Tom Rush on Club 47, No Regrets, and keeping folk music connected

Steve Yusko welcomes legendary singer-songwriter Tom Rush, tracing his influence from Cambridge’s Club 47 to the modern stage. Rush talks about mentoring younger artists, the changing music business, and the stories behind songs like No Regrets and Child Song.

Https://TomRush.com

In this interview: Tom Rush reflects on being introduced as a key figure in modern acoustic music, with roots in the early 1960s Club 47 scene and a career that helped usher in the singer-songwriter era.

Rush explains why he keeps bringing younger musicians into his shows and projects, from Harvard radio days to his current Rockport Sundays series and the planned Club 47 TV concept.
He shares how the old music industry worked when record labels could drive radio, TV, and retail, and how today’s artists need to be multi-skilled across performance, video, and social platforms.
Rush talks about Matt Nakoa, his current accompanist, praising him as a standout musician who plays piano, guitar, and writes for Broadway.
He breaks down the meaning of folk music as an oral tradition, describing folk songs as living material that changes from singer to singer and generation to generation.
The conversation digs into No Regrets, which Rush wrote after a weekend with Jill Lumpkin, and how the song grew into a standard recorded by many artists.
Rush recalls Child Song and how Murray McLaughlin’s writing moved him настолько deeply that it took months before he could perform it without getting emotional.
He discusses open tunings, his storytelling approach on stage, and how he showed Joni Mitchell open tunings early on.
Rush reflects on connection over perfection, saying audiences want to feel involved in the story rather than hear a technically flawless performance.
He looks back on opening for Gordon Lightfoot at Massey Hall in 2021, and the warmth and humor they shared onstage.

Explore the roots of the singer-songwriter era with this rare interview featuring an architect of modern acoustic music. Learn how one artist shaped a generation of songwriting with the 1968 release of The Circle Game.

Timestamps

00:00 - Technical setup, sound check, and introducing Tom Rush
03:25 - Why Rush’s career matters and the legacy of Club 47
05:23 - Matt Nakoa, accompaniment, and celebrating great sidemen
06:26 - How Rush has always helped younger artists get heard
07:53 - Rockport Sundays and the struggle for new musicians today
09:21 - The idea behind a Club 47 revival series
10:32 - What Club 47 felt like for blues legends and college audiences
12:50 - What folk music really means to Rush
14:09 - The emotional impact of Child Song
16:03 - Why some songs can’t be over-arranged
17:17 - Why Rush tells stories between songs
18:12 - Open tunings, Joni Mitchell, and musical cross-pollination
20:28 - How the music business changed after the record-label era
22:53 - Carly Simon on No Regrets
23:24 - The real-life story behind No Regrets
25:19 - The many versions of No Regrets
26:46 - Tom Rush, John Prine, Gordon Lightfoot, and the songwriter lineage
27:14 - Opening for Gordon Lightfoot at Massey Hall
29:25 - Life in southern Maine and the Piscataqua River
30:01 - Why marine biology gave way to English literature and music
31:54 - How English lit shaped Rush’s sense of story
32:56 - How songs arrive when the muse shows up
35:06 - Audience connection over technical perfection
36:35 - Why live music still matters in a disconnected world
37:19 - Upcoming shows and final wrap-up
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Catching up with Jesse Welles

In this episode, Steve Yusko explores Jesse Welles' transformative live performances, songwriting, and his role in the protest folk tradition, highlighting his journey from Nashville struggles to global activism.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Jesse Welles' Musical Journey
02:08 Deep Dive into Jesse's Live Tour and Performance Style
03:16 The Intimate Acoustic Set and Its Themes
05:26 Transition to Electric Band and High Voltage Performances
07:57 Jesse Welles and Joan Baez: A Generational Bridge
09:24 Global Reach and Jesse's Connection with Fans
10:30 Community Engagement and Future Collaborations
11:00 Conclusion: Jesse Welles' Impact and Recommendations

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Welcome to The Long Island Sound, your go-to place where music, comedy, drama and entertainment discovery truly begins!

