On the WPKN program Organic Radio, host Bill Cosentino recently welcomed Jano Rix (multi-instrumentalist for The Wood Brothers) for a deep-dive interview focusing on two major 2025 releases: his father-son collaboration Rix, Legacy, Vol. 1 and The Wood Brothers' latest album, Puff of Smoke.

The Interview: Organic Radio with Bill Cosentino

WPKN is a listener-supported station out of Bridgeport, CT, where Bill Cosentino's "Organic Radio" often features a variety of local, national and international music artists, across genres which include Americana and roots artists. In this session, Jano discusses the rare experience of releasing a "solo" project and a major band album simultaneously, touching on the influence of his father, Luther Rix, and the improvisational nature of his work.

Album 1: Rix Legacy, Vol. 1 (RIX)

Released on November 7, 2025, through the Royal Potato Family label, this project is a long-awaited collaboration between Jano and his father, Luther Rix.

The Duo: Jano (keyboards, percussion, vocals) and Luther (drums, percussion, vocals). Luther is a veteran of the industry, having played with Bob Dylan’s Rolling Thunder Revue and Leonard Cohen.

The Vibe: The record is described as a "contemporary blues" album with heavy New Orleans influence, inspired by Dr. John and Allen Toussaint.

Key Tracks:

• "Blow Wind Blow": A Huey "Piano" Smith cover reimagined with a NOLA groove.
• "Down and Nylon": A live recording from Brooklyn that Jano cites as a favorite.
• "All Kinds": A tender vocal track written by Dan Wilson.

Backstory: The album was over 12 years in the making, recorded in small windows of time between Jano’s tours with The Wood Brothers and Luther’s studio sessions.

Album 2: Puff of Smoke (The Wood Brothers)

The Wood Brothers released their ninth studio album, Puff of Smoke, on August 1, 2025, via Honey Jar/Thirty Tigers.

The Themes: The album explores mindfulness, uncertainty, and "letting go." As Oliver Wood stated, "We're not in control and that can be good news."

Musical Highlights: * "Witness": The lead single, featuring a "back-alley" New Orleans brass section.

"The Trick": Showcases Jano Rix’s experimentation with a Fender Rhodes through distortion and octave pedals.

"Above All Others": An experimental track featuring calliope-style sounds and an anthemic, Queen-inspired chorus.

Production: Recorded at The Studio Nashville, it emphasizes "first-take gold" on tracks like "Slow Rise (to the middle)."

How to Listen

If you missed the live broadcast, you can typically find the archived show on the WPKN Archives page (archives.wpkn.org). Look for "Organic Radio" under host Bill Cosentino's name.

Interview conducted by Bill Cosentino, host of Organic Radio on WPKN in Bridgeport, CT, with producer Gary Waldman. The discussion centers on the posthumous collection of Neal Casal's early recordings, No One Above You (The Early Years 1991-1998), and offers insights into Casal's profound career and personal impact.

Waldman and Cosentino's discussion touched on the deep impression Neal Casal left on those who knew and listened to him, confirming his status as an artist who cast "soft indentations on the soul." His tragic passing in 2019 left a significant hole in the hearts of his fans and friends. Casal was celebrated as a roots guitarist and a revered bandmate, known for his work with numerous high-profile artists and groups, including Phil Lesh, The Chris Robinson Brotherhood, Ryan Adams & The Cardinals, The Skiffle Players, and Circles Around The Sun.

In the wake of Neal's passing, the Neal Casal Music Foundation (NCMF) was created to honor his memory and fulfill a wish he expressed in his farewell letter: to draw attention to the difficulties of a touring musician's life and the need for care. The NCMF is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with a dual mission:

1. Mental Health Support: Donating funds to mental health organizations that support musicians in need, such as Backline and MusiCares.
2. Music Education: Donating musical instruments and lessons to students in New Jersey and New York state schools where Neal was born and raised.