MusicMusic Interviews

The Eremita Exchange

Morningstar Studios

Singer/songwriter Dan May and producer Glenn Barratt talk to the people who make the music, both onstage and in the studio. A deep dive into how these people got to where they are and where they’re going from here. Originating from the Eremita Cafe. A conversation and a cup of coffee. Or two.

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20 episodes
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Avg 1 hr 14 min
English

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S1 · E47
Saturday · 1 hr 20 min
Episode 47 - Abe Speller
Versatility is drummer Abe Speller's calling card. Regardless of the style or genre, Abe will adapt his playing to suit the song. Always. And although Jazz is his preferred form of musical expression, he has both the willingness and the chops to play and enjoy any opportunities that come his way. Some of the well-know artists he's played with include Pat Benatar, Steve Forbert, Phoebe Snow and many others. And fortunately for those artists and to anyone who has heard him play, when advised to "stay in his lane," Abe simply replies, "Not gonna happen." And for music's sake, that's a very good thing.
S46 · E46
September 2 · 1 hr 8 min
Episode 46 - Phil MiIler
Multi-instrumentalist Phil Miller describes himself as a musical "Swiss Army knife." Adept at so many instruments and able to play in so many styles and genres, he brings plenty of tools and blades to the table. Whatever the job calls for. He cut his teeth in the gospel world from a very young age, but branched out and has played with the likes of The Judds, Evelyn "Champagne" King and many other national artists, as well as a long-running stint with the Urban Guerrilla Orchestra. And whether playing secular or sacred music, he always brings a spirituality to his playing. He says the key to being successful is being able to listen and retain. And then to give it back. And that's exactly what Phil Miller does. He listens and retains. And then gives it back.
S1 · E45
August 23 · 1 hr 6 min
Episode 45 - Liz Miller
Liz Miller is a musical force to be reckoned with. And a songwriting machine. After three decades as a successful songwriter, she has now ventured out into performing her music live and is making her mark on the Philly music scene. And having spent a good portion of her life working as a cardiology nurse, it's no surprise that she brings plenty of heart to her music, both onstage and in the studio.
S1 · E44
August 13 · 1 hr 29 min
Episode 44 - Michele and Chris Peraino
Michele and Chris Peraino are the driving force behind Swing that Cat, the dynamic retro-meets-modern band that blends jump, blues, swing, cabaret and New Orleans jazz into an upbeat style that they describe as a "sonic cocktail of jump blues swizzled in horny swing, with dash of cabaret, and a splash of Bourbon Street. Simple as that. As lead singer and band leader, Michele and her husband/guitarist Chris make for a dynamic duo with a history in sound, art and theater. And the final product is something very special. And so is the unconventional path they took to get there.
S1 · E43
July 29 · 1 hr 19 min
Episode 43 - Harry Barlo
Harry Barlo's story is a classic American story. A kid who grew up singing doo-wop on the streets of Philadelphia and ultimately achieved his dream of performing in Las Vegas. With plenty of ups and downs along the way. As a singer, he has shared the stage with the likes of Chuck Berry, Bo Diddley, Patti LaBelle, Tony Bennett and so many others. And as a boxer, a US Marine and a Philly cop, he's been no stranger to a fight, taking a punch, or the disappointments that come along the way. But like any great American story, perseverance and tenacity ultimately win out in the end.
S1 · E42
July 20 · 1 hr 29 min
Episode 42 - John Faye
John Faye is a true Renaissance man. As a celebrated author, performer, singer-songwriter and producer, he has made his mark on the Philly arts scene in multiple disciplines. As the lead singer and songwriter of the band The Caulfields, he had a taste of national touring and dealing with the ups and downs of being on a major record label. But no matter what obstacles life throws in his way, John regroups and negotiates a new path and vehicle to deliver his message. And he's got plenty to say. Join us on a journey that has spanned four decades, and shows no signs of slowing down.
S1 · E41
July 3 · 1 hr 14 min
Episode 41 - Jesse Lundy