Are you curious about the journeys, inspirations, and hidden gems within the world of artists, singer-songwriters, entertainers and musicians? We delve deep to bring you the backstories you won't hear anywhere else.

Hit play and join the adventure! 👇 We do deep dives into the venues and events that bring you the best in entertainment, not just on Long Island and in New York City, but what's happening around the United States of America.

Don't forget to COMMENT below with your favorite artist or who you'd love to hear more about! And if you're hungry for more musical insights and discoveries, SUBSCRIBE now so you never miss an episode! Let's explore the sound together! 🎶

Discover how a Grammy-winning bluegrass guitarist seamlessly blends blues, folk, and Americana influences into his unique sound. Andy Falco shares insights into his musical journey, the importance of authenticity, and how community and tradition shape modern bluegrass. 🤔
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Andy Falco’s transition from blues and funk to bluegrass and why embracing your musical DNA is vital
How the Bluegrass community and festivals like Winterhawk and Gray Fox foster creativity and collaboration
The approach of the Stringdusters to stage performance, stage dynamics, and stage presence evolution
The story behind the enormous 50-song pool for their double album and the relaxed, creative recording process
The influence of Jerry Garcia and the unique experience of Falcon and Book playing Garcia's music acoustically
How authenticity in music and honoring tradition while allowing evolution keeps bluegrass vibrant and relevant

The Blue Light Club: Bridging Music, Theatre, and Community
In this episode, Jack Licitra shares his incredible journey as a Long Island-based musician, educator, and visionary artist. We explore his development from youth to community leader, his innovative teaching philosophies, and the creation of his theatrical project, the Blue Light Club, which combines storytelling, live music, and audience engagement.

Connect with Jack: https://www.artspharmacy.com/

Join us for an inspiring conversation about music’s capacity to educate, heal, and unite communities. Discover how Jack Licitra’s innovative approach is making a lasting impact on young and old alike. Reach out to learn more about his projects and upcoming performances.🤔
Http://www.youtube.com/@thelongislandsoundpodcast?sub_confirmation=1

The collaborative process behind the Blue Light Club, a theatrical and musical storytelling experience
The significance of honoring those we've lost through art, and using creative projects to inspire and bring communities together
Upcoming performances and ways for listeners to get involved in Jack’s events

Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction to Jack Licitra’s musical and educational journey
00:12 - Starting out, long day, and technical setup tips for recording video
02:09 - Embracing technology and the importance of community-focused music teaching
02:44 - Jack on his origin story, early musical influences, and mentorships
03:07 - The impact of major world events on music education and personal growth
04:45 - The shift in the music industry due to digital media and how it affects artists’ revenue
05:36 - Self-esteem, connection, and the healing power of music amidst social isolation
06:09 - Childhood memories, loss of Jack’s father, and early musical experiments
08:03 - Forming lifelong friendships through jam sessions and shared musical passions
09:50 - The value of playing with seasoned musicians and gaining authentic experience
11:14 - Teaching kids to perform as a band, focus on volume control, space, and communication
13:55 - Supporting vocals and the importance of band dynamics in music education
15:45 - The effects of social media and technology on social cues and face-to-face interaction
17:52 - The challenges and adaptations of teaching during COVID using digital tools
19:45 - The importance of facial expressions, eye contact, and interpersonal cues in music and life
22:18 - When to start music lessons, early exposure benefits, and cultural influences
24:46 - Reflection on dance, social skills, and the influence of growing up in a community with accessible music and dance
26:19 - Working with neurodivergent students, inclusive environments, and energy awareness
29:15 - The role of sincerity, energy, and mentorship in nurturing talent and confidence
36:18 - Jack on his diverse influences and the importance of originality in music
37:17 - The Water Street Blues Band, community roots, and learning from elders
39:09 - The value of playing with experienced musicians and honoring musical tradition
43:29 - The inception of the Blue Light Club, dreams, and artistic inspiration
45:44 - Developing the theatrical project, story, and musical integration—overcoming criticism and refining the concept
51:26 - Final call to support the upcoming show honoring the memory of Emily Finn and community healing
52:16 - Jack’s advice on perseverance, creativity, and trusting the process

