Voltaire's Ghost Interview

Versatile and melodic drummer talks about playing with Delbert McClinton, Doug Sahm, Charlie Byrd and Pat Martino.

Multi-faceted musician talks about the many chapters of his artistic existence including his foray into Balkan music and hanging with Ken Kesey and The Pranksters.

"You had to be a jack of all trades....I had the reputation for being a good drummer."Growing up in Cincinnati Jimmy Madison could look across the river and see "King Records," the recording home of James Brown. When he befriended David Mathews in his teens it began a musical collaboration with Brown. Jimmy played with "the funkiest man alive" in the late sixties and early seventies.As I was going through my record collection I was astounded at the diversity of albums I have that Jimmy Madison played drums/percussion on. Ellen McIlwaine (Psych Folk), O'Donel Levy (Funk Jazz), Mark Murphy (Vocal Jazz), Joe Farrell (Jazz/Rock), Blue Mitchell, Tim Buckley Tom Paxton, James Brown.Grodeck Whipperjenny,

Dynamic goth trio talks about their collective experiences in the studio and on the bandstand.

Prolific younger drummer talks about his approach to rhythm and driving a band by keeping time and dancing on the kit. 

Young producer and musician talks about developing his own niche in Nashville, TN.

Young musician talks about his transition from rap to indie music and his need to develop a musical community in the town where he resides.

Bay Area saxophonist talks about discovering and eventually taking over Haight Levels in San Francisco and developing his sound around a milieu of cats.

Transcendent saxophone player talks about his early musical roots and family responsibilities growing up in St. Louis and the formation of the Black Artists Group.

Legendary trumpeter, producer and band leader talks about everyone and everything in his illustrious career. RIP