WMM Playlist from October 18, 2017

Wednesday MidDay Medley
TEN to NOON Wednesdays – Streaming at KKFI.org
90.1 FM KKFI – Kansas City Community Radio
Produced and Hosted by Mark Manning

Wednesday, October 18, 2017

More New & MidCoastal Releases
+ Tyson Schroeder + Teri Quinn w/ Molly McLaughlin & Joe Donley
+ Julia Haile, Peregrine Honig & Ross Redmon

1. “Main Title Instrumental – It’s Showtime Folks”
from: Motion Picture Soundtrack to All That Jazz / Universal / Dec. 20, 1979
[WMM’s theme]

2. St. Vincent – “Masseduction”
from: MASSEDUCTION / Loma Vista Recordings – Concord Music Group / October 13, 2017
[5th studio album from St. Vincent is Anne Erin “Annie” Clark was born September 28, 1982. Masseduction has been described as the “culmination of years of writing, with songs crafted from voice memos, text messages, and snippets of melodies that came to Clark while traveling the globe.” Clark has stated that the album focuses on themes of power, sex, drugs, sadness, imperiled relationships and death. In a press release, she stated: “every record I make has an archetype. Strange Mercy was Housewives on Pills. St. Vincent was Near-Future Cult Leader. Masseduction is different, it’s pretty first person. You can’t fact-check it, but if you want to know about my life, listen to this record. Annie Clark was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Her mother is a social worker turned administrator for a non-profit organization and her stepfather works in the tax business. Clark’s parents divorced when she was three years old, and she moved to Dallas, Texas when she was seven years old with her mother and two older sisters. Her father lives in Tulsa. Clark was raised Roman Catholic and Unitarian Universalist. From her parents’ blended families, Clark has eight siblings: four brothers and four sisters. She began playing the guitar at the age of 12 and, as a teenager, worked as a roadie for her uncle and aunt, Tuck Andress and Patti Cathcart, of the guitar-vocal jazz duo Tuck & Patti. After studying at Berklee College of Music for three years, she began her music career as a member of the Polyphonic Spree. Clark was also a member of Sufjan Stevens’s touring band before forming her own band in 2006. St. Vincent’s work has received consistent praise for its distinct musical style, which blends soft rock, experimental rock, electropop, and jazz influences. Her debut album was Marry Me (2007), followed by Actor (2009) and Strange Mercy (2011). She released a collaborative album with David Byrne in 2012 titled Love This Giant. Clark also contributed backing vocals for Swans on their 2014 album, To Be Kind. Her fourth solo album, self-titled St. Vincent, was released on February 25, 2014 and was named album of the year by The Guardian, Entertainment Weekly, NME, and Slant Magazine, as well as second best album of the year by Time magazine. The album won her a Grammy for Best Alternative Album, her first Grammy award. She was the first solo female performer in 20 years to win a Grammy in that category.]

[St. Vincent plays The Uptown Theatre, Sunday, November 19, at 8:00 PM.]

3. Claire Adams – “Boom”
from: Boom – Single / Claire Adams / June 2, 2017
[1st single from upcoming 5-song EP, Waiting for The Winds to Change, to be released, October 22, featuring new recordings of original songs by Claire Adams, with Claire Adams on vocals, guitar, & bass; Katy Guillen on guitar & harmony vocals; Lennon Bone on drums. Recorded, mixed & mastered by Duane Trower at Weights + Measures Soundlab, Kansas City, MO. More info at: http://www.claireadamsmusic.com]

[Katy Guillen & the Girls play the Crossroads Beer Fest, Saturday, October 21, at CrossroadsKC with Gekko, Flannigan`s Right Hook and Dolewite.]

4. Beck – “Dear Life”
from: Colors / Fonograf – Capitol / October 13, 2017
[13th studio album from Beck Hansen, born July 8, 1970. Colors was recorded at co-executive producer Greg Kurstin’s LA studio, with Beck & Kurstin playing nearly every instrument themselves. Beck rose to fame in the early 1990s with his sonically experimental and lo-fi style, and became known for creating musical collages of wide genre styles. Today, he musically encompasses folk, funk, soul, hip hop, electronic, alternative rock, country, and psychedelia. He has released 13 studio albums (3 of which were independently released), as well as several non-album singles and a book of sheet music.]

