album with former Blood, Sweat, and Tears lead singer Jerry Fisher. In addition to work with the White Trash Horns, Steve played on numerous recordings for blues label Black Top Records. Recordings for Black Top included albums for Solomon Burke, Guitar Shorty, Snooks Eaglin, Phillip Walker, W.C. Clark, and others. He also performed at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival with Boz Scaggs as well as with Clarence “Gatemouth” Brown and Luther Kent. In 1996 and again in 2000 theWhite Trash Horns reunited with Edgar Winter for two albums and live performances including the Montreux Jazz Festival. From 1998-2002, as a member of the White Trash Horns, Steve toured and recorded with German superstar Peter Maffay in Europe.In 2002 Steve formed his own band, the N'awlins Gumbo Kings, which performs its own special brand o

Part 2 of Richard Bowden includes some hilarious stories! We've got whipped cream with Loggins and Mesina, shaving cream with Linda Ronstadt, touring with Eagles and a little mischief with Joe Walsh. 

Richard Bowden is a guitarist, singer, writer and comedian who has toured the globe with artists such as Linda Rhonstadt, Dan Fogleberg, Roger MsGuinn, and the Flying Burrito Brothers. His own band, Blue Steel, also opened for the Eagles on their Long Run Tour. Richard is a childhood friend of Don Henley, of the Eagles. . In this episode, he talks about the early years, forming a band,  and how Henley became the drummer. He talks about playing the the Texas circuit with Don and how they got their first break with Superstar Kenny Rogers. They actually met him in a clothing store! Richard is quite the story teller and he delivers some amazing tales from his days on the road.  You'll be surprised what he did with shaving cream!! So sit back and prepare to LYAO with Richard Bowden.

Trailer with 60 second description of the podcast