Glass Houses - A Billy Joel Podcast

EP 162 - In The Joel Hole with Singer / Songwriter Matt Nathanson

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 11:05:00 -0000

This week, we’re joined by acclaimed singer-songwriter Matt Nathanson for a lively, candid conversation about his deep connection to the music of Billy Joel.

Fresh off his appearance at the all-star Carnegie Hall tribute, The Music of Billy Joel, Matt takes us inside the unforgettable night—sharing stories from the stage, the electric atmosphere in the room, and what it meant to perform classics like “I Go to Extremes” and “Miami 2017 (Seen the Lights Go Out on Broadway)” in such a legendary venue.

We dig into his brand new six-song EP, Songs In The (M)attic, which finds Matt reimagining Billy Joel classics through his own lens, balancing reverence with fresh perspective.

Matt also talks about watching the recent Billy Joel: And So It Goes documentary, which helped him reconnect with his longtime love for Billy and set the stage for everything that followed.

Listen to Matt Nathanson's Songs In The (M)attic HERE.

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Email us: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠glasshousespodcast@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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Support the podcast:

Paypal: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://paypal.me/glasshousespod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
Venmo: @MGrosvenor

Produced by Michael Grosvenor & Jack Firneno for Glass Houses Media, LLC

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EP 161 - Behind The Board with "An Innocent Man" Assistant Engineer Scott James (Part 2)

Tue, 07 Apr 2026 11:05:00 -0000

This week we bring you part 2 of our 2-part discussion with recording engineer Scott James. During his tenure under Phil Ramone and Jim Boyer at A&R Recording in New York, Scott served as the assistant engineer on Billy Joel's "An Innocent Man" album.

We talk with Scott about he and the team's approach to recording and overdubs on "An Innocent Man," the personalities inside the studio, and some of Scott's work after leaving A&R.

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Email us: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠glasshousespodcast@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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Support the podcast:

Paypal: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://paypal.me/glasshousespod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
Venmo: @MGrosvenor

Produced by Michael Grosvenor & Jack Firneno for Glass Houses Media, LLC

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EP 160 - Behind The Board with "An Innocent Man" Assistant Engineer Scott James (Part 1)

Tue, 24 Mar 2026 11:05:00 -0000

This week we bring you part 1 of our 2-part discussion with recording engineer Scott James. During his tenure under Phil Ramone and Jim Boyer at A&R Recording in New York, Scott served as the assistant engineer on Billy Joel's "An Innocent Man" album. We talk with Scott about breaking into the industry and his memories of working with Billy.

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Email us: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠glasshousespodcast@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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Support the podcast:

Paypal: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://paypal.me/glasshousespod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
Venmo: @MGrosvenor

Produced by Michael Grosvenor & Jack Firneno for Glass Houses Media, LLC

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EP 159 - Concert Classics: Nassau Coliseum - Uniondale, NY (December 11, 1977)

Tue, 10 Mar 2026 11:05:00 -0000

This week, we head back to December 11, 1977 as we dive into into an stellar soundboard recording / radio broadcast from The Stranger Tour at Nassau Coliseum on Long Island in New York.

We are joined by our friend and fellow musician J. Tom Hnatow. Tom and his friends warmly welcomed us to Lexington Kentucky last year to emcee a tribute concert for their late friend and friend of the podcast, Robby Cosenza.

Listen to the concert here courtesy of Activer Music.

The Band:

Billy Joel - Piano, Keyboards, Vocals

Richie Cannata - Saxophone, Flute, Keyboard, Vocals

Doug Stegmeyer - Fender Bass, Vocals

Frank Vento - Electric & Acoustic Guitars

Liberty DeVitto - Drums

Steve Kahn - Guitar on "Get It Right The First Time"

Setlist:

1. The Stranger

2. Somewhere Along the Line

3. Summer, Highland Falls

4. Piano Man

5. Scenes From an Italian Restaurant

6. Travelin' Prayer

7. Movin' Out (Anthony’s Song)

8. Still Crazy After All These Years

9. Just the Way You Are

10. Prelude / Angry Young Man

11. New York State of Mind

12. The Entertainer

13. Vienna

14. Root Beer Rag

15. She’s Always a Woman

16. I’ve Loved These Days

17. Miami 2017 (Seen the Lights Go Out on Broadway)

18. The Ballad of Billy the Kid

19. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas

20. Captain Jack

21. Say Goodbye to Hollywood

22. Only the Good Die Young

23. Get It Right the First Time (with steve khan)

24. Souvenir

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Email us: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠glasshousespodcast@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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Support the podcast:

Paypal: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://paypal.me/glasshousespod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
Venmo: @MGrosvenor

Produced by Michael Grosvenor & Jack Firneno for Glass Houses Media, LLC

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EP 158 - Billy Joel Dolby Atmos Listening Session

Tue, 24 Feb 2026 12:05:00 -0000

In our last episode, Bradshaw Leigh walked us through remixing classic Billy Joel albums in Dolby Atmos. This week, we're diving deep into his mixes with a listen through in the Dolby Atmos Room at Montgomery County Community College.

Recorded by Matt Frankl at Montgomery County Community College in Pennsylvania on June 5, 2025.

Edited by Jack Firneno

Mixed by Michael Grosvenor

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Glass Houses - A Billy Joel Podcast on the web / social media:

Support the podcast:

Paypal: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://paypal.me/glasshousespod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
Venmo: @MGrosvenor

Produced by Michael Grosvenor & Jack Firneno for Glass Houses Media, LLC

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EP 157 - Inside Billy Joel's Dolby Atmos Mixes with Brad Leigh

Tue, 10 Feb 2026 12:05:00 -0000

This week, we’re joined by audio engineer and friend of the podcast Bradshaw Leigh for an in-depth conversation on the technology behind Dolby Atmos and his work remixing eight of Billy Joel’s albums in the immersive format.

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Email us: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠glasshousespodcast@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Glass Houses - A Billy Joel Podcast on the web / social media:

Support the podcast:

Paypal: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://paypal.me/glasshousespod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
Venmo: @MGrosvenor

Produced by Michael Grosvenor & Jack Firneno for Glass Houses Media, LLC

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EP 156 - Peer Review: Springsteen & Billy Joel

Tue, 27 Jan 2026 17:49:00 -0000

This week we sit down with Jesse Jackson, host of Setlusting Bruce: The Bruce Springsteen Fan Podcast. We are also joined by author and historian Jim Cullen as we unpack the parallels and differences between the music and career arks of Bruce Springsteen and Billy Joel.

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Email us: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠glasshousespodcast@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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Support the podcast:

Paypal: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://paypal.me/glasshousespod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
Venmo: @MGrosvenor

Produced by Michael Grosvenor & Jack Firneno for Glass Houses Media, LLC

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EP 155 - Looking ahead to 2026 with John Jackson

Tue, 13 Jan 2026 12:05:00 -0000

This week, we sit down with John Jackson, Director of the Billy Joel Archive as we talk through his work and look ahead to what they're working on for 2026.

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Email us: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠glasshousespodcast@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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Support the podcast:

Paypal: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://paypal.me/glasshousespod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
Venmo: @MGrosvenor

Produced by Michael Grosvenor & Jack Firneno for Glass Houses Media, LLC

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EP 154 - 2025 Odds & Ends + Year In Review

Tue, 30 Dec 2025 12:05:00 -0000

2025 was quite the busy year for us.. From all of our work and adventures around the new Billy Joel documentary to our travel adventures around that, our Metallica concert adventure and an amazing experience emceeing an event for a wonderful musician and listener we lost nearly 2 years ago.

Join us as we recap our 2025 and look ahead to 2026.

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Email us: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠glasshousespodcast@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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Support the podcast:

Paypal: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://paypal.me/glasshousespod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
Venmo: @MGrosvenor

Produced by Michael Grosvenor & Jack Firneno for Glass Houses Media, LLC

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EP 153 - Collecting and Archiving Billy with Jeff Fisher & Jenni Nordaby

Tue, 16 Dec 2025 20:13:00 -0000

This episode, we are joined by our friends and fellow collectors and archivists Jeff Fisher & Jenni Nordaby. We discuss our methods and process over time as well as what got us into collecting as well as revisiting a little about our work together on the Billy Joel: And So It Goes documentary.

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Email us: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠glasshousespodcast@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Glass Houses - A Billy Joel Podcast on the web / social media:

Support the podcast:

Paypal: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://paypal.me/glasshousespod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
Venmo: @MGrosvenor

Produced by Michael Grosvenor & Jack Firneno for Glass Houses Media, LLC

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EP 152 - Concert Classics: The Forum - Inglewood, CA (December 14, 1982)

Tue, 02 Dec 2025 12:05:00 -0000

This week, we journey back to December 14, 1982 as we dip into an audience recording from The Nylon Curtain Tour at The Forum in Inglewood, California, just outside of Los Angeles.

Listen to the concert here courtesy of Activer Music.

The Band:

Billy Joel - Piano, Vocals

Liberty DeVitto - Drums

Doug Stegmeyer - Bass, Vocals

David Brown - Lead Guitar, Vocals

Russell Javors - Rhythm Guitar, Vocals

Mark Rivera - Saxophone, Percussion, Keyboards, Vocals

Dave Lebolt - Synthesizers, Keyboards

Setlist: 1. Chain Gang (Intro) (Tape) 2. Allentown 3. My Life 4. Prelude / Angry Young Man 5. Piano Man 6. Don't Ask Me Why 7. The Stranger 8. Scandinavian Skies 9. Movin' Out (Anthony's Song) 10. She's Always a Woman 11. Pressure 12. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas 13. Scenes From an Italian Restaurant 14. Just the Way You Are 15. Goodnight Saigon 16. Stiletto 17. Band Intros 18. Until the Night 19. It's Still Rock and Roll to Me 20. Sometimes a Fantasy 21. Big Shot 22. You May Be Right 23. Only the Good Die Young 24. Say Goodbye to Hollywood

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Email us: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠glasshousespodcast@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Glass Houses - A Billy Joel Podcast on the web / social media:

Support the podcast:

Paypal: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://paypal.me/glasshousespod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
Venmo: @MGrosvenor

Produced by Michael Grosvenor & Jack Firneno for Glass Houses Media, LLC

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

EP 151 - Video Retrospective: A Matter Of Trust: The Bridge To Russia (2014 Documentary)

Tue, 18 Nov 2025 12:05:00 -0000

This week, we sit down to dive into the 2014 Jim Brown directed documentary Billy Joel - A Matter Of Trust: The Bridge To Russia, which gives a fresh perspective on Billy Joel's landmark 1987 of Moscow and Leningrad.

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Email us: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠glasshousespodcast@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Glass Houses - A Billy Joel Podcast on the web / social media:

Support the podcast:

Paypal: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://paypal.me/glasshousespod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
Venmo: @MGrosvenor

Produced by Michael Grosvenor & Jack Firneno for Glass Houses Media, LLC

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EP 150 - Side Quests #2 - Michael chats with singer/songwriter Ashton Allen

Tue, 04 Nov 2025 12:05:00 -0000

Purchase Ashton Allen's 'Dewdrops' 20th Anniversary vinyl edition HERE.

Michael Grosvenor here. Every so often, Jack or I will do what we call a “Side Quest” episode. It’s a chance for one of us to give the other a break and dive deep into a topic outside of Billy Joel, or sit down with a friend.

This episode is a little of both. I’m joined by Ashton Allen, a fantastic singer, songwriter, human being. And a dear friend.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of Dewdrops, Ashton’s debut solo album. To celebrate, we are reissuing the album for the first time on vinyl (available at https://ashtonallen.myshopify.com ), complete with bonus tracks, digital extras, and its long overdue return to streaming platforms.

Initially, this intimate, deeply personal collection was never meant for public release. The songs grew from journal entries written in the lead-up to and aftermath of his departure from his longtime band, Big Sky. They blossomed into songs during the quiet, uncertain, and contemplative time after that.

When those demos landed at the newly formed Livewire Recordings almost by accident, they were still just the private work of one musician trying to find his footing again. But with support from friends and a label that recognized their potential, they became the first bold steps of a songwriter taking the spotlight.

What began as uncertain and impossible turned into a defining moment that built a passionate fan base and launched Ashton Allen’s solo career.

Ashton and I go way back - about 25 years - to when I first worked with Big Sky, the rock band from Gainesville, Florida, where he played bass. The band released 6 albums between 1995 and 2005 before he left.

Over the past six months, Ashton and I have been working together on the reissue. Now that the album is streaming and available now for purchase at https://ashtonallen.myshopify.com , we sat down to reminisce about that time in our lives, the making of Dewdrops, and how his early career led to his solo debut.

What started as a catch-up between two old friends became a rare, candid look at the personal and professional journey behind a life in music.

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Email us: ⁠glasshousespodcast@gmail.com⁠

Glass Houses - A Billy Joel Podcast on the web / social media:

Website: ⁠https://www.glasshousespod.com⁠
Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/glasshousespodcast/⁠
Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/glasshousespod/⁠
Discord: ⁠https://discord.gg/6G6cMRFu7T⁠

Support the podcast:

Paypal: ⁠https://paypal.me/glasshousespod⁠
Venmo: @MGrosvenor

Produced by Michael Grosvenor & Jack Firneno for Glass Houses Media, LLC

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

EP 149 - Billy Joel's Billboard Hot 100 Top Ten Singles Ranked

Tue, 21 Oct 2025 11:05:00 -0000

Join us as we unpack and rank Billy Joel’s 13 appearances on the Billboard Hot 100 Top Ten Charts.

Pre-Order Ashton Allen's 'Dewdrops' on Limited edition vinyl here: https://ashtonallen.myshopify.com

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Email us: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠glasshousespodcast@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Glass Houses - A Billy Joel Podcast on the web / social media:

Support the podcast:

Paypal: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://paypal.me/glasshousespod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
Venmo: @MGrosvenor

Produced by Michael Grosvenor & Jack Firneno for Glass Houses Media, LLC

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EP 148 - Album Retrospective: My Lives Disc 4

Tue, 07 Oct 2025 11:05:00 -0000

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Glass Houses - A Billy Joel Podcast on the web / social media:

Support the podcast:

Paypal: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://paypal.me/glasshousespod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
Venmo: @MGrosvenor

Produced by Michael Grosvenor & Jack Firneno for Glass Houses Media, LLC

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EP 147 - Year In Review: 1985

Tue, 23 Sep 2025 11:30:00 -0000

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Email us: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠glasshousespodcast@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Glass Houses - A Billy Joel Podcast on the web / social media:

Support the podcast:

Paypal: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://paypal.me/glasshousespod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
Venmo: @MGrosvenor

Produced by Michael Grosvenor & Jack Firneno for Glass Houses Media, LLC

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EP 146 - Behind Billy Joel: And So It Goes - Part 4 (with Music Mixer Brad Leigh)

Tue, 09 Sep 2025 11:05:00 -0000

Recording engineer Brad Leigh touched nearly every song Billy recorded as part of his work restoring and remixing music for the HBO Max documentary "Billy Joel: And So It Goes."

We're rounding out our coverage of the doc with our thoughts on Part Two, our conversation with Brad, and more details from archivist John Jackson and production designer Steve Cohen about the upcoming Live at Sparks release in 2026.

Music courtesy of Sony Music.

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Email us: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠glasshousespodcast@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Glass Houses - A Billy Joel Podcast on the web / social media:

Support the podcast:

Paypal: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://paypal.me/glasshousespod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
Venmo: @MGrosvenor

Produced by Michael Grosvenor & Jack Firneno for Glass Houses Media, LLC

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EP 145 - Behind Billy Joel: And So It Goes - Part 3 (with Archive Producer John Jackson)

Tue, 26 Aug 2025 11:05:00 -0000

It took nearly five years to find and restore all the archival footage and audio in the five hour HBO documentary "Billy Joel: And So It Goes."

John Jackson, the director of Billy Joel's archive, talks about tracking down footage, solving mysteries, restoring damaged film reels, and his part in compiling the 10-hour "And So It Goes" companion album.

Music courtesy of Sony Music.

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Email us: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠glasshousespodcast@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Glass Houses - A Billy Joel Podcast on the web / social media:

Support the podcast:

Paypal: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://paypal.me/glasshousespod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
Venmo: @MGrosvenor

Produced by Michael Grosvenor & Jack Firneno for Glass Houses Media, LLC

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EP 144 - Behind Billy Joel: And So It Goes - Part 2 (with Executive Producer Steve Cohen)

Tue, 12 Aug 2025 11:05:00 -0000

Steve Cohen brought 50 years of experience working with Billy Joel to his role as an executive producer on the HBO documentary "Billy Joel: And So It Goes."

Steve talks about getting the often-private Billy to let filmmakers Susan Lacy and Jessica Levin tell the full story of his life and music.

He also teases a new archival release that's been on fans' wishlists for years, and draws the connection between Frank Sinatra and his team's unprecedented 10-hour companion album to the film.

Images Courtesy of HBO and Myrna Suarez

Music courtesy of Sony Music.

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Email us: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠glasshousespodcast@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Glass Houses - A Billy Joel Podcast on the web / social media:

Support the podcast:

Paypal: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://paypal.me/glasshousespod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
Venmo: @MGrosvenor

Produced by Michael Grosvenor & Jack Firneno for Glass Houses Media, LLC

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EP 143 - Behind Billy Joel: And So It Goes - Part 1 (with directors Susan Lacy & Jessica Levin)

Tue, 29 Jul 2025 10:05:00 -0000

To celebrate the release of the HBO documentary “Billy Joel: And So It Goes,” we’re going behind the scenes with directors Susan Lacy and Jessica Levin.

We’re also getting behind the keyboards with Billy Joel fans who reacted in real time to Part One of the film starting when it officially dropped at 8pm EST on Friday, July 18, 2025.

And, coinciding with the release, we’re also reviewing the latest album and streaming sales numbers and gold and platinum certifications for Billy’s songs and albums.

There’s much more to come in our cover of Part Two. But for now, join us as we dig deep into Part One of “Billy Joel: And So It Goes.”

Images & documentary clips Courtesy of HBO.

Music courtesy of Sony Music.

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Email us: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠glasshousespodcast@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Glass Houses - A Billy Joel Podcast on the web / social media:

Support the podcast:

Paypal: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://paypal.me/glasshousespod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
Venmo: @MGrosvenor

Produced by Michael Grosvenor & Jack Firneno for Glass Houses Media, LLC

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EP 142 - In Conversation with Jon Small (Longtime Billy Joel collaborator)

Tue, 15 Jul 2025 11:10:00 -0000

Billy Joel's biggest fans know Jon Small as the drummer for The Hassles and Attila, the bands the two played in as teenagers and young adults in Long Island.

Some may even recognize Small's further contributions to Billy's career as the director or producer of virtually all Billy's music videos and concert movies.

But, his behind-the-camera impact on popular music goes far beyond just one artist.

As one of the first music video directors and producers of the MTV era, Small helped define the format with landmark videos and live concert recordings for everyone from the Beach Boys to Aerosmith and Run DMC to Shania Twain and Kenny Chesney.

In June of 2025, Small spoke with Glass Houses on the eve of the Hassles’ induction into the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame.

We published the first part of that conversation two episodes ago. Now, we're revisiting the rest of our fascinating, freewheeling fireside chat as Jon chronicled his almost accidental foray into music videos, and stories behind some of the biggest videos of the MTV era and beyond .

In July of 2025, Jon Small was honored by the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame when the Hall inducted the Hassles.

A staple of the greater New York music scene in the late 60s, the group is best known today for featuring a teenage Billy Joel.

Jon Small was the drummer, and he amd Billy went on to form the short-lived Attila before Billy launched his solo career.

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Email us: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠glasshousespodcast@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Glass Houses - A Billy Joel Podcast on the web / social media:

Support the podcast:

Paypal: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://paypal.me/glasshousespod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
Venmo: @MGrosvenor

Produced by Michael Grosvenor & Jack Firneno for Glass Houses Media, LLC

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EP 141 - Video Retrospective: The Last Play At Shea Documentary

Tue, 01 Jul 2025 10:05:00 -0000

“Last Play At Shea” promised to tell the story of Billy Joel’s historic back-to-back 2008 concerts at the iconic Long Island baseball stadium. But it’s not long into the running time that the story becomes much larger than one of music’s biggest stars performing at one of the country’s most legendary venues.

After quickly establishing how Billy’s shows will be the last performances at Shea Stadium, the 2010 documentary explains just why it’s so significant. As a companion to the concert film “Live at Shea Stadium,” “Last Play at Shea” explores the stadium’s origin, cultural significance, and historic moment.

It also tells the concurrent story of Billy’s journey from a kid on Long Island to regional teenage rock and roll royalty, and the often rocky road that led to his current status as one of the 21st century’s most recognized songwriters.

Join us as we dig deep into the stories, history, and highlights of Shea Stadium and Billy Joel.

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Email us: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠glasshousespodcast@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Glass Houses - A Billy Joel Podcast on the web / social media:

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Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/glasshousespodcast/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
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Discord: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://discord.gg/6G6cMRFu7T⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
Youtube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@glasshousespod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Support the podcast:

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EP 140 - Billy Joel: And So It Goes (Tribeca Documentary Premiere Coverage)

Tue, 17 Jun 2025 12:05:00 -0000

It’s been a busy month in the Billy Joel world – and Michael and Jack were there for it.

June kicked off with the premier of the “Billy Joel: And So It Goes” documentary at the Beacon Theatre in New York City. As the first event for this year’s Tribeca Film Festival, the red carpet features A-list celebrities like Tom Hanks and Robert De Niro along with many familiar faces and names for Billy fans.

Next, Billy’s team also announced new vinyl releases. And, later in the month, Billy’s pre-solo Long Island band The Hassles will be inducted into the Long Island Music & Entertainment Hall of Fame.

This episode features a roundup of all these events with some special guests.

First up, Jon Small, drummer for The Hassles, longtime Billy Joel production team member, and celebrated music video director, talks about The Hassles’ Hall of Fame induction and tells some great stories from the band’s heyday.

Following that is a roundup of the Glass Houses coverage of the Beacon Theatre red carpet including some interview clips.

Lastly, a recap of the team’s time in New York, as told by the hosts and Jeff Fisher, Jenni Nordaby, and Alexis Parente, who were also along for the visit.

Join us as we dive deep into celebrity moments, world premiers, industry afterparties, renowned recording studios, fireside stories, and more.

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EP 139 - Concert Classics: Boarding House & Mar y Sol Pop Festival (1972)

Tue, 03 Jun 2025 11:05:00 -0000

A 1972 Billy Joel performance doesn’t sound like the concerts he’s been performing over the last 50 years. Instead, two live recordings from that year reveal an artist still finding his way – even if a few key elements were already in place.