[At the height of his “Loser” fame, on April 13, 1994, Beck played Kansas City’s Rhumba Box 1012 McGee. The Rhumba Box lasted from the summer of 1993 to the spring of 1994. Prior to The Rhumba Box, 1012 Megee was home to Human Observation Lab. In 1987 a group of UMKC students called Stimulus and Response took over the defunct gay bath house, Club Bath, at 1012 McGee and opened The Human Observation Lab. At night, this downtown neighborhood was basically deserted except for the old bus station, a few dive bars, and street prostitution. The Lab’s proprietors rehabbed the building into a two story live/work space that evolved into a legendary live performance venue. Gorilla Theatre, Eyes Wide Open, Mongol Beach Party, The Cocktails, and DJ Ray Velasquez are just a few of the off-the-wall performers that evolved out of this underground venue.]

10:14 – Underwriting

10:16 – Interview with Tyson Schroeder

Tyson Schroeder

Kansas City based Tyson Schroeder is an illustrator and fine artist. Over the last 20 years he has created images for bands, galleries, theatre companies, book illusgtrations and covers, periodicals, and Zim’s Sauces. He has had works included in group and solo shows in Kansas City, Boston, Salem, Portland, Houston and Nashville. His work has been included in two museum shows about band posters, and he has created posters for some of his favorite bands, The Dresden Dolls, Unsane, Fiona Apple, and Season to Risk. Tyson He is also a musician, who plays in the bands Abandoned Bells, and Medicine Theory. Tyson has worked with puppets, sculpture, and improv performance, spoken word, and theatre as an actor, designer, and playwright. Tyson Schroeder joins us to talk about his new play, “Bastard” currently running through October 29 at the Living Room Theatre, 1818 McGee. BASTARD explores the challenges, sacrifices, and inevitable consequences of the choices made by an artist and his family. Struggles both external and existential define this impactful and fascinating semi-autobiographical new work by Tyson Schroeder. Directed by Shawnna Journagan, with: Matt Leonard, Vanessa Davis, Daria LeGrand, and Rusty Sneary. More info at http://www.thelivingroomkc.com

Tyson Schroeder, thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley

As an illustrator and fine artist working Tyson works in a wide range of media. From pen and ink to watercolor; hand cut prints to oils and sometimes even a bit of digital collage and editing.

Tyson focuses on painting and existential, surreal renderings of the human condition. He also applies this approach to music, writing, puppets, sculpture, and improv performance.

His editorial illustrations have appeared in The Pitch, and The Boston Globe.

There are numerous books that contain Tyson’s illustrations.

Bastard, was 7 years in the making. On Monday, February 20, 2017, Writer’s Den series at The Living Room Theatre held a special staged reading of Bastard. Earlier versions of the play were presented at Staged readings at The Fishtank.

Directed by Shawnna Journagan, with: Matt Leonard, Vanessa Davis, Daria LeGrand, and Rusty Sneary.

Tyson Schroeder’s new play, “Bastard” is currently running through October 29 at the Living Room Theatre, 1818 McGee. More info at http://www.thelivingroomkc.com

10:30

5. Abandoned Bells – “Lost Children”
from: Lost Children – Single / Independent / December 1, 2016
[Recorded at Weights and Measures. KCMO. Engineered, mixed, and mastered by Duane Trower. Krystof Nemeth on guitar, Teri Ann Quinn on vocals & banjo, Tyson Schroeder on drums.]

10:34 – Interview with Teri Ann Quinn, with Molly McLaughlin & Joe Donley

Tyson Schroeder, Teri Quinn, Molly McLaughlin, and Joe Donley on the Oct. 18, 2017 edition of WMM.

Kansas City based singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Teri Quinn is originally from Grand Rapids, Michigan. Teri moved to Kansas City in 2009 to study Clarinet Performance and Music Composition at the University Of Missouri Kansas City’s Conservatory of Music where she graduated in 2013. We first met Teri playing clarinet and guitar for Claire and the Crowded Stage. Teri is also a jewelry designer and her business is calle Rattlebone Design. Teri calls herself, “A Northern girl with a Southern heart living in the Mid-West.” Teri has also contributed experimental compositions for The Black House Collective, and last year Teri Quinn released her debut EP, Moons and Meltdowns, and is a member of the Kanssa City band, Abandoned Bells with Krysztof Nemeth and Tyson Schroeder. Teri Ann Quinn is getting ready to go out on the road, and she plays The Rino, 314 Armour Rd, North Kansas City, Thursday, October 19 at 7:30 PM with Duncan Hill, and Aaron James. More information at http://www.teriquinn.com

Teri Quinn, thank you for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley.

