Musicians
2485
Mark Abromavage discusses his early love of music inspired by used singles he and his brother Chris obtained from the jukebox in his aunt's restaurant. He talks about forming Malignant Growth with his instigator friend Kenny Ogle and his brother Chris Abromavage. He discusses the band's development, including Brett Ralph becoming lead singer, their transformation into Fadin' Out and their eventual breakup. Discussing the punk scene he mentions the impression made on him by guitar players such as Tara Key, the O'Bannon brothers of the Blinders, and Alex Durig of the Endtables. He talks about forming Kinghorse with Sean Garrison, Mike Bucayu and Kevin Brownstein; the large audiences they attracted; and recording their album with Glenn Danzig. And he talks about his later bands Arch and the Decline Effect (which reunited him with his brother).
2484
Bailey talks about his friendship with Wolf Knapp and their early band the Afters, and their later group Your Food, their album and their out-of-town tours in a dilapidated van. He talks about his, Knapp's and Janet Bean's trepidation about approaching the "punk house" at 1069 Bardstown Road and the Super Bowl party several years later at which the house's upper floor was destroyed. He discusses personalities on the local punk scene, including Steve Rigot, Ricky Feather and Mary McCarthy. He talks about the Beat Club. (The interview broke off before he could discuss his band the Bulls.)
2524
Kiana Benhoff talked about her musical education and how she was drawn to jazz music. She covered highlights of her career and explained what makes the Louisville Jazz scene so unique.
2604
The first of two interviews with Mr. Bluitt in which he discusses growing up in rural TX, segregation and racial violence, early musical life, touring musician, music in the family, conversion experience, life in the church, directing the Bourgard School of Arts, establishing the youth choir, life in Russell.
These and other interviews were conducted by the Louisville Story Program and collaboratively edited with the participants authors between 2020 and 2023. The culmination of this collaborative work is the documentary book, “If You Write Me A Letter, Send It Here: Voices of Russell in a Time of Change.” This anthology of nonfiction documents the rich layers of history and cultural heritage in the Russell area of west Louisville, a neighborhood whose history is centrally important to the Black experience in Louisville.
2603
The second of two interviews in which Mr. Bluitt discusses growing up in rural TX, segregation and racial violence, early musical life, touring musician, music in the family, conversion experience, life in the church, directing the Bourgard School of Arts, establishing the youth choir, life in Russell.
These and other interviews were conducted by the Louisville Story Program and collaboratively edited with the participants authors between 2020 and 2023. The culmination of this collaborative work is the documentary book, “If You Write Me A Letter, Send It Here: Voices of Russell in a Time of Change.” This anthology of nonfiction documents the rich layers of history and cultural heritage in the Russell area of west Louisville, a neighborhood whose history is centrally important to the Black experience in Louisville.
1959
Interview with bluegrass musician Berk Bryant.
2483
Bucayu talks about growing up in the East End, his early interest in music and his first band, Solution Unknown; his next band, Maurice; and Kinghorse, one of several Louisville bands that had a shot at becoming a national force. He also talks about the all-ages venue Charley's Pizza and the punk/hardcore scene as a melting pot of Louisville's neighborhood-segregated youth. He discusses bandmates David Pajo, Britt Walford and Sean Garrison and the Self Destruct record label he started and has resurrected in the 2010s.
2480
Buckler discusses his early punk bands Generic Reality and Dot 39 and the impact of hearing local hardcore band Malignant Growth/Fadin' Out. His next band was Slint. He describes how his disagreement over the production of the first Slint album led to his leaving the band and forming King Kong. He describes visiting West End blues clubs and taking lessons from blues musician Smoketown Red. He also talked about several recent music videos he's produced.
2518
Allison Cross discusses her experience in music, with emphasis as her experience in the Louisville Jazz scene. She discusses her early mentors, choices and preferences in music, as well as her professional career as a trombone player with bands such as Billy Goat Strut Revue. She explains her professional choices and preferences including what types of audiences, venues, and artists she prefers to work with. She also discusses her experience as a music therapist and the direction she believes the future of jazz is headed in Louisville, Kentucky.
2511
Cross talks about her work with Billy Goat Strut Review, transitioning to DJ-ing and making electronic music, issues in the Louisville music scene and the role of race and gender in it.