That year, Billy opened for Taj Mahal at the Boarding House in San Francisco on January 22. Then, he played the ill-fated and mostly-forgotten Mar Y Sol Pop Festival in Puerto Rico on April 2. The lineup is his first core live band: Al Hertzberg on guitar, Rhys Clark on drums, and Larry Russell on bass.

Despite releasing his first solo album, Cold Spring Harbor, at the end of 1971, these shows barely acknowledge those recordings. Instead, he showcases two songs that would end up on his next record and go on to become fan favorites and concert staples. And, his first foray into an international festival foreshadowed his future engagements in Cuba and the USSR.

In just a few months, Billy’s performance with this group and a similar setlist at Sigma Sound Studios in Philadelphia would be the stepping stone to his now-classic Piano Man album. But for now, these two concert recordings show a young solo artist fighting to find his identity and forge his own path in the music world.

Audio courtesy of Activer Music.

- Billy Joel - Live At The Boarding House, San Francisco (January 22, 1972)

- Billy Joel - Live At Mar y Sol Pop Festival, Vega Baja, Puerto Rico ( April 2, 1972)

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EP 138 - Year In Review: 1992

Tue, 20 May 2025 10:05:00 -0000

1992 wasn’t a prolific year for Billy, nestled between the end of one of his longest tours supporting a monster hit album and releasing his final pop album the next year.

But, his decisions here would determine the next phase of his career. Throughout the year, he spent just as much time looking to the past as he did preparing for his future.

It was the year Billy began working on River Of Dreams while various record companies released his work from the late 60s with The Hassles and Attila. His only new releases were a trio of songs for movie soundtracks, each written before he became a musician, as Paul Simon inducted him into the Songwriters Hall of Fame.

These and other events, releases, and milestones found Billy spending 1992 stuck somewhere between an elder statesman of music and a brash kid still playing rock and roll.

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EP 137 - Tour Retrospective: Glass Houses Tour (1980-81)

Tue, 06 May 2025 11:03:00 -0000

Billy Joel banked on his recent success when he wrote and recorded the 1980 album Glass Houses. The songs were much more streamlined and guitar-driven than his previous two platinum-selling releases, and arranged to be played in arenas and coliseums rather than theaters and colleges.

But, just as the record’s New Wave leanings drew ire from the critics, the Glass Houses tour received mixed reactions. Almost every pundit who applauded Joel’s songwriting and his band’s energy was met by another who felt the songs were hollow and the shows lackluster.

Of course, many of the songs are still concert staples today. And, Billy still sells out the world’s largest and most celebrated venues 45 years after their release.

That makes it even harder to believe Billy’s 8 plus-month, worldwide tour from 1980 to 1981 could have been his last run at the superstar level.
Join us, as we explore the dates, setlists, and reviews of Billy Joel’s Glass Houses tour.

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EP 136 - Album Retrospective: Glass Houses (Part 3)

Tue, 22 Apr 2025 12:05:00 -0000

Today, we know Glass Houses as one of Billy Joel’s biggest albums. The 1980 release became his third-consecutive album to quickly go platinum. It kept the band playing some of the biggest venues in the world, and features a handful of songs that are still live staples.

At the time, however, it was a drastic departure from Billy’s previous hit records. He’d shed much of the classical and jazz influences that marked The Stranger and 52nd Street. The scaled-back arrangements reflected then-modern New Wave and Power Pop with a more stripped-down and guitar-driven approach.

It was the first time in arguably a decade that Billy made a conscious effort to create an album based on the popular music of the time. As a result, more critics were lukewarm, and even hostile, to the songs.

Over time, the record cemented its status as a seminal release. After all, it’s the one we named this podcast after. Now, we’re finally giving it an official listen-through.

Join us as we drop the needle on Billy Joel’s 1980 album Glass Houses.

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EP 135 - Album Retrospective: Glass Houses (Part 2)

Tue, 08 Apr 2025 12:05:00 -0000

Billy Joel’s 1980 release, Glass Houses, is considered classic rock in 2025. But at the time, listeners and critics heard a huge leap into then-current New Wave – and not necessarily a good one.

The album was a stripped-down departure from the more lush arrangements on the Stranger and 52nd Street, released in 1977 and 1978 respectively. Some contemporary reviewers applauded the songwriting and genre hopping. Others, expecting something closer to Steely Dan or Dire Straits, were disappointed to hear songs much more informed by Elvis Costello and The Knack.

Ultimately, Glass Houses spawned several hit songs and concert staples including You May Be Right, Don’t Ask Me Why, and It’s Still Rock and Roll to Me. It continued Joel’s streak of chart-toppers and platinum-selling albums, and is still one of his most popular releases.

In our second of four Glass Houses episodes, we’re comparing what the critics had to say in print, and how listeners responded with album and ticket sales. Join us as we dig deep into the initial mixed reception and ultimate triumph of this classic album.

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EP 134 - Album Retrospective: Glass Houses (Part 1)

Tue, 25 Mar 2025 12:00:00 -0000

With a pair of award-winning, chart-topping albums under his belt, Billy Joel entered A&R Recording in 1979 with the intention of abandoning the sound that made him a superstar. He did so by showcasing the musicians who were instrumental to his success.

The result was Glass Houses. Released on March 12, 1980, the album lurched Billy out of the classically-informed, jazz-influenced, singer-songwriter idiom he’d cultivated over three releases. Written in the wake of Punk and New Wave, his first record of the decade was stripped down, guitar-focussed and often confrontational.

Glass Houses was the second of Billy’s solo albums, and his first since 1976 to not use session musicians. With the backing tracks recorded almost completely live, it put his tight knit backing band, now known as the Lords of 52nd Street, front and center.

The stylistic shift yielded a platinum-selling record with a handful of Top Ten hits and concert staples to this day. It also set the precedent for Billy’s genre-hopping success throughout the 80s. But, in retrospect, it was an album that could have flopped, and one that could only have been successful in a brief timeframe.

In our first of four episodes covering Glass Houses, we’ll explore the making of the record, from what was on the charts at the time, to how the songs evolved from rough demos to polished gems, and when and how the band put it all together.

Join us as we dig deep into the making of Glass Houses.

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EP 133 - Billy Joel On Late Night TV Part 3 (1986-2024)

Tue, 11 Mar 2025 11:05:00 -0000

Even though Billy Joel was a superstar by the 1980s, he still had to promote each new album. That included appearances on late night television shows.

Billy was never a fan of music videos or performing on television, saying music shouldn’t have to be a visual art. But as the landscape of late night shows changed over the years, he found more opportunities that suited his style.

He offset his spotlight moments on Late Night with David Letterman by sitting in with Paul Schaffer’s famed house band. His revamped live band got the spotlight in late 80s and early 90s Saturday Night Live appearances.

Later, Billy debuted new songs and revisited his back catalog with his live band and members of the show’s musical groups while visiting other late-night hosts.

Then, as his 2010s renaissance blossomed with his Madison Square Garden residency, Billy guested on network programs that made the cultural leap into online and viral videos.

Join us as we dig deep into Billy Joel’s late night TV appearances from 1986 to 2024.

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EP 132 - Billy Joel On Late Night TV Part 2 (1973-1982)

Tue, 25 Feb 2025 13:05:00 -0000

With more than 50 years of performances as a solo artist, Billy Joel’s songs and stage show have evolved alongside the formats for musical performances on late night television programs.

Spots like these have always been valuable for developing artists to introduce themselves to new audiences. More established musicians often appear on them near the promotional kickoff for a new album or tour.

Over the next two episodes, we’re exploring Billy Joel’s appearances on late night TV. Our first installment follows Billy as a budding singer-songwriter in the early 1970s, performing on a handful of post-primetime shows featuring live rock and roll performances.

Billy was never a fan of television appearances, and even early in his career, he bends their formats whenever he can.

Along with fiery renditions of his early songs, Billy uses his airtime to defend his positioning as compared to his contemporaries, do a few impressions and even jam on a few cover songs. Later, he fulfills the “Live” part of his second Saturday Night Live appearance, but does so from an unexpected location.

Join us as we dig deep into Billy Joel’s late night TV appearances from 1973 to 1982.

ROBBY COSENZA / THE FANGED ROBOT ALBUM

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EP 131 - Billy Joel On Late Night TV Part 1 (with Steve Mandel of The Tonight Show)

Tue, 11 Feb 2025 12:05:00 -0000

Late night television has been an important showcase for musical talent for well over half a century. The casts and crews make producing these shows seem effortless. But the truth is that it takes split-second timing and a tight knit team to get each episode on the air.

In this two-part series, we’re exploring Billy Joel’s late-night TV appearances from the mid 70s through the current decade. But before we dive deep into these performances, we’ll get a behind-the-scenes glimpse at the machinery behind the broadcasts.

First up is our conversation with audio engineer and Roots music supervisor Steve Mandel. A longtime friend of the podcast, Steve has worked with the hip hop group The Roots since the mid-90s. He and the band have collaborated on nearly 3,000 episodes of Jimmy Fallon’s late-night talk shows over the past 16 years.

In this episode, we explore the precise timing and careful choices that go into every episode. Steve also recounts his experiences meeting Billy the times he was a guest on the Tonight Show.

Join us as we dig deep into part 1of Billy Joel and late night TV.

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EP 130 - Billy Joel Desert Island Tracks Vol. 2 (1980-1993)

Tue, 28 Jan 2025 12:05:00 -0000

It's felt like seven years since we've been trapped on this desert island with only 12 Billy Joel songs to listen to.

If you missed Part One of this series, Jack and I picked one song from each of Billy's studio pop albums that we would want if we were trapped on a desert island.

So far, we've gone from 1971's Cold Spring Harbor to 52nd Street in 1978. Along the way, we picked up on songwriting motifs and lyrical themes that span Billy's catalog.

Now, we're concluding our picks starting with Glass Houses in 1980 and continuing through 1993's River of Dreams.

Join us as we dig deep into our Desert Island Billy Joel song picks.

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EP 129 - Billy Joel Desert Island Tracks Vol. 1 (1971-1978)

Tue, 14 Jan 2025 12:05:00 -0000

What are the 12 Billy Joel songs you can't live without?

That's what we are discussing over the next two episodes. We picked one track from each pop studio album that we would want if we were trapped on a desert island.

Our choices were rarely the hits, and not necessarily our favorite go-to songs, either. Ultimately, the exercise revealed new insights into Billy's songwriting style and common themes throughout his catalog.

Join us as we dig deep into our Desert Island Billy Joel song picks.

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EP 128 - 2024 Odds & Ends (with Dan Orlando)

Tue, 31 Dec 2024 13:05:00 -0000

We often record way more than we can release on our bi-weekly episodes. That's why we always save the last episode of the year for odds and ends

It's our collection of outtakes and diversions that made for great conversation but wouldn't find a home in the episode we were recording.

This year we've got two heaping spoonfuls: First is an impromptu discussion about record collections that became a eulogy of sorts for a musical Legend who passed away earlier this year.

Then we've got a second helping of our great conversation with Dan Orlando. It's a continuation of our previous episode with the piano player and singer for the Lords of 52nd Street that we published a few weeks ago.

The turkey may need to be microwaved, but there's still plenty of meat on that bone. So join us as we raid the Tupperware for some great leftovers from 2024.

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EP 127 - In Conversation with Dan Orlando (Lords of 52nd Street)

Tue, 17 Dec 2024 12:05:00 -0000

Since joining the Lords of 52nd Street in 2021, Dan Orlando's post as piano player and lead singer has become much more than a job, albeit a crucial one, in a legacy act.

The group features the music of Billy Joel played by Liberty DeVitto, Richie Cannata and Russell Javors, who played live and in the studio on most of Billy's biggest hits. Over the last few years, the ties between Dan and his bandmates have extended far beyond their performances. The experience also rejuvenated his passion for writing, recording and producing new music.

That includes Heritage Trail, Dan's most recent album, released earlier this year, and more recordings and collaborations on deck for 2025.

In our conversation, Dan speaks about the impact his bandmates have had on him, discovering new aspects of songs he grew up on, and creating music for himself and others.

Join us as we catch up with The Lords of 52nd Street’s own Dan Orlando.

More from Dan Orlando: https://danorlandojr.com

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EP 126 - Album Retrospective: My Lives Disc 3

Tue, 03 Dec 2024 13:05:00 -0000

The third disc of Billy Joel's My Lives Box Set reveals an aspect of his performances that the previous tracks only hinted at: His ability to channel other artists.

The first two discs of the four-CD/one-DVD set focuses on unreleased songs, alternate versions of well-known tracks, and compositions that evolved into songs that Billy eventually released.

Moments on those tracks hint at Billy's ability to mimic other singers. And the fact that his first drafts of songs are often written with different artists in mind.

These points come to the forefront on Disc Three, which spotlights cover songs that BIlly released in the 90s. They include cuts for movie soundtracks and additional tracks for his Greatest Hits Volume III release.

These previously-rare tracks offer a glimpse into how Billy could approach someone else's work. And, perhaps, an alternate version of where his career could have gone after River of Dreams.

Join us as we dig deep into My Lives: Disc Three

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EP 125 - Video Retrospective: Billy Joel Tonight - December 5 & 6, 1976

Tue, 19 Nov 2024 12:00:00 -0000

In April of 1976, Billy Joel hit the road with the first incarnation of the now-legendary Lords of 52nd Street lineup. The band toured in support of the album Turnstiles, the first official audio document of this group. And, late that year, they recorded the first concert home video of Billy’s career.

That program, entitled “Billy Joel Tonight,” was filmed over two nights at the Palmer Auditorium in December. This band was already a cohesive unit when the tour began. But, after 8 months and dozens of shows, they were a unified force to be reckoned with for this recording.

The video was available only through Time Life, and has been out of print for decades. The closest official digital release are the individual songs on Billy’s YouTube channel. Still, it ranks with Live From Long Island and CW Post as a seminal live document.

For this episode, we’re listening along to the unedited, uninterrupted original video. It includes stage banter not on the YouTube videos.

Join us as we dig deep into Billy Joel Tonight: Live at Palmer Auditorium in New London, CT - December 5th and 6th, 1976.

WATCH BILLY JOEL TONIGHT

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EP 124 - Concert Classics: Syracuse, NY - February 2, 1990

Tue, 05 Nov 2024 12:05:00 -0000

A storm arrived in Syracuse, NY in February of 1990 — two of them, actually.

The region was hit by a major storm, dumping more than eight inches of snow. At the same time, Billy Joel brought his Storm Front tour to the Carrier Dome.

This show was about two months into a string of dates that ended a two-year touring hiatus. And, it featured a lineup that was drastically different from his touring bands over the previous 14 years.

Taking place just a few months before the well-documented Yankee Stadium performances, the Syracuse show is a glimpse into a typical night on this tour. It’s also a snapshot of a short-lived lineup that also helped revamp Billy’s sound.

Join us as we dig deep into Billy Joel’s performance at the Carrier Dome in Syracuse, NY, on February 2, 1990.

WATCH THE BILLY JOEL SYRACUSE 1990 CONCERT HERE

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EP 123 - Album Retrospective: Storm Front

Tue, 22 Oct 2024 11:05:00 -0000

1989’s Storm Front album found Billy Joel charting a new course for his career. Gone were longtime collaborators, including producer Phil Ramone and key band members Russell Javors and Doug Stegmeyer.

Behind the scenes, Billy was embroiled in a lawsuit with his former manager as tens of millions of dollars hung in the balance. And, at least one song may allude to his marriage to Christie Brinkley already showing signs of strain.

Despite these shakeups and unforeseen challenges, Billy delivered yet another multi-platinum album that earned him a new generation of fans.

Co-produced by Billy and Mick Jones of the band Foreigner, the guitar-driven album was yet another abrupt stylistic turn in the 80s. And, listening to it 35 years later, it’s much more apparent that Storm Front was something of a high-wire act.

Surrounded by a different creative team in a quickly-changing musical landscape, Billy managed to update his sound without coming off as an old head trying to sound young. And, he notched another bona fide timeless classic in “We Didn't’ Start the Fire,” a song that still lives in pop culture today.

Alongside that single’s massive success are a handful of songs that in turn betray familiar themes, commentaries on then-current events, and a few fan favorites.

Join us, as we dig deep into Billy Joel’s 1989 album Storm Front.

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EP 122 - Year In Review: 1974

Tue, 08 Oct 2024 11:05:00 -0000

Depending on the time of year, 1974 is either a period of uncertainty in Billy Joel’s career, or the first signposts of the superstardom to come.

He begins the year touring behind the Piano Man record, which ultimately falls off the charts. Record label execs then hurry Billy into the studio to record what he regards as its lackluster follow-up Streetlife Serenade.

But by the end of 1974, Billy’s setting up for the success he’ll soon enjoy. Most notably, Doug Stegmeyer joins the band on the Streetlife Serenade tour. The bassist will go on to play with Billy for the next thirteen years. And, he’ll bring in many of the core members for Billy’s band in time for them to record and tour behind his next album, Turnstiles.

Press clippings from this year feature some of the first mentions of ideas and themes that will blossom over the next few decades. Reviewers note his penchant for energetic live shows and theatrical songwriting. In interviews, Billy also discusses his aspirations toward classical composers.

It all adds up to a year that may seem low-key at first glance, but a closer look reveals the pieces falling into place for his upcoming reign at the top of the charts.

Join us as we dig deep into Billy Joel in 1974.

Post-episode note - Michael mentions October 1, 1974 as the release date of Streetlife Serenade. It looks like he accidentally left off a '1' form his notes. The correct release date of Streetlife Serenade is October 11, 1974.

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EP 121 - Side Quests #1 - Michael chats with Clint Wells (Metal Up Your Podcast & Morgan Wade Band)

Tue, 24 Sep 2024 11:05:00 -0000

Fall of 2024 is upon us! What is typically time for our next playlist installment, we're adjusting the title and format of the series slightly and are happy to announce the Glass Houses Side Quests. Expanding the concept of the playlists, the options are limitless from more music concepts to long form conversations with friends, musicians, and other creatives.

For this first installment, Michael is up with a conversation with music and fellow podcaster Clint Wells. Clint is a guitar player, singer, and songwriter and serves as the guitarist in the Morgan Wade band. Clint is also the host of the long-running podcast Metal Up Your Podcast, which celebrates all things Metallica.

Enjoy!

METAL UP YOUR PODCAST

MORGAN WADE

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EP 120 - Exploring More 1970s Billy Joel Cover Songs with John Jackson

Tue, 10 Sep 2024 11:05:00 -0000

There's an often-overlooked part of Billy Joel's rise to fame as a recording artist: His track record as a songwriter for others.

Before he was a superstar, Billy's songs were covered by dozens of performers from around the world. The trend arguably peaked in the late 70s with multiple renditions of his now-classic songs New York State of Mind and Just the Way You Are. But, the bulk of these recordings revolved around his earlier albums and lesser-known composition.

We covered a large sample of Billy Joel cover songs on a previous episode. This time, we're joined by the director of the Billy Joel archives, John Jackson. He put together an extensive list of pre-1980 recordings and tracked the trends surrounding them. In our conversation, he also provides insight and context about the recording industry's practices during this era.

Join us as we dig deep into cover versions of Billy Joel's songs from the 1970s.

PLAYLIST : Billy Joel - 1970s Covers

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EP 119 - Madison Square Garden Part 6 - Behind The 100th with Steve Cohen + The Hall Of Fame Exhibit

Tue, 27 Aug 2024 11:05:00 -0000

Billy Joel's 10-year monthly residency at Madison Square Garden is now in the past. But its legacy has been preserved for the public to enjoy. In fact, the same can be said for his entire career.

In this last installment of our series covering Billy at the Garden, we sit down for a lengthy interview with Steve Cohen. As Billy's lighting director for 50 years, Cohen also produced the CBS special documenting the 100th residency show.

The special, which aired in April 2024, is currently up for four Emmy awards. A few days after the nominations were announced, Cohen gave us an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at putting the show together - and a hint of what's to come.

We're also exploring the Billy Joel exhibit at the Long Island Music & Entertainment Hall of Fame. Currently on display in Stony Brook, NY, it features hundreds of rare items from handwritten sheet music to a Grand piano.

Join us, as we dig deep into what goes into documenting Billy Joel’s historic Madison Square Garden residency, and his career as a whole.

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EP 118 - Madison Square Garden Part 5 - The Final Show Of Billy Joel's MSG Residency

Tue, 13 Aug 2024 11:05:00 -0000

The opening strains of Miami 2017 took on a new meaning on July 25, 2024. It was the final show of Billy Joel’s 10-year monthly residency at Madison Square Garden, and the classic opener kicked off the night.

Suddenly, the song’s theme about thousands of people hunkering down to hear these songs for maybe the last time felt almost too real. While this certainly wasn’t Billy’s last show ever, it was the end of an era.

And, we were fortunate enough to be there for it. Michael flew in from the west coast for an extended visit that included a journey to Long Island and our first face-to-face meetings with many friends of the podcast.

The show itself was deceptively low-key. Aside from a few guests, there were no big surprises in the setlist. And there was little ruminating from the man himself about the unprecedented run. Instead, Billy and the band did what they do best: Put on a show that’s more intimate than in any other venue. One that’s become a pilgrimage for some and a ritual for others.

In this episode, we’ll discuss this performance and our recollection from being in the room when it happened. We’ll also discuss our Billy-related travels and meetups that, for us, became a part of the concert experience.

Join us as we dig deep into Billy Joel’s final Madison Square Garden Residency show.

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EP 117 - Madison Square Garden Part 4 - Billy Joel at The Garden Through The Years (2006-2024)

Tue, 30 Jul 2024 11:05:00 -0000

Starting in the mid-2000s, BIlly Joel cemented his Madison Square Garden legacy with two unprecedented engagements. The first was a dozen shows spread over 4 months in 2006. The setlists were filled with songs that were rarely, if ever performed live, and The recordings from these dates made up his live album 12 Gardens Live, released later the same year.

Then came the residency: one show a month at the famed venue from 2014 through 2024, with the exception of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021. Billy’s team kicked off the series without an idea of how long it would last. Virtually all the shows were sellouts, and they were recognized especially for their frequent guest performers.

These two runs came after Billy went into quasi-retirement in the early 2000s. Now, with the residency closing this year, we’re diving deep into the second half of Billy Joel’s 150 shows at Madison Square Garden.

Billy Joel Playlist of Madison Square Garden guests through the years

Original Jim Bruer Audio & Video

Kevin Bacon Billy Joel TikTok Video

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EP 116 - Madison Square Garden Part 3 - Billy Joel at The Garden Through The Years (1978-2002)

Tue, 16 Jul 2024 11:00:00 -0000

When BIlly Joel plays his final show at Madison Square Garden on July 25, 2024, he’ll be closing out a nearly 50-year run of shows. And, in this episode, we’re diving deep into the first half of that legacy.