Teri brought along musician friends:

Molly McLaughlin, a flute player, teacher, composer, and multi instrumentalist. She studied music at CAL Arts, and at the University of Hartford – Hartt School. She is originally from Holden, Massachusetts. Earlier this year she released her first album, A Beautiful Dying, that “explores the exquisite and inseverable dance of death and life,” is available at her website: http://www.mollymclaughlin.com

Joe Donley is a professional bassist. He currently is studing at the UMKC Conservatory of Music, and before that he was in college at Vanderbilt University, in Nashville, Tennessee. Joe is originally from Olathe, Kansas, and he has played bass with many area musicians including Calvin Arsenia. More info at: http://www.joedonleybassist.com

Teri Ann Quinn is getting ready to go out on the road, and she plays The Rino, 314 Armour Rd, North Kansas City, Thursday, Oct 19 at 7:30 PM with Duncan Hill, and Aaron James.

10:39

6. Teri Quinn – “Another Drink” (Live)
Teri Quinn on vocals & banjo, Molly McLaughlin on harmony vocals & bodhran, Joe Donley on stand up bass. Written by Teri Quinn.

Teri Ann Quinn is getting ready to go out on the road, she will be traveling to Montgomery, Athens, Atlanta, Ashville, Fort Wayne, Chicago, Minneapolis, and more.

10:50

7. Teri Quinn – “Reflecting” (Live)
Teri Quinn on vocals & banjo, Molly McLaughlin on flute, Joe Donley on stand up bass. Written by Teri Quinn.

10:56

8. Teri Quinn – “Hold Your Cards Close” (Live)
Teri Quinn on vocals & banjo, Molly McLaughlin on harmony vocals & bodhran, Joe Donley on stand up bass. Written by Teri Quinn.

Teri Quinn, Molly McLaughlin, Joe Donley, thank you for being with us on WMM.

Teri Ann Quinn plays The Rino, 314 Armour Rd, North Kansas City, Thursday, October 19 at 7:30 PM with Duncan Hill, and Aaron James. More info at: http://www.teriquinn.com

11:00 – Station ID

9. Hi-Lux – “Take Me Where You Are”
from: Take Me Where You Are – Single / Hi-Lux / August 15, 2017
[HI-LÜX is Julia Haile on vocals, Nick Howell on keyboards & organ, Kian Byrne on drums and vocals, Pete Leibert on bass, Tim Braun on guitar. Hi-Lux is based in Kansas City. The band brings together elements of soul, reggae and funk for a unique and dance inspiring sound. This is their 3rd single release of this year. More information at: http://www.hi-lux.bandcamp.com]

11:04 – Interview with Julia Haile, Peregrine Honig, & Ross Redmon

Ross Redmon, Peregrine Honig, and Julia Haile on the October 18, 2017 edition of Wednesday MidDay Medley.

Kansas City based vocalist Julia Haile is a member of the band Hi-Lux. She has also performed and released music with bands The Buhs, and The Good Foot. This summer Julia Haile collaborated with Barclay Martin at KKFI Collaborations Live!, at The Folly Theatre. With her bands she has played in almost every venue in Kansas City, and she joins us to talk about her Live Solo Show, Julia Haile at Greenwood Social Hall, 1750 Belleview, KCMO on Friday, October 20, 6:30 to 8:30 pm with musicians: Ryan J. Lee, Ben Leifer & Peter Schlamb.

Also joining us is artist, Peregrine Honig who was born in San Francisco, and moved to Kansas City, at 17 to attend the Kansas City Art Institute. At age 22, Honig was the youngest living artist to have work acquired by the Whitney Museum of Art’s permanent collection. Peregrine appeared on season one of Bravo’s artist reality television show, Work of Art: The Next Great Artist, which aired in the summer of 2010. She owns a lingerie and swimwear boutique, Birdies, which opened in 2003, in the Crossroads, just down the sidewalk from YJ’s. Since March, Peregrine has been managing the Greenwood Social Hall, where she also lives. Originally the Greenwood Baptist Church. Peregrine earlier this year presented Calvin Arsenia in a live solo show, as well as concerts from Tango Lorca, plays from The Fishtank and Heidi Van, and other events.

Also joining us is Ross Redmon, a Kansas City based artist, originally from Greer, South Carolina after completing his studies on a full scholarship from the Kansas City Art Institute in 2015, he received a bachelors of Fine Arts with a double major in Ceramics and Art History. He has attended residencies, and worked as an artist in Denmark and Hungary. Ross Redmon’s new exhibition, “Ross Redmon: Passenger Migration,” opens Thursday, October 19 through November 30, at Greenwood Social Hall.

Julia Haile, Peregrine Honig, and Ross Redmon, thanks for being with us on WMM.

Julia has worked as a musician and vocalist in some of Kansas City’s favorite bands including The Good Foot, and The Buhs. She is also a member of Hi-Lux and this year Hi-Lux has released three original singles, compostions demonstrating the range of the band elements of soul, reggae and funk. Julia talked about the transition of moving from singing cover songs, from other bands and artists, and making them your own, and the new original music from Hi-Lux and the process of releasing these new tracks.

