On the WPKN program Organic Radio, host Bill Cosentino recently welcomed Jano Rix (multi-instrumentalist for The Wood Brothers) for a deep-dive interview focusing on two major 2025 releases: his father-son collaboration Rix, Legacy, Vol. 1 and The Wood Brothers' latest album, Puff of Smoke.

The Interview: Organic Radio with Bill Cosentino

WPKN is a listener-supported station out of Bridgeport, CT, where Bill Cosentino's "Organic Radio" often features a variety of local, national and international music artists, across genres which include Americana and roots artists. In this session, Jano discusses the rare experience of releasing a "solo" project and a major band album simultaneously, touching on the influence of his father, Luther Rix, and the improvisational nature of his work.

Album 1: Rix Legacy, Vol. 1 (RIX)

Released on November 7, 2025, through the Royal Potato Family label, this project is a long-awaited collaboration between Jano and his father, Luther Rix.

The Duo: Jano (keyboards, percussion, vocals) and Luther (drums, percussion, vocals). Luther is a veteran of the industry, having played with Bob Dylan’s Rolling Thunder Revue and Leonard Cohen.

The Vibe: The record is described as a "contemporary blues" album with heavy New Orleans influence, inspired by Dr. John and Allen Toussaint.

Key Tracks:

• "Blow Wind Blow": A Huey "Piano" Smith cover reimagined with a NOLA groove.
• "Down and Nylon": A live recording from Brooklyn that Jano cites as a favorite.
• "All Kinds": A tender vocal track written by Dan Wilson.

Backstory: The album was over 12 years in the making, recorded in small windows of time between Jano’s tours with The Wood Brothers and Luther’s studio sessions.

Album 2: Puff of Smoke (The Wood Brothers)

The Wood Brothers released their ninth studio album, Puff of Smoke, on August 1, 2025, via Honey Jar/Thirty Tigers.

The Themes: The album explores mindfulness, uncertainty, and "letting go." As Oliver Wood stated, "We're not in control and that can be good news."

Musical Highlights: * "Witness": The lead single, featuring a "back-alley" New Orleans brass section.

"The Trick": Showcases Jano Rix’s experimentation with a Fender Rhodes through distortion and octave pedals.

"Above All Others": An experimental track featuring calliope-style sounds and an anthemic, Queen-inspired chorus.

Production: Recorded at The Studio Nashville, it emphasizes "first-take gold" on tracks like "Slow Rise (to the middle)."

How to Listen

If you missed the live broadcast, you can typically find the archived show on the WPKN Archives page (archives.wpkn.org). Look for "Organic Radio" under host Bill Cosentino's name.

Interview conducted by Bill Cosentino, host of Organic Radio on WPKN in Bridgeport, CT, with producer Gary Waldman. The discussion centers on the posthumous collection of Neal Casal's early recordings, No One Above You (The Early Years 1991-1998), and offers insights into Casal's profound career and personal impact.

Waldman and Cosentino's discussion touched on the deep impression Neal Casal left on those who knew and listened to him, confirming his status as an artist who cast "soft indentations on the soul." His tragic passing in 2019 left a significant hole in the hearts of his fans and friends. Casal was celebrated as a roots guitarist and a revered bandmate, known for his work with numerous high-profile artists and groups, including Phil Lesh, The Chris Robinson Brotherhood, Ryan Adams & The Cardinals, The Skiffle Players, and Circles Around The Sun.

In the wake of Neal's passing, the Neal Casal Music Foundation (NCMF) was created to honor his memory and fulfill a wish he expressed in his farewell letter: to draw attention to the difficulties of a touring musician's life and the need for care. The NCMF is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with a dual mission:

1. Mental Health Support: Donating funds to mental health organizations that support musicians in need, such as Backline and MusiCares.
2. Music Education: Donating musical instruments and lessons to students in New Jersey and New York state schools where Neal was born and raised.

The interview explores Warren Haynes' 45+ year musical journey discussed with Bill Cosentino on WPKN's Organic Radio. The interview took place on October 16, 2025, ahead of a Gov't Mule concert in New Haven on October 30, 2025 at College Street Music Hall.

This episode traces the musical journey of legendary guitarist and singer-songwriter Warren Haynes, from his beginnings as a sideman to becoming a formidable bandleader in his own right.

An apprentice to a legend

• The Dickey Betts Band: Hear how a young Haynes first earned his stripes in Dickey Betts's solo band, learning from one of the masters of Southern rock.
• A momentous introduction: Discover how this early experience paved the way for Haynes to join The Allman Brothers Band during their 1989 reunion.
• Finding his voice: Explore how Haynes navigated the challenging role of filling the shoes of guitar icons in one of rock's most storied groups.

Birth of the Mule, a power trio

• Forging a new path: Get the inside story on the formation of Gov't Mule, a side project Haynes started with his Allman Brothers bandmate Allen Woody and drummer Matt Abts.
• A powerful legacy: Hear how this trio carved its own niche with a powerful blend of rock, blues, and jazz, earning a loyal following with their explosive live shows.
• Facing tragedy and moving forward: Learn how the band persevered after the unexpected death of bassist Allen Woody, inviting a series of guest bassists before establishing a new permanent lineup.

A Deadhead's dream and a jazz fusion jam

• Keeping the spirit alive: Uncover Haynes's history playing with surviving members of the Grateful Dead, including extensive touring with Phil Lesh & Friends.
• When worlds collide: ScoMule: Dive into the details of the landmark 1999 collaboration between Gov't Mule and acclaimed jazz guitarist John Scofield.
• Crossing genres: Get a behind-the-scenes look at the dynamic between Haynes's blues-rock sensibilities and Scofield's jazz-fusion expertise, resulting in an album that defies categorization.

The voice of a generation

• Looking back, moving forward: A reflection on a career spent alongside and alongside his musical heroes, and the dedication it took to become a legend in his own right.
• The annual tradition: An update on his ongoing solo work and the philanthropic Christmas Jam, which he has hosted for decades to raise money for charity.