The Eremita Exchange

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.