Greenwood Social Hall, 1750 Belleview, KCMO, is a gently renovated building in the Westside neighborhood, established in 1927. It is a private space dedicated to small public projects. It’s also Peregrine’s home.

More info about Ross Redmon’s new exhibition, “Ross Redmon: Passenger Migration,” is available at: http://rossredmon.squarespace.com/resume/

This is the first recorded solo concert for Julia Haile. Ticket includes album download.

Tickets available at http://www.eventbrite.com
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/julia-haile-tickets-38203553858?aff=eac2

Julia Haile at Greenwood Social Hall, is this Friday, October 20, 6:30 to 8:30 pm with musicians: Ryan J. Lee, Ben Leifer & Peter Schlamb, at 1750 Belleview, KCMO.

Ross Redmon’s new exhibition, “Ross Redmon: Passenger Migration,” opens Thursday, October 19 through November 30, at Greenwood Social Hall.

More info at: http://www.facebook.com/thegreenwoodsocialhall

11:27

10. Hi-Lux – “Don’t Blame Me”
from: Don’t Blame Me- Single / Hi-Lux / June 16, 2017
[HI-LÜX is Julia Haile on vocals, Nick Howell on keyboards & organ, Kian Byrne on drums and vocals, Pete Leibert on bass, Tim Braun on guitar. Hi-Lux is based in Kansas City. The band brings together elements of soul, reggae and funk for a unique and dance inspiring sound. More info at: http://www.hi-lux.bandcamp.com]

11:30 – Underwriting

11. Sound of Ceres – “Humaniora”
from: The Twin / Joyful Noise Recordings – Sound of Ceres / October 6, 2017
[Brooklyn based band made up of members of Candy Claws, Apples in Stereo, and the Drums, with: Karen Hover, Ryan Hover, Jacob Graham, Ben Phelan, and Derrick Bozich. Their live shows are an An audio / visual experience with sounds ranging from 1960’s exotica to majestic, synthesizer adorned, future horizons. Visual depictions of the greater cosmos utilizing lasers, fiber optics and other hand made mechanisms.]

[Sound of Ceres play recordBar, Monday, October 23, at 8:00 PM with Plume Varia.]

12. Making Movies – “One and the Same”
from: I Am Another You / Making Movies / May 26, 2017
[3rd full length release: from Kansas City based 4-piece band and made up of two sets of brothers: Enrique Chi on guitar and lead vocals; Diego Chi on bass & vocals; Juan-Carlos Chaurand on percussion & keyboards; and Andres Chaurand on drums. The band draws their influences from the origins of their families: Santiago, Panama, and Kansas City, Missouri, and Guadalajara, Mexico. Thia album was produced by multiple Grammy Winner Steve Berlin of Los Lobos, and features guest appearances from Asdru Sierra of Ozomatli, Alaina Moore of Tennis and Alynda Segarra of Hurray for the Riff Raff. The self-released album peaked at #3 on the Latin Billboard charts and #8 on the World Music Charts.]

[Making Movies plays CrossroadsKC, Sunday, October 22, at 7:00 PM with Los Angeles Azules.]

13. Krystle Warren – “Thanks and Praise”
from: Three the Hard Way / Parlour Door Music / August 18, 2017
[Produced by Krystle Warren and Ben Kane (D’Angelo, Emily King, PJ Morton). Recorded, engineered, and mixed by Ben Kane. Written & performed by Krystle Warre. Mixed at The Garden, Brooklyn. Mastered & cut by Alex DeTurk at Masterdisk. Last year in Krystle Warren premiered this song and her other new songs from this album at the Middle of the Map Fest in a packed room at Californos in Westport and later at The Polsky Theatre for the Performing Arts Series of Johnsons County Community College. For this record Krystle decided to play every instrument and vocals & back up vocals, “playing bass, drums, lap steel, piano, guitar, and vocals directly to analog tape. She and Ben Kane recorded in Villetaneuse, France, a small town on the outskirts of Paris in a vintage 70s era studio that offered just the right, rich sound to suggest the musical foundation for the record, and to do justice to the duo’s carefully balanced arrangements.” On the radio show last year Krystle shared inspirations for this record, early gospel recordings, that crossed over into Jazz from Pharoah Sanders, Edwin Hawkins, and The Swan Silvertones. Originally from KC, Krystle learned to play the guitar by listening to Rubber Soul & Revolver from The Beatles. Krystle graduated from Paseo Arts Academy in 2001 and began her musical career in collaborating with area jazz and pop musicians. After living in San Francisco and NYC, Krystle was signed to a French label, Because Music, and moved to Paris to release “Circles” in 2009. Krystle played French and British television programs, including Later with Jools Holland, garnering critical acclaim and traveling all over the world with Rufus Wainwright, Nick Cave, Norah Jones, and Joan As Police Woman. Krystle created, Parlour Door Music, to release “Love Songs: A Time You May Embrace” a recording from a 13-day session in Brooklyn, where she recorded 24 songs live with 28 musicians including her band, The Faculty, alongside choirs, horn and string sections.]

