Episodes
Thursday Feb 20, 2020
Thursday Feb 20, 2020
Paul Dube is a talented multi-instrumentalist known for his work as an accordion sideman for many RI singer-songwriters, a bluegrass slow jam instructor both locally and at premiere festivals such as Greyfox and Joe Val, and he also happens to be my father in law.
We run through what he's looking to achieve with his classes, how he got to be in The Gobshites - a celtic band that's played consistently for nearly 20 years, and his thoughts on intentional improvisation.
Interlude songs:"I Can Wait" by Joanne Lurgio"Hard Pressed" (Hot Rize cover) by Loose RootsThe Gobshites live at Chesters"God's Favorite Song" by Bill Petterson"Red Shores of France" by Mary Ann Rossoni"Morning Light" (Paul Dube cover) by Bernard John
Recorded February 1st, 2020 at Paul's home in PawtucketIntro music by CedrosHosted by James Toomey
Thursday Feb 13, 2020
RI 5 with Al Diaz
Thursday Feb 13, 2020
Thursday Feb 13, 2020
Al Diaz shares where he likes to hang in Rhode Island... the place he used to use change to buy records... and his favorite house of pizza (hint: it's "fantastic! fantastic!)
This bonus episode includes one of my favorite songs from a project Al is a part of at the end. The song is "Close My Ears" by The Benji's
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Recorded January 8th, 2020 at James' apartment in ProvidenceIntro music by CedrosHosted by James Toomey
Thursday Feb 06, 2020
Sound Advice with Al Diaz
Thursday Feb 06, 2020
Thursday Feb 06, 2020
On this bonus pod Al Diaz talks about staying positive and persistent with regard to music, and shares what his band practice schedule looks like.
Also included is a song by Consuelo's Revenge that was recorded live at The Parlour in Providence back in 2017.
Live track from a video shot by Kyle Shellmer
Recorded January 8th, 2020 at James' apartment in ProvidenceIntro music by CedrosHosted by James Toomey
Thursday Jan 30, 2020
Thursday Jan 30, 2020
Through his career Al Diaz has been both an award-winning singer and highly sought-after drummer. In our interview we talk about his upbringing in Central Falls, what he did to teach himself to play music, and how he got to be in so many bands.
Interlude songs:
"Last Night Of Our Lives" by Al Diaz
"Silent Struggle" by Kanerko
"Romeo" by The Dust Ruffles
"All Fall Down" by Consuelo's Revenge
"What It Takes" by SEXCoffee
"Torn Away" by The Benji's
Recorded January 8th, 2020 at James' apartment in ProvidenceIntro music by CedrosHosted by James Toomey
Thursday Jan 23, 2020
RI 5 with Jen Long
Thursday Jan 23, 2020
Thursday Jan 23, 2020
Learn the RI restaurant where Jen Long gets her favorite drink, the places she enjoys in the state, and what one author means to her.
I've also included a favorite track of mine that Jen's been a part of. It's a song called "Red River" by SwampBirds
Recorded December 27th, 2019 at Jen's office in ProvidenceIntro music by CedrosHosted by James Toomey
Thursday Jan 16, 2020
Sound Advice with Jen Long
Thursday Jan 16, 2020
Thursday Jan 16, 2020
Jen Long shares some advice about how much to engage with your instrument, the beauty of exploring new music, and the impact poetry has had in her life.
I've also included a live song by Assembly of Light Choir from a performance at Machines With Magnets back in 2012. The main voice you'll hear is Assembly of Light's founder and director - Crissy Wolpert - and the song is their version of The Velvet Underground's "I'm Set Free". Also part if this show was noise artist, Work/Death
*Live track taken from a video shot by Arvid Tomayko
Recorded December 27th, 2019 at Jen's office in ProvidenceIntro music by CedrosHosted by James Toomey
Thursday Jan 09, 2020
Jen Long (SwampBirds, The Whale Guitar, Assembly of Light Choir, Cardboard Cannons)
Thursday Jan 09, 2020
Thursday Jan 09, 2020
Jen Long is a musician, activist and designer based in Providence. In our interview we talk about the hurdles she's overcome to become a musician, what Girls Rock RI (now known as RIOT) means to her, and how The Whale Guitar project came about and what it's looking to achieve.
Interlude songs:
"Let Me Pretend" by SwampBirds
"Double Drowning" by SwampBirds
"Into The Woods II" by Assembly of Light Choir
"Truth More First Than Sun" by Cardboard Cannons
"Insides" by Assembly of Light Choir
Recorded December 27th, 2019 at Jen's office in ProvidenceIntro music by CedrosHosted by James Toomey
Wednesday Dec 18, 2019
RI 5 with Chris Carrera
Wednesday Dec 18, 2019
Wednesday Dec 18, 2019
Chris Carrera and I take a deep dive into pizza strips and you'll find out the shop that he got his first tattoo at!
Includes track by Bloodpheasant from their second album "Grieve"The song is called "I am the vulture and I am home" and it's a favourite of mine
Recorded July 18th at James' home in ProvidenceIntro music by CedrosHosted by James Toomey

A podcast about Rhode Island's music scene
Hey everyone, it's James!
As a touring musician and board member of the Rhode Island Music Hall of Fame I knew there were stories of our state's rich musical history that many (including myself) may not know.
I started this podcast to shine light on these incredible performers from a diverse selection of genres; and learn about their careers - how they got their start, where they played shows, and the other bands and musicians that performed along beside them - in hopes of archiving RI's dynamic music scene and showcasing the artists representing our country's smallest state.
Hosted by James Toomey
Est. March 2019
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Header photo by James Lastowski
Shot during my interview with Chachi Carvalho at Beatbox Studio