Rod's Ramblings
A podcast reminiscing about cultural events and how they affected this sixty something. Join me as we travel on a nostalgic journey through the cultural events that have shaped our lives. From classical composers, iconic music moments, rock stars and unforgettable TV shows. Let’s reminisce about how these events have influenced us all. Whether you’re a fellow baby boomer or just love a good story, Rod’s Ramblings offers a heartfelt, informative and entertaining look at the stories behind these great events. Cheers, Rod.
Episodes
41 episodes
Ramblin' Through The Blues - From Bluegrass to Country
Welcome to the 9th episode of my 'Ramblin' Through The Blues' Series where we look at how Bluegrass music has evolved from the origins of Bill Monroe and the Blue Grass Boys through the comedic cover versions played by Hayseed Dixie, the fiddle...
Rambling Discoveries - Sirene by Baby Boomerang
During a recent clean out of my loft I came across a CD containing a number of 'musical ideas' which were produced as part of a project I was involved in a number of years ago called 'Baby Boomerang'. Each of the tracks were recorded usin...
Rambling Discoveries - Fifty Two Roads to Freedom by Baby Boomerang
During a recent clean out of my loft I came across a CD containing a number of 'musical ideas' which were produced as part of a project I was involved in a number of years ago called 'Baby Boomerang'. Each of the tracks were recorded usin...
Rambling Discoveries - Flirting with Demons by Baby Boomerang
During a recent clean out of my loft I came across a CD containing a number of 'musical ideas' which were produced as part of a project I was involved in a number of years ago called 'Baby Boomerang'. Each of the tracks were recorded usin...
Rambling Discoveries - Narcotic Nectareen by Baby Boomerang
During a recent clean out of my loft I came across a CD containing a number of 'musical ideas' which were produced as part of a project I was involved in a number of years ago called 'Baby Boomerang'. Each of the tracks were recorded usin...
Rambling Discoveries - Nemesis by Baby Boomerang
During a recent clean out of my loft I came across a CD containing a number of 'musical ideas' which were produced as part of a project I was involved in a number of years ago called 'Baby Boomerang'. Each of the tracks were recorded usin...
Ramblin' Through The Blues - Arlo Guthrie & Sonny Terry and Brownie McGhee
In this 8th Episode in the 'Ramblin' Through The Blues Series, I look at the storytellers of the Blues world. I've chosen a wonderful combination of artists. The contrast between the wit and storytelling of Arlo Guthrie and the warm, conv...
Ramblin' Through The Blues - John and Alan Lomax
In this episode we look at the lives of John and Alan Lomax, the father and son team that travelled the southern states of America recording blues music during the 1920s and 30s. Additional music 'King of Hearts' and 'Little Butterfly' by...
Ramblin' Through The Blues - The Mothers of The Blues
In this episode of Ramblin' Through The Blues we look at the lives of three of the most powerful and influential women in Blues History, Ma Rainey, Bessie Smith and Sister Rosetta Tharpe. Music is provided by Epidemic Sounds in the form o...
Ramblin' Through The Blues - Joe Bonamassa and B.B. King
In this episode of Ramblin' Through The Blues' we look at the lives of two great Blues guitarists, Joe Bonamassa and B.B. King. Additional music is provided by Chester Malone featuring Henry Nolte. Rod's Ramblings theme tune is 'Lat...
Ramblin' Through The Blues - Paul Rodgers and Muddy Waters
In this fourth episode of 'Ramblin' Through The Blues' we look at Paul Rodgers and Muddy Waters. We follow the trail of the blues, from Muddy’s Mississippi roots to Paul's soulful rock delivery looking at their individual careers and how ...
Ramblin' Through The Blues - Etta James and Christine Perfect
What happens when one of the greatest voices in soul strips it all back to the blues? In 2004, Etta James released Blues to the Bone—a Grammy-winning album of raw, no-frills performances that proved the blues isn’t just history, it’s s...
