Simon Barrett

The press release begins… Award winning Filmmaker / Author John Borowski’s (H.H. Holmes: America’s First Serial Killer) fifith feature documentary film, Bloodlines: The Art and Life of Vincent Castiglia, will be released in North America on November 13th. The film focuses on artist Castiglia’s painful life of abuse, addiction, and recovery while also exploring the reasons why the world renowned artist paints exclusively in human blood. Vincent Castiglia paints surreal images exclusively in human blood. He began doing so as form of self-healing following a troubled childhood and painful existence. From darkness, however, came light, and Castiglia’s story is one of inspiration and hope, providing proof that art can heal and serve to inspire others.

This week author Joel Moore and I will be joined by Re-enactors John Houck and John Vogt. I plan on strating the program on the Cavalry, there are some questions that I still have from the  last time John Vogt was with us. The bulk of the program however will be an exploration of the fate of the soldiers captured during the war. I think it is fair to sayneither side looked favorably upon their prisonors and as the war progressed the situation deteriorated to inhumane treatment.

This week author Joel Moore and I will be exploring a number of areas of the Civil War the Congressional Medal of Honor             • Andrew’s Raid to destroy Western & Atlantic RR, first to receive             • boys who received the medal             • one woman to receive the medal   • Transcontinental Railroad             • bill to build signed by Lincoln             • preliminary work during war             • completed 1869 • 13th 14th 15th Amendments from 1865-1869, a period during reconstruction with Northern states in predominant control             • rights to blacks and former slaves             • Blacks in Congress       • advance in military weapon technology  

This  week author Joel Moore and I will be belving some more into the children and the Civil War, some 200,000 participated, children as young as 10 were involved. The war affected not just those participating but children everywhere.

In the genre of New Age, or as I prefer to call it Neo Classical there are for me two clearly defined categories, I call the first ‘passive’. This is by far the most common form, the music is soft and soothing, it almost encourages the listener to ‘zone out’ and maybe do something else, read a book, write a letter, enjoy looking at some fine art, or whatever. The second category I call ‘Active’, it engages the listener, it holds your attention, it is impossible to ignore, it must be listened to! 2002 are the Poster Children of ‘Active’, they are a truly unique band consisting of Mom, Dad, and Daughter. Wikipedia says: Randy Copus plays piano, electric cello, guitar, bass, and keyboards. Pamela Copus plays flutes, harp, keyboards, and a wind instrument called a WX5. Their daughter Sarah sings and plays Celtic harp, violin, baritone ukulele, piano, and Irish whistle. 

This week author Joel Moore and I will be exploring the causes of the Civil War, Joining us will be Re-enactment specialist John Houck and Ron Jaggers, a man who has spent considerable time researching the 'WHY' of the Civil War. As with most parts of history there are different viewpoints and over time they become dulled. Today the most common answers you will get in reply to the question "Why did the Civil War Happen"? Are "slavery" and "States Rights". I think this is an over simplification. Join us as we dig deeper.  

From the quietly ambitious 4-CD box set debut, “Annals of My Glass House” (2011), through the expansive territory of “A Slight Departure” (2015), to the masterful new album, “Signs and Wonders” (2018), Birdsong At Morning has garnered rave reviews and airplay around the world.   Led by songer/songwriter Alan Williams, along with compatriots Darleen Wilson (guitar) and Greg Porter (bass), and a host of new and old collaborators, Birdsong At Morning spins elegant tapestries of sound, words, and music.

This week on the program author Joel Moore and I will be joined by John Houck and cavalry expert John Vogt. We will be exploring the role of the horse and horeman in the civil war.

This week on the program Joel Moore and I will be joined by John Houck, we will be discussing the various roles that women played in the Civil War. I am hoping that Dana Shelby an expert on the subject will also be on the program

The problem often with solo piano works is…. Well the word ‘solo’. The piano is a wonderful instrument, I wish I had learned to play it, alas the only keyboard I can play is one attached to a computer. I often feel that great though a solo piano work might be, the addition of another instrument  might elevate the work to new heights It is like eating a fine roast beef and gravy dinner and introducing a Yorkshire Pudding. The experience is transformative. . Gary Schmidt with Even For A Moment is the chef that understands the need for the Yorkshire Puddings. Track one is the starter, If This Is The Time, it is a wonderful track. It draws you in, there are two opposing forces at work. I wish I could talk about it more eloquently, there are two people playing. One is ready and steady, the chord structure is wonderful. Meanwhile someone else is adding a another lighter layer. Please join us, for what I am sure will be an interesting discussion, and we will be playing some tracks from the yet to be rele

The flute is a clomplex instrument.It can be happy and sad, it comes in many incarnations, it is my understanding that Monica Williams owns more than 70 styles. Journey of Tears is a collection of original works by flutist/composer Monica Williams” being released Sept 21st on Heart Dance Records. Guest artists on the album include fingerstyle guitarist Darin Mahoney, New Age flutist Sherry Finzer, and vocalist Alexa Nodromia. I will be sitting down with Monica and asking her about her new album Journey Of Tears. OH and I will be playing a couple of tracks from this most spendid work, ahead of the September 21 release date

This week author Joel Moore and I will be joined by Barry Isenhour. He is a member of the Virginia Flaggers. Their web site begins: We are citizens of the Commonwealth who stand AGAINST those who would desecrate our Confederate Monuments and memorials, and FOR our Confederate Veterans. The Virginia Flaggers were organized on September 5, 2011. What began with just a few dedicated Southerners, has now grown to include hundreds of people, from all over the country, who have joined us in defending the honor of the Confederate Veteran, protesting Heritage violations, and forwarding the colors in Richmond, and Virginia… and beyond! To quote Barry Isenhour "I can bring light to the current situation on the Heritage movement fighting modern day politics trying to rewrite American history."      

