04.10.11 California Diner - 'Winters Here'

Okay, not really. But we humans of the Northern California variety are so used to clear, sunny skies, that the first rain makes us feel like our endless summer has ended and that old man winter is upon us. We’re getting early rain this year. The rainy season usually runs from around November-ish through around April or May-ish, and then no rain for months. But the gray skies, cooler temperatures, and rains start up this week. Now I know what you’re thinking--”Chef Mike, you are such a spoiled little crybaby! Everybody knows that for much of the world, winter means snow, and what you are describing is simply known as autumn!” Were you really thinking that? I know I would if I were you. We usually get six or seven months of what feels like fall to a lot of you. So for us, it’s time to bundle up (such as it were), get outside and enjoy the changing of seasons. So what else can you do during this time of year, my favorite? Well, if I were you, I’d grab a hot apple cider and snuggle up to a good indie radio show. Something like, oh, I don’t know, Recharged Radio’s California Diner! A couple of artists we’re celebrating this week: Vinnie Zummo - he’s a massively talented, New York City-based guitarist who spent many years in Joe Jackson’s band. He’s also played with the likes of Roger Daltrey, Shawn Colvin, Art Garfunkel, Paul Carrack and more. He writes music for TV. And most importantly to us, he’s got a great solo career going. His albums Swinging Guitar Sounds of Young America, Vols. 1 and 2, pay tribute to a myriad of musical styles and influences. We’ll hear one of those tracks on this week’s show. http://www.vinniezummo.com/ Jeff Merchant - we gave the East Coast some props, now let’s give it up for the West Coast. Jeff is based in Los Angeles, and is what I would call an urban storyteller. His indie-alt music stands out because of the care he takes with the lush, intricate arrangements. And to my ears, the songwriting stands out. There’s some quirky characters in L.A., and Jeff writes about many that he’s personally seen. His album Window Rolled Down referred to his observation platform of choice--you can learn a lot driving around town. And we’ll hear a track this week off of his more recent album, City Makes No Sound. Jeff Merchant’s city does indeed make sound--a wonderfully listenable collection of songs. http://www.jeffmerchantmusic.com/ If you'd like to make a request, just drop me a line at mike(at)rechargedradio.com. If you'd like to become an honorary California citizen, drop me a line at the same address. And if you'd like to hear all this great music—simply tune in to the California Diner, Tuesday night, 8:00-10:00 p.m. (GMT), 12:00-2:00 p.m. Pacific, only at Recharged Radio—www.rechargedradio.com. This note also appears in the News section on the home page of RechargedRadio.com. See you then! Chef Mike mike(at)rechargedradio.com MN2BDNC The Corner Laughers - For The Sake Of The Cat The Complete Short Stories - Fall Apart Joe Symes - Lost Along The Way Jesus H Christ & The Four Hornsmen of The Apocalypse - Liz the Hot Receptionist Chad Neaves - You Said Laurie Biagini - My Little SUV Vinnie Zummo - Homicidal Debora Iyall - Tell Me Why Crayon - Consolation Abby Holden - Wrong Tonight Joseph Swidenbank - Back Home Blake Jones & The Trike Shop - I Roped The Moon Out Of The Sky Maxi Dunn - Make It Better Luke Dick - The Healer Anton Barbeau - Doctor Don't Chop My Knee Mama, Ouch Is Another Word Jeff Merchant - Joyride Maple Mars - Beautiful Mess Clockwork Radio - So Will I Goodfinger - Sounds Of The City The Clutter Family - Artist In The Office Lindy LaFontaine - Free To Breathe Ambassadors of Morocco - Never Imagine This Tangent Sunset - Way Down Last Breath - Been Down This Road Laurie Larson - All Year Long The Whiskey Saints - Every Little Thing Skip Heller - I Used To Love California Baby Scream - Secret Place Peter Daltrey - In The Room Of Percussion Thinking For Tuesday - Falling Rich McCulley - Tell Me, I'm Listening The Dashing Suns - Sally Moore