Blog

Hello World! I Wanna Be More!

Mark Daly and The Ravens 2024 photo by S. Wright

Hello World! Who doesn’t wanna be more? This song is the latest release by Mark Daly. I caught up with Mark Daly after he and his band, The Ravens, opened for Mr. Big.

Mark Daly and The Ravens 2024 photo by S. Wright

So what is Mr. Daly listening to? Mark quickly listed the bands:

Blue October, Highly Suspect, Aerosmith and Rod Stewart

Love this Blue October video!

Blue October- Oh My My

Mark recently gave a shout to The Struts on Instagram. It is no secret that they are one of my favorite bands too!

Photo by S. Wright 2023

Of course, we have to give a shout out to Mr. Big, fronted by Eric Martin, as well! This tour is said to be their final one. Shine is one of my favorites!

Mr. Big Shine

If you wanna know more about Mark Daly click here markdalyofficial.com. Do you have a favorite Mark Daly song? Check out the 603Melody Youtube 2024 playlist for more.

Thanks to Mr. Daly for taking the time to talk post show at the Tupelo Music Hall in Derry, NH!

Mark Daly with The Ravens 2024 photo by S. Wright

I always say one artist leads to another (musical or otherwise) so I should not have been surprised to see retunedjewelry.com products for sale at the merch table (reduce, reuse, recycle). I just so happened to be wearing their earrings that evening! It is a small world after all.

Thanks for checking in!

What are you listening to?

Stephanie

Follow me down the musical rabbit hole with 603Melody on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube!

Logo by Z. Stith

Hello World! Mr. David Mallett-Folk Poet

Dave Mallett and Mike Burd 2022 photo by S. Wright

Hello World!

Mr. David Mallett has been a long time favorite of mine! His classic song Inch By Inch is etched in my childhood memories. He is one of the first musicians I thought of as a storyteller. He can paint a picture with his lyrics. Mr. Mallett is also one of my husband’s favorite artists. We were thrilled to see him perform not once but twice this summer!

Dave Mallett and Mike Burd Jackson, NH photo by S. Wright August 2022

After the show in Hadley, Massachusetts, I spoke to Dave and his long time bass player, Mike Burd, about what they have been listening to.

Dave did not mention too many specific artists except for his boys’ band- The Mallett Brothers Band.

Luke and Will Mallett Portland, Maine 2019 photo by S. Wright

The Mallett Brothers Band Nashua, NH 2019- photo S. Wright

In a weird musical rabbit hole twist, I interviewed The Mallett Brothers Band when they played in Nashua, NH a few years ago. I also saw Dave play with the band in Portland, Maine just before Covid was a thing. Kenya Hall performed with them as well, and I really like this remix with her.

Dave also mentioned listening to the radio and his collection of 45s. Someone suggested to me that he went through a Nine Inch Nails phase. I did ask him about that after the show in Jackson, NH and he did not deny it!

Mike Burd said he likes to listen to a variety of music- random plays on the smart speaker (one song leads to another). He also enjoys Vanilla Fudge, Jethro Tull and Miles Davis.

Snowbound by Dave Mallett accompanied by Mike Burd August 2022

Many thanks to Dave and Mike for taking the time to talk!

Click here for more info on shows and more-

David Mallett- Official Website

Thanks for checking in!

What are you listening to?

Stephanie

Logo by Z. Stith

You can find 603 Melody on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube too!

Sean McCann – Shanty Man

Hello World! Sean McCann was cool before Bernie Sanders landed in a Sea Shanty.

Sean McCann Boston City Winery July 2022

Yes -Sea Shanties were a thing long before YouTube and TikTok.

As a founding member of the Canadian band, Great Big Sea, Sean has had a long musical career. He also has dealt with serious personal issues that he no longer keeps to himself. In fact he recently wrote a book with his wife about their shared struggles- One Good Reason. Sean believes in the power of music, as well as the power of being open with mental health issues. I am glad for Sean and his family that he is STRONGER!

I have been to multiple Great Big Sea concerts. Last month was my first opportunity to see Sean play since the GBS days! Take a listen to Sean performing Sea of No Cares. He also shares what enjoys listening to as well in the video below. As Sean explains Chris Trapper “cowrote” Sea of No Cares. One artist always leads to another, and I discovered Chris when he sang with GBS one evening in Lowell, Massachusetts. If you have been following 603 Melody you may remember that Mr. Trapper was featured in a previous post (insert shameless plug).