Starting in December 1978, Billy has played multiple nights at the Garden on all but one album tour. His engagements also included Face to Face shows with Elton John and the Millenium Concert, which took place on New Year’s Eve 1999. Looking back on all those performances produces a time capsule of each era of his career: Which hits were most prominent on certain dates, which singles dropped off the setlists, and which songs cemented their places in history as they became fixtures at these shows.

Join us, for the first installment of a two-part look at BIlly Joel’s historic run at Madison Square Garden.

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EP 115 - Madison Square Garden Part 2 - The 100th show of the residency (TV Special)

Tue, 02 Jul 2024 11:10:00 -0000

Billy Joel’s groundbreaking 100th Madison Square Garden Residency Show was commemorated with an edited version of the concert airing on network television. The special entitled “The 100th: Billy Joel At Madison Square Garden” was broadcast in prime time on April 14, 2024 on CBS.

For fans, this was a step up in production from even the official concert clips on YouTube. The high-end production, song resequencing, and interviews with band, crew members and fans made this televised event much more than just concert footage.

The special also chronicled one of the first live renditions of Turn the Lights Back On, Billy’s first single release in 17 years. And, it was a ratings success: More than 5.7 million viewers tuned in for the first airing, resulting in the special surpassing even the most popular holiday programming for viewership.

However, not everything went as planned: The concert was cut short by a few minutes on the East Coast to make way for the 11:00 news. Fan outcry prompted the network to re-air the special 5 days later.

Still, it’s a crystal-clear document of the current lineup, which has been in place for more than a decade. And, it’s a love letter of sorts to fans, with today’s high-end video technology able to spotlight the audience much better than in older concert videos.

These make the show worth the watch, even if you’ve heard all but one of the songs countless times. So join us as we dig deep into the television special, “The 100th: Billy Joel At Madison Square Garden.”

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EP 114 - Madison Square Garden Part 1 - The First MSG Show (December 14, 1978)

Tue, 18 Jun 2024 11:10:00 -0000

Thanks to a recently-unearthed audience recording, fans can now hear Billy Joel's first performance at the legendary Madison Square Garden. The performance took place on December 14, 1978, more than a decade after Billy first took to a stage as a professional musician.

Listening to it in 2024, perhaps the most interesting aspect about Billy headlining one of the world's most renowned venues is how little he has to say about it. There's barely any stage banter, which had been a trademark of his shows for years. Concerts from previous tours were punctuated with jokes, offhand comments, and monologues.

Now, he only addresses the audience in a few brief moments. Fortunately, the music is there to do the talking. Billy's between-song improvisations and even a few extended jams on a few numbers seem to convey his emotions throughout the night.

It's not easy to describe in words. That's what music is for, after all. So join us, as we head back to the 52nd Street Tour and we dig deep into Billy Joel’s first show at Madison Square Garden on December 14, 1978.

Audio courtesy of Paul Fierro - Listen to the full concert HERE.

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EP 113 - Evolution Of A Song - ”The Ballad Of Billy The Kid”

Tue, 04 Jun 2024 11:00:00 -0000

In the last installment of our Evolution of a Song series, we explored an older song that sported a studio arrangement that couldn’t be replicated live. The same can be said of "The Ballad Of Billy The Kid," the subject of this episode.

While the live version on Songs in the Attic became the definitive one for many fans, the Ballad of Billy the Kid studio recording featured a full string section. It was an element that couldn’t make the stage until synthesizer technology improved around a decade after the song’s release.

Until then, Billy’s various lineups tinkered with different approaches and arrangements. And, as with the Entertainer, that includes a live document prior to its studio recording.

Unlike The Entertainer, however, "Billy the Kid" was never put out to pasture. Even if it didn’t run in every race, the song left the stable regularly since its inception.

But enough horsing around. Join us as we dig deep into "The Ballad of Billy the Kid."

THE BALLD OF BILLY THE KID - Evolution of a Song Playlist

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EP 112 - Billy Joel Album B-Sides Ranked

Tue, 21 May 2024 11:05:00 -0000

With few exceptions, Billy Joel’s albums were sequenced with two sides in mind. It’s a phenomenon that’s come back to the forefront with the resurgence of vinyl records: The act of listening to half an album, then flipping the platter to hear the rest.

It’s a different experience than listening to the songs all the way through on CD or a streaming platform. And, it’s what we’re exploring in this episode.

We’re ranking the B-Sides of Billy’s studio albums from our least to most favorite. They run the gamut from featuring a few hits, to sporting some fan favorites, to not living up to the A side.

It’s also subjective: we found that our picks were often influenced by when we first heard the record and in what context.

Join us as we flip the record and drop the needle on our rankings of Billy Joel album B-Sides.

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EP 111 - Evolution Of A Song - ”The Entertainer”

Tue, 07 May 2024 11:05:00 -0000

The beauty of live music is that a song never sounds the same twice. Billy Joel’s no exception to this rule. And, with some songs nearly 50 years old by now, many of his older numbers have seen drastic changes over the years.

In the first installment of our Evolution of a Song series, we tracked how "Say Goodbye to Hollywood" and "Everybody Loves You Now" changed from their first appearances to their most recent.

This time, we’re reaching far back into the catalog with "The Entertainer." This was an early concert staple that got shelved for years before becoming a standard again over the last decade.

What’s also notable about this song is that the version on the Streetlife Serenade album couldn’t be replicated live. It features more and more instruments, from synthesizers to banjos, layering onto the recording with every verse.

This episode starts with a barebones live recording that predates the official recording. Then, we’ll track the song through numerous lineup changes and shows at bigger and bigger venues. Finally, we’ll finish with a performance from 2023.

Join us, as we dig deep into the evolution of "The Entertainer."

THE ENTERTAINER - Evolution of a Song Playlist

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EP 110 - Tour Retrospective: Storm Front Tour 1989-1991

Tue, 23 Apr 2024 11:07:00 -0000

Billy Joel’s world tour supporting the Storm Front album was a huge success by all metrics. But behind it was a story almost as tumultuous as the album title and front cover portrayed.

The tour was a necessity to earn back millions of dollars that Billy’s former manager, Frank Weber, had stolen from him over the previous few years. It also featured a revamped lineup that saw both bassist Doug Stegmeyer and guitarist Russell Javors out of the lineup for the first time since 1976.

Starting in December of 1989, Billy and the band hit the road for more than 170 shows over 16 months in 15 countries. The tour capped off Billy’s 80s run by introducing two new players who would become long-standing band members.

It also featured his landmark Yankee Stadium performances, which were commemorated in a Disney Channel & Home Video release in 1990 and a re-release on Blu-ray, CD and vinyl in 2022.

Join us as we dig deep into the Storm Front Tour.

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EP 109 - Year In Review: 2014

Tue, 09 Apr 2024 11:05:00 -0000

2014 was a renaissance for Billy Joel. It’s almost hard to believe, given all the time he’s spent in the spotlight a decade later. But, he’d been relatively quiet in the late aughts and early 2010s. That made the flurry of activity this year all the more surprising.

Billy kicked off his Madison Square Garden residency in January of 2014, which he supported with a number of high-profile media appearances. The unprecedented run earned him plenty of press throughout the year, and his SiriusXM Radio channel debuted that spring. That all occurred alongside his regular touring schedule and other milestones.

In retrospect, the experiment that was the first year of the residency laid the foundation for the next ten years and Billy’s recent resurgence with new music, television specials, and more.

We’ll cover all that and more in this episode. And, we have a number of firsthand accounts of shows this year. Join us, as we dig deep into 2014.

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EP 108 - Album Retrospective: Billy Joel Live Through The Years - Japan Edition

Tue, 26 Mar 2024 11:15:00 -0000

What the new compilation Billy Joel Live Through the Years - Japan Edition lacks in new material, it more than makes up for in providing context to 40-plus years of music.

The double-disc set, only released in Japan, features 32 live tracks recorded between 1972 and 2008. Starting with the Sigma Sound radio broadcast and culminating with a limited-release single, it tracks how Billy’s live show evolved through multiple bands and increasingly larger venues and audiences.

Join us as we dig deep into Billy Joel: Live Through the Years - Japan Edition.

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EP 107 - Back down the River of Dreams with Zachary Alford

Tue, 12 Mar 2024 11:00:00 -0000

The River of Dreams album was Billy Joel’s introduction to a new generation of fans in the early 90s. With chart-topping songs, a notorious Grammy appearance, and an extensive world tour, it was a landmark in Billy’s career.

But for drummer Zachary Alford, it was one of his first experiences in a major label session, and another step in his quickly-blossoming career.

Hot on the heels of high-profile world tours, Zachary got the call to come in cold to a session at the Hit Factory in New York. That day, Billy and producer Danny Kortchmar were set to record “All About Soul.” Zack tracked his parts, and would go on to record a total of seven songs, 6 of which made the album.

Now, 30 years after the album’s release, Zachary shared his memories of those sessions and much more. His journey from working with multiple bands in Manhattan, to touring the world with B-52s, Bruce Springseen, David Bowie and others, and his memories of developing his style and skill set are a master class for aspiring musicians and anyone looking for an honest peek behind the curtain.

Join us as we dig deep into the River of Dreams sessions, and the mindset of an acclaimed professional musician.

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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/glasshousespodcast/
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Support the podcast:

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Produced by Michael Grosvenor & Jack Firneno for Glass Houses Media, LLC

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EP 106 - Album Retrospective: The Hassles First Album

Tue, 27 Feb 2024 12:00:00 -0000

Before Billy Joel was a household name, and before he was even a solo recording artist or known as a piano player, he released his first album on United Artists Records in 1967.

That album was The Hassles, by the band of the same name. Billy, still a teenager, wasn’t in the spotlight. Rather, he was the organ player who contributed a few original songs and vocals.

For this album episode, we’re reviewing the deluxe re-release from 1992. It contains the entire first album, plus 8 additional bonus tracks of b-sides, demos and alternate takes.

This generous serving of blue-eyed-soul and Long Island rock and roll provides Billy’s first step into the music industry at large. And, it reveals a few germs of the melodic instincts, arrangement styles, and vocal prowess that Billy would cultivate into his signature sound just a few years later.

Join us as we dig deep into The Hassles’ self-titled debut album.

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Email us: glasshousespodcast@gmail.com

Glass Houses - A Billy Joel Podcast on the web / social media:

Website: http://www.glasshousespod.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/glasshousespodcast/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/glasshousespod/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/glasshousespod
Discord: https://discord.gg/6G6cMRFu7T

Support the podcast:

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Venmo: @MGrosvenor

Produced by Michael Grosvenor & Jack Firneno for Glass Houses Media, LLC

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EP 105 - Billy Joel Love Songs + Turn The Lights Back On & Grammy Performance

Tue, 13 Feb 2024 12:00:00 -0000

It’s easy to write off the lyrical content of love songs. They’re often fairly simple, and are more emotional than thought-provoking. But a good love song, like any song, reveals something about the writer, and, often, the listener.

For our Valentine’s Day episode, we’re discussing our favorite Billy Joel love songs. But, we ended up doing more than discussing the lyrics and music.

We also found ourselves reflecting on how the songs we heard in our youth shaped our perspective on relationships. And, how Billy’s perspective gave us insight to our own personal dynamics.

Join us as we skim the surface of our own love lives, as we dig deep into our favorite Billy Joel love songs.

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Email us: glasshousespodcast@gmail.com

Glass Houses - A Billy Joel Podcast on the web / social media:

Website: http://www.glasshousespod.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/glasshousespodcast/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/glasshousespod/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/glasshousespod
Discord: https://discord.gg/6G6cMRFu7T

Support the podcast:

Paypal: https://paypal.me/glasshousespod
Venmo: @MGrosvenor

Produced by Michael Grosvenor & Jack Firneno for Groove Music Marketing

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EP 104 - Album Retrospective: My Lives Disc 2 + New Billy Joel Single Announcement

Tue, 30 Jan 2024 12:00:00 -0000

Although Disc Two of My Lives kicks off with a live version of a classic 70s song, the rest of the track list features Billy Joel B-Sides and early versions of songs from the 80s along with a few album tracks.

While it seems random initially, there’s a light narrative running through the selections. Here, you can compare work-in-progress tracks to the final versions, along with hit songs from the same era. Together, they provide insight into Joel’s writing style.

We see the benefits of saving riffs, ideas, and whole songs for the right moment. And how he often begins by imitating other artists before finding his voice in a composition.

Join us as we dig deep into My Lives Disc 2.

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Email us: glasshousespodcast@gmail.com

Glass Houses - A Billy Joel Podcast on the web / social media:

Website: http://www.glasshousespod.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/glasshousespodcast/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/glasshousespod/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/glasshousespod
Discord: https://discord.gg/6G6cMRFu7T

Support the podcast:

Paypal: https://paypal.me/glasshousespod
Venmo: @MGrosvenor

Produced by Michael Grosvenor & Jack Firneno for Groove Music Marketing

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EP 103 - Concert Classics: Live At The Spectrum, Philadelphia - 1986

Tue, 16 Jan 2024 11:38:00 -0000

Since his days playing clubs and theaters in the early 70s, Billy Joel was always known for his passionate, high-energy concerts. That reputation only grew, literally and figuratively, as he graduated into arenas and stadiums after 1977’s The Stranger.

That makes his stop at the Spectrum in Philadelphia on The Bridge tour a unique evening. Billy and the band were in fine form on October 13, 1986. But Billy seems to be in a much different mood than usual.

He’s relaxed, but not subdued, calm, but still passionate. As a result, even the songs most familiar to regular concertgoers sound just a little different here. They’re often more relaxed, or more thoughtful than usual. At other times, Billy adds bursts of intensity and grit in sections of songs he usually doesn’t highlight.

That makes this concert a special treat for fans: It’s a solid show overall, but one with a slightly different approach– to great effect.

Join us as we dig deep into Billy Joel live at the Spectrum in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. October 13, 1986.

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Email us: glasshousespodcast@gmail.com

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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/glasshousespodcast/
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Support the podcast:

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Produced by Michael Grosvenor & Jack Firneno for Groove Music Marketing

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EP 102 - Year In Review: 1993

Tue, 02 Jan 2024 13:09:00 -0000

1993 was both the kickoff to a new album cycle and the end of an era for Billy Joel. River of Dreams came out in August, and was certified three times platinum by the end of the year. It was preceded by what was now a well-oiled publicity machine, and followed immediately by a world tour.

But, the album was his last release of new pop songs. As such, it would be the last time Billy would run this playbook. Fortunately, we remember it well. This was the one album where we both were old enough to hear about it before its release, buy it the day it came out, follow the media hype and television appearances, and even see him on tour promoting the album.

For us, then, exploring this year in Billy history is also an opportunity for us to remember our own experiences with the album -- and how different the media landscape was 30 years ago.

So join us as we dig deep into Billy Joel's 1993.

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Email us: glasshousespodcast@gmail.com

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Website: http://www.glasshousespod.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/glasshousespodcast/
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Twitter: https://twitter.com/glasshousespod
Discord: https://discord.gg/6G6cMRFu7T

Support the podcast:

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Venmo: @MGrosvenor

Produced by Michael Grosvenor & Jack Firneno for Groove Music Marketing

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EP 101 - 2023 Odds & Ends (with Edward Odowd)

Tue, 19 Dec 2023 11:56:00 -0000

With 2023 coming to a close, we’re taking a look back at our year of podcasting and what’s happened in the world of Billy Joel. As always for our last episode of the year, we’re bringing some leftovers to the table: Odds and ends that didn’t quite make it into other episodes.

Don’t worry, they’re just as tasty as our main courses. And you don’t even have to microwave them.

You’ll hear excerpts from our interview with Edward ODowd, art director for the Vinyl Collection box sets and many other Billy Joel projects from the past decade or so. After that, we’re doing things a little differently.

We’ve got an extended mailbag with some extra trimmings. And, a bonus clip of music from Edward’s band, Scorpion Tea. So join us, as we dig deep, one last time, into 2023.

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Email us: glasshousespodcast@gmail.com

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Website: http://www.glasshousespod.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/glasshousespodcast/
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Twitter: https://twitter.com/glasshousespod
Discord: https://discord.gg/6G6cMRFu7T

Support the podcast:

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Produced by Michael Grosvenor & Jack Firneno for Groove Music Marketing

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EP 100 - Liberty DeVitto’s Greatest Hits

Tue, 05 Dec 2023 12:55:00 -0000

If you had to explain why Liberty DeVitto is a great drummer to someone who’d never heard a BIlly Joel record, how would you do it? That’s the question we’re exploring in our 100th episode.

It’s a somewhat tricky proposition. Liberty’s a well-regarded drummer who’s played on dozens of Top 20 records and toured with some of the biggest acts in the world. But he’s not a flashy player, nor is he the most prolific. You can’t point to big showcase songs or a massive discography to illustrate the point.

However, a few close listens to the right songs, the right beats, and the right fills on the right records reveal why he’s such a celebrated musician. And, with us both being lifelong fans and drummers with decades of experience, we’re especially attuned to those moments.

For this episode, we both listed the ten Liberty DeVitto moments that we think are especially accomplished or particularly showcase his talents. Then, we explored the nuances that make them great. Along the way, we touched on the motifs, styles, and approach to the craft that make him stand out.

Join us as we dig deep into the drumming of Liberty DeVitto.

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Email us: glasshousespodcast@gmail.com

Glass Houses - A Billy Joel Podcast on the web / social media:

Website: http://www.glasshousespod.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/glasshousespodcast/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/glasshousespod/
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Support the podcast:

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Produced by Michael Grosvenor & Jack Firneno for Groove Music Marketing

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EP 099 - Playlist #8 - Telling Stories About Telling Stories

Tue, 21 Nov 2023 11:16:00 -0000

Every two weeks, Michael and I release a podcast episode where we tell someone else’s stories. Except that’s not quite true. As we discuss every note on an album, or labor over every second of a concert recording, we also talk about ourselves.

It’s one way music becomes more than just art. Billy Joel’s story becomes part of our stories, which becomes part of each other’s, and ultimately a narrative of its own, all told in a language everyone speaks without realizing it.

Maybe you’ve heard that musicians hold conversations when they perform. Or consider it this way: Michael and I went decades without knowing the other existed. Then, almost four years ago, we spoke for the first time as if we’d known each other all along.

That’s what makes the arts special. They explore ideas too big for our words to contain, in a way we can all understand. And, for my solo episode this year, I’m exploring this idea further.

I’m starting with two songs where I play drums. One is a studio recording of a new work. The other is a live performance from the Great American Songbook.

Next, I’m speaking with other podcasters and presenters about the stories they explore in movies and literature.

You’ll hear from Dan Colon and Mike Manzi, the hosts of The Monsters That Made Us podcast. They started off discussing the classic Universal horror films, and are back with new episodes that take the topic a step further.

Finally, I’m speaking with Edward Petit. As the Senior Manager of Public Programs at the Rosenbach Museum here in Philadelphia, he launched the online Biblioadventures series in 2020.

Participants from all over the world read a classic novel or body of work in small parts over a few months. Then, each week, Edward leads a curated, and somewhat interactive, online discussion featuring subject experts and artifacts from the Rosenbach’s collection.

There’s no great cosmic revelation in all of this. I make no hypotheses and draw no conclusions. That’s the nature of trying to tell a tale this big. The best I can do is present one small part of it and invite others to do the same.

Links: Della Chase The Blue Chips Band Angry Young Band: The Billy Joel Tribute The Monsters That Made Us The Rosenbach Museum Sherlock Mondays

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Email us: glasshousespodcast@gmail.com

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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/glasshousespodcast/
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Support the podcast:

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Venmo: @MGrosvenor

Produced by Michael Grosvenor & Jack Firneno for Groove Music Marketing

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EP 098 - Billy Joel - The Vinyl Collection, Vol. 2 (with John Jackson & Edward Odowd)

Tue, 07 Nov 2023 12:02:00 -0000

To paraphrase another famous rock band, Billy Joel’s The Vinyl Collection, Vol. 2 goes to 11.

The box set treats fans to 21 years of classic songs with just shy of a dozen records. That’s including an album never released on vinyl before, and a long-awaited expanded version of a fan favorite.

Released November 3, 2023, the collection includes every studio album from Glass Houses in 1980 through 2001’s Fantasies and Delusions, marking the first time Billy’s classical album has ever been released on vinyl.

For many listeners, it’s the first time they’ll get copies of Storm Front and River of Dreams on wax as well - both those albums came out when CDs and cassettes had replaced records as the primary medium.

The set also includes a long-awaited fan favorite: 1982’s Live From Long Island, available not only for the first time on vinyl, but also for the first time with the full tracklisting.

To celebrate this monumental release, we sat down with art director Edward ODowd, and Billy Joel archivist John Jackson, to get the story behind restoring the original artwork, creating new visuals, enhancing and expanding the live release, and much more.

Join us as we dig deep into BIlly Joel’s The Vinyl Collection, Vol. 2.

CLICK HERE TO WATCH OUR FULL UNBOXING VIDEO.

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Email us: glasshousespodcast@gmail.com

Glass Houses - A Billy Joel Podcast on the web / social media:

Website: http://www.glasshousespod.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/glasshousespodcast/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/glasshousespod/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/glasshousespod
Discord: https://discord.gg/6G6cMRFu7T

Support the podcast:

Paypal: https://paypal.me/glasshousespod
Venmo: @MGrosvenor

Produced by Michael Grosvenor & Jack Firneno for Groove Music Marketing

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EP 097 - Album Retrospective: My Lives Disc 1

Tue, 24 Oct 2023 10:06:00 -0000

The My Lives box set is a curious addition to the Billy Joel discography. The four-CD / one-DVD set, released in 2005, is a mix of unreleased demos, alternate takes, live recordings, cover songs, and a handful of album tracks.

At the time, it was the first glimpse many fans got at unreleased material and songs-in-progress. The first disc, in particular, offers a chronological journey from Billy’s earliest solo compositions through his hitmaking reign in the late 70s.

We’re exploring that first disc in real-time for this episode. You’ll hear our reactions and annotations to the tracks as they play, and get our overall impression of the release.

Join us as we dig deep into disc one of the My Lives box set.

