The Voices of Russ Ballard Podcast, Special Guest Paul Shortino. Part One. Episode 31.

Join us on the Voices Of Russ Ballard with our very special guest, the voice of Tower Of Power and Santana, Ray Greene.  Ray talks about his graduation from the Berkeley School of Music, playing alongside Aretha Franklin, Rick James, The Isley Brothers and of course, Tower Of Power. Some great music along the way too. Look out for Part Two coming soon….. (this episode was recorded just before the passing of the great Quincy Jones. RIP) “You give 100% every time you go that stage”  Ray Greene  “The music business has been phenomenal for me, especially the last 10  /15 years of my life”  Ray Greene 

The final episode with special guest Paul Shortino features a live chat between him and his friend from the “Rock Meets Classic” tour of Germany, Russ Ballard himself. A fascinating insight into their views on the music scene today and how technology is shaping the industry, together with hilarious stories guaranteed to make you smile. Oh and a couple of surprises along the way….don’t miss it!  “Russ, I love you like a brother from another….” Paul Shortino  “Paul, I feel the same way…..” Russ Ballard

The second part of Ian’s chat with Paul Shortino in which he gives us a fascinating insight to his landmark appearance at Hear N’Aid (America’s rock equivalent to Band Aid), as well as detailing the close association with his mentor, Ronnie James Dio. Apart from Paul’s infectious personality, enjoy more good music and commentary from his solo career and numerous collaborations including Carmine Appice’s band, King Kobra. “That has changed recently. Russ Ballard gave me chills every night on Rock Meets Classic when I heard him sing “You Can Do Magic”. It has have to be his version, no one else’s version of song. “ Paul Shortino’s response when asked “what is your favourite song of all time?”

Sven is taking a break from the show so Ian kicks off a new series chatting to the legendary Paul Shortino from his home in Las Vegas.  Part 1 features Paul’s climb to stardom from a young age, his role as “Duke Fame” in the movie “This is Spinal Tap”, Rough Cutt, Quiet Riot and much more. He also talks passionately about his recent tour of Germany on “Rock Meets Classic” and his affinity with Russ Ballard and all the other performing artists on that stage.  “I’m sure Russ Ballard could have written a hit song for me!”  Paul Shortino

Welcome to the landmark edition of The Voices of Russ Ballard Podcast…..this is the 25th edition since we launched in the summer of 2020. Part Two of Ian and Sven’s conversation with Mike Moran concentrates on his collaboration with the one and only Freddie Mercury and there are some legendary stories to hear. Discover how Mike takes Freddie to his local Garden Centre, Freddie tells Mike to keep playing that “Flashy Sh*t” on the keyboards, Mike becomes the only non Queen member to co write a song on a Queen Album and of course, Mike and Freddie create a new musical genre…..all this and more, it’s a must listen! “They could have given Rami a smaller set of false teeth” Mike Moran on Rami Malek’s portrayal of Freddie Mercury in the Bohemian Rhapsody movie 

In Part Two of this Voices Podcast with Ian and Sven, the conversation with Bob Bradbury is concluded and they discuss (amongst other things) the gradual demise of Glam Rock in 1977. Bob also tells us about other projects in his fascinating career including The Boomtown Rats, Glam Rock Allstars and solo projects. “In 1977 we started getting punk and that killed it” Bob Bradbury on the demise of Glam Rock during the late 1970’s

The Voices of Russ Ballard Podcast ends the year with a bumper Christmas Eve edition featuring the legendary and multi talented Francie Conway. Francie tells of his excitement working with Russ, Chris White, and Argent and how his big break came along out of nowhere. Links and stories relating to Queen, Alistair Campbell, Henry McCullough (Wings and Joe Cocker), Noddy Holder, Chris Rea and more are all here….we also play some great music from Francie’s career including his brand new single “Christmas Night”. “I learnt my songwriting skills from the best,…..Chris White and Russ Ballard” Francie Conway “People say you shouldn’t meet your heroes, suddenly I was going to record with them…” Francie Conway on being in a recording studio (for the first time) with Russ, Chris White, Bob Henrit, Jim Rodford, and John Verity

Ian and Sven conclude their conversation with Graham Bonnet from his home in LA and we hear from Beth Ami Heavenstone too.  “No” Graham Bonnet when asked if he does anything special to keep his unbelievable voice in shape. “It’s just pure fluke, maybe one day it will just go but I don’t think it will happen anytime soon. My voice is me. This is what I do.” Graham Bonnet when asked about the potential longevity of his voice.

Ian and Sven are proud to share their conversation with a member of rock royalty, Graham Bonnet (Rainbow, Michael Schenker, Alcatrazz and many more). Graham has recorded many Russ Ballard songs over the years and they are all featured here. Hear many great stories from his Rainbow days including the late, great Cozy Powell and Ritchie Blackmore himself.  “Cozy would say “Here comes the F…. Bank Manager” Graham Bonnet describing how Cozy Powell greeted him at breakfast on tour with Rainbow  “Don Airey came up to me and said, do you know we are the only two in this band who have got hair” A hair raising story from Graham Bonnet…..

Ian and Sven start 2024 with a very special guest who has one of the most versatile and powerful voices in rock, Robert Hart. He has worked with or alongside, the likes of Whoopi Goldberg, Sly Stone, The Jacksons, Bad Company, Zak Starkey, Vince Gill, Chic, Kenney Jones, Manfred Mann, Russ Ballard….need I go on?  Have a listen to Robert discussing an incredible career in music and also talking about his new album, “Circus Life”. Manfred Mann in conversation with Robert Hart  “Don’t think of me as your boss, think of me as a friend who can fire you”