My first introduction to Great Big Sea was the song Mari Mac. Maybe the band was playing on PBS; I can’t remember. I do remember loving the tune, and dancing around the living room with my little boy (he is older now than I like to admit- or I would have to be aging too). You couldn’t sit down at a live GBS show either! At one venue I thought the floor was going to give way. To say people were jumping up and down enthusiastically would be an understatement!

This new release by Sean will get your toes tapping too-

Need some more Sean McCann? Click here-https://seanmccannsings.com.

Thanks for checking in! Thanks to Mr. McCann as well for sharing his musical interests!

What are you listening to?

Stephanie

Follow 603 Melody down the musical rabbit hole on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube.

Logo by Z. Stith

Hello World! You’ve Got a Friend In Me! Meet Alexis Babini

The Little Mermen June 2022 photo by S. Wright

A couple weekends ago The Little Merman entertained big and little Disney music enthusiasts at the Tupelo Music Hall in Derry, New Hampshire. Missed them? They will be back in the 603 at the end of July in Laconia. See below for a list of other upcoming performances.

thelittlemermen.com

After the show the band took photos with happy fans. The Little Mermen founder, Alexis Babini was kind enough to take a minute to let me know what he has been listening to.

What are you listening to Alexis Babini? June 2022

Did any of Alexis’ answers surprise you?

What is your favorite Disney song?

Check out this song by Alexis too-

Love music? Follow 603Melody down the musical rabbit hole on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube!

Thanks for checking in!

What are you listening to?

Stephanie

Hello World! Worth the Wait: Mr. Bob Schneider!

Bob Schneider Saxon Pub 2022 photo by S. Wright

Hello World!

Bob Schneider was one of the inspirations for 603 Melody. No lie! It is right there on my home page. I love all kinds of music, and not everyone I listen to is a household name. So I was curious about what other people are listening to, would some of the artists I like be on their playlists? I was psyched when Bob Schneider’s name came up when I interviewed Roger Clyne and the Peacemakers- see August 2018 interview (insert shameless plug). So cool!

I have been telling people about Bob for years! He is a musician, singer-songwriter, artist with some comedian thrown in. Ok a lot of funny! Bob can make you laugh, cry, blush (if the flavor is too strong). A Parental Advisory is advised when checking out his music. Although Bob does have a children’s album out, a lot of his content is for adults. And talk about content, I once heard it said that Bob could play for 6 days straight without repeating any songs. That is a lot of material!

Bob and Ted Tupelo Music Hall Londonderry, NH 2016 photo by S.Wright

My first Bob Schneider concert was in New Hampshire at the Tupelo Music Hall, and I was HOOKED! Sometimes I have to venture out of the 603 into Massachusetts to get a fix. I even went to a show in Indy with my in-laws! For the last two years Bob has also been a welcome escape online. Throughout the pandemic, he has provided his Patreon Song Club members with a weekly livestream show. Bob continues to perform virtually even though venues are open, and he is back to performing in front of live crowds.

Bob Schneider’s Song Club

Bob Schneider Indy 2017 photo by S.Wright

Recently my husband and I took a long overdue vacay to Austin, Texas. It was our first visit. Of course seeing Bob perform with Lonelyand at his weekly Monday night gig was a must! He has been performing at the Saxon Pub for years! When you know, you know! Charlie Mars also just happened to be there on Friday as well. Good timing I must say! One artist always leads to another- I discovered Charlie because of Bob. A few years ago I had the opportunity to meet Mr. Mars when he came to Boston. Don’t forget to check out his May 2018 interview (insert 2nd shameless plug).

Covid has been a nightmare to the music industry. So you can imagine my excitement when Bob’s City Winery – Boston show was finally rescheduled several years into the pandemic. I was even happier when Bob said we could talk after his show about what he is listening to! So without further ado straight from Bob into your ear holes-

Bob Schneider Boston March 2022

Jay Thomas, Bob’s long time audio engineer, was also kind enough to give that quick bonus answer to what he is listening to as well. Hopefully no one kept scrolling and peeked ahead- here are a few videos inspired by their answers. Thanks to Bob and Jay for their time! It is much appreciated!

Diechkind Wer Sagt Denn Das?

Justin Bieber Ghost

Bleachers Chinatown

Tom Waits Walk Away

Merle Haggard Mama Tried

Bob has a new album out. It really could have been a double, did I mention he has lots of material? Here are two of my favorites from “In A Roomful of Blood With A Sleeping Tiger” –

I Love This Life and Boys You Like

For more info click here- https://www.bobschneider.com

Thanks for checking in!