The Empowering Music and Heavenly Voice of Nico Padden and How to be a Pirate Queen

BIOGRAPHY
Born and raised in a musician family on Long Island, NY, Nico has built up a supportive local following. She’s currently gigging on the East Coast relentlessly in support of her 2016 LP, A Light in the Dark. Powerfully raw yet hopeful, Nico’s sophomore effort follows her 2013 EP Waterbird (find both on AppleMusic, Spotify, or NicoPadden.com.) A true folk-rock gypsy, Nico has performed everywhere from concert halls to farmers’ markets, living rooms to dive bars, backyards to street corners, coffeehouses to fancy restaurants, and everywhere in between. She’s a regular street performer in her current home of Queens, NYC, and has won over many crowds of strangers with her impish grin; frank, entertaining banter; and cathartic sound. Her music and voice have been compared to the likes of Alanis Morisette, Brandi Carlile, & Carole King.

Singer/Songwriter/Guitarist/Pianist. I'm a one-woman band providing music for all types of venues including but not limited to restaurants, bars, coffeehouses, wedding ceremonies, cocktail hours, private parties, and outdoor festivals. In 2016 I released my debut LP “A Light in the Dark” which is available on all music services. I also write personalized wedding songs.

Connect with The Long Island Sound Podcast:
Website: Https://GigDestiny.com/podcast Follow Steve Yusko, GigDestiny.com, and his adventures: Website: https://www.GigDestiny.com Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/21aCeQWDmD4fkucpfVf9
Email: Steve@GigDestiny.com Intro/Outro song in this episode:
“Fading out Fast” from Mike Nugent’s album, Mike Nugent and the Blue Moon Band
Spotify link: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6fyt3RRvArsU7NUGOeEGBA?si=GI6HrmA2QLKGOt2clRIVsQ
https://youtu.be/gg5nfIPkimA
Matt Marshak's "On My Way" was used as background instrumental music and used by permission
Https://MattMarshak.com
Tom Pryor's Instrumental is used as background instrumental music and used with permission.

All songs in this podcast episode have been used with prior permission by the artists.

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The Fred Hintze Experience & The Enduring Tenacity to be Creative - Join host Steve Yusko as he has a conversation with Fred Hintze. As he explores Fred's music and his journey to keep creating and playing live music.

Learn how to discover new music and learn the methods and secrets of successful singer/songwriters and music professionals. You host, Steve Yusko engages artists and music industry professionals from Manhattan to Montauk and abroad. You'll learn from the experiences and strategies of music professionals, as well as where to find live original music playing in New York City and on Long Island. Don't miss out on this valuable information and fun conversation.

🔗 Links: Https:/LInktr.ee/thelongislandsoundpodcast

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💜About The Long Island Sound Podcast.

Join Steve Yusko has he explores The Gibson Brothers, Eric and Leigh. Bluegrass royalty Leigh and Eric Gibson step into what some might at first see as uncharted territory on their country-soul breakout Mockingbird, the new album produced by Grammy Award winners Dan Auerbach &Fergie Ferguson.

Connect with The Long Island Sound Podcast Intro/Outro song in this episode: “Fading out Fast” from Mike Nugent’s album, Mike Nugent and the Blue Moon Band . Opening Narration by Faith Yusko
All songs in this podcast episode have been used with prior permission by the artists. Please Subscribe Here: Https://linktr.ee/thelongislandsoundpodcast

The celebrated bluegrass duo — named back-to-back Entertainers of the Year by the International Bluegrass Music Association in 2012 and 2013 — played the Nashville game two decades ago, while in their early 20s, and were offered a major label deal, only to be told at the last minute that they were too “retro” for modern country music.
The Gibson Brothers have had their greatest success in the world of bluegrass, but their talent knows no bounds. Songwriting is at the core of who they are, and on their latest album "Darkest Hour" which releases on January 27, 2023. they deliver 12 tracks produced by Jerry Douglas. The majority of this album was recorded with a standard bluegrass configuration, but a few of the tracks have lap steel, percussion, and electric guitar masterfully blended together by Jerry. They began work on this album just before the world shut down in March 2020.

