Drummer Michael Shrieve is best known for his time with legendary band Santana, and his electrifying performance at the 1969 Woodstock Festival, where he was just barely out of his teens (at a very young 20 years of age). He would go on to record with other iconic artists like Steve Winwood, Sammy Hagar, Mick Jagger and The Rolling Stones, and many, many more. Then in 1998, he was inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame for his work with Santana.
Singer and guitarist Pete Hewlett also has an incredible career resumé, having toured and recorded with legends like Billy Joel, Joe Jackson, Carly Simon, Julian Lennon, and many, many more. But for a short time in the early 80s, these two ambitious young talents came together to form a band called Novo Combo. They would tour with Greg Lake, The Who, and Cheap Trick, but the band would come to an end after just a couple of years. But now, after more than 40 years, they have once again put the original Novo Combo band back together and recorded a new record for 2024. The record is called 45 West 55th, it is out now on Wild Roots Records.
In this interview, Pete and Michael give us all the details about the new music from Novo Combo. They also tell us the reasons why the band broke up in the 80s, and how they all came together after more than 40 years away. Pete will also tell us about working with Joe Jackson, as well as his monumental trip to Russia in 1987 to play those legendary KOHUEPT shows with Billy Joel. Michael tells us stories from his days in San Francisco hanging out with Jefferson Airplane and Jim Morrison. He also walks us through his day at the legendary Woodstock Festival in 1969, where he performed with Santana at a mere 20 years of age.
I can’t really express in words what an honor it was to have these two gentlemen on the Dr. Music podcast, and to have them be so warm and kind with their time. It’s one of the great moments in my career and I am so happy to be able to share it with all of you!
“Everything It Takes To Be Happy” audio:
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Hello everyone! My name is Scott Itter, but some know me as Dr. Music. I am a music journalist and photographer out of the Chicagoland area, and I have been in practice for over 20 years. I grew up in the 70’s with two big brothers that showed me all kinds of rock and roll. As I grew older I ventured out into different genres like jazz, funk, folk, and whatever else I could wrap my ears around. As I read every liner note and every Circus and Hit Parader like they were the Old and New Testament, I came to realize that I just love sound and appreciate all the people that create it.
I later became a stay-at-home dad and started honing my writing and photography skills to keep my mind from turning into mashed peas. My kids are now adults, my mind is only slightly mushy, and I am thrilled to have the honor of presenting my work to you!