What are you listening to?

Stephanie

PS Need more music? Hop down the musical rabbit hole with me- one artist always leads to another!

Check out @603melody on Instagram, YouTube and Facebook.

603Melody logo by Z. Stith

Double Shot- Josh Kelley and Harper Grae

Hello World! To say it’s been awhile is an UNDERSTATEMENT! The last live indoor concert I attended was Josh Kelley’s on March 7th, 2020. We (Americans) should have been more aware that there was a pandemic heading our way… Italy had been warning us for weeks. When I flew to AZ at the end of February, I wiped down my seat and tray on the way there and back as a precaution. When I met Josh Kelley, we actually did the toe tap thing instead of a handshake or elbow bump. However, these were just minor safeguards, nobody really understood what was about to occur. America just watched the pandemic coming toward us like a tsunami. Staring at the enormous wave, just standing there, not blinking, not moving, not preparing.

Once we were asked to quarantine, I struggled to make sense of how to navigate life safely. Our stock of toilet paper was good (I shop on sale) but it was disconcerting to see the grocery stores bare. Fortunately, I could do my job remotely. However, that change took most of my energy. I was overwhelmed. That bothered me. Logically I had a lot to be grateful for – a job, food, a nice place to be stuck, a dog to walk, zooms with family and college friends. My husband and son were healthy and working as well. While some people took the opportunity to get super creative, learn a language and so on; I was lucky to read a book. I did read several, and planted some flowers. I wondered how I could be home so much, and not have a house squeaky clean and ORGANIZED! If you are looking for recipes or cleaning tips you are on the wrong blog! I toasted a few marshmallows, met a up with friends and family when I could (at a distance of course), and listened to a lot of music.

Last spring the Tupelo Music Hall had the genius idea to convert to a drive in venue. Rolling Stone Magazine even mentioned them-(https://www.rollingstone.com/pro/features/music-concert-venues-winter-covid-1073633/). I have a few underlying health issues so I was nervous about attending any shows. I barely saw my own kid, and hardly made any trips to the store. When my friend’s brother (Captain Fantastic) was scheduled to play at the Tupelo, I decided to dip my toe back into the world. My fear of missing out was great when it came to music. I could forgo haircuts, meals out and manicures (still have Covid Hair) but missing out on music literally HURT! Not as bad as keeping visits with my son to a minimum but it was painful. Going to the Tupelo Music Hall Drive In Experience was a welcome activity. Everyone was happy to do something that was almost “normal”. More outdoor shows are scheduled to start in May. I highly recommend you check them out if you are in the 603. Click here –https://www.tupelomusichall.com. Captain Fantastic is coming back for two shows for all you Elton John fans.

In the midst of all of this, my personal computer died. Of course it did. I did not buy a new one for months. I was certain when I did, my blog would be up and going, finishing up where I left off. A few more months went by. The longer I waited, the harder it was to get back to blogging. I felt badly that I had interviews left unpublished. People had taken the time to speak with me. So now it’s been a year. I am sure Harper and Josh have found some new music to love. However, there is no point in beating myself up, just need to publish what they shared and keep moving forward. Without further ado here’s what I started a year ago…

Josh Kelley was in the 603 at Tupelo Music Hall last weekend (March 7,2020). The talented Harper Grae opened for him. After the show I had the chance to talk to both Harper and Josh about what they had been listening to.

Harper mentioned listening to Mickey Guyton, Brandi Carlile and Brandy Clark, as well as the following podcasts -My Favorite Murder, Insider’s Guide to the Other Side, and Mysterious Universe.

Let’s get to the music!

When Harper Grae performed Monster( https://youtu.be/dN3A75lbEvA) I was blown away! It broke my heart too…

Check out Mickey Guyton’s Better Than You Left Me (https://youtu.be/Pljp0RHbKmA)

I may be late with this post but these songs are new!

Take a listen to Brandi Carlile with Alicia Keys on A Beautiful Noise (https://youtu.be/_yU1x-p_OdY) and Brandy Clark’s Remember Me Beautiful (https://youtu.be/j7GIptD6xRU)

Josh put on a great show. He sang, made us laugh- even danced “The Yeti”. Afterwards I asked Josh what he and his wife, Katherine Heigl, had been listening to. My husband and I do not always agree on the same music. Check out this post show clip for the answer-

Get dancing with Josh Kelley’s Oh My She’s Fine( https://youtu.be/9JKjzbUbnuQ)

Spoiler alert* Josh talks about The White Buffalo and Stevie Wonder in the clip.

