In a first for this podcast (and probably many others) our guest is a magic dragon! Of course his lovely and talented sidekick, Jade Simone, is here too! In fact, while Piff has many musical opinions, Jade is the one with the extensive musical background. This episode is kind of a free-for-all. It’s what you would expect from a dragon. Among the fray, many musical opinions are expressed. In the end, we learn that AI is coming for us all, including dragons!

Because this was recorded at Piff & Jade’s recording lair, who is hosting the show is a little uncertain at times. Luckily Jade is there to anchor the chaos. It was so much fun talking with Piff & Jade. We hope you have as much fun listening to this episode as we did recording it.

More info for this episode:

Animal Planet: The Haunted (Wikipedia link)

David Byrne (YouTube link)

Miles Davis - Kind of Blue (YouTube link)

Norah Jones (YouTube link)

Mike Jones Trio - Are You Sure You Three Guys Know What You're Doing?

Piff's first appearance on Fool Us (YouTube link)

Piff & Pop's UK Tour

Andy Paley (Wikipedia link)

Suno AI Music

Piff & Jade bio: Piff is a British magician who came to fame on Penn & Teller’s Fool Us. He moved to the US where he began performing in Las Vegas and appearing on America’s Got Talent along with his partner, Jade Simone. Jade grew up in Dallas, Texas and performed as an emcee and showgirl for several years before teaming up with Piff. You can see them nightly at the Flamingo Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas or on tour around the world.

Mike Jones bio: Born and raised in Buffalo, NY, Jones attended Berklee College of Music in Boston, and after college he remained in the city, working with such eminent local players as Herb Pomeroy and Gray Sargent. After significant East Coast performances, appearances at the Floating Jazz Festival on the S.S. Norway and the Queen Elizabeth ll, and a series of recordings that established him as a world-class pianist steeped in the pre-bop jazz tradition, Jones relocated to Las Vegas. There he caught the ear of Penn Jillette who, in 2002, brought Jones onboard for the nightly Penn and Teller show at Rio All-Suite Hotel and Casino.

For the month of September, Mike is talking to 2 of his good friends. He talks to them separately but they make up a comedy-juggling duo who have performed together for many years. Because of that, the humor gets a little… sarcastic, biting, and even sometimes harsh. With that disclaimer out of the way…

Today Mike talks with Scotty Meltzer. Scotty is the other half of the juggling-comedy duo at Comedy Industries. Scotty is incredibly smart, funny, articulate, and LOVES being the butt of the joke. That is certainly evident throughout this discussion!

Mike and Scotty discuss Scotty’s bad taste in music that originated from a childhood in musical theater and drumming. They talk about how that translates to a corporate juggling act that relies on comedy and the variety arts to hype up an otherwise mundane message.

More info from this episode:

24 TV Show (Wikipedia)

Ribbons Down My Back (YouTube)

Katie Thiroux (YouTube)

Michael Goudeau (Wikipedia)

Ethel Merman - There's No Business Like Show Business (YouTube)

Sutton Foster - Anything Goes (YouTube)

Cynthia Erivo & Herbie Hancock - Fly Me To The Moon (YouTube)

Prog Rock (Wikipedia)

From Scotty’s website bio: Scott Meltzer (known as Scotty to his friend) is head writer and a principle performer for Comedy Industries. Scott has degrees in computer science and mathematics from U. C. Berkeley where he graduated with honors. An ex-IBMer and a Watson Scholar, Scott chooses to spend his time writing comedy and juggling knives on a six-foot unicycle while escaping from more straitjackets than any other computer programmer in the world. He’s also appeared on ESPN as the expert commentator for their coverage of The World Juggling Federation competitions.

Comedy Industries

Mike Jones bio: Born and raised in Buffalo, NY, Jones attended Berklee College of Music in Boston, and after college he remained in the city, working with such eminent local players as Herb Pomeroy and Gray Sargent. After significant East Coast performances, appearances at the Floating Jazz Festival on the S.S. Norway and the Queen Elizabeth ll, and a series of recordings that established him as a world-class pianist steeped in the pre-bop jazz tradition, Jones relocated to Las Vegas. There he caught the ear of Penn Jillette who, in 2002, brought Jones onboard for the nightly Penn and Teller show at Rio All-Suite Hotel and Casino.

Today Mike talks with Katrine Spang-Hanssen. She is a great juggler and drummer, a funny conversationalist, a lovely person, and one half of Comedy Industries.

Mike and Katrine discuss their love of jazz music, their experiences with other music growing up, and what it’s like to work in a performing duo. Of course the ultimate performing duo, Penn & Teller, come up numerous times.

Katrine is from Denmark! We’ll get that out of the way now because Mike continues a long running joke of confusing where she is from. But! She has lived in San Francisco for many years and tells about experiencing juggling and music in the bay area from the 1990’s to today.

