The Stereo Image
Join host Mike Jones as he discusses music in the lives of creative and interesting people! Mike talks 1-on-1 with the various people he has met as a jazz pianist and music director for Penn & Teller.
Music plays a part in how creative people are inspired, whether someone is an accomplished musician or just listened to their favorite album on repeat in school. With humor and curiosity, Mike talks music with some fascinating people!
Listen on:
Episodes
Thursday Aug 28, 2025
Thursday Aug 28, 2025
Jonesy and Michael Close explore the intertwined worlds of music and magic, delving into Michael's early influences, his journey into both fields, and the challenges he faced as a performer in Las Vegas. They discuss the importance of mentorship, the evolution of live music in Vegas, and the realities of pursuing a career in the arts.
In their conversation, Jonesy and Michael Close delve into the intricacies of cocktail piano performances, the challenges of solo gigs, and the evolution of audience engagement. They share memorable stories from their musical journeys, reflect on their influences, and discuss the impact of technology on music learning. The conversation also touches on the future of jazz and the role of magic in entertainment, particularly through the lens of the television show 'Fool Us.'
More info from this episode
Dave McKenna plays Nobody Else But Me (YouTube)
Ben Patterson at the Green Mill (YouTube)
Lance Burton (YouTube)
Penn & Teller's Fool Us on the CW
More info about Mike Close
Mike Close
Magic by Mike Close on Vanishing Magic, Inc
Friday Aug 15, 2025
Friday Aug 15, 2025
Our guest this week is the indomitable actor, Dean Cameron! You may have seen him in Summer School, Ski School, or the TV show for Fast Times at Ridgemont High. Or you've seen him in one of his numerous other acting gigs that don't involve school.
In addition to acting, he plays in a fun band called Low Speed Chase and he wrote (with the help of his Nigerian friend) and acted in a hilarious play called Nigerian Spam Scam Scam.
We talk about all that and his experiences growing up and getting into music as well. Check him out!
More information from this show:
Coreyoke (on YouTube)
Led Zeppelin 77 Tour at the Forum in LA (on YouTube)
Nigeriam Spam Scam Scam (on YouTube)
More about Dean Cameron and Low Speed Chase
Dean Cameron's Website
Dean Cameron on IMDB
Low Speed Chase Music
Low Speed Chase on Instagram
Thursday Jul 31, 2025
Thursday Jul 31, 2025
Welcome to Part 2 of Mike's talk with Hank O'Neal. In Part 1 we discussed the creation of Chiaroscuro Records and Hank's work on the jazz cruises. In this part Hank shares more stories from the jazz cruises as well as discussions about his photography and his "government work" in which he has since made a donation to the CIA museum... Additionally, they discuss the art of photography, capturing moments, and the changing value of creative work in today's digital age. Hank is a renaissance man who has experienced so much of history and technology in the later part of the 20th century.
More information about topics in this episode:
Hank's personal website with info about his photography and books
Hank's photos from the jazz cruises
Chiaroscuro Records - Classic Jazz Archives
The Stereo Image
Join host, Mike Jones, as he discusses how music fits into the lives of creative and interesting people. Every week, Mike sits down with a different guest to discuss what music they love and how it influences them. Each guest is notable in their own right but not necessarily for their music. We discuss what music has meant to them and their endeavors.