Stevie Wonder released this new song, Can’t Put It In The Hands of Fate (htt//youtu.be/Kgdfxeh0WtE ) later in 2020. Don’t need to tell you it was quite the year in more than one way.

Sons of Anarchy fans are not strangers to The White Buffalo-Oh Darlin’ What Have I Done (https://youtu.be/RdF2zb3KjZE)

Need another song? Don’t know about you but I often go down a musical rabbit hole (hence the new 603 logo). One artist always leads to another. Josh Kelley’s brother is Charles Kelley of Lady A. Take a listen to What If I Never Get Over You (https://youtu.be/zkgcEF8Ozgc)

Thanks to Josh and Harper for taking the time to talk! I apologize for taking so long to get this published.

To learn more about these two talented artists click here https://joshkelley.com and here https://www.harpergraemusic.com/abou

I love sharing music with you! Hopefully this site will be updated more frequently. Fingers crossed! In the meantime you can find 603melody on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube. Follow me down the musical rabbit hole! Find new artists to love, and rediscover old favorites!

Thanks for checking in!

What are you listening to?

Stephanie

Hello World! Get Out Your Guitar Day! Meet Eric Johanson

Eric Johanson 2020 photo by Stephanie Wright

Hello World! I have not posted anything for awhile.  My goal was to have one blog post up a month.  I have several more in the musical pipeline, and I will get them out.  Life happens you know… so I had a bit of a quandary – which one to feature next?  In honor of “Get Out Your Guitar Day” (February 11th),  I am going with Eric Johanson.

Now I can’t play guitar but Eric Johanson can!  He opened for Tab Benoit last month at the Tupelo Music Hall in Derry, NH.  Rarely the artist you are opening for, sits in on your set playing drums.  But that is exactly what happened.  Johanson also had the support of bass player Corey Duplechin (as seen in this video from a few years ago-Burn It Down   ).  Eric told me he met Benoit via Cyril Neville 9 years ago.  Not only did Tab sign him to his record label, Whiskey Bayou, he and Corey play on Eric’s album. Take a listen to  The Fugitive  too. 

 

Eric told me he likes Sun House,Fred McDowell and Jason Isbell.

Sun House – Death Letter Blues

Fred McDowell- Shake’Em On Down

Jason Isbell-Tupelo

For more info on Eric Johanson click here-ericjohanson.com

You must be crazy to think I am going to end this post without a Tab Benoit video- For What It’s Worth.  Need more Tab? Take a look back at the July 2018 blog post (insert shameless plug).

Tab Benoit 2020 Photo by Stephanie Wright

Thanks for checking in!

What are you listening to?

Stephanie

 

Hello World! Matt Sallee of Pentatonix

IMG_2144
Matt Sallee 2019 photo by Stephanie Wright

Hello World!

Matt Sallee is the newest member of Pentatonix. I say “newest” but he has been with the a cappella group for several  years replacing Avi Kaplan in 2017.  Last week Matt Sallee was in Derry, NH at the Tupelo Music Hall. He answered questions, gave advice, laughed, and took photos with fans and students of the Real School of Music  (therealschoolofmusic.com ).  I have a few blogs in the pipeline but bumped up this post for the holidays. I can’t think of a better reason to share some Pentatonix Christmas music.  You might not want to listen to some of these songs in a few weeks.

Matt is humble and grateful to be part of his dream group! He was a big fan before he had the opportunity to sing with PTX.  Matt stressed hard work, and being prepared as elements to his success. He also mentioned healthy habits  such as sleep,  rest, (not the same as sleeping Matt pointed out), staying hydrated, and eating well as being essential.  Last but not least he told the intimate audience that it is important to remember where you came from; to thank their teachers and instructors, and to give their parents a hug.  This is all great advice, even for those that are not aspiring singers.

Wondering what Matt listens to? He mentioned worship music during his talk. Afterwards Matt also told me he listens to the Jonas Brothers.  It’s really not an easy question, and Matt said there is so much great music.  Yes there is! 603melody could not agree more!

Take a listen to a few of PTX’s Christmas songs-

You’re A Mean One, Mr. Grinch

Where Are You, Christmas

This video is Pre-Matt but one of my favorites-

Mary, Did You Know?

Here are a few more you may enjoy. Especially if you come across this blog in July, and may not be in mood for Christmas music.