For the month of September, Mike is talking to 2 of his good friends. He talks to them separately but they make up a comedy-juggling duo who have performed together for many years. Because of that, the humor gets a little… sarcastic, biting, and even sometimes harsh. With that disclaimer out of the way…

More Info for this episode:

Nat Cole Trio - Bring Another Drink (YouTube)

Styx playlist on YouTube

Abba Greatist Hits playlist on YouTube

Jesus Christ Superstar playlist on YouTube

Penn & Teller's Secret to a 50 Year Partnership - article in New York Times

From Katrine’s website bio: Katrine Spang-Hanssen is one the world’s premiere female jugglers. She has toured the world opening for stars such as Kenny Rodgers, Willie Nelson, and Natalie Cole. She’s performed at hundreds of comedy clubs, fairs, festivals, colleges, and theater productions. Together with Scott Meltzer and the rest of the CI group, she has performed an infinite number of trade show presentations and sales meetings, presenting for corporate clients ranging from startups in 10×10 booths along the back wall to Fortune 100 diamond sponsors.

Katrine & Scotty's juggling duo: Comedy Industries

Katrine's band: Shake It Booty Band

Mike Jones bio: Born and raised in Buffalo, NY, Jones attended Berklee College of Music in Boston, and after college he remained in the city, working with such eminent local players as Herb Pomeroy and Gray Sargent. After significant East Coast performances, appearances at the Floating Jazz Festival on the S.S. Norway and the Queen Elizabeth ll, and a series of recordings that established him as a world-class pianist steeped in the pre-bop jazz tradition, Jones relocated to Las Vegas. There he caught the ear of Penn Jillette who, in 2002, brought Jones onboard for the nightly Penn and Teller show at Rio All-Suite Hotel and Casino.

Jonesy and Michael Close explore the intertwined worlds of music and magic, delving into Michael's early influences, his journey into both fields, and the challenges he faced as a performer in Las Vegas. They discuss the importance of mentorship, the evolution of live music in Vegas, and the realities of pursuing a career in the arts.

In their conversation, Jonesy and Michael Close delve into the intricacies of cocktail piano performances, the challenges of solo gigs, and the evolution of audience engagement. They share memorable stories from their musical journeys, reflect on their influences, and discuss the impact of technology on music learning. The conversation also touches on the future of jazz and the role of magic in entertainment, particularly through the lens of the television show 'Fool Us.'

More info from this episode

Dave McKenna plays Nobody Else But Me (YouTube)

Ben Patterson at the Green Mill (YouTube)

Lance Burton (YouTube)

Penn & Teller's Fool Us on the CW

More info about Mike Close

Mike Close

Magic by Mike Close on Vanishing Magic, Inc

Our guest this week is the indomitable actor, Dean Cameron! You may have seen him in Summer School, Ski School, or the TV show for Fast Times at Ridgemont High. Or you've seen him in one of his numerous other acting gigs that don't involve school.

In addition to acting, he plays in a fun band called Low Speed Chase and he wrote (with the help of his Nigerian friend) and acted in a hilarious play called Nigerian Spam Scam Scam.

We talk about all that and his experiences growing up and getting into music as well. Check him out!

More information from this show:

Coreyoke (on YouTube)

Led Zeppelin 77 Tour at the Forum in LA (on YouTube)

Nigeriam Spam Scam Scam (on YouTube)

More about Dean Cameron and Low Speed Chase

Dean Cameron's Website

Dean Cameron on IMDB

Low Speed Chase Music

Low Speed Chase on Instagram

Welcome to Part 2 of Mike's talk with Hank O'Neal. In Part 1 we discussed the creation of Chiaroscuro Records and Hank's work on the jazz cruises. In this part Hank shares more stories from the jazz cruises as well as discussions about his photography and his "government work" in which he has since made a donation to the CIA museum... Additionally, they discuss the art of photography, capturing moments, and the changing value of creative work in today's digital age. Hank is a renaissance man who has experienced so much of history and technology in the later part of the 20th century.

More information about topics in this episode:

Hank's personal website with info about his photography and books

Hank's photos from the jazz cruises

Chiaroscuro Records - Classic Jazz Archives

This week we present part 1 of Mike's chat with Hank O'Neal. In this first part, Hank shares his journey through the world of jazz music, detailing the founding and evolution of Chiaroscuro Records, his early musical influences, and the innovative concept of jazz cruises. With anecdotes about legendary musicians and insights into the music industry, Hank provides a rich tapestry of experiences that highlight the importance of creativity and passion in music. Jonesy and Hank discuss the evolving landscape of jazz music, the significance of jazz cruises, and the memorable experiences shared with legendary musicians. They delve into the journey of building a recording studio and the evolution of Chiaroscuro in the 70's, 80's, and 90's.

Learn more about some of the topics discussed:

Chiaroscuro Records

Hank O'Neal on Wikipedia

Sherman Fairchild on Wikipedia

Indian Love Call from Rose Marie vs. Indian Love Call by Artie Shaw

This week, Jonesy and Jon Bates explore the profound impact of music on personal experiences, the cultural shifts of the 1960s, and the journey of navigating a career in the music industry. Jon shares his early influences, the significance of live music, and the challenges he faced, including addiction.

The discussion highlights the importance of mentorship, networking, and understanding the business side of music, all while celebrating the universal language of music that connects us all. In this engaging conversation, Jon Bates shares vivid memories of his experiences in the vibrant jazz scene of New York City, particularly around Christopher Street during a transformative era. He recounts his time working at Chiaroscuro Records, the challenges and triumphs of navigating the music industry, and the impact of substance abuse on musicians.

More information about topics in this episode:

Chiaroscuro Records

Louie Bellson on Wikipedia

Buddy Rich on Wikipedia

Christopher Street in New York City

More on Jon Bates:

The Jon Bates Band