The Voices Of Russ Ballard Podcast, Episode 15 - STEVE RODFORD 2

It’s just days days before the release of Russ Ballard’s long awaited new double album “Songs from the Warehouse/The Hits Rewired” and Ian talks to Russ in depth about the new album(s). Expect to hear some stunning new tracks alongside reworked versions of 13 hits from his back catalogue.

Ian presents Part 2 of his chat with Ray Greene when the focus moves on to Santana and his solo career. A great insight into how Ray joined Santana (with a little help from Social Media), as well as some excellent music and commentary relating to the new album “Stay”. “He is just the best….” Ray Greene on working with Carlos Santana 

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

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

Join Ian and Sven for a one off Voices of Russ Ballard special featuring the legendary drummer Bob Henrit (Kinks, Argent, Unit 4 Plus 2, Adam Faith and the Roulettes).  Bob talks about his new project “Borough Beats” which is a local exhibition celebrating many of the talented musicians who grew up in the Borough of Broxbourne including Cliff Richard, The Shadows, The Roulettes, Russ Ballard and of course, Bob himself.The exhibition runs until June 2024. 

The Podcast is back after a short break following Russ’s successful UK tour in early 2022 and his guest appearance at the 02 Shepherds Bush Empire supporting Rick Wakeman. Ian and Sven speak with David and The Duchess from “Space Elevator”, the band that were set to support Russ on his German tour that was cancelled two days before commencement thanks to Covid. Hear tracks from the excellent new Space Elevator album “Persona Non Grata” as well as soundbites from their previous two releases and enjoy an insight into how these talented musicians made their journey to becoming professional musicians. “How do people make a living as a musician if they’re not in Queen or something?" David Young when contemplating his decision to become a professional musician. “We are not just going to take over the world, we want to get beyond the world’s atmosphere and go up in a Space Elevator…..we just wanted to be larger then life I guess” The Duchess tells us about choosing the name for the band.

Ian and Sven complete their conversation with Steve Rodford with a Podcast dedicated to the life of his father, Jim Rodford. This coincides with the publication of a book about his life called “Jim Rodford Sideman, The Jim Rodford Story”. Enjoy some brilliant anecdotes along the way as well as an exciting exclusive…..Steve reveals a lost track he recently found by the GB Blues Company featuring the Argent rhythm section (Jim and Bob Henrit) and the Mike Cotton Sound Horn Section. It’s called “ No Place” and you can hear it here for the first time anywhere in the world. “I’d like to think that Dad was a big part of bringing rock and roll back to the Kinks” - Steve Rodford speaking about Jim Rodford. “It”s What I do” - Jim Rodford on himself playing live gigs.