The Eremita Exchange

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.  

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.