Shallow

The Sound of Silence 

Matt mentioned this “deep cut” as one of his favorite PTX songs-  Valentine.

For more info on this amazing group go to  ptxofficial.com.

IMG_1540
Matt Sallee 2019 Photo by Stephanie Wright

Of course have to add some Jonas Brothers too. Check them out on James Corden Carpool Karoake.  I would love his job; well if I could sing, and not get nervous driving celebs around.

Last month another singer mentioned listening to the Jonas Brothers as well.  I will have to keep you in suspense for awhile longer on that one.  More blog posts to come!

Thanks for checking in!

What are you listening to?

Stephanie

Hello World! Meet Quinn Sullivan

IMG_1112.jpg
Quinn Sullivan 2019 photo by Stephanie Wright

Hello World!

Quinn Sullivan is a New England native from New Bedford, Massachusetts.  This young artist got an extremely early start to his musical career.  His interest in the guitar began when a toy guitar was given  to him at age three.  He learned to play by ear! When Quinn was  only six, he performed on Ellen. Check it out – Quinn Sullivan/ Ellen. He met blues icon Buddy Guy when he was seven, and has toured with him over the years.  For more information check out the documentary, The Torch, on the 83 year old legend. Quinn has performed with other artists such as Carlos Santana… all this and Quinn is only twenty years old!  Wow! Please visit his webpage –quinnsullivanmusic.com. and take a listen to Lifting Off !

The Beatles and John Mayer quickly came to mind when I asked Quinn who he is listening to. Quinn has been a Beatles fan since he was a young child, and credits his dad for his interest in the Fab Four.  What is your favorite Beatles song? I know I can’t pick just one. John Mayer is pretty cool too.

And Your Bird Can Sing -The Beatles

What Kind of Woman Is This? -Buddy Guy and John Mayer

I Guess I Just Feel Like -John Mayer

So much music to love! Thanks Quinn! It was great to meet you.

Thanks for checking in!

What are you listening to?

Stephanie

 

IMG_1096
Quinn Sullivan 2019 photo by Stephanie Wright 

 

 

 

 

Hello World! Double Shot- Jonny and Zane!

IMG_0538
Jonny Lang Band 2019 photo by Stephanie Wright

Hello World!  Last month Jonny Lang and his band performed at the Tupelo Music Hall in Derry, New Hampshire.  Although Jonny is only in his 30s, he already has had a long musical career.  He was blowing people away in his teens! You may already be familiar with his song Still Rainin’.   Jonny’s album, Turn Around,  won a GRAMMY for Best Rock Or Rap Gospel Album. His most recent album is Signs. Take a listen to Stronger Together. Check out his website for tour dates and more- jonnylang.com .  James Taylor and Stevie Wonder immediately came to Jonny’s mind when I asked him what he listens to. Jonny told me they are his “desert island” picks. I don’t know how to pick just one song from each of these artists but I will give it a shot!  Ok -I have to sneak in this one too-

Stevie Wonder Carpool Karaoke.

James Taylor-Carolina In My Mind

Stevie Wonder- Signed, Sealed, Delivered I’m Yours

. Jonny Lang 2019 photo by Stephanie Wright

Zane Carney opened the show, and also performed with the Jonny Lang Band. Later in the evening, Zane told me he has been listening to Romantic Era music (Beethoven,Chopin, and Liszt). Zane has toured with John Mayer, as seen here in         Dear Marie. He has written with Avril LaVigne.  Zane joined his brother, Reeve, and other Carney bandmates in the Broadway production of Spider-Man: Turn Off The Dark. He has been  collaborating with Evan Rachel Wood (Evan+Zane) as well. They recently released a cover of White Rabbit.  I also really like Zane’s cover of Cry Me A River.   Visit  zanecarney.com  for more info on this musician and actor.

I am not going to lie. My knowledge of  Romantic Era composers is limited.  I do remember trying to learn a simplified version of Beethoven’s Für Elise as a child.  Admittedly, I did not practice much, and did not get very far with my piano lessons.  I remember going to see Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker in Boston.  I still love listening to this orchestral piece during the holidays.

Beethoven- Für Elise

Chopin-Fantaisie-Impromptu In C-Sharp Minor, Op. 66

Liszt-La Campanella

Zane Carney 2019 photo by Stephanie Wright

 

Thanks for checking in!

What are you listening to?

Stephanie

PS Need some other musical suggestions? Take a peek at the @603melody Instagram account, YouTube playlists and past posts.