The Eremita Exchange

Part Two of the conversation with Larry Ahearn from Episode 31. From seeing Jimmy Page play on the stage of Philadelphia's Main Point; to flying on Elton John's plane; to being a part of the Amnesty International Tour; and everything in between. And in the process, rubbing elbows with more famous artists than you can shake a drumstick at.  And the stories that go with those encounters. 

Rarely do you find someone in the music industry who has made a living solely from their craft from the very beginning.  Anthony Newett is that guy.  Producer, multi-instrumentalist, teacher and live performer, Anthony became a working musician in his teens and has never looked back. Just as his father did, he has made his living from music and only music from the beginning.  His one and only job.  And this lifetime love of music has led him on a fascinating journey.  One that spans from his teens, to today and onward.  

Violinist Hope Linton has been balancing the dynamics of being a musician for most of her life.  While growing up, she was a member of a classically-trained ensemble of her and her six siblings, and learned how to negotiate being a part of a musical group where the personal relationships are as complex as the music itself.  But despite this musical high-wire act, she has built a very successful career as both a performer and teacher.  She has played at the White House and has toured Europe and South America.  And her journey is a fascinating one.  Join Glenn Barratt and Hope as they trace where her musical path has led her and where it goes from here.

Songwriter, producer, multi-instrumentalist and so much more, Ross Bellenoit draws from a lot of musical wells.  Jazz, rock, pop, classical and just about every other genre out there.  Ross does a casual backstroke through the musical waters that would drown so many others.  I guess when you take a kid, who at age 12, both conducted an orchestral piece for a regional symphony and also played the entire guitar part from Pink Floyd's "Comfortably Numb" at his elementary school talent show, his future skies would be limitless.  And they are.  One of Philly's most in-demand musicians, both live and in the studio, Ross Bellenoit has done it all.  And yet, his future musical to-do list is vast.  Join us for a trip from the past, present and future with "Little Rolling Thunder."  It's quite the journey. 

Glenn Barratt knew at a very young age what his life's calling was going to be.  And he also knew that he possessed the drive and determination to make it happen.  Come hell or high water.  So now, the award-winning engineer, producer, musician and owner of Morningstar Studios has maintained that drive and determination for nearly five decades and has left his indelible mark on the music industry.  Join us for Part One of his fascinating musical journey.

Joe Mass makes it look easy.  Multi-instrumentalist, singer, composer, songwriter, studio-musician and the voice of Neil Young in "Broken Arrow," the tribute to the music of Neil Young, he can definitely do it all.  But make no mistake about it, he's put in the time and effort to achieve that level of musicianship despite its effortless appearance.  Join us on this remarkable journey of an accomplished musician who has made his mark and continues to make his mark on the music scene, but through it all, manages to maintain his humbleness and likability.

E.J. Simpson is all about versatility.  He plays multiple instruments, fronts his all original band, You Purple Virgin; does his own interpretation of the musical Jesus Christ Superstar; as well as performing with well-known bands, Beru Revue, Boris Garcia and others.  And if that weren't enough, he also teaches multiple instruments to students, as he says "from ages 6 to 96."  And somehow he still finds the time to write and record his own albums of originals.  "December" is the soon to be released follow-up to "Fabulous Fantasy."  Which is aptly named based on his life, which can at times seem like a fabulous fantasy.  Is E.J. Simpson versatile?  Why yes.  Yes he is.

At a very young age, Rodney Whittenberg had already decided what he wanted to do for the rest of his life. While accompanying his father on a visit to a local musician's house; a man who was going to transcribe a song his father had written; Rodney saw the vast array of instruments on the wall, the reel-to-reel recorder and accompanying equipment, and he was hooked.  And of course, the rest is history. Multi-instrumentalist, composer, producer, singer-songwriter, filmmaker, performer and owner/operator of Melodyvision Studios, Rodney Whittenberg took the dream of that six-year old boy who accompanied his dad that day and turned the dream into his real-life story. And what an amazing story it is.

Some people talk the talk and some people walk the walk.  John Flynn definitely walks the walk.  Singer/songwriter and activist, both his life and his music originate from a point of truth and compassion.  He speaks for the voiceless and his message, whether musical or in life, comes from the. heart.  A social justice troubadour whose words speak loudly and clearly. And when he's not singing, he can be found working directly with the incarcerated to make their transition to freedom or with children whose lives have been affected by AIDS/HIV.  A remarkable man.  And a remarkable story.

Larry Ahearn spent eleven years working at the Main Point, Philadelphia's legendary music venue that hosted some of the top names in popular music from 1964 to 1981. With artists like Bruce Springsteen, Joni Mitchell, Jackson Browne, Cat Stevens, Gordon Lightfoot and so many others, playing the small coffeehouse before they had hit the big time. Join host Glenn Barratt with Larry as they shares the colorful stories onstage and behind the scenes at the venue.  A musical trip back in time with an incredible cast of characters.

