Tom Rigney on his Career and new projects

In this episode of Backstage Sonoma, host Steve Roby is joined by Tom Rigney, a renowned fiddler, composer, and Bay Area music legend. Rigney discusses his extensive music career, beginning with his early days playing bluegrass in the 1970s, leading into his time with The Sundogs in the mid-1980s. He shares intriguing anecdotes, such as how he started playing with Queen Ida and her Bon Temps Zydeco Band, which set the stage for his future endeavors in Cajun and Zydeco music.

Rigney also delves into the transition from The Sundogs to his current band, Flambeau, which has been performing for about 25 years. Throughout the interview, he touches on the impact of personnel changes in the band, the excitement of recording new material, and his deep-rooted love for live performances. He provides insights into his creative process and how he collaborates with other musicians, including the notable Cajun fiddler Michael Doucet.

Additionally, Rigney's unwavering dedication to his craft is evident in his continuous passion for recording, having released around 27 albums and DVD videos over the past 25 years. He gives listeners a preview of his upcoming projects, including a new live video and CD recorded in the North Bay Area. Despite the changing landscape of physical media, Rigney remains committed to creating and sharing music with his audience.

 The interview concludes with a discussion of Rigney's recent European tour and his plans for future performances. Listeners are encouraged to check out his website for more information on his music and tour schedule.

See Tom Rigney & Flambeau live at Fridays at the Hood on Friday, July 26th, 2024, 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm PDT. Tickets here.

Serlist: “Roll On,” “Swamp Fever,” “Guinness and Gumbo.”