14. Olympic Size – “Sunshine”
from: Sunshine – Single track / Olympic Size / (Unreleased) 2017
[A track from the band’s soon to be released Soon to be released EP. Recorded by David Moore at Merriam Shores Studio. Mixed By David Gaumè. Band Members include William Smith, Wade Williamson, Kirsten Paludan, Christopher Tolle, and Mike Walker.]

[Olympic Size play recordBar, 1520 Grand, on Saturday, October 21, at 9:00 pm, with Roman Numerals, Olympic Size, Mazinaw, and DJ Just.]

15. The B-52’s – “Hero Worship”
from: The B-52’s / Warner Bros. / July 6, 1979
[The B-52s were formed in Athens, Georgia, in 1976. The original line-up consisted of Fred Schneider (vocals), Kate Pierson (vocals, keyboards), Cindy Wilson (vocals, percussion), Ricky Wilson (lead guitar), and Keith Strickland (drums, rhythm guitar, keyboards). After Ricky Wilson’s death from AIDS in 1985, Strickland switched from drums to lead guitar. The band also added touring members for albums and live performances. The band is best known for their 1978 debut single “Rock Lobster”, and their pair of 1989 hits; “Love Shack” and “Roam”. Rooted in new wave and 1960s rock and roll, the group later straddled many genres, ranging from post-punk to pop rock. The “guy vs. gals” vocals of Schneider, Pierson, and Wilson, sometimes used in call and response style, and their unique guitar and keyboard driven instrumentation compose their trademark sound. The B-52’s were formed when vocalist Cindy Wilson, her older brother and guitarist Ricky, keyboardist and vocalist Kate Pierson, original drummer and percussionist Keith Strickland and cowbell player, poet and lead vocalist Fred Schneider held an impromptu jam session after sharing a tropical Flaming volcano drink at a Chinese restaurant in Athens, Georgia. Other ideas they had to name their band were the “Tina-Trons” and “Fellini’s Children.” When they first jammed, Strickland played guitar and Ricky Wilson played congas. They later played their first concert (with Wilson playing guitar) in 1977 at a Valentine’s Day party for their friends.]

[The B-52s play The Uptown Theatre, Sunday, October 22.]

11:56

16. Schwervon! – “Blood Eagle”
from: “Blood Eagle” b/w “Wrath” – Single / Broker’s Tip / September 23, 2017
[Schwervon! is a two piece rock band. Nan plays drums and Matt plays guitar and they both sing. They lived in NYC for 15 years and relocated to Kansas City several years ago. The duo makes annual US and European tours. On tour they’ve opened for The Vaselines and Belle & Sebastian.]

[Schwervon! play a 7″ Release Show, Friday, Oct 20, 10 PM, The Brick, 1727 McGee with Emmaline Twist.]

17. Noel Coward – “The Party’s Over Now”
from: Noel Coward in New York / drg / 2003 [orig. 1957]
[WMM Closing Theme]

Next week on Wednesday, October 25, we’ll play New Music and Scary Songs, plus we’ll welcome Michael McQuary and his Classic Monsters of Film Land. At 11:00 we talk with Freight Train Rabbit Killer, a duo made up of Kristopher Bruders (Freight Train) and Mark Smeltzer (Rabbit Killer). Freight Train Rabbit Killer have teamed with Haymaker Records to release a 7 inch series called “Wake Snake Death Dance,” It will also include riddles, codes, clues, and maps that will lead someone to a trove of artifacts. Freight Train Rabbit Killer play a Vinyl Release & Costume Party, on October 28, at 8:00 pm, at Stockyards Brewing Co. Also joining us next week is our friend Calvin Arsenia, who has just returned back to KC from a 3-month US and European tour.