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Email us: glasshousespodcast@gmail.com

Glass Houses - A Billy Joel Podcast on the web / social media:

Website: http://www.glasshousespod.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/glasshousespodcast/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/glasshousespod/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/glasshousespod
Discord: https://discord.gg/6G6cMRFu7T

Support the podcast:

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Venmo: @MGrosvenor

Produced by Michael Grosvenor & Jack Firneno for Groove Music Marketing

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EP 096 - Concert Classics: Live At Sigma Sound Studios, Philadelphia - 1972

Tue, 10 Oct 2023 10:29:00 -0000

Unreleased for decades, Billy Joel’s 1972 Sigma Sound Studios concert was arguably the kick-start to his career. With a flop record in Cold Spring Harbor under his belt. Billy and his then-backing band performed live on the air for WMMR in Philadelphia.

The session yielded a version of “Captain Jack” that became the station’s most-requested song for years. It drew the attention of Columbia Records, who went on to sign Billy and release Piano Man in late 1973.

And, as famed as that track is, there’s plenty more to enjoy from this performance, which was included on the November 2011 deluxe Legacy Edition reissue of Piano Man. It’s a rare official recording documenting the pre-Lords of 52nd Street live unit. And, it features tracks that never made it on a record, early versions of now-classics, and songs that Billy permanently dropped from the setlist soon after.

Join us as we dig deep into Billy Joel at Sigma Sound Studios in April 1972.

Invitation and note courtesy of Paul Fierro
Studio photo courtesy of Sigma Sound Studios website

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Email us: glasshousespodcast@gmail.com

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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/glasshousespodcast/
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Support the podcast:

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Produced by Michael Grosvenor & Jack Firneno for Groove Music Marketing

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EP 095 - Concert Classics: Live At The Bottom Line 1976 + Vinyl Box Set Announcement

Tue, 26 Sep 2023 11:07:00 -0000

With a new album out and a New York-based band in place, Billy Joel was starting to heat up in 1976. His show at the Bottom Line in Manhattan on June 10th of that year is the proof.

The album, Turnstiles, had just come out a few weeks prior. And the orchestra, as Billy was now calling the band, had been on the road for just over two months.

The performance was simulcast on seven radio stations, leaving listeners today with a crystal-clear document of the night. Billy and the band, now featuring Russell Javors and Howie Emerson on guitar, Doug Stegmeyer on bass, Richie Cannata on saxophone and organ, and Liberty DeVitto on drums, was a tight, well-oiled unit.

The night featured a handful of songs from the then-new record as well as concert staples from Piano Man and Streetlife Serenade. Sonically, the band straddled the New York grit of Turnstiles with the west coast feel of the previous two records.

These performances laid the groundwork for The Stranger in 1977, but a listen to this night reveals an energetic, fully-realized sound from a band hungry for success.

Join us as we dig deep into Live at The Bottom Line 1976.

Live remastered audio courtesy of Jamie Tate.

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Email us: glasshousespodcast@gmail.com

Glass Houses - A Billy Joel Podcast on the web / social media:

Website: http://www.glasshousespod.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/glasshousespodcast/
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Twitter: https://twitter.com/glasshousespod
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Support the podcast:

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Venmo: @MGrosvenor

Produced by Michael Grosvenor & Jack Firneno for Groove Music Marketing

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EP 094 - Year In Review: 2015

Tue, 12 Sep 2023 10:05:00 -0000

In 2015, Billy Joel wasn't just selling out shows. He was making headlines across the nation. His songwriting was praised by everyone from George Gershwin to Snoop Dogg. He made an unexpected festival appearance, and journalists were diving into his history, introducing him to a brand new generation of fans.

It's almost hard to believe that just a few years earlier, it looked like Billy was gearing up for retirement. But with his Madison Square Garden residency, launched in 2014, he was firmly back in the spotlight.

Our year-in-review covers it all: The setlists, reviews, feature articles, and awards. Plus, we've got firsthand memories from one of us who attended a Garden residency show that year.

Join us as we dig deep into Billy Joel in 2015.

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Email us: glasshousespodcast@gmail.com

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Website: http://www.glasshousespod.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/glasshousespodcast/
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Twitter: https://twitter.com/glasshousespod
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Venmo: @MGrosvenor

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EP 093 - Tour Retrospective: From A Piano Man To An Innocent Man Tour 1984

Tue, 29 Aug 2023 12:57:00 -0000

Billy Joel’s An Innocent Man album earned him a new generation of fans upon its release in 1983. But the accompanying tour didn’t kick off until the next calendar year. Dubbed “From A Piano Man to An Innocent Man,” the shows were unlike any other Billy had mounted until this point.

The core band was augmented with backup singers and a horn section. And, with a handful of new hit songs, older concert staples were no longer in the sets.

While some accounts show a rocky start, the band eventually hit its stride. Today, the production is well-documented thanks to a televised show from Wembley Arena in the UK that was broadcast live.

Thanks to our research and contributions from friends of the podcast, we’re bringing you a much more detailed look at the An Innocent Man tour. We’ll look at tour dates, typical setlists, and reviews of the tour that outline its evolution in nearly 70 shows over 6 months.

Join us as we dig deep into Billy Joel’s From A Piano Man to An Innocent Man Tour of 1984.

Live audio courtesy of Eric Fellen.

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Email us: glasshousespodcast@gmail.com

Glass Houses - A Billy Joel Podcast on the web / social media:

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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/glasshousespodcast/
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Twitter: https://twitter.com/glasshousespod
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Produced by Michael Grosvenor & Jack Firneno for Groove Music Marketing

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EP 092 - Album Retrospective: An Innocent Man

Tue, 15 Aug 2023 12:59:00 -0000

With An Innocent Man, Billy Joel took an important step forward by taking a big leap backward. Released August 8, 1983, the ten-song album sold a million copies within two months of its release and four million just a year later. And, it boasts a Number One single with two more hitting the Top Ten.

The album, famously, is an homage to the pre-British Invasion music from Billy’s youth. But as stylized as the tracks are, the song cycle is more than just nostalgia. A close listen reveals a unique mash-up of youthful music paired with much more mature, wiser lyrics.

But analysis aside, it’s easily Billy’s most fun album. And, it’s the one that introduced him to a new set of fans – effectively securing his stardom for the next decade.

For this album episode, we’re doing something a little different: Along with our biographical information and overall critiques, we did a listen-through where we comment on the songs in real time. Listeners can hear exactly what we’re hearing when we make an observation.

Join us, as we dig deep into Billy Joel’s An Innocent Man.

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Email us: glasshousespodcast@gmail.com

Glass Houses - A Billy Joel Podcast on the web / social media:

Website: http://www.glasshousespod.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/glasshousespodcast/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/glasshousespod/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/glasshousespod
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Support the podcast:

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Venmo: @MGrosvenor

Produced by Michael Grosvenor & Jack Firneno for Groove Music Marketing

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EP 091 - Video Retrospective: A Matter Of Trust (1991 Documentary)

Tue, 01 Aug 2023 13:08:00 -0000

In 1987, Billy Joel and his band embarked on an unprecedented tour of the Soviet Union. And, when the original documentary “A Matter of Trust” came out, fans got a behind-the-scenes look at what turned out to be a controversial career move.

At the time, the country was still under Communist rule, shrouded in secrecy, and, to put it mildly, deeply mistrusted by the West. Even many of Billy’s fans opposed the tour, even booing him at concerts when he announced the trip.

But, Billy and his companions were greeted by warm, welcoming people behind the Iron Curtain. And, they were introduced to a rich culture steeped in centuries of tradition that was also evolving with the latest trends and styles found in the United States and Europe.

Those people and interactions turned out to be the focus of the tour and film that documented it. Along with plenty of performance footage, including a well-known onstage catastrophe, the bulk of the footage is Billy and the band meeting families, new friends, and fellow musicians from the other side of the world.

For this episode, we’re reviewing the original documentary from 1987 with a new introduction added in 1991. We’re thinking about how the behind-the-scenes footage informs the performances, and what it’s like watching a meeting of disparate cultures today in 2023.

Join us as we dig deep into “A Matter of Trust.”

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Email us: glasshousespodcast@gmail.com

Glass Houses - A Billy Joel Podcast on the web / social media:

Website: http://www.glasshousespod.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/glasshousespodcast/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/glasshousespod/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/glasshousespod
Discord: https://discord.gg/6G6cMRFu7T

Support the podcast:

Paypal: https://paypal.me/glasshousespod
Venmo: @MGrosvenor

Produced by Michael Grosvenor & Jack Firneno for Groove Music Marketing

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EP 090 - Billy Joel Album Closers Ranked

Tue, 18 Jul 2023 13:07:00 -0000

The first song on an album sets the stage for the record, but what about the closer? Should the last song act as a grand finale, leave you wanting more, or exist somewhere in between?

In this episode, we’re finding out what worked best for Billy Joel. We’re ranking the closing songs on his 12 studio albums, plus the live Songs in the Attic, from our least to most-favorite.

And, this time around, we’re not doing it alone: We’re also including rankings from listeners of the podcast on our discord server.

Join us, as we dig deep into the final grooves on Billy Joel’s records.

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Email us: glasshousespodcast@gmail.com

Glass Houses - A Billy Joel Podcast on the web / social media:

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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/glasshousespodcast/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/glasshousespod/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/glasshousespod
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Support the podcast:

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Produced by Michael Grosvenor & Jack Firneno for Groove Music Marketing

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EP 089 - Playlist #7 - Songs That Inspired ’An Innocent Man’

Tue, 04 Jul 2023 13:01:00 -0000

Summer is upon us and this summer, we are entering the season of celebrating Billy Joel's An Innocent Man. In celebration of the album's 40th anniversary, I (Michael) wanted to kick things off with this playlist episode.

I'm celebrating that songs that inspired An Innocent Man. Some are obvious and some are more subtle but these next songs are classics in American popular music and It was a blast stringing them all together in the same sequence of the album.

The playlist:

1. Wilson Pickett - "Stagger Lee" ("Easy Money")

2. The Drifters - "Under The Boardwalk" ("An Innocent Man")

3. The Tymes - "So In Love" ("The Longest Time")

4a. Beethoven - "Piano Sonata No. 8 in C Minor, Op. 13 - Pathetique ("This Night")

4b. Little Anthony and the Imperials "Tears On My Pillow" ("This Night")

5. The Supremes - "You Can't Hurry Love" ("Tell Her About It")

6. The Four Seasons - "Big Girls Don't Cry" ("Uptown Girl")

7. Sam Cooke - "(What A) Wonderful World" ("Careless Talk")

8. Little Richard - "Lucille" ("Christie Lee")

9. Jackie DeShannon - "What The World Needs Now Is Love" ("Leave A Tender Moment Alone")

10. Betty Wright - "Clean Up Woman" ("Keeping The Faith")

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Email us: glasshousespodcast@gmail.com

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EP 088 - Concert Classics: Frankfurt, Germany - June 18, 1994

Tue, 20 Jun 2023 13:06:00 -0000

Live in Frankfurt is probably the closest BIlly Joel got to being in a Spinal Tap sequel. The show, recorded on June 18, 1994, is just as notable for its mishaps as it is the band’s solid performance.

The show captures the band on the River of Dreams tour, and the full video gives a warts-and-all look at what can go wrong at a concert: We watch as the band struggles through what appears to be stifling heat inside the arena, and navigates the pitfalls of faulty stage mechanics.

Still, the seven-piece ensemble puts on a scorching performance, with plenty of spotlights on the various players and Billy loosening up and getting a little daring by the end of the show.

A truncated version of the concert was released with the My Lives box set in 2005 and as a standalone DVD release titled Live From the River of Dreams in 2007. Since then, the full show has cropped up on YouTube. For this episode, we’re reviewing the entire performance.

Join us, as we dig deep into Billy Joel live in Frankfurt, June 18, 1994.

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EP 087 - Album Retrospective: Billy Joel Greatest Hits Volume III

Tue, 06 Jun 2023 13:02:00 -0000

Greatest Hits Volume III had a lot to live up to. Volumes one and two documented Billy on a hot streak, releasing hit after hit and album after album. Those compilation records, released in one double package, became an iconic, best-selling release all its own.

By contrast, Greatest Hits Volume III came out a few years after what became Billy’s final pop album. He had been mostly out of the spotlight after the River of Dreams tour, so the new compilation had fewer albums to cover and included three cover songs – no new compositions.

Thanks to those new tracks, Greatest Hits Volume III feels like a glimpse into an alternate path Billy could have taken starting in the late 80s. Those songs, plus a remixed “All About Soul,” would be the last glimpse fans would get of new vocal material for nearly a decade.

Nearly 30 years on, this release feels more like a footnote than a major event like its predecessors. Still, there’s plenty to explore over these 76 minutes. Join us as we dig deep into Billy Joel’s Greatest Hits Volume III.

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EP 086 - In Conversation With Billy Joel Archivist John Jackson

Tue, 23 May 2023 13:04:00 -0000

For over five decades, Billy Joel's illustrious career has produced a wealth of media, capturing his journey as one of the 20th century's most celebrated songwriters.

Enter John Jackson, Billy's full-time archivist, tasked with collecting and organizing artifacts that range from photos and newspaper clippings to studio outtakes and raw video footage.

Some items become part of booklets or box sets, or get released as new official concert recordings. But many others help Jackson – who developed a passion for this work as a teenager – to paint a comprehensive, detailed picture of the man and his music.

Join us as we explore the Billy Joel vault with archivist John Jackson.

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EP 085 - Turnstiles Tour 1976-77

Tue, 09 May 2023 13:01:00 -0000

Fans and critics alike took Billy Joel’s live shows in 1976 and 1977 as a sign that Turnstiles was going to be his big break. That wasn’t the case, but it wasn’t for lack of trying.

Starting six weeks before the album’s May 1976 release, the Turnstiles tour was Billy’s most intense schedule to date. It still stacks up against his busiest chart-topping years.

With the Lords of 52nd Street lineup now mostly in place, Billy’s shows quickly blossomed into energetic, barnburning performances. And, over the span of more than 170 shows in 13 months, audiences and even critics took notice.

Today, we can hear how the band came together as a live touring unit through two famous bootlegs and an official release from the beginning and near the end of the tour. Observations in newspaper reviews reveal how the crew and production were coming into their own as well.

The Turnstiles album wasn’t the leap to superstardom that many concert reviewers predicted. That would come by the end of 1977 with the release of The Stranger. But, the hundreds of hours performing and thousands of miles traveled along the way, set the stage for that success.

Join us as we dig deep into the Turnstiles tour of 1976 and 1977.

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Email us: glasshousespodcast@gmail.com

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EP 084 - Video Retrospective: The Video Album Volume II

Tue, 25 Apr 2023 13:12:00 -0000

Billy Joel: The Video Album Volume II is another back and forth across Billy’s discography. The ten selections here vary from promo reels shot in the 1970s, unvarnished black-and-white live footage and barebones soundstage performances in the early 80s, to full-blown stylized and choreographed productions from the peak of the MTV era.

Once again, we’re treated to a revue of how music videos progressed as an art form as MTV changed the way people consumed music and viewed the people who made it.

Billy fans in particular can enjoy up-close-and-personal live footage of songs like “Los Angelenos” and “Everybody Loves You Now,” shot in a small club. And the cuts from Glass Houses also feature the band as they’d perform on stage or in rehearsal.

These vignettes sit alongside the entry for “Uptown Girl,” arguably his most well-known video, along with other highly-dramatized productions for songs like “Allentown” and “The Longest Time.”

Join us as we dig deep into BIlly Joel: The Video Album Volume II.

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EP 083 - Live At The Great American Music Hall - 1975 & Record Store Day (with John Jackson)

Tue, 11 Apr 2023 13:12:00 -0000

In late 2021, a hidden gem in Billy Joel's history was released as part of a nine-record Box Set The Vinyl Collection Volume One. The two-LP Live at The Great American Music Hall was recorded in 1975 over several nights in San Francisco. It captured the band in transition before Billy kicked off recording sessions for Turnstiles.

Now, fans can snag a standalone copy on limited-edition, opaque gray-colored vinyl — if they can find it.

The album will be available as part of Record Store Day on April 22, 2023. Limited to 6,700 copies, it’s for sale only at participating independent stores nationwide. But, not all stores will have it in stock.

In this episode, we'll cover everything about Record Store Day and how to increase your chances of getting a copy without paying more later. Then, we’ll do a track-by-track commentary. Finally, we’ll explore the recording's history and significance with Billy's archivist, John Jackson.

Join us as we dig deep into the Record Store Day release of Billy Joel: Live at The Great American Music Hall - 1975.

Check out our unboxing video of Billy Joel: Live at The Great American Music Hall - 1975 HERE.

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Email us: glasshousespodcast@gmail.com

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EP 082 - Album Retrospective: Turnstiles

Tue, 28 Mar 2023 13:01:00 -0000

Turnstiles is almost an overlooked gem in Billy Joel’s catalog. Released in 1976, the album featured many of the musicians that would go on to define his sound over the next decade of records And, many of the songs became concert classics and fan favorites in the years to come.

At the time, however, it was a commercial flop that was eclipsed by the release of The Stranger in 1977. It wasn’t until nearly half the songs were recast on the live Songs in the Attic album in 1981 that many of these tracks gained more recognition with mainstream audiences.

A listen to Turnstiles now reveals some of BIlly’s most intimate lyrics, memorable melodies, a kaleidoscope of styles, and the energy of a bunch of Long Island musicians hungry for success.

It’s for these reasons that the album itself has become a fan favorite. It’s here that BIlly first fused his knack for melody and singer-songwriter approach with the grit of an East Coast rock band.

His future collaborations with producer Phil Ramone may have helped that mixture find its full potential on subsequent releases. But, there’s still a good amount of charm, spirit, and great songs on this record.

Join us as we dig deep into BIlly Joel’s Turnstiles.

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Email us: glasshousespodcast@gmail.com

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EP 081 - Opening Night Of The Billy Joel & Stevie Nicks Tour

Tue, 14 Mar 2023 13:11:00 -0000

This year, Billy Joel is embarking on his first co-headlining tour since 2009. And, the Glass Houses Podcast was there on opening night.

Billed as “Two Icons, One Night,” the Billy Joel / Stevie Nicks tour kicked off on March 10, 2023 at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. Prior to the show, fans were curious about the show order, setlists, and whether each artist would make a guest appearance during the other’s performance.

In this episode, we’ll answer all those questions, give our thoughts on the show, and more.

Join us as we dig deep into opening night of Billy Joel and Stevie Nicks’ Two Icons, One Stage tour.

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EP 080 - Evolution Of A Song (”Everybody Loves You Now” + ”Say Goodbye To Hollywood”)

Tue, 28 Feb 2023 12:04:00 -0000

Just because a song is pressed to vinyl doesn't mean it's set in cement. Any band playing the same song live for years or even decades is bound to stray from the original arrangement.

Billy Joel is no exception. And, given his dissatisfaction with his earliest records, it's no surprise that some of his oldest songs have seen significant revisions over the years.

In this episode, we're tracking the stylistic shifts for two of Billy's older, fan favorite songs: “Everybody Loves You Now” and “Say Goodbye to Hollywood.” We're comparing the original versions to subsequent live performances from the 70s through the latest Madison Square Garden shows.

These songs had more versions on official releases than perhaps any other in the catalog. They are also on plenty of bootlegs and were played by more iterations of Billy's band than most others.

We knew to expect a few well-known changes to each song over more than 40 years of performances. But, we were surprised to discover just how many shifts, tweaks, and returns to form our close listens revealed.

Join us as we dig deep into the evolutions of two classic Billy Joel songs.

"Everybody Loves You Now" playlist

"Say Goodbye To Hollywood" playlist

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EP 079 - Content Creator Roundtable #1

Tue, 14 Feb 2023 13:54:00 -0000

Here at Glass Houses - A Billy Joel Podcast, we’re not just Billy Joel fans. We’re also fans of other podcasts.

Since setting up shop in early 2020, we’ve connected with other podcasters with shows about music. Some of them have had us on as guests, and now we’re happy to return the favor.

For our second roundtable episode, we’re speaking with three podcasters who are also Billy Joel fans. They’re Stephanie Myers from Stephanie & Stephanie Talk Tunes, Bob Nebel of Tales From the Corners, and Brian Colburn of Playlist Wars, and who recently launched his new podcast, My Weekly Mixtape.

Join us as we dig deep not only into the music and our memories of Billy Joel, but also the craft of podcasting.

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO THE EXTENDED ROUNDTABLE CONVERSATION

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EP 078 - Year In Review: 1989

Tue, 31 Jan 2023 14:04:00 -0000

1989 was a high water mark for Billy Joel’s career. He released another chart-topping album, Storm Front, and its number-one hit “We Didn’t Start the Fire.”

That single also found a home in history classrooms around the United States - a feat fitting for someone who once aspired to be a teacher.

But the events that preceded its fall release foreshadowed the chorus of the title track from Billy’s 11th studio album. Specifically, the line, “There’s a Storm Front coming.”

The year started quietly, with Billy slowly returning to the limelight in broadcast news features, master classes, and guest spots aimed toward children around his daughter’s age.

But before Storm Front’s release, Billy would discover a betrayal that would shake up his inner circle and could potentially leave him bankrupt.

Join us as we dig deep into the high tides and murky waters of Billy Joel in 1989.

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EP 077 - Concert Classics: Rome, Italy - July 31, 2006

Tue, 17 Jan 2023 14:03:00 -0000

Billy’s return to touring in 2006 included a stop at one of the oldest arenas in the world. The concert was captured for posterity with a beautifully-shot, full-length video available for free online.

On July 31, 2006, Billy and the band, minus a key member, played outdoors at the Coliseum in Rome. It was many fans’ first glimpse at the lineup he’d keep for the next 17 years and running, more or less. And, what a place to see him: performing just steps away from the centuries-old landmark.

While Crystal Taliefero wasn’t at this show, longtime members Tommy Byrnes, Mark Rivera, David Rosenthal, and Andy Cichon were there. So were relative newcomers Carl Fischer on horns and Chuck Burgi, who was on his first tour as Billy’s new drummer.

The show is available on YouTube with a soundboard mix that highlights the band almost more than Billy himself. While it’s a great document of the new band starting out, listeners can also key into the harmonies, background parts, and delicate orchestrated parts that make Billy’s music shine.

Join us as we deep into Billy Joel Live in Rome, 2006.

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EP 076 - Behind The Nylon Curtain (with Brad Leigh & Larry Franke)

Tue, 03 Jan 2023 14:08:00 -0000

The Nylon Curtain turned 40 last September, and we can’t help but take one last look at it as we start the new year.

Back in September, we did our album spotlight where we discussed the history and making of the album along with our track-by-track commentary. This time, we’re speaking with two people who helped make the album into the classic we all know today.

Our guests for this episode are Larry Franke and Bradsahw Leigh. Both were engineers at A&R Recording where Billy worked with Phil Ramone to produce his string of hit albums from the late 70s through the mid-80s.