Ramblin' Through The Blues - The Beano Album
In this episode of 'Ramblin' Through The Blues' we look at The John Mayall and Eric Clapton album, Bluesbreakers, which became known as The Beano album. We look at the individual band members, review the individual tracks, the recording d...
Ramblin' Through The Blues - An Innocuous Barnyard Ditty
Join me in the latest Series - Ramblin' Through The Blues. In this initial episode we talk about the Blues standard, 'Little Red Rooster, the Stones version and the original written by Willie Dixon and recorded by Howlin' Wolf. Them...
Exploring The Blues - Series Trailer
Step into the soulful world of the blues as we embark on an auditory journey through one of music's most influential genres. The blues isn't just music—it's a feeling, a story, raw and timeless. From its humble beginnings in the cotton fields o...
Harmonious Histories - Richard Wagner and his Ring Cycle Part 4 - Gotterdammerung
The twilight of a controversial genius unfolds in this exploration of Richard Wagner's final opera and complex legacy. As we follow the dramatic conclusion of Der Ring des Nibelungen with Götterdämmerung, we confront the challenging duality of ...
Harmonious Histories - Richard Wagner and his Ring Cycle Part 3 - Siegfried
Dive into the complexities of Richard Wagner's "Siegfried," one of the most celebrated operas in classical music. This week, we explore the potent themes woven into Siegfried's narrative, reflecting Wagner’s own tumultuous life, societal upheav...
Harmonious Histories - Richard Wagner and his Ring Cycle Part 2- Die Walkure
Ever wondered how myth and music intertwine to create legends? On this episode of Rod's Ramblings, we unravel the fascinating world of Richard Wagner's "Die Walküre" and the Norse mythology that inspired it. Discover the legendary Valkyries, th...
Harmonious Histories - Richard Wagner and His Ring Cycle Part 1 - Das Rheingold
Discover the enduring allure of epic storytelling as we explore both contemporary cinema and classic opera. Ever wondered how a film like "The Brutalist" can captivate audiences for 215 minutes? Or why Richard Wagner's 16-hour "Ring Cycle" rema...
Authors Under The Spotlight - Mark Edwards
Imagine a world where a psychological thriller is inspired by real-life experiences. That’s exactly what happened with Mark Edwards’ hit novel "The Magpies," which marked my first exploration into the realm of e-books. In this episode of Rod's ...
The Rewind Series - Shane MacGowan and The New York Fairy Tale
What makes a song last and linger in our hearts every holiday season? Remember Shane McGowan, his incredible musical legacy, and the timeless charm of "Fairy Tale of New York" as we explore its cultural impact and the heartfelt tributes from mu...
Harmonious Histories - Opera's Origins, Caruso's Legacy, and Titanic Triumphs
Ever wondered how an overheard debate in a restaurant could ignite a burning passion? That's exactly how my opera journey began. From the electrifying performance of "Sancta" that left Stuttgart buzzing to Beethoven's relentless struggle with "...
Harmonious Histories - Beethoven's Enigmatic Letters and the Immortal Beloved Mystery
Discover the tantalizing mystery behind Beethoven's enigmatic "immortal beloved" letter and explore how the lost art of letter writing wove through the lives of classical composers like Mozart and Bach. As we reflect on the dramatic decline of ...
Harmonious Histories - Mussorgsky's Masterpiece and the Muse Behind It
Unlock the secrets behind Modest Mussorgsky's transformative masterpiece, "Pictures at an Exhibition," and traverse a compelling narrative that intertwines music, art, and Russian cultural heritage. We'll guide you through the imaginative sound...
Harmonious Histories - Sonatas, Concertos, Symphonies. What's the Difference?
In this latest episode in the Harmonious Histories series we answer the question, 'What is the difference between a Sonata, a Concerto and a Symphony?' We also include a bit of history along the way. We discuss Beethoven's 'Moonligh...