Greg Scarpa Jr. Interview ~ Part 1

Joe Poletto continues his conversation with the multi-talented Jason Crosby.

Joe Poletto talks with Jason Crosby. Over the past three decades Jason Crosby has toured and recorded with some of the biggest names in modern music, from Jackson Browne and Phil Lesh to Father John Misty and Jenny Lewis. Jason has performed at Madison Square Garden, the Grammy Awards, appeared on the Tonight Show and Austin City Limits. He has shared stages with the likes of Bruce Springsteen, James Taylor, and Outkast. Born and raised on Long Island, Jason discovered he had perfect pitch in an early age and he immersed himself in a world of classical music. With his school orchestra, he traveled the world; China, Russia, Australia, and Cuba. But during his teenage years, a fascination with rock, funk, jazz and blues began to take hold, and by the time Jason was in his 20s, he had landed a gig on the road with Grammy winning bassist Oteil Burbridge. Crosby would spend the next 30 years on the road performing with a Who’s Who of legendary artists on some of the world’s most iconic stages. Along the way he would relocate to California, sign with the artist collective Blue Rose and release his celebrated solo album ‘Cryptologic’ all while continuing his musical journey.  Produced by: Joe Poletto & Karl Derfler Engineered by: Karl Derfler Production Director: David Gross Production Manager: Michelle Garramone “Later Days” song by The Mother Hips

Joe Poletto continues his conversation with Greg Scarpa Jr., son of the notorious hitman Gregory Scarpa. Joining him on this episode is Larry Mazza who was also a member of the Colombo family as he was a key member of the Scarpa family crew. 

Joe Poletto speaks with Gregory Scarpa Jr., the son of the notorious hitman Gregory Scarpa. Greg Scarpa Jr.  succeeded his father as capo in the Colombo family after his father contracted HIV AIDS following a contaminated blood transfusion in 1986. Scarpa Jr. was sentenced to 40 years in prison for racketeering and he was recently granted a compassionate release after serving 33 years. 

Joe Poletto continues his conversation with Steve Forbert, the great American singer-songwriter from Meridian, Mississippi. Steve’s new record, ‘Moving Through America’ will be released on May 13th on Blue Rose. Let’s listen to Steve‘s new single called ‘Livin’ the Dream.’ Produced by: Joe Poletto & Karl Derfler Engineered by: Karl Derfler Production Director: David Gross Production Managers: Michelle Garramone & Kelsey Kirpich “Later Days” song by The Mother Hips

Steve Forbert is one of the few artists who can mesmerize a crowd with nothing but a distinctive voice, an acoustic guitar and his trusty harmonica slung around his neck. More than four decades have passed since Steve first made his way to New York City from Meridian, Mississippi. Steve’s debut album ‘Alive on Arrival’ became one of 1978’s most acclaimed records.  Rolling Stone contributing editor David Wild recently reflected that “now or then he would be hard-pressed to find a debut effort that was simultaneously as fresh and accomplished” comparing it to “a great first novel by a young author who somehow managed to split the difference between Mark Twain and JD Salinger.” One track from that album, 'Grand Central Station March 18, 1977' earned Steve a spot on the 2014 Village Voice list of the 60 best songs ever written about New York City. Produced by: Joe Poletto & Karl Derfler Engineered by: Karl Derfler Production Director: David Gross Production Managers: Michelle Garramone & Kelsey Kirpich “Later Days” song by The Mother Hips

Joe Poletto recently had the good fortune to sit down with Marcus Allen and Tim Brown. Both Marcus and Tim are Heisman Trophy winners and members of the Pro football Hall of Fame. Marcus is considered one of the greatest goal line and short yard runners in NFL history. While with the Raiders he helped the team win Super Bowl 18 and he was the first NFL player to gain more than 10,000 rushing yards and 5,000 receiving yards during his career. Marcus has the distinction of being the only player to have won the Heisman Trophy and NCAA national championship, the Super Bowl, and be named the NFL and Super Bowl MVP. Tim Brown played college football for the Notre Dame fighting Irish. While at Notre Dame, Tim was named an All-American twice and won the Heisman Trophy in 1987, becoming the first wide receiver ever to win that award. Tim spent 16 years with the Raiders during which he established himself as one of the NFL’s greatest wide receivers of all time. Tim was inducted into both the College Football Hall of Fame and the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Produced by: Joe Poletto & Karl Derfler Engineered by: Karl Derfler Production Director: David Gross Production Managers: Michelle Garramone & Kelsey Kirpich "Later Days" song by The Mother Hips

Joe Poletto continues his conversation with Billy Beattie, founding member of the notorious Westies and Art Ruffles, FBI special agent in charge of the organized crime unit. 

Joe Poletto continues his conversation with Billy Beattie, founding member of the notorious Westies and Art Ruffles, FBI special agent in charge of the organized crime unit.  Produced by Joe Poletto & Karl Derfler Engineered by Karl Derfler Production Director: David Gross  Production Managers: Michelle Garramone & Kelsey Kirpich https://www.asterlight.com/laterdayspodcast

Joe Poletto continues his conversation with Billy Beattie, founding member of the notorious Westies and Art Ruffles, FBI special agent in charge of the organized crime unit.    The Westies reign of terror was largely built on the back of Mickey Featherstone‘s terrifying reputation. When strangers laid eyes on him in person the reaction was usually disbelief. That’s Mickey Featherstone? His larger than life notoriety often dwarfed his average physical stature. At 5‘7“ tall with wide blue eyes and a halo a blonde hair, Mickey looked more like an altar boy than one of the most feared men in New York City. Many people made the mistake of underestimating him and that only made him more dangerous. Mickey’s temper was infamous, even for an Irishman. He had a low boiling point to start with and if alcohol was involved, and it often was, Mickey had the potential to explode. Those who knew him in the neighborhood often crossed the street when they saw him coming their way. Yet to those closest to him, Mickey was kind, devoted and generous to a fault. This dichotomy was Mickey in essence. He was a man split down the middle constantly struggling to be both a good person and a good gangster. No one would’ve predicted but Mickey, perhaps the most dedicated member of the group, would eventually become the one to systematically dismantle their dynasty and put an end to the Irish Mafia in Manhattan once and for all.    Produced by Joe Poletto & Karl Derfler Engineered by Karl Derfler Production Director: David Gross  Production Managers: Michelle Garramone & Kelsey Kirpich https://www.asterlight.com/laterdayspodcast