Larry and Brad were involved with many of those records. And, for this episode, they’re taking us through what it was like creating Billy Joel’s most sonically ambitious album.

You’ll hear about the studio tricks they used for sound effects, how they used analog effects well before today’s digital plugins, and how the band and studio crew went about fulfilling Billy’s goal of making an album inspired by the Beatles’ Sergeant Pepper’s.

With track-by-track commentary, stories from the sessions, and deep dives into the recording technology of the day, it’s the closest you can get to being a fly on the wall of the live room and mixing booth back in 1982.

Join us for another look behind The Nylon Curtain.

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EP 075 - 2022 Odds & Ends (with Steve Cohen, Jon Small, & Brad Leigh)

Tue, 20 Dec 2022 14:03:00 -0000

Sometimes the best part of a big meal is the leftovers. There’s nothing like taking a little bit of everything from the night before, heating it up, and settling in for a second round. And, for the second year in a row, just in time for the holidays, that's what we’re doing here at Glass Houses.

This is our second Odds and Ends episode, where we take pieces of conversations from the year that got left on the cutting room floor. We hear so many great stories from the people we interview that we can’t fit them all into each episode.

This year, we’ve got two dishes of second helpings. The first is from our interview with Steve Cohen, Billy’s longtime lighting director, and Jon Small, who’s been involved with Billy since the late 60s. They’ll share stories of how they began working with Billy, including some never-before-heard stories from their youth.

Next is a sneak peek of our upcoming episode about The Nylon Curtain. Here, engineer Bradshaw Leigh talks about reconstructing the album for an ATMOS enhanced audio mix this year. He also gives a few behind-the-scenes stories from his time at A&R Recording with Billy and Phil Ramone. And, you’ll hear his thoughts on the music business back then and what it’s like now.

So throw on your sweatpants, uncork that half-empty bottle of wine, and settle in for a helping of odds and ends from some of our favorite interviews of 2022.

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EP 074 - Remembering Jim Boyer (with Brad Leigh & Larry Franke)

Tue, 06 Dec 2022 14:09:00 -0000

There are more than just musicians behind a great-sounding album. No matter how well they play, or how good the songs are, it doesn’t mean much if the recording doesn’t capture them the right way.

And, when it came to many of Billy Joel’s most iconic albums, the person responsible for shaping much of their sound was Jim.

Billy Joel, along with the Lords of 52nd Street and others put some great performances down on tape working with producer Phil Ramone and his crew. And, a crucial member of that team was Jim Boyer.

As an engineer, Jim was responsible for capturing the performances, which were often played by the full band live in the studio. Then, as mixer, he blended all those elements into the great-sounding records we all know today.

After years in the studio with Billy, Paul Simon, and many others, Jim moved into a different part of the music business when he co-founded Double Helix, a CD pressing plant. Then, he returned to mixing – first by doing sound at live music events, and then back to studio recordings.

Jim passed away on June 15, 2022, at the age of 71. But, along with the legacy he left on countless hit records, his legend lives on through the stories his friends remember and the impact he had on their lives.

For this episode, we spoke with Larry Franke and Bradshaw Leigh, two members of Phil Ramone’s production team that worked on several Billy Joel albums, as well as working with many other artists.

They’ll share their memories of Jim as a friend, his work in the studio, his impact on the music industry, and what it was like recording dozens of records in the 1970s and 80s.

Join us as we dig deep into the life and work of Jim Boyer.

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EP 073 - Glass Houses Playlist #6 - Thundercats (Larry & Anthony’s Song)

Tue, 22 Nov 2022 14:34:00 -0000

Did you know there’s a connection between Billy Joel and one of the most popular cartoons of the 1980s?

We didn’t know either until a few weeks ago.

Recently, Michael and I interviewed Larry Franke, who was second engineer on Songs in the Attic and the Nylon Curtain. During the conversation, Larry mentioned that, after working with Billy and Phil Ramone, he worked on the cartoon Thundercats, which ran in syndication from 1985 to 1989.

During the show’s run, that cartoon was about as big a deal to me as Billy Joel - maybe even more (Hey, I was in elementary school).

And, hearing that Larry was an integral part of one of my favorite childhood shows meant I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to hear more about it.

We’ll hear Larry’s memories of working with Billy in a few weeks. For my playlist episode this year, however, I’m doing something a little different.

Instead of playing songs I worked on or by artists I really enjoy, I spoke with Larry and Anthony Gioveniello, who was on the production staff and occasionally directed episodes, about how they put together 130 episodes over four years.

If you’re around my age and remember rushing home from school every afternoon to catch the latest adventures on Third Earth, you’ll love this intimate look at how a piece of your childhood was made.

And, even if you’re too young, or too old, or just weren’t into the show, you’ll still enjoy the stories, behind-the-scenes information, and the memories of how important the show was for Larry and Anthony - not only for their careers, but also for the fun they had and the close friends they made during the show’s run.

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Venmo: @MGrosvenor

Produced by Michael Grosvenor & Jack Firneno for Groove Music Marketing

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EP 072 - Billy Joel Live At Yankee Stadium (Unboxing + Track By Track Overview)

Tue, 08 Nov 2022 14:27:00 -0000

Filmed over two nights in June 1990, Live at Yankee Stadium was a hit on VHS and on cable TV upon its release later that year. But, it’s been overlooked in the decades after, with only a handful of songs available and a production style that quickly felt dated.

But, that’s all changed with a deluxe release in the fall of 2022. Fans got to see a newly-edited version of the film in theaters, complete with footage of an unreleased song. That new cut is now available on Blu-ray with a 2CD set featuring those tracks plus 11 never-before-heard performances from the historic two night stand. The full, 22-song live album is also out as a 3LP vinyl set.

Over the summer, we spoke with director Jon Small and producer Steve Cohen about the making of the original film and the story behind its reimagining. Now, we’re getting the full picture with the official, updated release.

In this episode, we’ll recount our unboxing of the Blu-ray + 2CD package and vinyl edition. Then, we’ll share our comments and observations on each song in the 22-track set.

Join us as we dig deep into the remixed, remastered, and expanded version of Billy Joel: Live At Yankee Stadium.

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EP 071 - Michael & Jack Meet + Conversation with Russell Javors & Dan Orlando

Tue, 25 Oct 2022 13:02:00 -0000

This episode is all about meeting new people in the Billy Joel world.

First, we're telling the story of when we, your hosts, finally met after recording virtually for nearly three years. We've hinted at it online and some listeners asked about it. So, we thought we'd tell the story here along with our memories of seeing the new Live At Yankee Stadium sneak preview in Sag Harbor this summer

Then, we're speaking with Dan Orlando and Russell Javors. Dan is currently the piano player and singer for the Lords of 52nd Street. After a few gigs at the end of 2019, he’s played regularly with the band since venues began re-opening in 2021.

Join us for two stories about newcomers, new connections, and new experiences.

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EP 070 - Concert Classics: Roxy Theatre - Northampton, PA - November 28, 1973

Tue, 11 Oct 2022 13:26:00 -0000

There are make-or-break moments in every successful musician’s career. Sometimes they’re huge, cataclysmic events. Other times, they’re subtle nods that point a performer in the right direction.

For Billy Joel, a pair of shows in November of 1973 was the latter. And, we have the tapes to prove it. Piano Man had just been released, and Billy was grinding out dates opening for the Beach Boys and the Doobie Brothers.

Being an opening act wasn’t suiting Billy, so he took up a local DJ on his offer to play a show at the Roxy Theatre in Northampton Pennsylvania, a few miles north of Allentown.

By all known accounts, it would be his first time headlining a theater. And, put into the context of his career up to that point, it’s safe to say that this engagement informed his business strategy, as well as some of his song material, afterward.

The DJ, Denny Somach, recorded the shows and rediscovered the tapes a few years ago. He made four of the songs available on YouTube, including one that was never released on an album.

As intriguing as these early renditions are, the big draw here is Billy’s off the cuff comments that reveal much about his career and outlook up to this point.

In this episode, we’re exploring both the songs and the conversation on the Roxy tapes. We also spoke with Denny Somach to learn more about the events leading up to the shows.

Join us, as we dig deep into the audio artifacts of Billy Joel’s first headlining theater engagement.

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EP 069 - Billy Joel In Pop Culture (Part 1)

Tue, 27 Sep 2022 13:09:00 -0000

For someone who hasn’t released an album in nearly 30 years, Billy Joel is all over the TV. His music, his touring band, and his likeness get featured regularly on sitcoms, primetime dramas, prestige shows, and cartoons made for, for lack of a better word, mature audiences.

These pop culture references have helped keep Billy in the public eye for the last few decades. They also reveal a lot about how the public’s perception of him has evolved over that time.

And, a lot of them are just pretty damn funny.

Join us as we dive deep into just a handful of Billy Joel references in pop culture.

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EP 068 - Album Retrospective: The Nylon Curtain

Tue, 13 Sep 2022 13:01:00 -0000

The Nylon Curtain wasn’t nearly as popular as Billy Joel’s albums just before and after this release. But, it still spawned a handful of hits, classics, and perennial fan favorites and concert staples. And today, it’s regarded by fans and critics as Billy’s most accomplished artistic statement.

Released in 1982, The Nylon Curtain came just after the string of smash hit albums from The Stranger in 1977 through Glass Houses in 1980, and the live Songs In the Attic that rewrote his early work.

And, it was released less than a year before An Innocent Man would race up the charts and capture a new generation of fans.

In contrast to the harder-edged rock of Glass Houses and the bouncy fun of An Innocent Man, The Nylon Curtain is a thoughtful, occasionally dark, and sonically adventurous affair.

It’s often lauded as his most Beatlesque album. And, it’s certainly one of Billy’s most thoughtful releases as he tackles war, aging, and social dilemmas throughout its nine songs.

Join us as we take a long look behind The Nylon Curtain.

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EP 067 - Year In Review: 1978

Tue, 30 Aug 2022 13:17:00 -0000

Even when looking at five decades of songwriting, album releases and concerts, 1978 stands as arguably the busiest, most successful, and most defining year of Billy Joel’s career.

The year began with the smash hit album The Stranger still racing up the charts after its release the previous fall.

12 months later, Billy would wrap up 1978 with a string of hit songs, gold and platinum albums and singles, dozens of reviews, interviews and media appearances and tour dates around the world.

And, of course, he would also release 52nd Street, an album that rivals even The Stranger in terms of album sales, hit songs, fan reception, and accolades.

There’s a lot to cover in the year that laid the foundation for the next two decades of Billy Joel’s music.

Join us as we dig deep into Billy Joel in 1978.

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EP 066 - Billy Joel Live At Yankee Stadium (with Steve Cohen & Jon Small)

Tue, 16 Aug 2022 13:08:00 -0000

This fall, an often-overlooked live Billy Joel release is getting a second lease on life.

The 1990 video release Live At Yankee Stadium is getting a makeover with remixed and remastered sound, an extra song, and a brand new edit. And, after a limited run in theaters, it’ll be available on Blu-ray along with a 2-CD or 3-LP release featuring 11 never before released performances.

While the Yankee Stadium home video was a hit after its release, it’s been largely overlooked in the decades after that. It came on the heels of the definitive Live From Long Island in 1982 and the historically seismic Russia shows in 1987.

Those live releases featured mostly members of Billy’s longtime core band. Later, 2006’s 12 Gardens Live and Live At Shea Stadium, released in 2011, spotlighted a lineup that’s gone largely unchanged since then.

By contrast, Live at Yankee Stadium features a transitional lineup. And, it didn’t help that the fast cuts and frenetic camera angles locked it squarely as an early-90s MTV relic.

But that’s changing with this new release. The longer cuts and enhanced sound give the entire production a more organic and immersive feel. And, the accompanying audio discs reveal even more of Billy’s two-night stand.

To learn more about the new release, we spoke with Steve Cohen, Billy’s longtime lighting director and producer of the re-released film. And with director and original producer Jon Small, who’s worked with Billy since the late 60s and has either directed or collaborated on virtually every Billy Joel concert film or music video.

They gave us an amazing behind-the-scenes look at the making of the original film, the inspiration for its reimagining, and the process of bringing it back to life.

Join us as we dig deep into the original Live At Yankee Stadium and the story behind its new look and sound.

www.billyjoel.film

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EP 065 - Concert Classics: Live in London, 1984

Tue, 02 Aug 2022 13:22:00 -0000

By 1984, Billy Joel was known for changing styles from album to album. What’s less recognized was how often he changed voices. And, one night that year in England, those voices were all on display.

Close listening to any Billy Joel record reveals a variety of tones, accents, and affectations in the singing. Add to that the many impressions he’s done over the years in interviews and concerts.

Many of them were on display, and front and center, when BIlly and the band took the stage at Wembley Arena in June of 1984. Deep into the An Innocent Man tour, the concert was simulcast on radio and television in Europe.

As a result of it being broadcast, the mix is often more dry and a little muted with the singing more prominent than usual. At the same time, Billy seemed to be leaning into the many different vocal affectations more often than usual.

The concert itself is a great performance, with the band augmented by a horn section and a guest star and a baby on the way. But in particular, it’s an excellent showcase for Billy’s so-called rubber voice.

Join us, as we dig deep into Billy Joel at Wembley Arena in 1984.

Date: June 8, 1984
City/Country: London, England
Venue: Wembley Arena

The band:

Billy Joel - Vocals, Piano, Keyboards, Guitar
Liberty DeVitto - Drums
Doug Stegmeyer - Bass, Vocals
David Brown - Lead Guitar
Russell Javors - Rhythm Guitar, Vocals
Mark Rivera - Saxophone, Percussion, Vocals
David Lebolt - Keyboards
Peter Hewlett - Vocals
Frank Simms - Vocals

The Affordables

Larry Etkin, Glen Stulpin, Bob Livingood - Horns

The Setlist:

Prelude / Angry Young Man
My Life
Piano Man
Don't Ask Me Why
Allentown
Goodnight Saigon
Pressure
Leave A Tender Moment Alone
An Innocent Man
The Longest Time
This Night
Just The Way You Are
Scenes From An Italian Restaurant
Sometimes A Fantasy
It's Still Rock And Roll To Me
Uptown Girl
Big Shot
Tell Her About It
You May Be Right
Only The Good Die Young

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EP 064 - Billy Joel 1980-1984 TV Appearances (Part 2)

Tue, 19 Jul 2022 13:26:00 -0000

This is the second installment of our two-part series covering Billy Joel’s television appearances from 1980 through 1984. While the bulk of the spots we’ve covered so far found him promoting The Nylon Curtain, the latter batch has him on the promotional trail for the An Innocent Man album and addressing his tabloid notoriety with then-girlfriend, soon-to-be wife Christie Brinkley.

Join us as we continue digging deep into Billy Joel's television appearances from 1980 to 1984.

Watch the videos HERE.

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EP 063 - Billy Joel Back Covers Ranked

Tue, 05 Jul 2022 13:12:00 -0000

If people used to buy albums for the front cover, then they got to know the music at home while checking out the back.

The flip side of a record jacket should complement the album and front artwork while giving listeners more to explore as they listened at home.

Billy’s albums are no exception. While there’s plenty of variety on his front covers, the back covers are surprisingly uniform.

Still, there’s plenty of insight into the state of BIlly’s career, and plenty to discuss about the artwork, when it comes to his back covers.

In this episode, we’re ranking 15 of Billy’s back covers. We’re discussing the designs, how they represented the music inside the sleeve, and which ones we just preferred the most.

Join us, as we go skin deep in our rankings of Billy Joel’s back cover artwork.

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EP 062 - Billy Joel 1980-1984 TV Appearances (Part 1)

Tue, 21 Jun 2022 13:06:00 -0000

By 1980. Billy Joel was ready for prime time. Starting with a feature on 20/20 during the lead up to Glass Houses, he graduated from just playing a song or two on a talk show to getting regular MTV spotlights, being the subject of news features, and appearing on morning shows for a week at a time.

As Billy's popularity reached its peak, he also honed his interview style. Over multiple appearances, he develops his stories, talking points and jokes, and refines them over time.

The second half of the 80s would find him coasting on the new media personality he developed, even as his band, personal, and business relationships got rocky. But at the start of the decade, Billy was riding high on the small screen.

Join us as we dig deep into Billy Joel's television appearances from 1980 to 1984.

Watch the videos HERE.

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EP 061 - Glass Houses Playlist #5 - The Nylon Curtain Live Through The Years

Tue, 07 Jun 2022 13:13:00 -0000

When Billy Joel's The Nylon Curtain was released into the world in the fall of 1982, it was considered one of his most ambitious albums to date.

Despite the rich layer and textures of the album's sonic landscape, many of the songs translated to a live setting with apparent ease. The Nylon Curtain saw our first glimpse of many of these songs on stage. While the singles "Allentown," "Pressure," and "Goodnight Saigon" quickly became staples, the remaining 6 would become the elusive deep cut that would be a treat on the rare occasions they'd make their way to a setlist.

For this playlist episode, Michael is presenting The Nylon Curtain Live Through The Years... in album sequence, hear the entire album spanning nearly 40 years of live performances.

Track listing:

Allentown (Live From Long Island - December 29, 1982 - Uniondale, NY - Nassau Coliseum)
Laura (12 Gardens Live - Spring 2006 - New York, NY - Madison Square Garden)
Pressure (Live At Yankee Stadium - June 1990 - Bronx, NY - Yankee Stadium)
Goodnight Saigon (Концерт - Live in the U.S.S.R - Summer 1987)
She's Right On Time (December 20, 2021 - New York, NY - Madison Square Garden)
A Room of Our Own (12 Gardens Live - Spring 2006 - New York, NY - Madison Square Garden)
Surprises (March 21, 2014 - New York, NY - Madison Square Garden)
Scandinavian Skies (Live From Long Island - December 29, 1982 - Uniondale, NY - Nassau Coliseum)
Where's The Orchestra? (MTV Night School - Fall 1982)

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EP 060 - MTV Night School 1982

Tue, 24 May 2022 13:09:00 -0000

Years before Billy Joel started doing master classes, and long before MTV stopped showing music videos, there was Night School.

Broadcast in late 1982, Night School was a half-hour show on MTV where Billy fielded questions from an audience of young fans. Fresh off the success of The Nylon Curtain, he tells stories, gives some behind-the-scenes glimpses of the music industry and, of course, plays piano.

The program turned out to be a one-off event. There was never a second episode or another version with a different host or musician. At the time, MTV was a new and untested concept, and Night School is a relic of when the channel was at its most daring and experimental.

The show is a diamond in the rough for Billy Joel fans. It’s currently only available on YouTube and it doesn’t get much mention in fan forums, biographies, or any official publications.

But, it features Billy in a great mood, cracking jokes and telling stories he’d refine and rehash for later interviews. It’s a rare, candid insight to the artist, in between the release of his most artistically ambitious album and just before the lighter, more pop-oriented An Innocent Man would launch him into the next level of superstardom with a new generation of fans.

Join us as we dig deep into Billy Joel’s MTV Night School from 1982.

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EP 059 - Video Retrospective: The Video Album Volume I

Tue, 10 May 2022 13:33:00 -0000

Billy Joel may not be the first artist that comes to mind when you think of MTV. But, he was making music videos before the landmark cable channel got its start in 1981.

A close look at those videos reveals the progression of the medium as it became more popular, more stylized, and more important as the decade went on.

A handful of those videos were released on home video in 1986 as Billy Joel: The Video Album Volume 1 and 2.

The first volume features 10 videos covering songs from 1973’s Piano Man through The Bridge album in 1986.

And, they run the gamut from pre-MTV promotional videos and bare-bones performances of hit songs, to surreal and conceptual visual re-imaginings of Billy’s songs.

There’s a lot to unpack as different directors put their stamp on various eras of Billy’s music. We get behind-the-scenes glimpses of the musicians and close readings of their performances. And, different angles on classic songs.

Join us, as we dig deep into Billy Joel: The Video Album Volume I.

Watch the music videos featured on The Video Album Volume I.

Music Videos:

Piano Man
All For Leyna
Tell Her About It
Honesty
Sometimes a Fantasy
The Night Is Still Young
Pressure
Stiletto / My Life
Keeping The Faith
A Matter of Trust

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EP 058 - Year In Review: 1969

Tue, 26 Apr 2022 13:24:00 -0000

1969 should have been the year Billy Joel broke through. Today, we know it would be another few years before his solo career began, and a few more after that until things really took off.

Instead, the end of the decade saw his longtime band put out a second album that went nowhere. Then, the duo he formed after barely got off the ground.

It must have felt like an anticlimactic end to a decade that saw Billy’s career gaining momentum over the previous five years. Especially without the knowledge of what was ahead.

Now, in hindsight, 1969 holds few clues to Billy’s work in the decades to come. Apart from a few interesting press clips and a couple notable encounters, there’s not much on the record.

We may get more information on this part of Billy Joel’s history in the form of a new biopic that’s now in pre-production. But for now, 1969 feels like a footnote at the beginning of the big story we all know today.

Join us, as we dig into Billy Joel in 1969, and the news of a movie that may explore that period even further.

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EP 057 - Concert Classics: Kirin Dry Gigs ’88 - Tokyo, Japan

Tue, 12 Apr 2022 13:13:00 -0000

With the appearance of the Kirin Dry Gigs from 1988 appearing on YouTube earlier this year, a long-lost footnote in Billy Joel history has finally resurfaced.

This one-off gig in Japan finds Billy performing with just one member of his longtime touring band. They’re joined by players who performed on other tours in the 80s, musicians who would go on to tour with Billy in support of Storm Front, and a few guests who would only share the stage this one time.

That combination of musicians makes BIlly’s only major concert appearance from this year a unique and intriguing listen. The arrangements stay close to the Bridge tour and Russia shows, but streamline in places and stray in others.

And, the discerning ear may even notice a mistake or two from the temporary ensemble.

Join us, as we dig deep into BIlly’s show at the Tokyo Domein Japan on July 24, 1988.

Date: July 14, 1988
City/Country: Tokyo, Japan
Venue: Tokyo Dome
Event/Festival: Kirin Dry Gigs '88

The band:

Billy Joel - Vocals, Piano, Keyboards, Guitar
Liberty DeVitto - Drums
David Lebolt - Keyboards
Schuyler Deale - Bass
Peter Hewlett - Rhythm Guitar, Vocals
John McCurry - Lead Guitar
Eric Bazilian - Saxophone

The Setlist:

A Matter of Trust
Pressure
Miami 2017 (Seen The Lights Go Out On Broadway)
Honesty
The Stranger
An Innocent Man
Big Man On Mulberry Street
Only The Good Die Young
It's Still Rock And Roll To Me
You May Be Right
Big Shot
My Life
Keeping The Fatih
Back In The U.S.S.R.
I Saw Her Standing There

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EP 056 - Reimagining The Nylon Curtain with Johnny Lied

Tue, 29 Mar 2022 13:17:00 -0000

The Covid-19 pandemic and quarantines of 2020 caused disruptions in the music industry that we’re still feeling a few years later. But while we’re fortunate that the lack of live music will fade into memory, the releases of quarantine albums may very well add up to an interesting reflection of these unprecedented times.

