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The Upful LIFE Podcast 097: JOHN SPEICE [drums – Brownout, Grupo Fantasma, Money Chicha, Hairy Apes BMX, Caramelo Haze] + JOHNNY WOODSTOCK [KNON, WWOZ, Blue Nile NOLA]

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Welcome to Episode 097 veteran drummer and percussionist JOHN SPEICE, prominently based in the Austin scene. Best known for work with Grammy-winning Latin ensemble Grupo Fantasma and its psychedelic-funk offshoot Brownout, including their beloved Black Sabbath-inspired side trip Brown Sabbath. Throughout his career, Speice has been core to a diverse array of bands like Money Chicha, Hairy Apex BMX, and Caramelo Haze, also collaborating with Black Pumas, Daniel Johnston, Golden Dawn Arkestra, Trio Asesino, Jon Muq, among many others. I first saw John Speice electrify with a one-off version of Marco Benevento Trio at Megalomaniacs Ball 2011 in New Orleans over Jazz Fest. In addition to giving us the lowdown on the Apes reunion, we get the scoop on a half-dozen of his super-dope bands.  John breaks down a bit of basic history and the musical/cultural impact of classic and contemporary cumbia/chicha styles. He reflects on how they’ve been interpreted/expounded upon since breaking through stateside some years ago. A friend for a dozen years, this pod conversation is many moons in the making. Give Thanks 4 John Speice! 

  • 0:00 – episode 097 preview
  • 3:00 – Golden Road Gathering
  • 5:00 – Four Peaks Medicinals
  • 6:00 – Bub & Pop Podcast plug
  • 7:15 – The Upful Update
  • 14:00 – introducing JOHN SPEICE
  • 16:00 – INTERVIEW – Speice [73m]
  • 1:28:30 – introducing JOHNNY WOODSTOCK
  • 1:31:10 – INTERVIEW – Woodstock [56m]
  • 2:27:00 – afterglow: SCOTT T. Salutes BOB WEIR


Johnny Woodstock is a radio personality/programmer and music enthusiast/historian who hails from Jerzadelphia, currently located in Dallas, formerly based outta New Orleans. We trace similar roots coming of age in the Philly area Grateful Dead/Phish scenes dating back over 30 years ago, Johnny Woodstock dubbed me many of my first Dead tapes. Host of “Sounds of New Orleans” on KNON NOW, the digital streaming sister station of KNON 89.3 FM.  His show focuses on the “Crescent City magic” like brass bands, Second-Line rhythms, NOLA funk, Mardi Gras Indian music, plus Interviews with New Orleans legends. Prior to moving to Texas, Woodstock hosted “Midnight Music” on the world-renowned New Orleans station WWOZ 90.7 FM.  Johnny is father to MaryElla Woodstock, who joins the pod for a quick check in: she’s KNON’s youngest DJ (at age 10) hosting “Kidz Star Radio”. She frequently assisted her father on his shows before launching her own. During his stint in NOLA, Johnny managed the box office at the legendary Blue Nile nightclub on Frenchmen Street. Eventually found his soulmate Tiffany through mutual pal Mike DIllon, a year later they made MaryElla, before eventually decamping to Dallas to live merrily ever after. Find out what’s in a nickname, and the colorful, heartwarming story of a pretty great guy.

At the conclusion, Johnny says goodbye to famed Philly radio DJ & Deadhead legend Pierre Robert [WMMR], followed by some words on the dearly departed Bob Weir. The episode wraps with a heartfilling, tear-jerking purge from the grate Scott T., ruminating on the essence and energy that defined Cowboy Bobby, the mysterious and mystical Spirit of the Suwannee, and the unquestionable, transformational power of a song.

John Speice links

Johnny Woodstock links

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