Ben Arnold has been a constant force in the Philadelphia music scene since the early 90's.    His standard of excellence as a singer-songwriter and a live performer has remained consistent, even as the industry has changed around him. He's established himself as a solo artist, band member, multi-instrumentalist, producer and educator. In this conversation, we talk about his newly-released album; his music career; his songwriting; his stories from life on the road and the journey that brought him to where he is today. He's lived and traveled to so many places and each of those places has left its mark on him. As a person and as a performer.  

Singer-Songwriter Kenn Kweder has been a fixture of the Philly music scene for going on six decades.  And being from Philadelphia, it's no surprise that independence is one of the guiding forces behind his career path, his songwriting, his performing and his lifestyle.  He is fiercely independent.  His experience working with The Ramones, Patti Smith and Cheap Trick shows the level of his talent, but the fact that he has played in the neighborhood of 1,500 gigs at Smokey Joes, a University of Pennsylvania bar, for thirty years straight truly defines the dedication he holds to what he does as a performer. And what he delivers. Join us on this fascinating musical and life journey of "The Bard of Southstreet," one of Philly's icons, but more importantly, an iconoclast who created his own set of rules. Simplicity in life, complexity in career.  That's Kenn Kweder.

John Byrne's songs invariably tell a story. Which is no surprise considering the compelling tale of the path that led the Dublin, Ireland native to become one of Philadelphia's most prominent performers. And his musical reach extends far beyond the East Coast.  Leader and frontman of The John Byrne Band, Byrne's music is a combination of Celtic and American Folk, and speaks from the heart. Tales of life, often semi-autobiographical in nature, appear both in his songs and in his recent dive into screenwriting, and in this conversation with Dan May as he shares the journey of one transplanted Dubliner become music maker, writer and teacher. 

Although he is, without question, one of the finest drummers around, to call Erik Johnson simply a drummer is doing him a major disservice.  He is also a vocalist, bassist, guitarist, keyboardist, teacher, composer and arranger/producer. As well as being in demand as a studio and live musician.  In short the man does it all. Current member of the band The Fractals, which is made up of Erik and two other member of former Interscope band "Huffamoose," his stories of being on the road with Huffamoose and his musical journey from a kid who was taking his first drum lessons at age six to the seasoned music professional he is today makes for a fascinating listen.   

When you start playing keyboards at age seven and by the age of twelve you're playing professional gigs, your career path has pretty much been decided.  That's Dave Posmontier in a nutshell.  Lifetime musician, jazz pianist fixture in the Philly music scene and always in demand as a studio player and a live performer, Dave Posmontier is recognized as one of Philly's finest.  And whether composing, arranging, performing or teaching, Dave brings his A game.  Jazz, Classical, Klezmer, or World Music, it's all the same to Dave. Music is music. Join us for one man's fascinating journey through a lifetime in music.

With over three decades in the Music/Entertainment industry as a respected producer, musician and engineer, Rich Waller knows the ins and outs of the business.  And the ups and downs.  And how it all fits together.  Having worked with artists like John Legend, Grover Washington Jr., Michael Brecker, The Roots and so many others, Rich climbed his way up the ladder by paying attention and by being curious. And his innate curiosity has always led him to finding out what the task at hand was, and how to master that task.  And when you add his positions as Product Specialist and Sales Rep for multiple sound companies into the mix, that makes him a true musical Renaissance Man.  Join Glenn Barratt and Rich on this fascinating musical journey.  

Kevin Hanson's journey has taken him across multiple musical scenes. As an accomplished guitarist, singer and songwriter, he's been a part of the Rock scene, the Jazz scene, the R&B scene and the Hip-Hop scene, all contributing to his musical and social development. And what an education it's been along the way. As a part of the band Huffamoose, he learned the ups and downs of the music business, and that a band's upward trajectory isn't always a guarantee of success when the record company pulls the rug out from under you. And whether he's appearing at the Fillmore in San Francisco, New York's Madisons Square Garden or the White House in Washington D.C. as part of the Philadelphia Eagle's entourage, he doesn't forget where he came from and what got him to where he is today. 

Jim and Paula Minacci are a couple of Philadelphia gems. Besides being the caretakers of Gloria Dei Old Swedes Church, the second-oldest church in the US, they are also the presenters of the Sexton Sideshow musical series and have a true sense of art and community. Jim and Paul discuss how they have brought art and community together, and they address the rewards and challenges of presenting a show like a musical tribute to the Coen Brothers film "O Brother, Where Art Thou." And how the rewards are worth all the effort.  And then some.

