Steve Frisbie, Gerald Dowd and Liam Davis have been playing together for years. We talked with them about their long-time gig as the First Time Three at the CHIRP radio storyteller event, as well as their time together as the great band Frisbie. We also talked about what each of them are up to in Chicago.

You can catch them on September 9th at Martyrs' for the next CHIRP First Time event - or every quarter (generally December, March, June & September).

https://firsttime.chirpradio.org

Time stamps:

2:20: How does the song process works for The First Time Three?

4: How did you get involved with The First Time?

6: How do the arrangements come together?

10:35: How far in advance do you get the list of songs?

11:20: What is the process like in the lead up to the show?

17: Have you ever thought about putting out a compilation of all your covers?

18: How much feedback have you had with storytellers after your performance?

22:20: How did you all meet?

24: How do you choose what project you work on next?

28: Liam, how did you get involved with producing?

31: You named a band after yourself?

35:50: What are some things you are most proud of from your time inn Frisbie?

39:15: Who are some of your musical influences?

45:45: Lets talk about Day of the Dowd?

49:30: Have there been points where making a living as a musician has sucked the good out of it?

54: Steve, how did you get involved in Tributosaurus?

59:20: What do we notice as the most common blocker for song writers?

62:20: thin crust or thick crust pizza fans?

64: Favorite place to play a show/favorite place to see a show?

68: What makes Chicago a unique music scene?

73:42: What is your go to cheap drink?

75: What are we working on/excited about over the next 6 months?

Jon Langford and Sally Timms have been making great music for a long time. Originally hailing from Wales and England respectively, they both eventually found their way to Chicago. They've done a lot in the 30 plus years that they've called this home. We talked a bunch about their most famous band, The Mekons, as well as their many offshoots that developed over the years. Waco Brothers, Pine Valley Cosmonauts, Three Johns, Cowboy Sally's Twilight Laments and more. We also get into Jon's artwork and the beautiful new John Prine mural that he designed. Of course, plenty of discussion about the incredible City of Chicago and what they have planned for the future.

photo by Frank Swider

Time stamps:

2:10: What led to you moving to Chicago?

8:05: Talk to us about what the evolution of Chicago music has been like in your time living here?

14:45: Trying to make it in the music business from the standpoint of how hard it is, and you were wondering why there weren't more patrons of the arts for music.

21:16: How did the Mekons on the Mekong come together?

24: The Mekons should set up a travel agency.

26:50: The band has to be open to those unique opportunities.

32:30: More immediacy in playing in more intimate settings.

33:10: How did the John Prine mural come about?

39: What is your favorite go to cheap drink?

40:10: What do we want to plug on the way on out of here?

43: What do we need to do to get you to play at their house?

Jeff Lescher has been putting out records since 1984. His band, Green, is one of my all-time faves. He's a unique talent with an eclectic group of influences - The Kinks, 40's/50's/60's pop songs, Big Star, The Beatles and more. If you haven't heard them before, maybe start with Green's 1987 album, Elaine MacKenzie. We talked with Jeff about his long career, a few of his regrets and his recent solo records. Of course, we also talked about his long history with the Chicago music scene.

Time Stamps:

3: When did you first become enamored by music?

8:34: When did you decide that you wanted to make your own music?

13:30: Did you think people would come around to your music or you just explored what you wanted?

16: You got critical acclaim eventually.

17: At what point did you think Green coalesced into what you wanted?

25: Elaine Mackenzie is quite varied, it's impressive.

30: Did you aspire to be a rock star?

39:45: You got to open for Husker Du at their final Chicago gig. How did that come together?

43:10: Looking back, do you feel like you wish you'd done something differently, or do you not regret any of it?

48:50: Why did europeans respond so favorably to the band?

51:40: You weren't following trends, you were just doing your thing.

53:30: What do you attribute the gap in Green releases to?

59:20: Do you want to continue to make music regardless as to whether or not it helps make a living for you?

60:50: Is there a reason you put out solo music instead of as Green?

65: There is a resurgence of power pop, does that surprise you?

67:14: Thick or thin crust pizza?

69: Where is your favorite place to play shows?

72:22: What makes Chicago unique?

80: What is your go to cheap drink?

81:29: Jeff is working on a podcast!

87:30: When is the next time we can see Green play?