Our Script/Playlist is a “cut and paste” of information.
Sources for notes: artist’s websites, bios, wikipedia.org

Wednesday MidDay Medley in on the web:
http://www.kkfi.org,
http://www.WednesdayMidDayMedley.org,
http://www.facebook.com/WednesdayMidDayMedleyon90.1FM

Show #704

WMM Playlist from January 25, 2012

Wednesday MidDay Medley
TEN to NOON Wednesdays – Streaming at KKFI.org
90.1 FM KKFI – Kansas City Community Radio
Produced and Hosted by Mark Manning

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

I Formed a Band – The Tom Livesay Story

1. Foolish Sad Robot – “I Recorded It”
from: The Complete Foolish Sad Robot / Independent / 1995-96

2. Foolish Sad Robot – “Personal Rock Song”
from: The Complete Foolish Sad Robot / Independent / 1995-96
[One of 23 songs recorded with Ike Sheldon and Tom Livesay. Performed at The Rhumba Box.]

3. The Whittlers – “Vans”
from: Reduced Bit By Bit / Independent / Summer 2000
[One of four full length albums created by Tom Livesay and Phil Wade between 2000 – 2004]

“I Formed A Band – The Tom Livesay Story” chronicles the musical history of Tom Livesay‘s life, through every band he has played in, starting with The William Jewel Orchestra and Jazz band and following through 24 years of Tom’s life, playing in 12 bands, where Tom played bass, sang lead vocals, played synthesizers & casios, wrote or co-wrote (probably) over 150 songs, recorded (probably) over 200 songs, and engineered or produced just as many tracks, if not more. Tom Livesay has collaborated with a very long list of KC’s best musicians including: Ike Sheldon, Phil Wade, Beste Ellis & Nate Gawron (who became The Wilders) Amy Farrand, Jeff Brown, Tony Zager, Matt Brahl, Patrick Frazier, Mark Smeltzer, Randy Wolf, Mark Stevenson, Mike McCoy, Jeff Nichols, Mark Reynolds, Stephen DiFranco, Marco Pascolini, Paul Guinto, Wm. Howell, Jennifer Appell, and many others…

Tom grew up in Independence, and graduated from Chrisman High School in 1984.

WJC Jazz Band, February 12, 1988, Kansas State Jazz Festival

After High School Tom was accepted into William Jewell College in Liberty, MO where her played saxophone in the William Jewell Orchestra & Jazz Band. It was in this band where he met future longtime collaborators: Jeff Brown (trumpet) & Ike Sheldon (trombone).

1987 – 88 Tom formed The Freshman Senators with 3 friends who needed a bass player. Tom sold his saxophone, and bought a bass.

4. The Freshman Senators – “Butterfly Fan”
from: The Freshman Senators / Independent / 1988
[Originally released on cassette. Re-released as a single w/ 2 other songs on cassette in 1990. Winner of local radio station call in contest. William Jewell Band w/ Tony Zager – Guitar, David King – Drums, Brian Meredith – Guitar & Saxophone, Tom Livesay – Bass. Friend Jeff Brown formed rival band: The Industry.]

1988 after William Jewell College Tom moved to Midtown, near KCAI, and continued with The Freshman Senators.

1989 Tom formed Wig Newton with Ike Sheldon after Ike graduated and moved to midtown. Wig Newton was influenced by bands of the day: Jane’s Addiction, Faith No More.

1990 – 91 Tom formed Knotty Pines with Tony Zager (of Freshman Senators)

5. Knotty Pines – “Zuleika”
from: Geek Mythology / Independent / 1991
[Antony Zager – Guitars, Tom Livesay – Vocals & Bass. Released on Cassette. Recorded at Westend Studios. Dedicated to The Freshman Senators & Wig Newton.]

1989 to 1991 there was some overlapping between The Freshman Senators, Wig Newton and Knotty Pines. At William Jewel Ike Sheldon had been a vocal music major, in Wig Newton, Ike used his operatic tenor, as well as rapped. We do not have any Wig Newton recordings, but Ike did contribute guest vocals for the Knotty Pines, “Geek Mythology” release, which gives us an example of Ike’s pre-The Wilders vocals.

6. Knotty Pines – “Planet Janet”
from: Geek Mythology / Independent / 1991
[Special lead vocals by Ike O. Sheldon. co-written by Livesay/Zager/Sheldon. Antony Zager – Guitars, Tom Livesay – Vocals & Bass. Released on Cassette. Recorded at Westend Studios. Dedicated to The Freshman Senators & Wig Newton.]

1991 Tom formed The Young Johnny Carson Story with William Jewel Orchestra Members Jeff Brown, Ike Sheldon. The Band’s name came from Ike Sheldon’s dream where he was in a made-for-TV movie, playing the part of a young Johnny Carson.

1992 The Young Johnny Carson Story released “Nerd”

7. The Young Johnny Carson Story – “You’re Too Beautiful”
an unreleased track / Independent / 1992
[Jeff Brown – Guitar & Vox, Tom Livesay – Bass & Vox, Ike Sheldon – Guitar, Bass & Vox]

What happened when Tom Livesay asked Johnny Carson permission to use his name for their “musical project”?