With no opportunities to tour and limits on how and when musicians could gather to write and record songs, many artists created and recorded music in isolation. Or collaborated remotely to produce new music.

One of those projects was Johnny Lied, a collaboration between two longtime friends. Jon Herchert, a veteran Minnesota musician and accomplished producer John Fields used their time in 2020 to reimagine classic albums.

Their second effort was a full rearrangement and recording of Billy Joel’s The Nylon Curtain. The song-by-song remake stripped down Billy’s most meticulously-orchestrated album and built it back with entirely new instrumentation and perspective.

The duo released a song a week with accompanying videos on YouTube. As the last track hit the internet, we sat down with Herchert and Fields to learn about why they chose this album, how they recorded separately from each other, and how they see the album as relevant to the world today.

Along the way, we also talked about the state of the music industry today and got a glimpse of the Midwest rock scene.

Join us as we dig deep into a unique reimagining of The Nylon Curtain.

Listen to / watch Johnny Lied's unique take on The Nylon Curtain.

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Produced by Michael Grosvenor & Jack Firneno for Groove Music Marketing

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EP 055 - 2008 Tour, Walmart Vinyl, Billy Joel & Metallica Vegas Weekend

Tue, 15 Mar 2022 13:17:00 -0000

2022 is turning out to be a big year for Billy Joel. Just by the end of February, fans enjoyed a unique weekend of music in a city where Billy doesn’t often play. And, new vinyl releases expanding on last year’s box set, include an album few fans have ever owned on vinyl before.

We’re covering these events in this episode while also looking at a much quieter, often overlooked point in Billy’s career: his 2008 tour of Australia, New Zealand, and Japan.

By the end of the new century’s first decade. Billy’s career appeared to be winding down. It’d been seven years since his last release of new music, and 15 since his last pop album. And, his touring schedule was dwindling with fewer dates each year.

Billy would hit the road again with Elton John in 2009. For this year, however, fans would only get a handful of television appearances and a run of tour dates on the other side of the world from his home on Long Island.

He’d still be years away from the Garden residency that fueled a renewed interest in his live performances and a critical reassessment of his place in pop culture history. For those keeping score 14 years ago, it may have looked like his number was up.

But, as we’ve seen just by the news this year, Billy still had a lot to offer.

Join us, as we recap the last few weeks of Billy Joel news, and dig deep into his 2008 tour.

Michael's Billy Joel Walmart Vinyl Unboxing Video

Michael's guest appearance on Metal Up Your Podcast

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EP 054 - Album Retrospective: Piano Man

Tue, 01 Mar 2022 14:33:00 -0000

Billy Joel’s second solo album included his most iconic song. And the one that provided his breakthrough success and pointed the way for his post-West Coast work. But surrounding the title track and "Captain Jack" are the sounds of a songwriter still finding his way. Fortunately for us, that path is still pretty exciting.

Released in 1973, Piano Man lays much of the blueprint for the hits to come. We hear great melodies, virtuosic piano playing, and a variety of styles. There’s also that flair for theatrical drama that earned him just as many comparisons to Great American Songbook-style writing as it did to rock and roll.

But, there are also country and gospel elements that Joel would soon abandon. And, the lyrical and songwriting skills that would provide him with dozens of hit records later were still developing here.

In fact, as we’ll learn, it was once slated to be his last album for a major label instead of the start of his ascent to global superstardom.

Despite all this, Piano Man is a record filled with big hits, classic songs, and fan favorites. And, it was an important step toward the turns Billy’s career would take in just a few short years.

Join us as we dig deep into Billy Joel’s major-label solo debut, Piano Man.

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EP 053 - Year In Review: 1997

Tue, 15 Feb 2022 14:23:00 -0000

For Billy Joel, or at least his record label, 1997 seems to be a year of acknowledgement. It had been four years since his last album, and since then Billy had been telling anyone who’d listen that he was finished writing pop songs.

Now, it seemed like Columbia Records was ready to accept that – on their terms, of course.

1997 saw the release of Billy Joel: Greatest Hits Volume III and a companion VHS and DVD release of his music videos from the same era. Then came a box-set-style release of all three Greatest Hits editions.

Meanwhile, Billy hit the press circuit to promote Volume III and the cover songs he recorded for it. Along the way, we get hints and clues to projects he’d develop early the next decade. And, in lieu of touring, fans got his VH1 “Behind The Music” and Storytellers episodes.

All this pointed the way for how Billy would handle the next phase of his career. And how his record label would make the most of its assets.

Join us as we dive deep into Billy Joel in 1997.

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EP 052 - In Conversation with Billy Joel Art Director Edward O’Dowd

Tue, 01 Feb 2022 14:34:00 -0000

If you’ve gone to one of Billy Joel’s Madison Square Garden residency shows, saw one of his concerts near your hometown, or picked up any of his reissues or box sets over the past decade plus, then you’re familiar with the work of Edward O’Dowd.

Since 2008, the graphic designer and art director has created the iconic logos Billy uses for tour dates, show announcements, and album covers. He’s responsible for the “live” logo where photos of Billy are in the letters of his name as well as tour books and the Billy Joel at Madison Square Garden logo.

On record, he was instrumental in creating the Bridge to Russia cover and design as well as the Stranger and Piano Man box set concepts and designs. Most recently, he designed the booklet that accompanies the Vinyl Collection Volume One and carefully recreated each album’s original artwork and liner notes.

For this episode, we spoke with Edward O’Dowd about how he came to work with Billy. And the stories behind both creating new imagery for Joel’s work and recreating the classics.

O’Dowd tells us about the craft behind his work, the inspiration for the designs, and the state of the music industry in general. The conversation also celebrates the life of the late Jeff Schock, an important figure in Billy’s camp and with whom O’Dowd was close on both personal and professional levels.

Join us, as we dive deep into the man behind Billy Joel’s newest t-shirts, album covers, tour books, and more.

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EP 051 - Billy Joel Album Covers Ranked

Tue, 18 Jan 2022 14:13:00 -0000

Whoever said, “You can’t judge a book by its cover” never had to design the front of a rock and roll album. Before the internet put all the music in the world at everyone’s fingertips, that front cover first served as a siren call to anyone browsing in a record store.

Then, when you sat down and listened to the songs while checking out the artwork and liner notes, that image had to complement and enhance what you were hearing.

The best album covers worked hand-in-hand with the music to bring each fan a full, exuberant, multi-sensory experience. The worst, well, the songs better be great.

Billy Joel was no exception to this rule. And, like the songs underneath them, each album cover was distinctly different from the ones before and after it.

For this episode, we’re diving only skin-deep into 15 of Billy’s albums. This time around, the subject is only their covers: Which ones were great, which ones were so-so, and which were flops.

Join us as we rank the artwork of Billy Joel’s most significant records.

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EP 050 - Havana Jam ’79 (with documentarian Ernesto Juan)

Tue, 04 Jan 2022 14:36:00 -0000

Spread over three days in Cuba, the Havana Jam ‘79 featured Columbia recording artists alongside native musicians and bands. It was a monumental, historic event that hardly anyone knows about anymore.

But Ernesto Juan knows the story. And, he’s been trying to tell it for the past decade.

The Cuban-born journalist, documentarian and translator became engrossed with the festival around the time of its 30th anniversary in 2009. Since then, he’s been collecting interviews and footage with plans to release a feature-length film about the event.

He's also spoken at length with one of the concert’s biggest names: Billy Joel. And, Ernesto has near-exclusive audio recordings of the performance that hardly anyone knew existed.

Right before Billy and the band took the stage, Elizabeth Joel, Billy’s wife and manager at the time, ordered Columbia Records personnel to turn off all audio and visual recording. But, two bootleg copies exist, and both found their way to Ernesto.

Since then, he’s been flying all over the world gathering more first hand accounts and documents from an unprecedented three days of performances by American recording artists in Communist Cuba.

But the story goes well beyond the concert. In our own interview, Ernesto also talks about how Western music was villainized by Fidel Castro and his followers, but sought out by many others. He gives his perspective and memories of his homeland along with long-forgotten lore about the Havana Jam and striking up a friendship with Billy Joel.

In this special episode of Glass Houses - A Billy Joel Podcast, Ernesto Juan joins us as we dig deep into Havana Jam ‘79, and what life was like decades ago in Cuba.

Havana Jam Links:

ZuDhan Productions Website

Contact: zudhanproductions@yahoo.com

Havana Jam '79 on Facebook

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Email us: glasshousespodcast@gmail.com

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Produced by Michael Grosvenor & Jack Firneno for Groove Music Marketing

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EP 049 - 2021 Odds & Ends (with Liberty DeVitto & Jesse Javors)

Tue, 21 Dec 2021 14:33:00 -0000

Sometimes the best part about the holidays are the leftovers. Picking at the feast you just enjoyed the day before can taste better than when it was just cooked.

And, as the 2021 holiday season wraps up, we’re bringing you a second helping of Glass Houses - A Billy Joel Podcast.

It’s been an amazing year for us, and with all the great topics and interviews we touched on, not everything made it into the episodes you’ve heard so far.

So, we’re bringing you interview excerpts, extraneous conversations, and a few extra emails from listeners that didn’t make it onto the show.

There’s plenty of gravy to go around, so sit back and unbutton your pants as we throw some turkey legs and mashed potatoes in the microwave with our first-ever, end-of-the-year, odds-and-ends episode.

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Email us: glasshousespodcast@gmail.com

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EP 048 - Glass Houses Playlist #4

Tue, 07 Dec 2021 14:24:00 -0000

Once again, we’re taking a break from Billy — mostly, anyway — during those weird weeks between Thanksgiving and the winter holidays to bring you some different music.

Jack’s at the board with a playlist that’s split into three categories.

First up is “I’ve Loved These Days.” It’s a somewhat tongue-in-cheek way of looking at artists who spent 2020 writing new music that got released in 2021.

Next is “My Life.”which is a collection of songs featuring Jack on drums.

Finally, Jack spotlights great new music from today’s artists in “Keepin’ the Faith.” Because the good ole days weren’t always good, and tomorrow ain’t as bad as it seems.

I’ve Loved These Days

Interview: Mariel Beamount

“Dune” by Church Girls

“Look Out Desdemona” by Joe Pug

“All My Love” by Carsie Blanton

“I Can’t Wait To Break Your Heart,” by Carsie Blanton

“Working All the Time” by Xenia Rubinos

My Life

“Faded Flowers (alternate version)” by The Yarrows

Listen to the official version here.

“Loaded” by Dime Street Joker

“I Will” by Cicada Jade

“Maybe You Forgot” by Chris Trainor

Keeping the Faith

“The Other Day” by Bees!

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Email us: glasshousespodcast@gmail.com

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Support the podcast:

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Produced by Michael Grosvenor & Jack Firneno for Groove Music Marketing

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EP 047 - Russell Javors Part 2 (in conversation with Russell Javors)

Tue, 23 Nov 2021 14:17:00 -0000

Welcome back to our two-part series on Russell Javors. As the rhythm guitarist for Billy Joel, Russell was a fixture in Billy’s band on record and on stage for much of their storied run from 1976’s Turnstiles through 1986’s The Bridge.

His playing was always understated and in service to the song, but at the same time an integral part of each track. And, he’s a celebrated songwriter in his own right, contributing to artists including Karen Carpenter and Phoebe Snow.

In our last episode, we spoke to Russell’s longtime bandmates Richie Cannata and Liberty DeVitto. We also heard from his son, Jesse Javors. For our conclusion, we’re talking to the man himself, Russell Javors.

We’ll hear about his teen years coming up with Liberty and Doug Stegemeyer, taking the stage with Billy, moving into a new career after the music business and much more.

Along the way, Russell reveals insights about his contributions to classic records and memories from the road. And, he adds his trademark wit to every story.

Join us as we speak with legendary rhythm guitarist Russell Javors.

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Email us: glasshousespodcast@gmail.com

Glass Houses - A Billy Joel Podcast on the web / social media:

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EP 046 - Vinyl Box Set, Return to The Garden, Billy & Metallica in Vegas ...and more!

Tue, 09 Nov 2021 14:33:00 -0000

Billy Joel released his first solo album, Cold Spring Harbor, in November 1971. Almost 50 years to the day, his fans are celebrating a string of exciting new announcements.

In our most timely episode yet, we’ll cover the latest developments in the Billy Joel world.

On Friday, November 5, Billy brought his record-breaking residency back to Madison Square Garden after a nearly two-year hiatus due to the pandemic.

Also on November 5, Billy released the Vinyl Collection, Vol. 1. It’s a boxed set containing new masters of his first six studio albums, Songs in the Attic, and an unreleased concert from 1975.

In the lead up to the box set, Billy also released a new animated video for Scenes From An Italian Restaurant.

And, in an announcement that seemed tailor-made for our co host Michael, we learned that Billy and Metallica will soon play at the same venue on the same weekend in Las Vegas.

It’s a lot at once, and we’re here to share in the excitement. Join us, as we dig deep, into the latest and greatest Billy Joel news.

Check out our video unboxing of Billy Joel - The Vinyl Collection, Vol. 1 here: https://youtu.be/5oeIBm0kajo

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EP 045 - In Conversation with Mike Delguidice

Tue, 26 Oct 2021 13:17:00 -0000

Billy Joel’s monthly residency at Madison Square Garden resumes on November 5th after nearly a year and a half off due to the pandemic. In the leadup to the show, we sat down with guitarist Mike DelGuidice to talk about what he’s been up to during that time.

Even with the Garden shows and annual summer tour off the calendar, Mike made the most of the shutdowns. He formed a new band, retooled his solo act, and is now gearing up to release an album of his own music.

We’ll hear about how Mike used the time off from Billy’s band to re-center his career. And how he returned to the big stage by filling in on a role that has a deep connection to his roots in Billy’s music.

Join us as we dig deep into 2020 and the first half of 2021 with Mike DelGuidice.

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Email us: glasshousespodcast@gmail.com

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EP 044 - Russell Javors Part 1 (with special guests)

Tue, 12 Oct 2021 13:37:00 -0000

Probably the last thing you think of when it comes to Billy Joel’s music is reggae but that influence is there. And if it’s subtle, it’s because it comes from arguably the most understated member of the classic Lords of 52nd Street, Russell Javors.

In a band where the spotlight is squarely on the piano, Russell’s rhythm guitar playing was tight, economical, and often in the background.

But it was always in the right place at the right time. To paraphrase drummer Liberty DeVitto, “You don’t always notice what Russell is playing, but you’ll notice when it’s not there.”

Russell played on many of Billy’s biggest hits and logged hundreds of shows over more than a decade touring with the band. Before that, he was part of Topper, the group that would become the longtime backing band for Billy.

And, he was always writing his own songs in the background. A few of which were released by different artists. His music, both with Billy and on his own, has shades of classic 70s singer/songwriters while also portraying his love of The Beatles, rockabilly, and reggae among other influences.

After departing the Billy Joel band before the Storm Front album, Russell made a radical, while ultimately fulfilling career change. And today, he’s back on tour with the Lords of 52nd Street. Celebrating the music he and his friends help make into modern classics.

For this episode, we spoke with Liberty DeVitto, Richie Cannata, and Russell’s son, Jesse Javors.

Join us for Part 1 of a very special two-part series on Russell Javors where we talk with some of the people who know him best.

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Glass Houses - A Billy Joel Podcast on the web / social media:

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EP 043 - Concert Classics: Thunder Road - Live in Miami, 1977

Tue, 28 Sep 2021 13:34:00 -0000

The fact that a Billy Joel bootleg is named after a Bruce Springsteen song should clue in the listener that this show’s a little different from what you may expect.

Recorded at Maurice Gusman Concert Hall in Miami, FL on October 31, 1977, Thunder Road isn’t a radical change from the Billy we know. But, there’s a big focus on a part of live act that never quite made it onto official records.

It’s his skill at impersonating other musicians -- both their playing and their personalities -- that shine at this show.

This recording also captures a curious moment in Billy’s career. It’s at the beginning of the Stranger tour, just before the record broke wide open and made Billy a household name.

The show is more streamlined than recordings from a few years prior, but not quite as realized as his performances would be in just a few more months. It also features a temporary lineup with a short-lived guitar player.

Join us as we dive deep into a show from Billy Joel on the eve of superstardom.

Date: October 31, 1977
City/State: Miami, FL
Venue: Maurice Gusman Concert Hall

The band:

Billy Joel - Vocals, Piano, Keyboards
Liberty DeVitto - Drums
Doug Stegmeyer - Bass, Vocals
Richie Cannata - Saxophone, Flute, Keyboards, Accordion, Vocals
Frank Vento - Guitar

The Setlist:

The Stranger
Somewhere Along The Line
Summer, Highland Falls
Piano Man
Thunder Road
Scenes From An Italian Restaurant
Travelin' Prayer
Let 'Em In
Movin' Out (Anthony's Song)
Still Crazy After All These Years
Just The Way You Are
Prelude / Angry Young Man
New York State Of Mind
The Entertainer
Vienna
Root Beer Rag
You Are So Beautiful
She's Always A Woman
I've Loved These Days
Miami 2017 (Seen The Lights Go Out On Broadway
The Ballad Of Billy The Kid
Captain Jack
Say Goodbye To Hollywood
Only The Good Die Young
Get It Right The First Time
Weekend Song

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Website: http://www.glasshousespod.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/glasshousespodcast/
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Support the podcast:

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Venmo: @MGrosvenor

Produced by Michael Grosvenor & Jack Firneno for Groove Music Marketing

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EP 042 - Album Retrospective: The Bridge

Tue, 14 Sep 2021 13:18:00 -0000

Almost a decade after the breakout hit album The Stranger, the Billy Joel machine was showing some signs of wear. That strain was evident on his 1986 album The Bridge.

After a string of multi-platinum, chart-topping, and award-winning records, Billy was worn out and wanted to be home with his family instead of back in the studio.

Meanwhile, relationships were strained between his long-time band mem bers after years and years in and out of tour busses and recording studios.

All this was weighing on Billy and the band as they headed back into the studio to record their followup to An Innocent Man. That album felt light and breezy, and was stacked with bright and bouncy pop hits. By contrast, The Bridge would sound more labored and strained, and would explore more turbulent themes.

But, even one of Billy’s least-regarded albums still contains flashes of brilliance that are worth seeking out. On one hand, the record sounds dated and locked in the 80s. But on the other, it’s like a time capsule to the pop music of that decade.

The album is also dotted with guests that personify the era in which it was recorded while also tracing the roots of Joel’s career and musical influences.

Join us as we dive deep in Billy Joel’s 1986 album The Bridge.

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Email us: glasshousespodcast@gmail.com

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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/glasshousespodcast/
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Produced by Michael Grosvenor & Jack Firneno for Groove Music Marketing

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EP 041 - In Conversation with Richie Cannata

Tue, 31 Aug 2021 13:33:00 -0000

Here’s an interview with Richie Cannata. That’s it. No great fanfare, no big intro. We just had a blast talking with Billy Joel’s longtime sax, organ, flute, accordion, and piano player, and we’re sharing that conversation with you.

There’s a lot of great stuff here: Deep trivia about Billy Joel tracks and live performances, stories about the Lords of 52nd Street reunion and post-pandemic shows, and Richie’s takes on today’s music and recording practices.

Sit back and join us as we chat with Richie Cannata.

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Email us: glasshousespodcast@gmail.com

Glass Houses - A Billy Joel Podcast on the web / social media:

Website: http://www.glasshousespod.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/glasshousespodcast/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/glasshousespod/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/glasshousespod
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Venmo: @MGrosvenor

Produced by Michael Grosvenor & Jack Firneno for Groove Music Marketing

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EP 040 - Year In Review: 1980

Tue, 17 Aug 2021 13:24:00 -0000

The Stranger made Billy Joel a superstar back in 1977. Three years later, his career really launched into overdrive.

In 1980, Billy was still reaping the benefits of two Grammy-Award winning albums. In March, he took his next step forward by releasing Glass Houses. That album would become a smash hit with a leaner sound that would propel him into the 80s.

And during the Glass Houses tour, Billy and the band would begin recording live versions of songs from Billy’s back catalog. These tracks would go on to comprise 1981’s Songs In The Attic.

All this activity made the beginning of the new decade a time where the past, present, and future of Billy’s career all happened at once.

Join us as we dig deep into Billy Joel in 1980.

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Email us: glasshousespodcast@gmail.com

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EP 039 - Video Retrospective: Eye of The Storm + More

Tue, 03 Aug 2021 13:48:00 -0000

In the mid 80s, Billy Joel penned the lyric “After 1986 what else could be new?” If you were to judge that based on his 1989 hit “We Didn’t Start The Fire,” you’d think he meant it.

But a closer look at that video and the others from the Storm Front album suggest otherwise.

For this episode we’re looking at Eye Of The Storm. Released in 1990, it’s a home video collection of the videos from the multi-platinum album Storm Front.

While that album contained many songs about personal relationships and Billy’s life, the videos focus much more on the world at large at the end of the 1980s.

We’ll dig deep into the five music videos. And, we’ll take a look at a soundcheck and radio broadcast recording from early in the Storm Front tour.

Join us as we dig deep into Eye of The Storm and more.

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Email us: glasshousespodcast@gmail.com

Glass Houses - A Billy Joel Podcast on the web / social media:

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EP 038 - Glass Houses Playlist #3

Tue, 20 Jul 2021 13:41:00 -0000

We're back with another playlist episode this week. We have so much fun putting these together and sharing some of our favorite music with you all.

Michael is back with more of his favorites over the past several years. From 90s alternative to 2010s soul and singer/songwriters, these have been mainstays for Michael and we are excited to share them with you!

Again, if you dig what you hear, we'd appreciate you checking out and picking up some new music by these artists wherever you get your music!