To say Chuck Staab is a well-rounded musician would be a major understatement.  As a Princeton grad, drummer, poet, surfer, percussionist, teacher and writer, he brings a lot to the musical table.  And his life experiences are equally formidable. At 22 he was touring the world with singer-songwriter/recording artist Melody Gardot, and his travels have included 44 countries and enough stories to last a lifetime. Join Glenn Barratt as he takes a trip with one of the most fascinating musicians out there. Chuck Staab. Where he's been, but more importantly, where he's headed from here.

Michael Tearson is a Hall of Fame radio broadcaster and is without question, a Philadelphia radio icon.  As a pioneer underground DJ, concert host, author, actor and recording artist, he's covered a lot of ground in his career.  He was playing FM rock music in the infancy of FM rock music, when DJs picked their own playlist, and he served that role for legendary Philly radio stations like WXPN, WMMR and WMGK, both as an on-air talent and music director.  He's gone from being a fledgling folk singer to an historic radio DJ and now an unexpected return to folk singer.  Come with us on that remarkable journey.

Phyllis Chapell is one of a kind. With a repertoire that includes songs sung in 13 languages, her style of international music and "world songs" has been developed and honed over many years.  And the result is a singular musical experience for the audience.  She is comfortable in so many genres, including American folk, jazz and popular music, and then add in a dose of her originals to round it all out.  She has recently been named as one of the top 500 jazz vocalist of all time by renowned music writer Scott Yanow.  And if that wasn't enough, the video for her song "Howling Wolf" has recently been awarded the Bronze Medal in the 2025 Global Music Awards.  It was a pleasure to talk to her about her unique musical journey. 

Lizanne Knott has been writing songs as long as she can remember.  And those songs have subsequently reached an international audience and resulted in multiple tours of the UK, Ireland, Spain and here in the US.  Her style has been described as "Badass rocker meets wounded bird, with a heavy dose of unapologetic lust thrown into the mix."  Combine that with her talent as a painter and her long connection with animal rescue and it makes for a compelling conversation with one of the most artistic, empathetic, caring human beings out there.  

Dan Kauffman is a one-man band.  Or at least he could be if there were four or five more of him.  He's an accomplished singer, songwriter, bassist, drummer, guitarist and also plays keyboards.  Since his return from the West Coast in 2008, Dan has performed live on the East Coast and touring on a regular basis, as well as steady studio work.  And for the last decade, he has been organizing and performing in "A Night of Stardust," a David Bowie tribute which has become a Philly favorite.  And then throw hosting his own podcast into the mix and we were surprised he even had time to be our guest.  But here he is, another interesting journey.

Craig White has over 40 years of recording and sound engineering under his belt, and none of it came as a result of formal training.  As he says, he learned it all from the school of RTFM, "Read the F***iing Manual." And it paid off in a big way.  He has engineering credits on multiple Grammy Nominated and Grammy Winning Projects and has worked with the likes of Patti Labelle, Celine Dion, Tito Puente, Lou Rawls, The O'Jays, Billy Paul, Kool and The Gang and many others.  Join fellow engineers Glenn Barratt and Craig as they share the journey of a curious five-year-old who asked for a tape recorder for Christmas so he could record "sounds," to the respected sound engineer and recording professional that has left his indelible mark on the music industry.  And the stories in between.

Singer-songwriter Emily Drinker and drummer Josh Steingard make up a dynamic duo, both in life and in music.  Two of Philly's most active musicians, they discuss their individual upbringings in music, their paths to becoming professionals, their recent experience performing onboard a cruise of the Mediterranean, and their upcoming cruise performing on a Caribbean cruise. It's a Bon Voyage episode of the Eremita Exchange as Emily and Josh throw us a musical lifeline.  

Take a seasoned rapper, a classically-trained harpist with an angel's voice and put them together and you get one of the most unique and original sounds in music.  Kuf Knotz and Christine Elise take this unlikely pairing and unconventional style and deliver it all in positive message that promises the possibility.  And the power of hope.  Hip Hop meets Soul meets New Age.  And they all live happily ever after.   

Singer-songwriter Gina Kaz is a music therapist at heart. And if there's one thing she has plenty of, it's heart. After a 17-year career of teaching music to children through her engaging and entertaining children's songs, Gina has just made the challenging transition from being Gina of "Music with Gina" to becoming Gina Kaz, full-time singer songwriter. Join us on her musical journey from where she started to where she's headed from here.  Her energy and positivity are contagious.  And therapeutic.  

Lisa Schaffer is an entrepreneur in the true sense of the word.  As one of Philadelphia's most respected and sought-after photographers for the better part of two decades, specializing in capturing musicians in their natural environment, she is a benchmark for professionalism and excellence.  And throw being a DJ into the mix, spinning strictly vinyl, her long-time connection to music has led her to recently opening her own record store, a new direction for a businesswoman and artist who's not afraid to venture down a new path on her journey.  Join us for the trip.

Jay Davidson is one of Philadelphia's premier saxophonists, but he's so much more than that. As a multi-instrumentalist, composer, producer and promoter, he's been involved in the music industry for most of his life, both onstage and in the studio. Having toured nationally and internationally with the likes of Whitney Houston, Steve Winwood, Cinderella and so many other artists.  And he's always brought his best game to any project he's been involved with, including his own. Starting at a young age, he's studied music at every level and he has no intention of stopping any time soon.  Glenn and Jay take a look back at a remarkable career and a look forward to what's still to come.

Besides being an accomplished singer songwriter in her own right, Gretchen Schultz has been an integral part of Christine Havrilla’s music over the years as well as a member of Gypsy Fuzz. Gretchen shares her own story and also pays tribute to Christine’s legacy and how their relationship shaped her as a person and as a musician.  

Bob Beach has established himself as one of Philadelphia's premier harmonica players. And although he was born in Philly, his formative years in music occurred elsewhere, which made his musical journey a "coming home" story of sorts.  Whether playing on the East Coast, West Coast or somewhere in between, just put a harmonica in his hands, stand back and let the magic happen. And Bob's story proves that you CAN come home again.  Join us for the ride.    

Whether busking on the streets of Europe and India, or playing Lincoln Center, Ken Ulansey's journey has taken him to some fascinating places, both musically and geographically.  And as one of Philadelphia's most versatile saxaphone players, Ken has delved into a wide variety of styles and genres throughout his career and taken a most unconventional musical path. Join us for the journey.

Phil D'Agostino, who besides being one of Philadelphia's finest bass players, is also the proprietor of the Eremita Cafe, from where this podcast gets its name.  Phil talks about his start in music, his early days in the Philly music scene, his days with Get the Led Out, and what motivated him to jump into the small business world and the difficulties that accompany that choice.  Songwriter, composer and multi-instrumentalist, not to mention barista extraordinaire, Phil brings a lot to the table. Including Almond Croissants.  And thank god for that. 

Chris Arms and Danny Schogger met in London while they were both in their twenties, a couple of young songwriters working for Ruffhouse Records.  That chance encounter has led to a musical relationship that has spanned nearly four decades.  A kid from Philly and a kid from London who both went on to have successful careers as musicians, producers, songwriters and composers.  Glenn talks to them about their separate journeys from that initial meeting all those years ago and what brings them back together today.

Jamey Reilly has worn more hats than just about anyone in the music business.  As a player, audio engineer, recording design engineer, booking agent, tour manager, presenter, physical therapist, yoga instructor and now owner and proprietor of Jamey's House of Music, he has taken a most unconventional road, both in music and in life. Whether on the road with Aerosmith, sharing a room with Peter Frampton, or being guided by Sufi mystic Bawa, his is a fascinating tale of survival and overcoming the odds.  

After more than forty years of playing electric bass for the likes of James Taylor, Carly Simon, Jefferson Airplane, Jef Lee Johnson, Seamus Egan and supergroup Solas, Jeff Golub and so many others, Chico Huff still considers music a learning process.  In this in-depth exchange, Chico explains his path to and through music and how he has always left his mind open and never been locked into one style or genre.  His versatility is his calling card in a musical life that has been and continues to be, a fascinating  journey. 

Whether it's about playing the southern chitlin circuit as a 12-year-old, being invited by Jimi Hendrix to play sax with him on stage at the Houston Astrodome as a mere teenager; producing two iconic albums with Philadelphia phenom Ernesta Dunbar; or most recently releasing his own album of R&B standards reimagined that's climbing the charts; in this interview with Glenn Barratt, Jerry Burton weaves a fascinating tale of his half-century in the music business.

A wonderful talk with guitarist and life-guru Avery Coffee.  Besides touring with newly-inducted member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Chubby Checker, Avery plays and records with countless musicians in the Philadelphia area.  And his outlook on life is one that everyone can appreciate.

An in-depth conversation with Fred Berman, one of Philadelphia's premier drummers.  From the first time he picked up drumsticks to recording, playing and touring with well-known artists, nationally and internationally, "Fred the Red" has done it all.

The preview episode of the Eremita Exchange, a podcast that features talks with Philadelphia artists and musicians in a deeper dive into their lives and careers.  Hosted by singer-songwriter Dan May and producer Glenn Barratt.