A letter dated March 14, 1994, from Carson Productions read:

Mr. Livesay,

“Thank you for your recent inquiry regarding the use of mr. Carson’s name in your musical project. However, I must inform you that it is in the best interests of Carson Productions to unconditionally refuse permission for the use of the name in any form. To persist in doing so will result in immediate litigation. We wish you luck in the persuit of your project, but must insist in your finding a new name.”

– Carson Productiona

1994 the band changed their name to My Childhood Hero and added drummer Amy Farrand to the group.

In the notes, on the cassette release, it reads “We support, Rhumba Box, Gee Coffee, The Dhurries, Shallow, Trouble in Mind, Secular Theme, Danger Bob, Frogpond, and Shiner.”

8. My Childhood Hero – “fiesta ware”
from: The Young Johnny Carson Story Is Now My Childhood Hero / Whiney Piney / 1994 [Jeff Brown – Guitar, Tom Livesay – Bass, Ike Sheldon – Guitar & Bass, Amy Farrand – Drums. Guest artists: Betse Ellis – Violin & Angel, Mark Smelzer – feedback, Phil Wade – Angel. Recorded live to 2-track ny randy Wolf in Mark & Leslie’s attic, February, 1994.]

1991 (while playing with Young Johnny Carson Story, and My Childhood Hero) Tom also started playing bass with the band Cher fronted by Mike McCoy. Tom played with the band on two cassette releases: “By Named Sue” (1991) and “The Gambler” (1992).

9. Cher – “Chop-Chop Life”
from: Boy Named Sue / Independent / 1991
[Released on Cassette. Mike McCoy Guitar & Vox, Jeff Nichols – Drums, Tom Livesay – Bass, Mark Reynolds – Free Bass]

Raucous life shows, sometimes hostile audiences, it was during a Halloween show when 3 of the 4 members quit and walked off stage, in the middle of the set, leaving Mike McCoy alone on stage. Mike eventually reformed the group with Lisa McKenzie on Drums, and Heather Grehan on Bass, and renamed the band Cher UK and rerecorded many of the songs from the two cassette releases, in Minneapolis, for the 1993 release on Red Decibel Records, “She’s A Weird Little Snack.”

1995 – 96 Tom formed, Foolish Sad Robot with Ike Sheldon, Tom’s 8th band in 8 years. With Ike, at least 23 songs were recorded. The band played in many venues & developed a following.

10. Foolish Sad Robot – “Postpone”
from: The Complete Foolish Sad Robot / Independent / 1995-96
[One of 23 songs written & recorded with Ike Sheldon and Tom Livesay.]

1993-95 The Dhurries, formed with Betse Ellis on Violin, and Phil Wade on sitar, drums, & guitar. Phil was into East Indian ragas. The Dhurries played local coffeehouses including Whistler’s Mother in Westport where they became fans of the Young Johnny Carson Story and Foolish Sad Robot. Tom Livesay, Ike Sheldon, Jeff Brown, Betse Ellis and Phil Wade played together a lot in those days.

11. The Dhurries – “Red Ribbon”
from: Yeppers / Barry Lee Compilation for KKFI / 1995
[Betse Ellis & Phil Wade. Originally recorded on Barry Lee‘s radio program, “Signal To Noise,” in 1995. On a Signal To Noise radio show Ike Sheldon joined Betse & Phil to play a “string tune” they’d been experimenting with after Ike started playing his father’s old country records. Some say this was the beginning of The Wilders. A You Tube video of Ike, Betse & Phil on Signal to Noise is on our Wednesday MidDay Medley Facebook Page.]

1996-97 William Jewell Orchestra members: Tom Livesay, Jeff Brown & Ike Sheldon teamed up with Phil Wade (formerly of the Dhurries and The Pedaljets) and Stephen DiFranco (formerly of Bad Manners) to form a new band: Day Sleeper

12. Day Sleeper – “Meteor (Reprise)”
from: When The Meteor Comes / Independent / 1997
[Tom Livesay (lead vox on this song) – Bass & Vox, Phil Wade – Lead Electric Guitar & Lap Steel Guitar & Vox, Ike Sheldon – Fender Rhoades & Electric Piano, Jeff Brown – Vox & Electric Guitar & Acoustic Guitar, Stephen DiFranco – Drums. Recorded at The Tic Ranch, Frazier Farm, mixed at band’s house, 3605 Jefferson. Songs written by Jeff Brown & Day Sleeper.]