As Northerners growing up in a Southern business, they had to work twice as hard as the bands from the South to achieve the success they had, and were the first from that far north to carve a path to IBMA Entertainers of the Year.

“The songs on this album are the sounds we heard growing up, riding around with our dad, who was a farmer, in his pickup, or with our mom in her station wagon. This sound was on the radio,” says Leigh, citing the Eagles, Bob Seger, Tom Petty, and the warm country sounds of Don Williams, Emmylou Harris and Waylon Jennings as influences for Mockingbird, produced by the Black Keys’ Dan Auerbach with Fergie Ferguson (Johnny Cash, Sturgill Simpson and Tyler Childers).

The members of R.E.M. certainly agree. “It’s incredible! They did a great job,” says vocalist Michael Stipe. “It really re-focuses the song and lyric in a great way.” Bassist Mike Mills offers, “Wow. I really didn’t see that one coming. I love it,” with guitarist Peter Buck echoing those remarks: “Wow. Incredible.” Even Bill Berry, R.E.M.’s former drummer, and one of the original writers of the song, chimes in, saying, “It’s the best cover of it I’ve heard.

Call the Listener Line (631) 800-3579 and leave your comments for our host and guests.

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Nelson Montana

Music Industry Insights from Composer, Arranger, Artist, Musician, Nelson Montana. A Conversation and music from Concert Halls to Studio to Broadway

If you are a singer/songwriter or just an artist who dabbles with music, there's so much to learn from my guest, Nelson Montana. His eclectic interest in various genres is inspiring and noteworthy. Join us in this fascinating conversation on the Long Island Sound.

Arranger / Composer /Bassist / Multi-Instrumentalist / Vocalist / Producer / Engineer

Nelson Montana is a New York-based musician who is also a producer, composer, and arranger. Though primarily a bassist he plays a total of eleven instruments.

https://soundcloud.com/nelson-montana

Nelson’s career goes back to when he played with the critically acclaimed band “Popular Science” as a drummer and songwriter before he switched to bass as his main instrument years later. Since then, he’s been a full-time bassist working in various venues and all styles of music, from concert halls to studio work to Broadway plays. Consequently, he’s the only person to have been featured in both Modern Drummer magazine as well as Bass Player magazine. And his guitar work on his album “Don’t Fear the Reverb” has also received high praise.

Nelson has played with members of the bands Steely Dan, Daft Punk, Jimmy Buffet, and Stevie Winwood. He’s also featured in the new book “From The Record” along with music industry legends, Robin Gibb, Neil Sedaka, and Kelly Rowland.

Nelson currently works mostly as a producer and recording engineer, but still manages to record much of his own music. He has over 300 videos on Youtube where he plays all the instruments and the styles range from Rock to Jazz, to Funk to Country. Being so eclectic is difficult to market because people expect an artist to do one thing, but as Nelson puts it, “I enjoy all types of music and want to express myself in a variety of ways. If others enjoy it, I’ve succeeded in what I’m trying to do.”

That is why he currently makes all of his recordings available free of charge to his fans.

Connect with The Long Island Sound Podcast:
Website: Https://GigDestiny.com/podcast Follow Steve Yusko, GigDestiny.com, and his adventures: Website: https://www.GigDestiny.com Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/21aCeQWDmD4fkucpfVf9
Email: Steve@GigDestiny.com Intro/Outro song in this episode:
“Fading out Fast” from Mike

Call the Listener Line (631) 800-3579 and leave your comments for our host and guests.

Please Subscribe Here: Https://linktr.ee/thelongislandsoundpodcast

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