This week author Joel Moore and I will be joined by fillm maker Dorian Walker. Dorian wrote and directed the movie American Drummer Boy, a very spended look at the role played by children in the Civil War. During the Civil War, boys considered too young to fight were allowed to enlist as Musicians or Telegraph Operators.  The principle Musician position needed to be filled was Drummer.  The Drum was used by both the North and South to communicate commands in camp as well as on the battlefield.  Although initially considered a non-combatant role, it was the Drummer that was on the battlefield signaling orders to engaged troops through the various drum calls.  It has been estimated that 40,000 young boys served the North while 20,000 the South.  When not drumming, these boys served their various camps by carrying water, cooking, gathering wood, rubbing down horses and after a battle, they assisted in carrying wounded soldiers off the battle field.

This week Joel Moore and I will be joined by Civil War expert and author Bruce Mowday. Bruce E. Mowday is an award winning author and newspaper reporter. He has authored more than 16 books on history, sports, business and true crime. Bruce has appeared on the Discovery ID channel, C-SPAN, the Pennsylvania Cable Network and Philadelphia and local television shows. He is a contributing editor with Business 2 Business magazine. Bruce has hosted his own radio shows and was chairman of the Chester County Historical Society and president of the Brandywine Battlefield Park Associates. He is a board member of the Chester County Conference and Visitors Bureau and the Valley Forge Park Alliance. He is a frequent speaker at various civic and historical groups.

Bay Area rock band STIMULI create thoughtful and heavy rock music about the human condition, delivered through Jimmy Tomahawk’s melodic and edgy vocals and spacious and heavy guitar riffing, Tai Hake‘s solid and snarling bass tones, and Cole Andrew‘s intricate and powerful drumming. STIMULI will release their first official full-length album titled THEY ARE WE in stores and online worldwide on August 17, 2018. The album is a winding 11-track explosion of the trio’s dense, ambitious, and fiercely original sound.

This week Joel Moore and I will be joined be John Houck. John has been involved in civil war re-enactments for over a quarter of a century, his son and grandson are also active participants. John is very knowledgeable on the period and has many fascinating stories, did you know that there were women soldiers? I am hoping to also explore the subject of everyday life between battles. I find the minutia just as interesting as the well documented battles.

This week author Joel Moore and I will be joined by fillm maker Dorian Walker. Dorian wrote and directed the movie American Drummer Boy, a very spended look at the role played by children in the Civil War. During the Civil War, boys considered too young to fight were allowed to enlist as Musicians or Telegraph Operators.  The principle Musician position needed to be filled was Drummer.  The Drum was used by both the North and South to communicate commands in camp as well as on the battlefield.  Although initially considered a non-combatant role, it was the Drummer that was on the battlefield signaling orders to engaged troops through the various drum calls.  It has been estimated that 40,000 young boys served the North while 20,000 the South.  When not drumming, these boys served their various camps by carrying water, cooking, gathering wood, rubbing down horses and after a battle, they assisted in carrying wounded soldiers off the battle field.

Please join author Joel Moore and host Simon Barrett on a weekly exploration of the greatest upheaval in US history. There has been much written about the period, the leaders and battles explored at length. Often it is said that in a war it is the victor that writes the history books. In this case there is so much surviving evidence that history must remain neutral.   I enjoy delving into history, not so much to learn about the rich and famous, rather the poor and unknown Joel Moore is the author of 4 novels, he takes a really interesting perspective, the war as seen through the eyes of the child soldiers.   War makes little compromise or compassion for age. The child soldiers were a fact of life, in this introductory episode I want to introduce you to Joel Moore and the children soldiers.

John Vehadija has reunited with his cast of high class musicians for ‘Truthonomy’, the new album by Light Freedom Revival, which is released on July 3rd, 2018. Along the bright sounds of Jamie Glaser’s acoustic guitar, and Vehadija’s ethereal vocals, Billy Sherwood returns for the rhythm section (Drums and Bass), as well as Oliver Wakeman (piano and keyboards) and Marisa Frantz (Harmony Vocals). Eric Gillette also joins in the project by providing additional electric guitar as well as mixing and mastering. This talented team was called up by Vehadija once again to help him express his ideas in the form of a new concept album that offers new insights in his own spiritual journey and the science of Truthonomy.

Lynn Tredeau has a magic light fingered style, no key is ever struck in anger. This album is a masterwork in peace and tranquility. What I really like is her composition plan. Many soloists tend to over complicate their pieces, I am sure it is accidental, but there is a part of me that says the artist is merely showing off. Lynn does not play in that style. I’d say that she plays in a clean and simple style. Do not get me wrong, it is probably more difficult to play the way that Lynn does. There is no wriggle room, you can not obfuscate weaknesses in the composition by adding new layers to confuse the listener.