The Stereo Image

Today we are excited to have Tim Jenison on the podcast. If we were looking for guests who would literally embody the name of this show, Tim would be the perfect guest. He is an inventor, filmmaker, musician, and amazing technician who’s current project is to build a recording studio using only analogue gear. He knows his tech and he knows his music too.

You might have heard of him from his Tim’s Vermeer documentary but I talk with...

In this episode, Mike chats with former Chicago Tribune music critic, Howard Reich. Howard shares his journey from being a jazz critic to becoming an accidental filmmaker and opera writer. He emphasizes the role of music in storytelling and the importance of critics in promoting lesser-known artists. He also reflects on his transition to new artistic mediums like opera and ballet, celebrating the legacy of musicians and the power o...

Our latest guest is Ashley Kahn, author, educator, and deep thinker! He and Mike discuss how people discover and listen to music today and how it differs from the past.

More info for this episode:

Paul Simon's Graceland (YouTube)

Dr John - There Must Be A Better World Somewhere (YouTube)

International Society of Jazz Arrangers & Composers

John Beasley - pianist

Tuesday's Just As Bad Radio Show

Hot Tuna Blues (YouTube)

The Unive...

This week’s episode features Marc Myers. If you are a lover of all things music, Marc is the man for you. If you appreciate music's history and evolution, Marc is the man for you. If you have always wanted to get into jazz music but just didn’t know where to begin or what to listen for, Marc is the man for you! Marc is the creator of JazzWax which hosts a wealth of history, stories, opinions, and more about jazz and other forms of ...

This week, Mike is talking with Jason Garfield. Jason is a great juggler. But don’t roll your eyes at that. He does a lot of other things too! Jason is trying to get juggling into the Olympics and he talks a little about the struggles involved in that. He is also a fitness buff and he and Mike have a lot to say about that. Mostly Mike which is odd since Jason is the expert.

Jason also learned to play the piano… sort of . He has opi...

In a first for this podcast (and probably many others) our guest is a magic dragon! Of course his lovely and talented sidekick, Jade Simone, is here too! In fact, while Piff has many musical opinions, Jade is the one with the extensive musical background. This episode is kind of a free-for-all. It’s what you would expect from a dragon. Among the fray, many musical opinions are expressed. In the end, we learn that AI is coming for u...

For the month of September, Mike is talking to 2 of his good friends. He talks to them separately but they make up a comedy-juggling duo who have performed together for many years. Because of that, the humor gets a little… sarcastic, biting, and even sometimes harsh. With that disclaimer out of the way…

Today Mike talks with Scotty Meltzer. Scotty is the other half of the juggling-comedy duo at Comedy Industries. Scotty is incredib...

Today Mike talks with Katrine Spang-Hanssen. She is a great juggler and drummer, a funny conversationalist, a lovely person, and one half of Comedy Industries.

Mike and Katrine discuss their love of jazz music, their experiences with other music growing up, and what it’s like to work in a performing duo. Of course the ultimate performing duo, Penn & Teller, come up numerous times.

Katrine is from Denmark! We’ll get that out of ...

Jonesy and Michael Close explore the intertwined worlds of music and magic, delving into Michael's early influences, his journey into both fields, and the challenges he faced as a performer in Las Vegas. They discuss the importance of mentorship, the evolution of live music in Vegas, and the realities of pursuing a career in the arts.

In their conversation, Jonesy and Michael Close delve into the intricacies of cocktail piano perf...

Our guest this week is the indomitable actor, Dean Cameron!  You may have seen him in Summer School, Ski School, or the TV show for Fast Times at Ridgemont High.  Or you've seen him in one of his numerous other acting gigs that don't involve school.

In addition to acting, he plays in a fun band called Low Speed Chase and he wrote (with the help of his Nigerian friend) and acted in a hilarious play called Nigerian Spam Scam Scam.

We...

Welcome to Part 2 of Mike's talk with Hank O'Neal.  In Part 1 we discussed the creation of Chiaroscuro Records and Hank's work on the jazz cruises.  In this part Hank shares more stories from the jazz cruises as well as discussions about his photography and his "government work" in which he has since made a donation to the CIA museum...  Additionally, they discuss the art of photography, capturing moments, and the changing value of...

This week we present part 1 of Mike's chat with Hank O'Neal.  In this first part, Hank shares his journey through the world of jazz music, detailing the founding and evolution of Chiaroscuro Records, his early musical influences, and the innovative concept of jazz cruises. With anecdotes about legendary musicians and insights into the music industry, Hank provides a rich tapestry of experiences that highlight the importance of crea...

This week, Jonesy and Jon Bates explore the profound impact of music on personal experiences, the cultural shifts of the 1960s, and the journey of navigating a career in the music industry. Jon shares his early influences, the significance of live music, and the challenges he faced, including addiction.

The discussion highlights the importance of mentorship, networking, and understanding the business side of music, all while celebr...

In this conversation, Eric Montzka shares his journey as a drummer in the Chicago music scene, discussing his early influences, professional experiences, and the evolution of live music. He reflects on the importance of wedding bands, the impact of technology on music, and the future of jazz performance. The discussion highlights the challenges and joys of being a musician in today's world, emphasizing the enduring love for music d...

This week I talked with Todd McCaffrey.  He is a fantasy and science fiction author and an AI enthusiast.  Todd took a break from packing up to move to Ireland to get a degree in Cyber Psychology to talk with me.  We discuss his upbringing and how he got into writing along with his mom, Anne McCaffrey. 

Over the years he has served in the military, been a computer programmer, become a pilot, written almost 100 books, and so much mo...

This week on The Stereo Image, I talk with Dara Gottfried.  You might know her as the wife of Gilbert Gottfried but she has had a really cool and fascinating career as a music executive before even meeting Gilbert.  We talk about the music industry in the 90's and how it's so different from today.  We also talk about Gilbert and how much of a genius he was.  

I hope you enjoy this episode of The Stereo Image! Follow us on Instagram...

This week, I am joined by Bill Prady.  You may know some of his work:  The Big Bang Theory and even the Muppets.  Bill is a friend from way back.  We discuss his recent foray into saxophone playing.  I've heard him and he's really good.  

We also discuss listening to music really getting into and enjoying the sound.  I had a great time chatting with him and I think you'll enjoy him too.

More information from this episode:

Ray Brown...

David Silverman is a fantastic artist and animator.  You might have heard of the show he works on: The Simpsons.  But he's also a fantastic tuba player and a fount of knowledge about classical music.  His enthusiasm knows no bounds!

In this engaging conversation, David Silverman shares his journey through music, from his early influences in classical and jazz to his deep appreciation for 20th-century composers. He reflects on the p...

This week, Mike talks with Dave Jemilo!  Dave owns the fabulous Green Mill in Chicago - the oldest jazz club in the US.  Dave is not known as a musician but he got his start with his friends in elementary school in their band Dave Jemilo and the Gems!  They never played a gig and in Dave's words, they sucked!  But it was the beginning of what would lead Dave to own and run one of the foremost jazz clubs in the world.

In this engagi...