The Great UnSung
Alison Pipitone interviews working musicians about their art and what motivates them to continue on this difficult but incredibly rewarding path. Each episode features a working artist and a discussion about some of the pioneers in the industry who continue to inspire us.
Episodes
36 episodes
Episode 37: Throwing Tomatoes in a Mausoleum
Alison interviews opera singer Heidi Schneider about classical music in modern times and the continuing evolution of music. Ever the professional, Heidi remains congenial when Cake’s “Opera Singer” is foisted upon her.
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Season 4
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Episode 37
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52:12
Episode 36: The Definition of Goddess
Alison and Shannon Furtak misunderstand each other re. the research assignment. But don't worry, in true friend form, they navigate the terrain with a discussion about Saraswati and Lady Gaga. Other topics include creativity, family, and thrivi...
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Season 4
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Episode 36
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52:00
Episode 35: Supporting The Song
Alison meets with bassist, guitarist, and producer Ben Clarke to talk about the balance between making a living and having a creative outlet - and how Ben has made that happen throughout his career. They also touch on a few deep, difficult topi...
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Season 4
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Episode 35
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1:09:31
Episode 34: Last Reign For The Joker
Alison sits down with longtime friend Brian Platter, the founder and talented shredder for melodic death metal band The Last Reign. They talk about the adaptations required for making music during a global pandemic, legendary guitarists, musica...
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Season 4
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Episode 34
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48:56
Episode 33: Music is my Oldest Friend
Alison talks with her longtime friend and fellow musician Pamela Ryder about her experiences performing and succeeding in major music-centric cities, including Austin and Nashville. The two also discuss Pamela’s passions, which include improv, ...
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Season 4
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Episode 33
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1:01:06
Episode 32: AP Squared
Alison interviews pianist and singer Ann Philippone. The two APs discuss being female artists in what has historically been a male-dominated industry, the great Nina Simone, the Civil Rights movement compared to today’s push for racial justice,...
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Season 4
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Episode 32
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48:35
Episode 31: Project Walker
Alison spends some time with Carole Walker, a singer, songwriter, guitarist, and producer from Cincinnati, Ohio. They discuss myriad topics including activism, lyrical inspiration, the joys of gardening, and how loved ones can give us str...
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Season 4
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Episode 31
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1:19:33
Episode 30: Walking Around in the Upside Down
Alison interviews writer and hip-hop artist Chuckie Campbell about his childhood, his creative process, and his music, much of which centers around social justice. From being the first in his family to finish college to unexpectedly booming bar...
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Season 4
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Episode 30
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58:18
Episode 28: It All Starts With the Blues
In this episode, Alison speaks with RiShon Odel, the masterful bassist who has played with jazz stars and rock stars and gospel stars...He is a producer, writer, and arranger, and we were so happy to catch up with him on a recent evening. ...
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Season 3
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Episode 28
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50:05
Episode 27: Three Cheers for Buffalo!
Alison Pipitone and Peter Burakowski discuss the Pan-American Expo of 1901, his songs based on that era, and the hero Jim Parker, whose name was almost erased from history. Peter also tells us about the time he was traveling for business and hi...
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Season 3
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Episode 27
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1:12:29
Episode 26: What Plagues You
Alison Pipitone and Shannon Furtak discuss the fate of musicians during the Black Plague and the Spanish Flu, along with other equally lighthearted topics.
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Season 3
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Episode 26
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1:02:16
Episode 25: Equal Temperament
Alison interviews her brother-in-law/lead guitarist Graham Howes about pianos and guitars and motivation and family.
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Season 2
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Episode 25
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46:27
Episode 24: Zuper Zonic Matt Pszonak
Alison interviews Matt Pszonak, a man who plays more instruments than there are consonants in his name. Matt talks about his upbringing and world travels, his influences, and the risks involved with a career in music. SUNY Music Industry Studen...
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Season 2
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Episode 5
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55:35
Episode 23: Open Up the Universe
Alison spends some time with Robbie Konikoff talking about - among other things - Devo, following your heart, and being open to change. Then SUNY Fredonia music industry students introduce us to the extraordinary Edie Lehmann Boddicker, who was...
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Season 3
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Episode 23
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40:07
Episode 22: Marc My Words
Alison and Marc W. Hunt talk about the bass and the studio and the Magic Kingdom. SUNY Fredonia Music Industry students introduce us to the pioneering record producer Lillian Shedd McMurry.
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Season 2
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Episode 3
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44:35
Episode 21: The Mighty Ms. Maltese
Alison and the wonderfully talented Liz Maltese discuss the fun and foibles of being a singer and songwriter. Our SUNY Music Industry students give us some background on the career of Ella Fitzgerald.
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Season 2
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Episode 2
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56:04
Episode 20: The Prince of Woodlawn
Alison talks to BFF Michael Skowronski about his younger years, all things music, and the late great Stan Szelest.
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Season 2
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Episode 1
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45:11
Episode 19: Thinking In Stories
In this final episode of Season One, we turn the mics around and the uber-talented Karen Taylor does the interviewing. Karen asks Alison about beginnings, struggles, and inspirations. The two singers also discuss the merits of performing origin...
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Season 1
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Episode 19
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1:06:42
Episode 18: Stupid Courage and the Kids Are All Right
This week Alison hands over the reins to Music Industry students at SUNY Fredonia. They talk about their love of music with all the passion you would expect from bright young people just starting their journeys. The students discuss the excitin...
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Season 1
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Episode 18
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52:24
Episode 17: Pat Libs
Alison interviews her good friend and bandmate Pat Shaughnessy, an accomplished and first rate drummer. They discuss day jobs, cover bands, and Bun E. Carlos. And…Pat absolutely kills a game of Mad Libs!
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Season 1
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Episode 17
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56:34
Episode 16: Detergent and Creamer
Alison interviews Tom Stahl, an award-winning folk-rock musician, superb songwriter, and fellow Buffalo Music Hall of Fame inductee. They talk about Tom’s long road to the stage and the effect a supportive partner has on the life of a wor...
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Season 1
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Episode 16
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58:56
Episode 15: This Is How History Gets Made
Alison interviews the incredible George Scott of the George Scott Big Band and the historic Colored Musicians' Club in Buffalo, New York. They discuss the rich history of the CMC and the remarkable array of talent that has passed through its do...
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Season 1
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Episode 15
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44:03
Episode 14: IF is not the word
This week, Alison interviews Robby Takac from the Goo Goo Dolls. Robby & John Rznezik formed their iconic punk/rock/pop band in 1985 and they’ve sustained an incredibly successful career ever since. Alison and Robby discuss a wide range of ...
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Season 1
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Episode 14
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49:36
Episode 13: Pay Attention!
This week, Alison interviews ace guitar player Jamie Holka. They discuss the roles fate and sheer determination often play in the lives of working musicians. Jamie reflects on his work with Captain Beyond and as a solo artist, and then Alison a...
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Season 1
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Episode 13
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1:20:56
Episode 12: Bar Talk Tone Clusters
This week, Alison travels to South Pasadena, CA to interview the incomparable George Schwindt, former member of Celtic punk band Flogging Molly. In this interview George discusses his innovative drum style, his early choice to play Yamaha drums...
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Season 1
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Episode 12
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50:16