The Stereo Image

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...

This week, Mike talks with Matt Donnelly.  He is hilarious to chat with.  He is an accomplished improv actor, stage magician/mentalist, a writer on Penn & Teller's Fool Us, and! he has a really fun podcast with his friend Paul Mattingly.  

In this conversation, Mike and Matt talk music, comedy, and Bruce Springsteen - The Boss!  They reminisce about listening to the radio and watching music on MTV.  They talk broadway musicals ...

This week's episode is a little different.  Back when we were first discussing the idea of a podcast, Russ agreed to talk with Mike as a test run.  He was so much fun that we wanted to release it!

Mike and Russ have known each other since their days at Berklee College of music together.  Mike was a pianist and Russ was a drummer and percussionist.  Russ discusses the ups and downs of the life of a working musician.  

Russ's website...

In this conversation, John Kiehl shares his journey from a childhood surrounded by music to his experiences in education and the pivotal moments that shaped his musical identity. He reflects on the influence of his mother, his early musical education, and the transition from mathematics to music, highlighting key experiences that ignited his passion for jazz and performance. In this conversation, John Kiehl shares his journey from ...

In this conversation, Mike Jones and Neil Tesser explore the rich history of jazz, its personal significance in Tesser's life, and the evolution of jazz radio and clubs in Chicago. Tesser shares his early experiences with music, his transition from classical to jazz, and his journey through the vibrant Chicago jazz scene. They discuss the importance of community, education, and the avant-garde movement in jazz, reflecting on how th...

Mike and Andy have known each other for around 40 years - from their days working at Soundtrack Recording Studio.  Mike as a session pianist and Andy as a recording engineer.  They met up again when they realized they had a mutual friend in Penn Jillette of Penn & Teller.  Andy spends these days taking wildlife photography and directing voice over artists.  He has a fascinating take on growing and working in the audio industry.

Welcome to The Stereo Image!  Host Mike Jones talks with creative and interesting people about how music fits into their lives.  As the music director for Penn & Teller for over 20 years, Mike has met and discussed music with dozens of interesting characters over the years.  Even though he's dedicated his life to music, he realized that there is much to discover from discussing how music shapes and influences people.

Our first ...