theuniversalonline.com : The Universal is a show about music and conversation hosted by Tom Maxwell.

Episode Three: The Battlefield Band

[Download Episode Three: The Battlefield Band here.] – MP4 link, ~96MB

The Battlefield Band was quite a coup. We had only recorded our first episode when Catie contacted their management, who readily agreed. There was no reason, really, for them to have done it. They just liked the idea of the show. When Catie told me about the booking, I said we had no choice but to go out for a drink to celebrate.

I was sort of nervous on the day of the session. This is an internationally known group, with a distinguished career. The first two bands we recorded were friends, and from North Carolina. I needn’t have worried: these are funny, sweet, and talented guys. It was remarkable, hearing them bang into difficult time signature changes and listening to the interplay of Irish whistle, bouzouki and great pipes. Our conversation underscored my feeling that musicians don’t feel constrained by labels, even as they work within a tradition.

Mike, the piper, mentioned strange sounds that happen in a recording studio with the bagpipes. Apparently, they can create a sound like a ringing telephone. Well, pick up: it’s our friends from Scotland, making a local call.

- Tom Maxwell

Tagged episodes, The Battlefield Band

2010 07 12 episodes Comments (1) Permalink

Episode Three teaser

With The Battlefield Band. Full episode out next week!

2010 07 06 teasers Comments (0) Permalink

Episode Two: Lost In The Trees

[Download Episode Two: Lost In The Trees here.] – MP3 link, ~90 MB

This show began as a dream, a wish, a prayer. I had an idea; nothing ground-breaking. It had generally been done before. I like to labor in ancient vineyards.

When I conceived of The Universal I was working on my new record. I knew Thom Canova was a fantastic, unflappable engineer who could think on his feet. I saw Catie Braly put Snuzzfest together, to help our friend stricken with Lymphoma, and came to know a compassionate cat-herder non pareil. Barry Campbell, a college buddy, resurfaced with an abundance of enthusiasm and ideas. I had worked with Mark Simonsen for years, if what we do could ever be called work. I wanted to be around him more, because of his energy and sensitivity. A family was born.

I knew I could treat musicians as peers. I had done too many rote interviews in the Zippers, and knew there was a better way. I believed that conversation should take precedence over interrogation. I hoped that each episode would become a narrative trajectory, not a punctuated performance. When Lost In The Trees came in one cold March day, my hopes were realized.

This is a fantastic episode. A genuine proof of concept. The production is flawless, the band extraordinary, the flow seamless.

Afterwards, Ari apologized for his nervous laughter, and I told him it was okay. It was dawning on me, those first few minutes after we stopped tape, that something marvelous had just happened. I told Ari that I only wanted him to be himself, and he was. Every awkward answer was buttressed by some of the most powerful and articulate songs about love and loss that I’ve ever heard. The entire episode is a meditation on the death of Ari’s mother, and his struggle to comprehend and progress. I was humbled to be a part of it.

We tell people that we’ll keep doing this show, regardless of distribution or income. Listen to this episode and you’ll know why. I’ve had a colorful – let’s say picaresque – career path. This is the first thing I’ve ever felt born to do.

I could write more. I could write a book. But music, thank god, picks up where words leave off. Go listen.

- Tom Maxwell

Tagged episodes, Lost In The Treees

2010 06 15 episodes Comments (1) Permalink

Episode Two teaser

With Lost In The Trees. Full podcast coming later this month!

2010 06 01 teasers Comments (0) Permalink

Episode One: The Old Ceremony

[Download Episode One: The Old Ceremony here.] – MP3 link, ~90 MB

Recorded at Overdub Lane studios in November 2009, host Tom Maxwell interviews the members of The Old Ceremony.

[Download Episode One: The Old Ceremony here.]

It wasn’t an accident that The Old Ceremony was our first guest. They’re friends of mine, and terrific players all. I suppose I needed them around to make me comfortable, and it was a foregone conclusion that they would deliver the musical goods. Hear for yourself. My wish that the show would create unique content was granted on their very first song, which they had never recorded.