Matthew Smith brought a song to start the show with the MMHP. Nobody has done this yet. A new, as of yet unrecorded track, voice and piano. Smith writes and records more music than most people can take a breath of in a day. Between The Volebeats, Outrageous Cherry, and his solo work, Smith has outlined a career in indy sonics, world class craft, and master musicianship. He has worked with everyone under the Michigan sun, and then some. Rodriguez, Alice Cooper, Don Was, and so many more, you have to tune into hear it all.

We captured Smith live at Trinosophes, a predominantly avant garde coffee/vegan friendly sandwich cafe, art, free jazz (and then some), next door to Peoples Records in Detroit. Smith invited us (along with and much thanks to owner Joel Peterson) to sit down for a lengthy discussion, performance, and intimate career retrospective of his many musical facets. Get to know Matthew Smith--you already have heard him! Part one NOW...

As we wrap up SEASON 6, we have Part 2 of 2 with Matthew Smith who writes and records more music than most people can take a breath of in a day. Between The Volebeats, Outrageous Cherry, and his solo work, Smith has outlined a career in indy sonics, world class craft, and master musicianship. He has worked with everyone under the Michigan sun, and then some. Rodriguez, Alice Cooper, Don Was, and so many more, you have to tune into hear it all.

We captured Smith live at Trinosophes, a predominantly avant garde coffee/vegan friendly sandwich cafe, art, free jazz (and then some), next door to Peoples Records in Detroit. Here in Part 2 of 2, Smith dives into The Volebeats records with Dr. J, Don Was, Ben Harper, his history with Rodriguez and Andre Williams, Rob Tyner, staying healthy, The Go/Jack White, His Name Is Alive, and even a Ryan Adams bit. We wrap up a post on the show with a bit about the loss of Ozzy Osbourne, who passed that day. MORE incredible stories and song cycles--even some acoustic tunes--Turn it UP!

He is the first class ticket on guitar that has rose from the Mitch Ryder & The Detroit Wheels, through Buddy Miles Express, into Cactus, The Rockets, Helldrivers, and eventually Mystery Train--a lesson in rock and blues that only he can teach. Jim McCarty gives the MMHP an exclusive interview at his home where he laid to rest some rumors, and discussed the magic he has threaded the world with as one of the finest guitarists in Michigan.

We were thrilled to get this limited engagement meeting with Jim, whom wakes up at night and begins his day then. Jim continues to play, now over the age of 80, and remains Detroit's most well known, best kept secret. Welcome to Season 7 with us here in the MMHP in the 989 and CRANK THIS UP!

It's not very often you get to hear from the Chairman of the Board himself, but when it happens, you tape it! Martin 'Tino' Gross brought the MMHP into his studio for a historical rundown from behind the recording desk, behind the drum set, behind the mic and guitars, and from behind the television show 'Tales From The D' where Tino just won Two Michigan Emmy Awards for his historical Detroit PBS television show that debut last year.

Tino has been the person that backed John Lee Hooker, recorded Wayne Kramer, remixed R.L. Burnside, helped Eddie Harsch join the Black Crowes, and fronted the Howling Diablos. His resume is longer than the town itself. For this podcast, Dr. J, Scott and Mr. Mike were lucky to be invited into the home studio where we caught a glimpse of Tino with his family in celebration mode. He was just gearing up for his first episode with Johnny Bee, and Tino was on fire giving us Detroit musical history direct from the sources. You can't miss this episode...Crank it up NOW!

Going back to the mid-'60s, who would have thought that Allen Park had a music scene that would flesh out one of the finest groups to hit the charts in the Michigan music scene? Rick Stevers is a founding member of the mighty Frijid Pink, who continues to tell the story from behind the drum kit. Stevers is also a member of the Michigan Rock Legends Hall of Fame and the Pink's cover of 'House Of The Rising Sun' continues to be a household staple.

Here in part 2 of 2, from the pink bathrooms of the era, to the big stages playing with a 'who's who' of other '60s bands such as The Guess Who, studio time with Janis Joplin, and meeting the other 'House of The Rising Sun' band, Eric Burden & The Animals.

Being ahead of the curve, Frijid Pink spent more time on the road than many of their contemporaries, which Rick says that did more harm than good when it came to the Michigan fan base. Partying with Sammy Davis Jr., working with Don Brewer, speaking with Gordon Lightfoot, and being a car worker at Chrysler for over 17 years. All the albums, lineup changes and lost power to his father, never stopped Stevers. You have to dig into this episode, NOW!

Going back to the mid-'60s, who would have thought that Allen Park had a music scene that would flesh out one of the finest groups to hit the charts in the Michigan music scene? Rick Stevers is a founding member of the mighty Frijid Pink, who continues to tell the story from behind the drum kit. Stevers is also a member of the Michigan Rock Legends Hall of Fame and the Pink's cover of 'House Of The Rising Sun' continues to rival the Animals in airplay and popularity.

From the pink bathrooms of the era, to the big stages playing with a 'who's who' of other '60s bands (check this Steppenwolf story!), Frijid Pink spent more time on the road than many of their contemporaries, giving them success further away from the state. They had Beatles-style popularity in Australia! London Records/Parrot Records (Deram overseas) promoted the music of the band. Stevers tells the tales of being a cover band that wanted to perform their own material. He spent years with a major label that wanted them to bow to the system (even shelfing a record to this day). Stevers continues to perform with his version of Frijid Pink to this day and has many albums out under their name. Dive into part 1 NOW!

Rob Tyner's Best Friend. Lester Bang's confidante. One of Townes VanZandt's favorite songwriters. Motown's Bob Babbitt played for him. The one and only Gil Clark has breached the Michigan Music enigma, as a folk musician, rock and blues bassist, first call vocalist, record store owner, and friend to rebel-rousing stars. From the late '70s to now, Clark has immersed himself as a musician and Michigan music touchstone for all of his adult life. His stories are unmatched and his music is still being sought after. Now he wants to share his story.

Here in part 2 of 2, Clark puts us in the hidden ally with VanZandt as he troubadour gives Clark kudos on his album, playing with Mike Gentry in Shining Farmer, takes us back to his Discs and Tapes store where SRC (and MORE) used to hang out, talks about Don Brewer's prowess and the greatness of Grand Funk, recalls being on tour overseas with Michael Katon, and so many little tidbits--a great Punch Andrews/Seger insight, backstage with Buddy Miles...the stream of Michigan Music is endless with Clark. Put a bow on this fabulous session and hit PLAY NOW!

Rob Tyner's Best Friend. Lester Bang's confidante. One of Townes VanZandt's favorite songwriters. Motown's Bob Babbitt played for him. The one and only Gil Clark has breached the Michigan Music enigma, as a folk musician, rock and blues bassist, first call vocalist, record store owner, and friend to rebel-rousing stars. From the late '70s to now, Clark has immersed himself as a musician and Michigan music touchstone for all of his adult life. His stories are unmatched and his music is still being sought after. Now he wants to share his story.

Here in part 1 of 2, Clark takes us to Tyner's house, gigs a the Old Miami with Tyner and Rodriguez, guitar lessons from Mike Skill of the Romantics, hangs with Dennis 'Machine Gun' Thompson, Cub Koda inspiration, tours with Destroy All Monsters/Niagara and Ron Asheton, Rockets love, and tours with Michael Katon. That's just the tip of the iceberg here. Did we mention he is in the Jim DeRogatis book, Let It Blurt: The Life and Times of Lester Bangs? Do yourself a favor and hit play, NOW!