PLAYLIST #3:

ATHENAEUM – “Flat Tire”
PAPA VEGAS – “No Destination”
THE VERVE PIPE – “Out Like A Lamb”
EMERSON HART – “I Wish The Best For You”
OUR LADY PEACE – “Somewhere Out There”
BLISS 66 – “Not Quite Paradise”
19 WHEELS – “I Want You Here”
TYRONE WELLS – “In Between The Lines”
THE NIGHT GAME – “The Outfield”
OWSLEY – “She’s The One”
NINE DAYS – “Still Here”
KACEY MUSGRAVES – “Space Cowboy”
SPLENDER – “The Loneliest Person I Know”
GRAHAM COLTON – “On Your Side”
SEBASTIAN KOLE – “Love’s On The Way”

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EP 037 - Face to Face Tour 1994 with Elton John

Tue, 06 Jul 2021 13:12:00 -0000

Twenty-seven years ago this month, two titans of pop music teamed up for a run of sold-out shows that would set the tone for tours to come.

We’re talking about the first Face to Face tour featuring Billy Joel and Elton John. In the summer of 1994, the two hit-making piano players shared the stage for a then-unprecedented run of twenty-one sold-out shows in the United States.

In hindsight, the tour could have been a disaster with a huge crew, two full bands, an exceptionally long show, and even a bout of food poisoning. But audiences loved it, and the pair would go on to team up for a total of seven tours over fifteen years.

It’s been more than a decade since the last Face to Face concert. But, this summer, we’re diving deep into the very first shows featuring Elton John and Billy Joel.

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Email us: glasshousespodcast@gmail.com

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EP 036 - Concert Classics: Live in Houston, 1979

Tue, 22 Jun 2021 13:24:00 -0000

By the end of the seventies, Billy Joel had found success with a formula that blended elements of pop, rock, and jazz around a singer-songwriter frame. And, he was about to turn all that on its side. The Live In Houston 1979 bootleg is proof of it.

The video features Billy and the Lords of 52nd Street at the Summit in Houston, TX on November 25th. Their sound has been streamlined since the frenetic free-for-all on 1977’s CW Post radio broadcast. But, they’re not quite as settled into the arena stage show they’ll have perfected by 1982’s Live From Long Island.

Instead, this concert presents a top-tier rock and roll band at the top of their game, with an audience of thousands cheering them on. But, for as revelatory as this concert is, it’s shrouded in a bit of mystery.

The show took place well after the 52nd Street tour ended. It was professionally shot and edited, but never officially released. As a result, the only video footage available is grainy and suffering from generation loss. Finally, the show features three songs from the forthcoming Glass Houses. That album would mark a stylistic shift, and Billy even mentions that producer Phil Ramone is in the audience.

But it’s easy enough to put those lingering questions about the how and why to the side and just enjoy the show. And, that’s what we’re doing with this episode. Join us, as we dig deep into Billy Joel: Houston 1979.

Date: November 25, 1979
City/State: Houston, TX
Venue: The Summit

The band:

Billy Joel - Vocals, Piano, Keyboards
Liberty DeVitto - Drums
Doug Stegmeyer - Bass, Vocals
Russell Javors - Rhythm Guitar, Vocals
David Brown - Lead Guitar, Vocals
Richie Cannata - Saxophone, Flute, Keyboards, Accordion, Vocals

The Setlist:

Only The Good Die Young
Movin' Out (Anthony's Song)
Honesty
My Life
Piano Man
All For Leyna
Prelude / Angry Young Man
New York State of Mind
The Stranger
Sometimes A Fantasy
Root Beer Rag
She's Always A Woman
Stiletto
Zanzibar
You May Be Right
Just The Way You Are
Big Shot
Scenes From An Italian Restaurant
Get It Right The First Time

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EP 035 - Album Openers Ranked

Tue, 08 Jun 2021 13:26:00 -0000

An album’s first track has a lot to live up to. The song must engage the listener right away and get them excited for what’s to come. Sometimes, it’s the record’s lead single and hopefully the band’s next hit. Other times, it’s just the song most likely to get people excited. Or, it’s a little of both.

In this episode, we’re giving our opinions on Billy’s best and worst album openers. We are ranking the first songs on his 12 studio pop albums and the live Songs In the Attic. We’ll compare notes, and maybe argue a little, over which ones set up the album perfectly, and which were the least effective.

Join us, as we scratch the surface of every Billy Joel album, with our worst-to-best album opener rankings.

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EP 034 - Album Retrospective: 12 Gardens Live

Tue, 25 May 2021 13:34:00 -0000

Usually, a late-career live album is a victory lap, an excuse to tour, or at worst, an excuse to make some extra cash. For Billy Joel, however, it was a sign that he was back on the scene.

Released on June 13, 2006, 12 Gardens Live is a two-disc set. It features performances from Billy’s groundbreaking run of a dozen shows at Madison Square Garden between January 23 and April 24 of that year.

In many ways, it feels like a retrospective: You have all the big hits, fan favorites, plus a handful of rarities that even hardcore fans never though they’d hear live.

But, 12 Gardens Live also serves as proof of concept for Billy’s return to touring after a two-year sabbatical. And, it sets the tone for his monthly Garden residency that began in 2014.

With the exception of Mike DelGuidice, who joined the fold in late 2013, the album features the new solidified lineup he’s used ever since. The exception to that is the return of saxophonist Richie Cannata, who played alongside Mark Rivera on this tour.

Other than that, this document laid the groundwork for the next 14 years and, hopefully many more to come.

Join us as we dig deep into 12 Gardens Live.

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Glass Houses - A Billy Joel Podcast on the web / social media:

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EP 033 - Year In Review: 1988 + Awards Show Appearances Part 2

Tue, 11 May 2021 13:29:00 -0000

Pardon the pun, but for Billy Joel, 1988 was the calm before the storm.

Billy and the band had just come off an exhausting, groundbreaking two-year tour that saw them on four continents. And, they capped it all off with a historic run of six shows in the now-former USSR. Billy was the first pop act from the west to get this kind of access behind the iron curtain.

Behind the scenes, Billy was ready for a break. In fact, he was ready to take some time off even before The Bridge came out in 1986. But, the record label insisted on a new album and tour.

By the time this cycle was done, Billy powered down for a year. Aside from a few cameos, his work as a pop star was on hold. But, he pulled double duty on his work as a Dad.

He spent time with his daughter, Alexa Ray, who was now two years old. And, when he went to work, he appeared on TV shows and in movies that would appeal to kids her age.

The next year would be a busy one:A new album, a new lineup of musicians, and a lawsuit that would drag on for years. His career would look vastly different than it had just 12 months prior.

We’ll get to that year in a future episode. But for now, let’s dig deep into 1988.

We also pick up where we left off with our Part 2 of covering Billy Joel's awards show appearances and nominations.

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EP 032 - Interpreting Billy Part 2 (with Hyung-ki Joo)

Tue, 27 Apr 2021 13:19:00 -0000

What changes when other piano players perform Billy Joel’s music? What elements shine through? What’s it like to be tasked with performing music written by one of the most popular recording artists of the 20th century?

This is the second installment of our two-part series where we talk with piano players who have been tasked with interpreting and performing Billy’s music. Previously, we spoke with Michael Cavanaugh, who led the pit band through hundreds of performances of the hit Broadway production Movin’ Out.

This time, we’re speaking with Hyung-ki Joo, the classical pianist and comedian who arranged and performed the recordings on 2001’s Fantasies & Delusions.

Join us, for the second installment of our two part series, where we dig deep into the music of Billy Joel with musicians who learned and interpreted these pieces.

Hyung-ki Joo - https://hyungkijoo.com

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Email us: glasshousespodcast@gmail.com

Glass Houses - A Billy Joel Podcast on the web / social media:

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EP 031 - Awards Show Appearances Part 1 + Conversation with Evan Toth

Tue, 13 Apr 2021 13:23:00 -0000

Billy Joel is no stranger to awards shows and other accolades. Following 1977’s The Stranger, he’s won a handful of industry awards, was nominated for plenty more, and gave a few memorable — and in, one case, literally show stopping — performances.

And, when you’re tracking award show appearances over three decades, you also start noticing trends and changes within the industry and its major players over the years.

But before taking a look back, we have some exciting news for Billy Joel fans: The core of the classic Lords of 52nd Street band has reconvened to record with another East Coast piano player.

This year, Evan Toth recorded his new album, The Show, at Richie Cannata’s Cove City Sound Studios on Long Island in Glen Cove. The record features Richie on sax and organ along with Russell Javors on guitar, Liberty Devitto on drums, and current Lords bass player Malcolm Gold.

This marks the first time since 1981’s Songs In The Attic that Richie, Russell, and Lib have all been on the same album. So, we sat down with Evan to discuss his music and his experience recording with the Lords of 52nd Street.

So before we dig deep into Billy Joel’s award show appearances, nominations, performances and awards from 1978 through 2013, we’ll find out more about what it was like getting the band back together.

Evan Toth: https://www.evantoth.com

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EP 030 - Interpreting Billy Part 1 (with Michael Cavanaugh)

Tue, 30 Mar 2021 13:21:00 -0000

After 1993’s River of Dreams, fans waited and wondered if Billy Joel would ever release another pop album. The answer, as we know now, turned out to be no. But, nearly a decade after that release, we saw a new development for Billy’s music.

The first years of the new century saw three new releases that featured Billy Joel’s music, but without him playing on two of them. In 2001, Sony Music released the two-disc Essential Billy Joel.

But, in terms of new music, Billy also released Fantasies and Delusions that year. It premiered music that Billy had written in the style of 19th century romanticism. Then came the award-winning Broadway production Movin’ Out in 2002, which strung many of his hit songs into a loose dance-based narrative.

The styles of these two projects are very different. But, they shared a common thread: Both featured other musicians interpreting Billy’s music. In Movin’ Out, Michael Cavanaugh led the pit band through hundreds of sold out shows. And, the Fantasies and Delusions recordings were arranged and performed by classical pianist Hyung-ki Joo.

What changes when other piano players perform Billy’s music? What elements shine through? What’s it like to be tasked with performing music written by one of the most popular recording artists of the 20th century?

In a special two-part series, we’re asking just that. And, we’re going right to the sources. This episode features a new interview with Michael Cavanaugh about his Broadway experience. And, stay tuned for the second installment featuring our conversation with Hyung-Ki Joo.

Join us, as we dig deep into the music of Billy Joel, with two players who learned and interpreted the pieces.

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Email us: glasshousespodcast@gmail.com

Glass Houses - A Billy Joel Podcast on the web / social media:

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EP 029 - Album Retrospective: River of Dreams

Tue, 16 Mar 2021 13:18:00 -0000

Billy Joel’s last album is a study in contrasts. It sounds like a new beginning, when it was really the end of an era. It alternated between gritty, angular rhythms and sweet, flowing melodies. It’s arguably one of his most divisive albums. Yet it earned him a handful of award nominations, a new generation of fans, 5 million in record sales in America alone, and a pair of songs that would become classics and mainstays in his live shows

River of Dreams was released on August 10, 1993. It’s Billy’s 12th studio album, and the last pop record he’d release. He switched producers once again after Storm Front, and jettisoned the last of his classic lineup mid-way through the production to complete it.

As a result, fans have mixed feelings about the record. But a close listen reveals lyrical and arrangement motifs that weave through the whole album. Put together, they form a narrative arc that starts with the frustrations and turmoil of everyday life, leads to a spiritual reawakening, and comes to rest with a peaceful reconciliation with the world and sense of optimism for what’s to come.

Join us as we dig deep into River of Dreams.

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Email us: glasshousespodcast@gmail.com

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EP 028 - Year In Review: 1971

Tue, 02 Mar 2021 14:22:00 -0000

Apart from the botched release of Cold Spring Harbor, 1971 was a surprisingly low-key year for Billy Joel. His teenage band collapsed a few years before. And the proto-metal power duo that rose from its ashes failed to gain any traction.

Broke, depressed, and aimless, Billy was ready to leave the music industry for good. And, he may have done just that, if his manager at the time didn’t come through with a last-minute deal.

Of course, that deal would haunt Billy for years to come. After the album was released in November, he played a sparse handful of dates in New York at the end of the year. Meanwhile, there are no reviews, interviews, or press clippings to speak of.

But look closely, and you’ll see a lot of small things develop, arrive, or otherwise get set in motion and affect his trajectory for decades to come. Join us as we dive deep into 1971.

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Email us: glasshousespodcast@gmail.com

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EP 027 - The Bridge Tour 1986-87

Tue, 16 Feb 2021 14:29:00 -0000

It’s easy to overlook most of Billy Joel’s The Bridge Tour concert dates from 1986 and 1987. The shows, which spanned four continents, were in support of one of Billy’s arguably weakest albums.

Meanwhile, these dates are eclipsed by the handful of landmark shows he played in the USSR at the tail end of the tour.

But it turns out there’s enough going on to warrant a closer look. Perhaps most notably, we know now that these were the last dates to feature the core Lords of 52nd Street lineup.

And, the shows featured sleek and subtle state-of-the-art stage and sound designs.

There’s more than meets the eye with these mid-80s concerts. Join us as we dive deep into the Bridge tour from 1986 and 1987.

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Email us: glasshousespodcast@gmail.com

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EP 026 - Superfan Round Table #1

Tue, 02 Feb 2021 14:22:00 -0000

This may be the beginning of 2021, but this installment marks the end of our first 12 months of episodes. So, we decided to do something special for the occasion.

We’re hosting a round table with some of the biggest Billy Joel fans we know. It’s an opportunity for us all to chat about the music we love.

Our conversation uncovered new stories about Billy and the band that we’d never heard. And, we got a glimpse of just how fun and tight knit the fan community can be.

Our guests on this episode are:

Mike Stutz (Billy Joel Completely Retold)

Melissa & Teddy Boileau (Songs From The Attic radio show)

Matt DiMarino (Musician)

Billy Handy (Musician)

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EP 025 - Year In Review: 1976

Tue, 19 Jan 2021 14:11:00 -0000

William Martin Joel had released three solo albums by the beginning of 1976. In many ways, however, that was the year he became the Billy we all know today.

It was the year he recorded and released Turnstiles, finally winning his battle with CBS records to cut an album with his touring band. That band, of course, was now almost entirely the classic Lord of 52nd Street lineup.

By then, Billy and his wife Elizabeth had moved from California back to New York. In the process he jettisoned any lingering west coast singer-songwriter stylings for East Coast grit.

There were more changes behind the scenes, too. While not as well-known, these business moves and strategies played huge roles in his upcoming accomplishments..

True stardom wouldn’t come until the following year. But for now, we’re diving deep into 1976, and the 12 months that primed Billy Joel for the decades of success to come.

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EP 024 - Looking Forward & Looking Back (with Love Raptor & Bradshaw Leigh)

Tue, 05 Jan 2021 14:12:00 -0000

We’re kicking off 2021 with a look back and a look forward at Billy Joel’s work, his fans, and the music industry in general.

This episode features two sets of interviews. The first is with Mikhail Pivovarov and Billy Ruegger from the online music collective Love Raptor. We’ll go behind the scenes of their funk covers of “Movin’ Out” and “She’s Got A Way” and also talk about some of the latest trends when it comes to new musical artists today.

Then, it’s the return of Bradshaw Leigh, the engineer who worked with Phil Ramone and Billy Joel on some of Billy’s biggest records. He’ll tell never-before-heard stories about the recording sessions and sheds new light on the famed trip to Russia in 1987.

Join us as we dive deep into the past, present, and possibly the future of Billy Joel’s catalog.

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EP 023 - Phil Ramone (with Bradshaw Leigh & Russell Javors)

Tue, 22 Dec 2020 14:27:00 -0000

When it comes to Billy Joel’s most successful run of albums, you can’t talk about the man behind the piano without also talking about the man behind the board: Phil Ramone.

By the time Phil and Billy teamed up, Ramone was already a renowned engineer and innovator in the recording studio. His discography included landmark albums by Stan Getz, Frank Sinatra, John Coltrane, Paul Simon and Elton John, along with soundtracks, musicals, and live recordings.

Working primarily at Ramone’s own A&R Recording in New York, Phil and Billy put out a string of best-selling and award-winning albums. Beginning with 1977’s The Stranger through The Bridge in 1986.

After the one-off song “Why Should I Worry” from Disney’s “Oliver and Company,” in 1988, nearly two decades would pass before they worked together again. But, Ramone returned to the control room for All My Life, Billy’s last single, released in 2006. It was a fitting end to their partnership.

In this episode, we’re exploring the life and work of Phil Ramone. We’ll talk about his work with Billy Joel, and so much more. Along the way, we’ll speak with Bradshaw Leigh, an engineer who worked alongside Ramone on many classic albums. And, we have a special message from Russell Javors, Billy’s former guitarist and current member of the Lords of 52nd Street.

There’s too much to cover in one episode. And we recommend reading Phil’s Book, Making Records, if you’d like to learn more. But for now, let’s dive deep into the works of Phil Ramone.

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The Phil Ramone Orchestra for Children

Learn More & Donate at: http://Ramoneorchestra.org/support
or Text RAMONEKIDS to 44321

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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/glasshousespod/
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Support the podcast:

Paypal: https://paypal.me/glasshousespod
Venmo: @MGrosvenor

Produced by Michael Grosvenor & Jack Firneno for Groove Music Marketing

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EP 022 - 2006-2007 World Tour

Tue, 08 Dec 2020 14:36:00 -0000

Billy Joel’s World Tour from 2006 through 2007 turned out to be a true page-turner in his career. He’d played virtually no concerts the previous two years. And by the end of 2003 his performances were getting just a little stale.

But, you’d never know that from the 110 or so dates he mounted when he got back into touring mode. And, from all the high-quality footage that’s available, he seemed more energetic and excited about playing live than he’d been for a while.

The biggest change was a new drummer, Chuck Burgi. Otherwise, the players were familiar from the previous decade or so. With a seven-piece powerhouse in tow, Billy quickly served up 12 Gardens Live, a new two-CD album culled from a dozen shows at Madison Square Garden in the first half of 2006.

In retrospect, that album, and this tour, set the stage for the next 15 years of Billy’s career, which continues today with his historic Garden residency.

But the monthly Manhattan shows were still almost a decade away when Billy hit the road again. For now, let’s dive deep into Billy Joel’s 2006 / 2007 World Tour.

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Email us: glasshousespodcast@gmail.com

Glass Houses - A Billy Joel Podcast on the web / social media:

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EP 021 - Glass Houses Playlist #2

Tue, 24 Nov 2020 14:34:00 -0000

This holiday week, settle in with some classic songs, a small glimpse into the Philadelphia music scene, and some exciting new artists making music today!

This is our second playlist episode, where Jack and Michael take turns playing DJ to spin some tunes and tell some stories behind them.

Jack’s on the turntable (literally, in some cases) this time to bring you:

All You Wanna Do Is Dance: Classic Songs Ripped Directly From 45s

Lover’s Concerto by The Toys
Devil With The Blue Dress / Good Golly Miss Molly by Mitch Ryder & The Detroit
Wheels
Jumpin Jack Flash by The Rolling Stones
Whiskey Man by The Who
Sweet Things You Do by Eddie Floyd
Reach Out (I’ll Be There) by The Four Tops

My Life: Songs Featuring Jack On Drums

Thousand Lives by Church Girls
Impossible One by The Yarrows
Sangamon River Lament by Gavilan
Tree Beard’s Journey by Borrowed Equipment

Keeping The Faith: New Music!

So Ferocious by Carie Blanton
Civic Duty by Chipocrite
Yellow Dandelion by Jo-Armon Jones feat. Georgia Ann Muldrew
Ours by Joe Pug
Right by Xenia Rubinos

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EP 020 - Concert Classics: Orpheum Theatre, Boston, MA, 1974

Tue, 10 Nov 2020 14:35:00 -0000

Date: May 14, 1974

City/State: Boston, MA

Venue: Orpheum Theatre

Supporting: Jesse Colin Young & Livingston Taylor

The Setlist:

Travelin' Prayer
Somewhere Along The Line
Technical Difficulty Blues
Piano Man
The Entertainer
The Ballad of Billy The Kid
Worse Comes To Worst
Everybody Loves You Now
Captain Jack
Ain't No Crime

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In less than 50 minutes, the bootleg recording of Billy Joel at the Orpheum Theater in 1974 reveals the trajectory of his career up to that point and hints toward the challenges and major changes to come.

It’s not his most popular bootleg, but as a warts-and-all snapshot of this moment, it’s surprisingly revelatory.

The show, recorded on May 14th of that year, is Billy’s first performance in Boston, Massachusetts. He’s the first opener on a three-band bill with Livingston Taylor and Jesse Colin Young.

But, already there are hints of his future success and the changes he’d make over the next few years.

Of the nine songs Billy plays here, Three will get updated on 1981’s Songs in the Attic and you can already hear some of the changes taking form. All but two are from Piano Man. And, one is only a few weeks old. But more than the songs themselves, this recording is a rare glimpse of Billy between his first hit song, Piano Man, and Streetlife Serenade, an album he felt was a failure out of the gate.

You’ll hear the west coast feel of his live band, an approach that he’d soon consciously jettison for the tougher East Coast sound that would become his hallmark. And, you’ll hear him wrestle with technical issues, often humorously. He’s also developing his rapport with his audience, and their response points to where his career would soon go.

Join us as we dive deep in Billy Joel, live at the Orpheum Theater in 1974.

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Email us: glasshousespodcast@gmail.com

Glass Houses - A Billy Joel Podcast on the web / social media:

Website: http://www.glasshousespod.com
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Twitter: https://twitter.com/glasshousespod

Support the podcast:

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Produced by Michael Grosvenor & Jack Firneno for Groove Music Marketing

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EP 019 - Year In Review: 1983

Tue, 27 Oct 2020 13:13:00 -0000

They say it’s always darkest before the dawn. If that’s true, then the sun rose for Billy Joel in 1983. That’s not to say things were bleak before then. But the past year or so carried a more somber tone. In 1982, Billy was in a bad motorcycle accident that left his hands severely injured for months. Despite this, he completed, released, and toured behind The Nylon Curtain. That album is arguably his most ambitious, and also his most serious and thematically heavy release.

But, that all turned around the next year. 1983 found Billy Joel jet-setting to private islands, dating supermodels and releasing his ninth studio album, An Innocent Man. Stylistically, the music harkened back to the 50s and early 60s. And, in contrast to its predecessor, it was one of his biggest sellers, and easily his most light-hearted.

An Innocent Man would go platinum seven times and spawn seven charting singles. In 1984, Billy would tour in support of his blockbuster hit. But, the previous year, he was enjoying life.

In this episode, Michael & Jack are diving deep into 1983. The year that saw an album release, hit singles, heavy-rotation videos, tabloid-pages romance, and more for Billy Joel.

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Email us: glasshousespodcast@gmail.com

Glass Houses - A Billy Joel Podcast on the web / social media:

Website: http://www.glasshousespod.com
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Support the podcast:

Paypal: https://paypal.me/glasshousespod
Venmo: @MGrosvenor

Produced by Michael Grosvenor & Jack Firneno for Groove Music Marketing

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EP 018 - Billy Joel Cover Songs By Other Artists

Tue, 13 Oct 2020 13:34:00 -0000

Sometimes, the best way to find out what makes a songwriter special is hearing someone else sing their songs. Listening to how other artists interpret their work brings out aspects of the music that weren’t as obvious before.