“I Formed A Band – The Tom Livesay Story.” continues…
A chronicle of the musical history of Tom’s life, through every band he has played in, over the past 24 years.

1995, Phil Wade started listening to bluegrass music.

1996 Ike Sheldon, Betse Ellis and Phil Wade formed The Wilders with Matt Kesler (Phil’s band mate from The Pedaljets) sometimes on Bass.

1997 -1998 Tom moved to Arizona with a friend. While in Arizona Tom recorded some solo recordings using casio keyboards.

13. Tom Livesay – “Jumbo Jet Beat”
from: Tom Livesay’s Greatest Hits / Independent / 1998 [Tom’s solo work.]

1998 The Wilders released the first recording: “Cornbread, Molasses and Sassafras Tea” on Rural Grit Records. Ike started hosting The Rural Grit Hour at The Grand Emporium.

1999 Tom Livesay moved back to KC from Arizona and joined: Snakebite Orphans with Mark Stevenson, Marco Pascolini (of Mr. Marco’s V-7), and Matt Brawl (of Sandoval).

1999 Tom Livesay engineered the recording of The Wilders 2000 release: “The Wilders.”

The Wilders

(Note: In 2011 After 15 years, 10 albums, and constant touring, The Wilders announced last month that they would be taking an extended “hiatus.”)

14. The Wilders – “Righten That Wrong”
from: The Wilders / Rural Grit Records / 2000
[Ike Sheldon – Lead Guitar & Vox, Betse Ellis – Fiddle & Vox, Phil Wade – Mandolin & Dobro & Banjo & Vox, Nate Gawron – String Bass. Rec. Live Dec, 1999, at Randy Wolf’s house. Engineered by Tom Livesay & Randy Wolf. Jeff Brown plays Bass on this song.]

2000 – 2004 Tom formed The Whittlers with Phil Wade

15. The Whittlers – “They Wanted Songs”
from: Reduced Bit By Bit / Independent / Summer 2000
[One of four full length albums created by Tom Livesay and Phil Wade between 2000 – 2004]

2000-2004 Tom & Phil Wade recorded 4 albums, while working together at The KC Art Intitute.

16. The Whittlers – “Dressed Up and It’s Hot”
from: Sci Fi Runaway / Independent / January – February 2001
[Song includes a guest rap from Ike Sheldon. Album included guests: Betse ellis, Ike Sheldon, Nate & Mary Gawron, Wm. Howell and others.]

17. The Whittlers – “Stuck in Missouri With You”
from: Touch The Artist / Independent / Summer 2002
[Album was made up entirely of covers. This song was made famous by Stealer’s Wheel. Jeff Brown played drums on several tracks. Ike Sheldon played piano and keyboards on several tracks.]

18. The Whittlers – “Another Night Gone”
from: Nobody’s Happy / Independent / Summer 2004
[written by Betse Ellis. Tom on Vocals, Ike on Piano, Phil on Guitar. Recorded as a surprise for Betse.]

2001 Tom Produced albums for: Wm. Howell & played bass for Paul Guinto aka Redbirds

19. Wm. Howell – “Born Again”
from: Sweet Boy / Independent / 2001

2001 Tom released his first solo release with guest appearances from Ike Sheldon, Phil Wade, Beste Ellis, Tony Zager, Matt Brahl, Patrick Fraizer, Mark Smeltzer, Kim Stanton, Mark Stevenson, Paul Guinto, Wm. Howell,

20. Tom Livesay – “Kids Feel Stifled!”
from: Gazer / Independent / 2001
[co-written with student in Beijing, Tony Zager & Tom Livesay, Guitar by Tony Zager, cyborg vocal by Wm. Howell. Bass, Vocals & Synthesizers by Tom. Drums by Matt Brawl.]

21. Tom Livesay – “Lover Slash Friend”
from: Gazer / Independent / 2001 [co-written by Ike & Tom. Guitar & Tamborine by Ike Sheldon.]

22. Tom Livesay – “Stripmall Opens”
from: Gazer / Independent / 2001 [cello by Betse Ellis.]

23. Tom Livesay – “ReRelease”
from: Gazer / Independent / 2001 [Guitar by Patrick Frazier]

Present day – Tom is raising his 8 year old daughter Hirut, adopted from Ethiopia.

Recently Tom has been working on new songs.

24. Foolish Sad Robot – “Sad Hour”
from: The Complete Foolish Sad Robot / Independent / 1995-96

Wednesday MidDay Medley in on the web:
WednesdayMidDayMedley.org
facebook.com/WednesdayMidDayMedleyon90.1FM
and kkfi.org

Sources for Notes: Artist’s websites noted above and wikipedia.org

Show #405