Jesse Lundy has been a pivotal player in the Philly music scene for multiple decades. As a senior talent buyer for Rising Sun Presents, he's seen, and been directly involved in the many changes in the business over the years, especially the redevelopment post-pandemic. And it can be a battle. Constantly learning how to roll with the changes, and roll with the punches. As a writer and musician, he brings a perspective to the his position that gives an insight and balance that has made for a very successful career. And with handling multiple venues in and around the Philly area, as well as up and down the East Coast, it's no surprise that he'll be directly involved with presenting in the neighborhood of 1,700 shows in the coming year. And with his continued enthusiasm, he shows no signs of slowing down.
S1 · E40
June 24 · 1 hr 19 min
Episode 40 - Larry Ahearn - Part 2
Part Two of the conversation with Larry Ahearn from Episode 31. From seeing Jimmy Page play on the stage of Philadelphia's Main Point; to flying on Elton John's plane; to being a part of the Amnesty International Tour; and everything in between. And in the process, rubbing elbows with more famous artists than you can shake a drumstick at. And the stories that go with those encounters.
S39 · E39
June 9 · 1 hr 17 min
Episode 39 - Anthony Newett
Rarely do you find someone in the music industry who has made a living solely from their craft from the very beginning. Anthony Newett is that guy. Producer, multi-instrumentalist, teacher and live performer, Anthony became a working musician in his teens and has never looked back. Just as his father did, he has made his living from music and only music from the beginning. His one and only job. And this lifetime love of music has led him on a fascinating journey. One that spans from his teens, to today and onward.
S1 · E38
June 2 · 1 hr 4 min
Episode 38 - Hope Linton
Violinist Hope Linton has been balancing the dynamics of being a musician for most of her life. While growing up, she was a member of a classically-trained ensemble of her and her six siblings, and learned how to negotiate being a part of a musical group where the personal relationships are as complex as the music itself. But despite this musical high-wire act, she has built a very successful career as both a performer and teacher. She has played at the White House and has toured Europe and South America. And her journey is a fascinating one. Join Glenn Barratt and Hope as they trace where her musical path has led her and where it goes from here.
S1 · E37
May 6 · 1 hr 5 min
Episode 37 - Ross Bellenoit
Songwriter, producer, multi-instrumentalist and so much more, Ross Bellenoit draws from a lot of musical wells. Jazz, rock, pop, classical and just about every other genre out there. Ross does a casual backstroke through the musical waters that would drown so many others. I guess when you take a kid, who at age 12, both conducted an orchestral piece for a regional symphony and also played the entire guitar part from Pink Floyd's "Comfortably Numb" at his elementary school talent show, his future skies would be limitless. And they are. One of Philly's most in-demand musicians, both live and in the studio, Ross Bellenoit has done it all. And yet, his future musical to-do list is vast. Join us for a trip from the past, present and future with "Little Rolling Thunder." It's quite the journey.
S1 · E36
April 29 · 55 min
Episode 36 - Glenn Barratt
Glenn Barratt knew at a very young age what his life's calling was going to be. And he also knew that he possessed the drive and determination to make it happen. Come hell or high water. So now, the award-winning engineer, producer, musician and owner of Morningstar Studios has maintained that drive and determination for nearly five decades and has left his indelible mark on the music industry. Join us for Part One of his fascinating musical journey.
S1 · E35
April 14 · 1 hr 7 min
Episode 35 - Joe Mass
Joe Mass makes it look easy. Multi-instrumentalist, singer, composer, songwriter, studio-musician and the voice of Neil Young in "Broken Arrow," the tribute to the music of Neil Young, he can definitely do it all. But make no mistake about it, he's put in the time and effort to achieve that level of musicianship despite its effortless appearance. Join us on this remarkable journey of an accomplished musician who has made his mark and continues to make his mark on the music scene, but through it all, manages to maintain his humbleness and likability.
S1 · E34
April 7 · 1 hr 3 min
Episode 34 - E.J. Simpson
E.J. Simpson is all about versatility. He plays multiple instruments, fronts his all original band, You Purple Virgin; does his own interpretation of the musical Jesus Christ Superstar; as well as performing with well-known bands, Beru Revue, Boris Garcia and others. And if that weren't enough, he also teaches multiple instruments to students, as he says "from ages 6 to 96." And somehow he still finds the time to write and record his own albums of originals. "December" is the soon to be released follow-up to "Fabulous Fantasy." Which is aptly named based on his life, which can at times seem like a fabulous fantasy. Is E.J. Simpson versatile? Why yes. Yes he is.