That’s what Michael and Jack discovered when they put this episode together. This week, They're diving into versions of Billy Joel songs performed by other people. To do it, we compiled more than two dozen versions of Billy’s music performed by other artists.

For the most part, we stuck to songs that were officially released or performed on television. The styles range from 60s blue-eyed soul to 80s pop, country sensations to punk and indie rockers. The arrangements varied from straight-ahead covers to nearly unrecognizable renditions. Also featured are 2 Billy covers by drummer Liberty DeVitto's former band The Fun(k) Club that have never before been released!

Join us, as we go through the good, the great, the bad, and the bizarre Billy Joel covers. We’ll talk through these new versions and what we learned about the original performances along the way.

Songs covered include:

Beyonce - Honesty
Diana Krall - Just The Way You Are
Joan Baez - Goodnight Saigon
Ladysmith Black Mambazo - River of Dreams
The Hoosiers - We Didn't Start The Fire
The Creak - Sleeping With The Television On
Sheena Easton - The Entertainer
Garth Brooks - Shameless
Westlife - Uptown Girl
Dolly Parton - Travelin' Prayer
Helen Reddy - You're My Home
Jennifer Warnes - And So It Goes
TexasFrets - Souvenir
The Manhattans - Everybody Has A Dream
Andy Mientus feat. Jennifer Hudson - Everybody Loves You Now
Me First and the Gimme Gimmes - Uptown Girl
Me First and the Gimme Gimmes - Only The Good Die Young
Me First and the Gimme Gimmes - The Longest Time
Barry White - Just The Way You Are
Bayside - Movin' Out (Anthony's Song)
Copeland - She's Always A Woman
Ronnie Spector and The E Street Band - Say Goodbye To Hollywood
Richard Marx - Miami 2017 (Seen The Lights Go Out On Broadway)
Peter, Paul & Mary - Summer, Highland Falls
Bill Medley - Until The Night
The Fun(k) Club - Handball
The Fun(k) Club - You May Be Right (Glass Houses Exclusive)
The Fun(k) Club - She's Got A Way (Glass Houses Exclusive)

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Email us: glasshousespodcast@gmail.com

Glass Houses - A Billy Joel Podcast on the web / social media:

Website: http://www.glasshousespod.com
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Produced by Michael Grosvenor & Jack Firneno for Groove Music Marketing

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EP 017 - Album Retrospective: Streetlife Serenade

Tue, 29 Sep 2020 13:22:00 -0000

1974 saw Billy Joel back in the studio mere months after 1973's Piano Man. Billy wasn't ready for a new album but pushed his way through to complete Streetlife Serenade which was released October 11, 1974 on Columbia Records.

The album peaked at #35 on the album charts and featured the single "The Entertainer," which is the sole song that has gotten a significant amount of live performances since its release.

Michael & Jack discuss this often forgotten and under documented album and shed some light on some lesser known gems.

They also go song by song through the album and discuss each track and their reflections on each.

BILLY JOEL - STREETLIFE SERENADE

One side

Streetlife Serenader
Los Angelenos
The Great Suburban Showdown
Root Beer Rag
Roberta

Another side

The Entertainer
Last of the Big Time Spenders
Weekend Song
Souvenir
The Mexican Connection

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Email us: glasshousespodcast@gmail.com

Glass Houses - A Billy Joel Podcast on the web / social media:

Website: http://www.glasshousespod.com
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Support the podcast:

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Produced by Michael Grosvenor & Jack Firneno for Groove Music Marketing

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EP 016 - Billy Joel 1970s TV Appearances

Tue, 15 Sep 2020 13:26:00 -0000

Artists who rose to stardom in the 1970s were the first generation to have that rise documented on TV cameras. Billy Joel was no exception.

Michael & Jack comb through as many of Billy's 1970's TV appearances as they could find to share their observations along the way. Watching these in chronological order, you really get the feel with how Billy's stage presence and live band developed throughout the decade.

Join us as we discuss all things Billy Joel on TV in the 1970s.

Appearances include:

Old Grey Whistle Test - 1973
Speakeasy - 1974
Don Kirshner's Rock Concert - 1974
Midnight Special - 1975
Mike Douglas Show - 1976
Old Grey Whistle Test - 1978
Beat Club - 1978
Saturday Night Live - 1978

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Email us: glasshousespodcast@gmail.com

Glass Houses - A Billy Joel Podcast on the web / social media:

Website: http://www.glasshousespod.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/glasshousespodcast/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/glasshousespod/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/glasshousespod

Support the podcast:

Paypal: https://paypal.me/glasshousespod
Venmo: @MGrosvenor

Produced by Michael Grosvenor & Jack Firneno for Groove Music Marketing

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EP 015 - Year In Review: 2003

Tue, 01 Sep 2020 13:27:00 -0000

The year was 2003 and once again, Billy was at a crossroads. He mounted a shorter Face To Face tour with Elton John before taking one of the longest hiatuses of his career which would stretch into the end of 2005.

Michael & Jack chronicle a year in which saw depression, Billy vocally discussing retiring, and the end end of the professional relationship with the longest tenured band member. But the year wasn't all bad. Billy & Twyla Tharp launched the hugely successful broadway show Movin' Out, had another successful run with Elton John and more. Michael attended 3 shows on that tour which we discuss as well.

Join us as we talk all things Billy Joel in 2003.

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Email us: glasshousespodcast@gmail.com

Glass Houses - A Billy Joel Podcast on the web / social media:

Website: http://www.glasshousespod.com
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Support the podcast:

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Produced by Michael Grosvenor & Jack Firneno for Groove Music Marketing

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EP 014 - 1987 Tour of Russia

Tue, 18 Aug 2020 13:33:00 -0000

The year was 1987. Billy and the band were well into their tour supporting The Bridge album. An incredible opportunity came along that would change everyone involved's life forever.

Billy Joel and his band became the first American pop act to bring a full-scale touring production to Russia. While other US artists had played behind the Iron Curtain before, never had the Russians experienced a full on rock show until now.

Join Michael & Jack as they go back to 1987 and discuss this monumental 6 date tour that helped thaw relations between the two nations, and saw musicians and crew alike come away touched by the warmth and kindness they received throughout.

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Email us: glasshousespodcast@gmail.com

Glass Houses - A Billy Joel Podcast on the web / social media:

Website: http://www.glasshousespod.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/glasshousespodcast/
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Twitter: https://twitter.com/glasshousespod

Support the podcast:

Paypal: https://paypal.me/glasshousespod
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Produced by Michael Grosvenor & Jack Firneno for Groove Music Marketing

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EP 013 - Video Retrospective: Shades of Grey

Tue, 04 Aug 2020 13:27:00 -0000

In 1993, Billy Joel began work on what would become his final pop studio album, River of Dreams. What began with he and his live band tracking in a makeshift studio in a boathouse on the east end of Long Island, ended with a new producer, new musicians, and a new direction.

Michael & Jack revisit the Shades of Grey documentary that chronicles the journey of arguably Billy Joel's most personal album to date.

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Email us: glasshousespodcast@gmail.com

Glass Houses - A Billy Joel Podcast on the web / social media:

Website: http://www.glasshousespod.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/glasshousespodcast/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/glasshousespod/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/glasshousespod

Support the podcast:

Paypal: https://paypal.me/glasshousespod
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Produced by Michael Grosvenor & Jack Firneno for Groove Music Marketing

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EP 012 - In Conversation with drummer Liberty DeVitto

Tue, 21 Jul 2020 13:27:00 -0000

Liberty DeVitto is the drummer that Billy Joel chose to record those unforgettable albums and memorable tours between 1975 and 2005. Michael & Jack discuss his brand new autobiography Liberty: Life, Billy and the Pursuit of Happiness which is out now from Hudson Music.

Join us for a special candid conversation with Liberty DeVitto as he discusses the book and much more.

In this episode, Michael & Jack also share their thoughts after reading the book which chronicles Liberty's family history, as well has his personal life and playing career. Early announcements promised two things: A foreword by Billy Joel and Liberty discussing every song they recorded together. This book delivers on that and so much more.

Among the great stories, we also learn the news of the long-overdue reconciliation between Liberty and Billy and the reclamation of this great friendship.

Order Liberty's new book: Hudson Music | Amazon

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Email us: glasshousespodcast@gmail.com

Glass Houses - A Billy Joel Podcast on the web / social media:

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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/glasshousespodcast/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/glasshousespod/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/glasshousespod
Discord: https://discord.gg/6G6cMRFu7T

Support the podcast:

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Venmo: @MGrosvenor

Produced by Michael Grosvenor & Jack Firneno for Groove Music Marketing

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EP 011 - Concert Classics: Live At C.W. Post, 1977

Tue, 07 Jul 2020 13:33:00 -0000

Michael & Jack take their first dip into a classic Billy Joel concert from the past. They discuss the famed C.W. Post College concert recorded in Greenvale, NY on May 6, 1977. This concert was also broadcast live in New York and Philadelphia as Billy and the band tear through some classics and road test two brand new songs that would be recorded for The Stranger soon after.

Date: May 6, 1977

City/State: Greenvale, NY

Venue: Dome Auditorium at C.W. Post College

The band:

Billy Joel - Vocals, Piano, Moog Synthesizer
Liberty DeVitto - Drums
Doug Stegmeyer - Bass, Vocals
Richie Cannata - Saxophone, Flute, Percussion, Keyboards
Howard Emerson - Guitar

The Setlist:

Miami 2017 (Seen the Lights Go Out on Broadway)
Somewhere Along the Line
Summer, Highland Falls
Piano Man
Scenes From an Italian Restaurant
James
Prelude/Angry Young Man
New York State of Mind
Travelin' Prayer
Just the Way You Are
The Entertainer
You're My Home
Root Beer Rag
She's Got a Way
The Ballad of Billy the Kid
I've Loved These Days
Captain Jack
Worse Comes to Worst
Ain't No Crime
Say Goodbye to Hollywood
Weekend Song
Souvenir

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Email us: glasshousespodcast@gmail.com

Glass Houses - A Billy Joel Podcast on the web / social media:

Website: http://www.glasshousespod.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/glasshousespodcast/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/glasshousespod/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/glasshousespod

Support the podcast:

Paypal: https://paypal.me/glasshousespod
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Produced by Michael Grosvenor & Jack Firneno for Groove Music Marketing

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EP 010 - Doug Stegmeyer (with special guests)

Tue, 23 Jun 2020 13:22:00 -0000

On this episode, Michael & Jack celebrate the life and music of Billy Joel bassist Doug Stegmeyer. Known as The Sergeant, Doug played bass in the Billy Joel band from 1975 which he joined for the Streetlife Serenader tour and continued on through the end of The Bridge Tour in 1988.

We discuss many of the facets that made Doug so special and integral to the magic of Billy's recordings.

We also are joined by 5 special guests with unique connections to Doug:

Mike DelGuidice - Guitar and vocals in the Billy Joel band and frontman for tribute band Big Shot. Mike also worked with Doug extensively in the early 1990s.
Malcolm Gold - Bassist for The Lords of 52nd Street and the Movin' Out touring band. Malcolm also often plays Doug's basses during Lords shows.
Sue Stegmeyer & Kevin Ege - Doug's sister and her husband.
Andy Gilmartin - A friend of Doug's when Andy was a teenager, Andy spearheaded getting Doug, Liberty DeVitto, Richie Cannata & Russell Javors inducted into the Long Island Music Hall of Fame in 2014. Andy now is the manager for The Lords of 52nd Street.

For context, here are the albums Doug performed on: Turnstiles, The Stranger, 52nd Street, Glass Houses, Songs In The Attic, The Nylon Curtain, An Innocent Man, Greatest Hits Vol. I & II, The Bridge, KOHUEPT, Greatest Hits Vol. III.

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Email us: glasshousespodcast@gmail.com

Glass Houses - A Billy Joel Podcast on the web / social media:

Website: http://www.glasshousespod.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/glasshousespodcast/
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Support the podcast:

Paypal: https://paypal.me/glasshousespod
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Produced by Michael Grosvenor & Jack Firneno for Groove Music Marketing

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EP 009 - Glass Houses Playlist #1

Tue, 09 Jun 2020 13:09:00 -0000

We're bringing you something a little different for this episode. To say things have been crazy lately, is an understatement. We weren't able to pull together a regular episode in time but still wanted to bring you something.

Introducing the GLASS HOUSES PLAYLIST. Michael & Jack will take turns playing DJ to spin some tunes and tell some stories behind them. First up is Michael as he plays some songs from some great artist he has worked with over the years. The song list is below. If you dig what you hear, we'd appreciate you checking out and picking up some new music by these artists wherever you get your music!

PLAYLIST #1:

MAIN STREET EAST – “Caroline”
THE FUN(K) CLUB – “38 Graymont”
SEPTEMBER ON – “On The Outside Again”
KNEE DEEP SHAG – “Faded And Live”
CIDER – “This Life”
AN AMERICAN UNDERDOG (Andy Reed) – “Put Out The Fire”
TOM PAXTON & THE DONJUANS – “After The Storm”
COLIN HAY – “Send Somebody”
BIG SKY – “Waiting”
DONNY BROWN – “Losing A Part of Your Soul”
JESSE YOUNG – “The Distance”
MILE – “The Way Home”
PETE SCHMIDT – “Someday”
THE VERVE PIPE – “Never Let You Down”
ASHTON ALLEN – “If You Leave”

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Email us: glasshousespodcast@gmail.com

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Support the podcast:

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Venmo: @MGrosvenor

Produced by Michael Grosvenor & Jack Firneno for Groove Music Marketing

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EP 008 - Album Retrospective: Billy Joel Greatest Hits Volume I & II

Tue, 26 May 2020 13:12:00 -0000

1985 brings us Billy Joel's first Greatest Hits release with Greatest Hits Volume I & II which covered songs from 1973's Piano Man through the two new songs for 1985, "You're Only Human (Second Wind)" and "The Night Is Still Young." Greatest Hits Volume I & II has gone on to be one of the greatest selling albums of all time.

Michael & Jack discuss the various formats and track listings of this set, their memories on it as well as the different radio edits that were used in the initial releases.

We also hear from Billy himself from this great archival interview with Dan Neer from the Billy Joel album party radio celebration from 1985 where he discusses the two new songs mentioned above.

To kick things off, we have a very special performance from Billy from May 11th as a part of the virtual telethon Rise Up New York, the Robin Hood Relief Benefit.

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Glass Houses - A Billy Joel Podcast on the web / social media:

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EP 007 - Live Album & Video Retrospective: Live At Shea Stadium

Tue, 12 May 2020 13:23:00 -0000

Michael & Jack revisit the historic 2008 Shea Stadium concerts from Flushing, New York in Queens. The Beatles performed the first concert at Shea and New York's son, Billy Joel, appropriately closed out the stadium with the final two concerts before the Shea's ultimate demolition.

This viewing / listening companion goes song by song through the live CD / DVD highlighting special moments and special guests along the way.

Special guest performers during the two concerts that are included in this set are: Tony Bennett, Garth Brooks, John Mayer, Steven Tyler, Roger Daltrey, John Mellencamp, and of course, Sir Paul McCartney.

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Email us: glasshousespodcast@gmail.com

Glass Houses - A Billy Joel Podcast on the web / social media:

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EP 006 - Year In Review: 1994

Tue, 28 Apr 2020 13:16:00 -0000

The year was 1994 and Billy Joel is a few months into his hugely successful River of Dreams Tour. Michael & Jack look back at this year in review which proved to be a pivotal year for Billy as he wrapped up support for his final studio album, launched the first incarnation of the hugely successful Face 2 Face Tour with Elton John, and began talking about the current tour being his last long tour.

Personally this was a big year for the both of us. We discuss each of us seeing Billy live multiple times this year. We also dig into media archives with some fun interview and performance clips we’ve uncovered. Join us as we go back to 1994.

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EP 005 - B-Sides, Rarities and Soundtrack Songs

Tue, 14 Apr 2020 13:08:00 -0000

Michael & Jack dust off the crates and reminisce about some classic Billy Joel 45s, soundtrack appearances, remixes and more!

The songs covered in this episode are:

Elvis Presley Blvd.
You've Got Me Hummin' (Live)
I'll Cry Instead (Live)
House of Blue Light
You Picked A Real Bad Time
Nobody Knows But Me
Why Should I Worry?
When You Wish Upon A Star
All Shook Up
Heartbreak Hotel
In A Sentimental Mood
Where Were You On Our Wedding Day?
All My Life
Christmas In Fallujah
New York State Of Mind (Alt. Mixes)
Sometimes A Fantasy (Long Single Version)
The River Of Dreams (Alternate Mix)
Tell Her About It (12" Remix)
Keeping The Faith (Special Mix)

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Twitter: https://twitter.com/glasshousespod

Support the podcast:

Paypal: https://paypal.me/glasshousespod
Venmo: @MGrosvenor

Produced by Michael Grosvenor & Jack Firneno for Groove Music Marketing

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

LIVE EP 002 - Stay At Home Special #2

Thu, 09 Apr 2020 21:55:41 -0000

While keeping at home during the COVID-19 pandemic, Michael & Jack decided to launch a sub-series of live episode broadcasts on Facebook. This second live episode was recorded on Tuesday April 7, 2020.

Here, we discuss a few top 5 Billy lists, talk about how we are keeping busy while under stay at home orders, and talk with our special guests Melissa & Teddy Boileau from the Songs From The Attic radio show in Syracuse, NY.

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Email us: glasshousespodcast@gmail.com

Glass Houses - A Billy Joel Podcast on the web / social media:

Website: http://www.glasshousespod.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/glasshousespodcast/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/glasshousespod/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/glasshousespod

Support the podcast:

Paypal: https://paypal.me/glasshousespod
Venmo: @MGrosvenor

Produced by Michael Grosvenor & Jack Firneno for Groove Music Marketing

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

EP 004 - Video Retrospective: Live From Long Island

Tue, 31 Mar 2020 13:34:00 -0000

Michael & Jack present a song by song companion of the 1983 home video concert release Live From Long Island. Having been out of print for some 30+ years now, this concert is a must see and highlights Billy and the band firing on all cylinders as they transition into an arena touring band in the early 1980s.

Live From Long Island was recorded on December 29, 1982 at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Uniondale, NY and originally broadcast on HBO in the summer of 1983 before being released on video cassette and laser disc.

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Email us: glasshousespodcast@gmail.com

Glass Houses - A Billy Joel Podcast on the web / social media:

Website: http://www.glasshousespod.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/glasshousespodcast/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/glasshousespod/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/glasshousespod

Support the podcast:

Paypal: https://paypal.me/glasshousespod
Venmo: @MGrosvenor

Produced by Michael Grosvenor & Jack Firneno for Groove Music Marketing

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

LIVE EP 001 - Stay At Home Special #1

Sat, 28 Mar 2020 22:33:24 -0000

While keeping at home during the COVID-19 pandemic, Michael & Jack decided to launch a sub-series of live episode broadcasts on Facebook. This first live episode was recorded on Wednesday March 25, 2020.

Here, we discuss how the podcast came to be, roll out a few top 5 Billy lists, discuss some of our other favorite artists, read some great listener emails and so much more.

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Email us: glasshousespodcast@gmail.com

Glass Houses - A Billy Joel Podcast on the web / social media:

Website: http://www.glasshousespod.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/glasshousespodcast/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/glasshousespod/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/glasshousespod

Support the podcast:

Paypal: https://paypal.me/glasshousespod
Venmo: @MGrosvenor

Produced by Michael Grosvenor & Jack Firneno for Groove Music Marketing

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

EP 003 - Album Retrospective: Cold Spring Harbor

Tue, 17 Mar 2020 13:22:00 -0000

Michael & Jack revisit Billy's first album Cold Spring Harbor, from its pre-production demos, to the botched finished product under Artie Ripp's Family Productions, Columbia’s 1983 remix and reissue, and everything in between.

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Email us: glasshousespodcast@gmail.com

Glass Houses - A Billy Joel Podcast on the web / social media:

Website: http://www.glasshousespod.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/glasshousespodcast/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/glasshousespod/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/glasshousespod

Support the podcast:

Paypal: https://paypal.me/glasshousespod
Venmo: @MGrosvenor

Produced by Michael Grosvenor & Jack Firneno for Groove Music Marketing

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

EP 002 - Billy Joel Tidbits & Trivia

Tue, 03 Mar 2020 14:26:00 -0000

Michael & Jack discuss some tidbits and trivia surrounding Billy Joel's career.

Topics include:

Albums sales and stats
Billy’s role in new digital technology during the 80s
Different versions of the Big Shot music video
Early touring days in the Lehigh Valley
And more!

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Email us: glasshousespodcast@gmail.com

Glass Houses - A Billy Joel Podcast on the web / social media:

Website: http://www.glasshousespod.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/glasshousespodcast/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/glasshousespod/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/glasshousespod

Support the podcast:

Paypal: https://paypal.me/glasshousespod
Venmo: @MGrosvenor

Produced by Michael Grosvenor & Jack Firneno for Groove Music Marketing

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

EP 001 - Our Backstory

Tue, 18 Feb 2020 14:27:00 -0000

Michael & Jack discuss how and when they discovered Billy Joel’s music, their connections to former drummer Liberty DeVitto, the first albums they bought, their concert experiences, and more.

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Email us: glasshousespodcast@gmail.com

Glass Houses - A Billy Joel Podcast on the web / social media:

Website: http://www.glasshousespod.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/glasshousespodcast/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/glasshousespod/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/glasshousespod

Support the podcast:

Paypal: https://paypal.me/glasshousespod
Venmo: @MGrosvenor

Produced by Michael Grosvenor & Jack Firneno for Groove Music Marketing

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Trailer: Glass Houses - A Billy Joel Podcast

Tue, 04 Feb 2020 08:01:00 -0000

Life-long Billy Joel fans, Michael Grosvenor and Jack Firneno, team up to share stories and take deep dives into Billy's songs, tours, albums, band members and much more. Join us in celebrating the life and music of Billy Joel.

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Email us: glasshousespodcast@gmail.com

Glass Houses - A Billy Joel Podcast on the web / social media:

Website: http://www.glasshousespod.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/glasshousespodcast/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/glasshousespod/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/glasshousespod

Support the podcast:

Paypal: https://paypal.me/glasshousespod
Venmo: @MGrosvenor

Produced by Michael Grosvenor & Jack Firneno for Groove Music Marketing

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices