A major early influence as noted by Tom, who placed transcriptions of Bob Dylan’s lyrics on his bedroom walls, James & Bill pay tribute to the Nobel Prize Winning Master and uncover the secret connection, that’s right folks, the first in a special series dedicated to two men with the middle name Allen. Plus condors, herons and bears, oh my, and billions and billions of passenger pigeons blotting out the sun as they fly by, this episode has it all, including a special bonus at the end. Denny Crane!
Blues, Reds & Whites: Independent As A Bison On Ice
Bill and James double down and celebrate America's Birthday in true Waitsian fashion by talking about Day of The Dead, special steaks, and jail breaks. They run their playlists up the flagpole to see who salutes, then shoot off all their fireworks just for you, folks.
Painting by James W. Johnson
Nuns 'N' Flare Guns: Flying High Without A Net
Bill & James once again rev up the Zencastr dual-cam microphones and walk the wi-fi wire without a net for your amusement. The Flying Walendas they ain't. As you've come to expect, their discombobulated conversation eventually shakes out Bill's story of committing a mortal sin with Pope John Paul II and a bunch of nuns in Washington, D.C. with good ol' Charlie Brown as his trusty sidekick. Along the way they're talkin' Quincy Jones, Billy Joel, Regis Philbin, and, of course, Tom Waits and Primus.
Ron Anglin: West Point, 82nd Airborne, Hospital Clown
Memorial Day returns and we open Season 3 by commemorating with former Assault Helicopter Platoon Leader, Paratrooper, School Teacher and now Hospital Clown, Ron Anglin as he regales us with all stories military, historically and rhetorically. Featuring Tom's soldier songs with a special version on the ukulele. Salute the confetti folks!
The Human Guinea Pig: Bathing In Swordfishtrombones
Completely chambered with nothing but Swordfishtrombones, water, and chocolate confetti for all of Season 2, our one and only Human Guinea Pig, Brad Smith, professional singer and raconteur, finally emerges to share his unexpected findings, and boy was it worth the wait! Plus, Grand Recantations for the entire Season 2. Feel the Bonus!
Showbiz Child: Keep Out...Entertainers Only!
Ladies and gentlemen...direct from Sunshine City Studios: Welcome to our Season 2 Finale'! From Ethel Merman's disco album to Zsa Zsa Gabor and Liberace to tidying up behind elephants to Johnny Eck and ladies' night, Bill & James have a ne'er-do-well-rounded discussion about Tom Waits and his songs and commentary about Showbiz. There's no business like it, folks!
Getting Lost: Riding The Holy Now Rodeo On A Hummingbird's Wings
WTF?! Bill & James really lose it this time. It's up to you to find it, folks. Enough said...except: feel the love.
Heart Break: Deliciously Dark Poisonous Little Ditty
Bill and James go way down the rabbit hole into the obscure subject of Tom Waits' sad songs about broken hearts. It's a big dig episode, dealing with two degrees of separation, The Wee People, parking in Ireland, kissing The Blarney Stone, crows, ravens, Edgar Allen Poe, Denny Crane, psychotic poetry, and Paterson's curse. Feel the love!
International Women's Day
March 8th is a special day around the world, folks. And so we devoted this episode to honoring and celebrating International Womyn's Day with Cheryl, who takes the reins and lists her demands, echoing those of women around the world. Featuring some of Tom's most cherished songs about women. Start the party!
Kenny Werner: World Class Pianist / Composer
From his tours with Jazz master Toots Thielemans to his groundbreaking book, 'Effortless Mastery' taught at the Berklee School of Music, Kenny Werner brings complexity and the street to composing and creativity. This hour long musical deep dive also showcases 2 exclusives - Kenny's arrangement of Tom's 'Take It With Me' for Broadway Legend Betty Buckley, live with the Seattle Symphony and a song from his new upcoming CD, ''Christmas Day Is Almost Here... Again.'' Feel the love, folks: Happy Blue Valentines!
Groundhog Day: German Weasels & Whistle Pigs
Move over, Bill Murray...Whistle Pigs are the new Wood Chucks. Punxsutawney Phil ain't got nothin' on me! This is our homage to a classic holiday movie. We know what you're thinking, folks! What's this got to do with Tom Waits? It's the same. It's the same. Start the Party! Again.
MLK Day: Change Must Come From Within
In celebration of Dr. King's birthday we paid tribute by reflecting on many of his great sayings and his final message - to serve with "a heart full of grace, and a soul generated by love". With a few of Tom's great songs dealing with the devil, love and houses to bless our journey on this great day. RIP Ralph Carney.
