Come along with us on this journey as we discuss the years that Gene spent arranging and producing several albums for Natalie Cole, working alongside Marvin Yancy and Chuck Jackson. We make a few detours (per usual) and discuss Gene's arranging philosophy, and he gives some insight into who he might choose for his fantasy rhythm section.

We go on a LOT of tangents during this episode, per usual, but it's the story of how Gene Barge met Andy Davis and Tamar Hoffs, and got involved in Stony Island. We talk about all of the wonderful cast members -- many of whom became stars in their own right.

For more information on Andy's body of work, and to view the documentary on the making of Stony Island, visit http://www.andrewdavisfilms.com.

Special notes:

Gene was sitting in a very creaky chair during our chat.  We apologize for the annoying noise. :-) 

Also, to clarify, Larry Ball and Tennyson Stephens co-wrote Percy's Theme for Stony Island.

This episode is packed with fun stories, including the "Wang Dang Doodle" session with Koko Taylor, the interesting circumstances surrounding Little Milton's "If Walls Could Talk," and Gene remembering the last days of Leonard Chess.

Daddy G and Gina take us on a bit of a journey as Gene talks about his early recordings, including a more in-depth history of Quarter to Three and CC Rider.  We also learn a bit about his career as a teacher and why being a postal carrier wasn't his jam.  

We go WAY back for this first episode and discuss Gene's childhood.  How did he become a saxophone player?  What was his first instrument?  And a surprising answer to a commonly asked question . . . how, exactly, did he get the name Daddy G, anyway?

FYI, the original name of this podcast was A Night with Daddy G, as reflected in the recording. Surprisingly, there is another podcast by this name, so we've altered it to avoid confusion.