S1 · E33
April 1 · 1 hr 12 min
Episode 33 - Rodney Whittenberg
At a very young age, Rodney Whittenberg had already decided what he wanted to do for the rest of his life. While accompanying his father on a visit to a local musician's house; a man who was going to transcribe a song his father had written; Rodney saw the vast array of instruments on the wall, the reel-to-reel recorder and accompanying equipment, and he was hooked. And of course, the rest is history. Multi-instrumentalist, composer, producer, singer-songwriter, filmmaker, performer and owner/operator of Melodyvision Studios, Rodney Whittenberg took the dream of that six-year old boy who accompanied his dad that day and turned the dream into his real-life story. And what an amazing story it is.
S1 · E32
March 10 · 1 hr 10 min
Episode 32 - John Flynn
Some people talk the talk and some people walk the walk. John Flynn definitely walks the walk. Singer/songwriter and activist, both his life and his music originate from a point of truth and compassion. He speaks for the voiceless and his message, whether musical or in life, comes from the. heart. A social justice troubadour whose words speak loudly and clearly. And when he's not singing, he can be found working directly with the incarcerated to make their transition to freedom or with children whose lives have been affected by AIDS/HIV. A remarkable man. And a remarkable story.
S1 · E31
March 3 · 1 hr 7 min
Episode 31 - Larry Ahearn
Larry Ahearn spent eleven years working at the Main Point, Philadelphia's legendary music venue that hosted some of the top names in popular music from 1964 to 1981. With artists like Bruce Springsteen, Joni Mitchell, Jackson Browne, Cat Stevens, Gordon Lightfoot and so many others, playing the small coffeehouse before they had hit the big time. Join host Glenn Barratt with Larry as they shares the colorful stories onstage and behind the scenes at the venue. A musical trip back in time with an incredible cast of characters.
S1 · E30
February 14 · 1 hr 10 min
Episode 30 - Ben Arnold
Ben Arnold has been a constant force in the Philadelphia music scene since the early 90's. His standard of excellence as a singer-songwriter and a live performer has remained consistent, even as the industry has changed around him. He's established himself as a solo artist, band member, multi-instrumentalist, producer and educator. In this conversation, we talk about his newly-released album; his music career; his songwriting; his stories from life on the road and the journey that brought him to where he is today. He's lived and traveled to so many places and each of those places has left its mark on him. As a person and as a performer.
S1 · E29
January 30 · 1 hr 47 min
Episode 29 - Kenn Kweder
Singer-Songwriter Kenn Kweder has been a fixture of the Philly music scene for going on six decades. And being from Philadelphia, it's no surprise that independence is one of the guiding forces behind his career path, his songwriting, his performing and his lifestyle. He is fiercely independent. His experience working with The Ramones, Patti Smith and Cheap Trick shows the level of his talent, but the fact that he has played in the neighborhood of 1,500 gigs at Smokey Joes, a University of Pennsylvania bar, for thirty years straight truly defines the dedication he holds to what he does as a performer. And what he delivers. Join us on this fascinating musical and life journey of "The Bard of Southstreet," one of Philly's icons, but more importantly, an iconoclast who created his own set of rules. Simplicity in life, complexity in career. That's Kenn Kweder.
S1 · E28
January 22 · 1 hr 24 min
Episode 28 - John Byrne
John Byrne's songs invariably tell a story. Which is no surprise considering the compelling tale of the path that led the Dublin, Ireland native to become one of Philadelphia's most prominent performers. And his musical reach extends far beyond the East Coast. Leader and frontman of The John Byrne Band, Byrne's music is a combination of Celtic and American Folk, and speaks from the heart. Tales of life, often semi-autobiographical in nature, appear both in his songs and in his recent dive into screenwriting, and in this conversation with Dan May as he shares the journey of one transplanted Dubliner become music maker, writer and teacher.

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