Hooked on Creek

Korre Johnson
  • 5.0 (14)
  • MUSIC COMMENTARY
  • UPDATED MONTHLY

Celebrating the music of Max Creek, including reviews of live shows, conversations with fans and discussions about the history and impact of this legendary jam band.

  1. JAN 31

    If Max Creek was the only band you ever loved

    In episode 65 of Hooked on Creek, Korre Johnson takes a step back and asks a simple question: what if Max Creek was the only band you ever loved? Framed as a thought experiment, the episode looks at how the band’s music changes with us, how listening can be shaped by time and distance, and how tapers and fans help carry the music forward. This episode features the following songs performed live by Max Creek: You Write the Book from May 25, 1986: https://archive.org/details/mc1986-05-25.set1.flac16/mc1986-05-25d1t02.flac Calypso Wind from September 11, 2022: https://archive.org/details/maxcreek2022-09-11.telefunken-ela-m260.flac2448/maxcreek2022-09-11t08.flac Devil’s Heart from March 21, 1997: https://archive.org/details/mc1997-03-21.flac16f/mc1997-03-21d1t03.flac Crystal Clear from January 8, 1983: https://archive.org/details/MC1983-01-08.MaxCreekTaurusBallroomHartfordCtTaperJonesCollectionSBD/05CrystalClear.flac Time from January 24, 2026: https://archive.org/details/mc2026-01-24.-KM140-SBD/MC\_20260124\_KM14-SBD\_S02-04.flac If you have feedback or suggestions for future episodes, send a message via the contact link on the Hooked on Creek website: https://hookedoncreek.com Read a transcript of this episode on the Hooked on Creek website: https://hookedoncreek.com/2026/01/episode-65-if-max-creek-was-the-only-band-you-ever-loved/

    23 min

  2. 09/21/2025

    Michael Wegner from Cosmic Charlie talks about Max Creek

    Episode 64 features a conversation with Michael Wegner from the band Cosmic Charlie, a Grateful Dead tribute band. Michael talks about his introduction to Max Creek, how the band influenced his approach to music, and what it was like performing with Mark Mercier. Learn about Michael Wegner: https://michaelwegner.com Learn about Cosmic Charlie: https://cosmiccharlie.net Listen to Cosmic Charlie’s live performance at Shank Hall in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on September 13, 2025: https://archive.org/details/cosmic-charlie2025-09-13 If you have feedback or suggestions for future episodes, send a message via the contact link on the Hooked on Creek website: https://hookedoncreek.com Read a transcript of this episode on the Hooked on Creek website: https://hookedoncreek.com/2025/09/episode-64-michael-wegner-from-cosmic-charlie-talks-about-max-creek/

    18 min

  3. 08/24/2025

    John Spignesi talks about his band’s new album produced by Scott Murawski

    Episode 63 features a conversation with John Spignesi — guitarist, songwriter, and frontman of the John Spignesi Band. John talks about the making of his band’s new album and the unique experience of working with Max Creek’s Scott Murawski as producer. John also reflects on the role of music in his life and his opportunities to play with members of Max Creek outside of the studio. This episode features clips of the following songs performed live by the John Spignesi Band: Feelin’ Free performed at Hoops N’ Hops in Simsbury, Connecticut, on November 16, 2024, with special guest Scott Murawski: https://archive.org/details/JSB2024-11-16.RODENT5-ZOOMH6-FLAC8/106.+Feelin'+Free.flac Blank Canvas performed at Newburyport Brewing Company in Newburyport, Massachusetts, on May 3, 2025: https://archive.org/details/JSB2025-05-03.JohnSpignesiBandNewburyportBrewingCompanyMay2025/03+Blank+Canvas+%3E.flac Tough Guy performed at The Juke in Deep River, Connecticut, on April 11, 2025: https://archive.org/details/JSB2025-04-11.JohnSpignesiBandTheJukeApril2025/10+Tough+Guy.flac Prepare For Liftoff performed at Stony Creek Brewery in Branford, Connecticut, on February 22, 2025: https://archive.org/details/JSB2025-02-22.JohnSpignesiBandStonyCreekBreweryFebruary2025/23+Prepare+For+Liftoff.flac Mystery Man performed at Black-Eyed Sally’s in Hartford, Connecticut, on June 28, 2025 with special guest Mark Mercier: https://archive.org/details/JSB2025-06-28.JohnSpignesiBandCapitolGrooveAfterPartyBlackEyedSallys/02+Mystery+Man+%3E.flac If you have feedback or suggestions for future episodes, send a message via the contact link on the Hooked on Creek website: https://hookedoncreek.com Read a transcript of this episode on the Hooked on Creek website: https://hookedoncreek.com/2025/08/episode-63-john-spignesi-talks-about-his-bands-new-album-produced-by-scott-murawski/

    39 min

  4. 07/25/2025

    Brendan Hodge talks about Max Creek

    Episode 62 features a conversation with Brendan Hodge, a musician and devoted Max Creek fan whose musical journey was profoundly shaped by the band. Brendan shares memories of discovering Max Creek in the late 1990s, the inspiration he drew from their live performances and how the band influenced his path as a performer. Brendan also talks about his role as a percussionist in the band Little Lies.  This episode features clips of the following songs performed live by Max Creek: Blood Red Roses performed at The Met in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, on February 3, 2018: https://archive.org/details/mc2018-02-03.TheMetCreekendNightTwoDSBD/07+Blood+Red+Roses.flac You Let Me Down Again performed at The Living Room in Providence, Rhode Island, on May 1, 1999: https://archive.org/details/MC1999-05-01.LivingRoom28thAnniversaryFredBovinoCollection/02YouLetMeDownAgain.flac I Will Always See Your Face performed at Soundcheck Studios in Pembroke, Massachusetts, on June 4, 2022: https://archive.org/details/mc2022-06-04.nak300.CP2.flac24/07+I+Will+Always+See+Your+Face.flac If you have feedback or suggestions for future episodes, send a message via the contact link on the Hooked on Creek website: https://hookedoncreek.com Read a transcript of this episode on the Hooked on Creek website: https://hookedoncreek.com/2025/07/episode-62-brendan-hodge-talks-about-max-creek/

    22 min

  5. 06/27/2025

    Max Creek: Live on November 3, 1993

    In episode 61 of Hooked on Creek, Korre Johnson reviews Max Creek's performance on November 3, 1993, at Lupo's Heartbreak Hotel, in Providence, Rhode Island. This Max Creek show is available to download or stream here: https://archive.org/details/mc1993-11-03.aud.cassette.flac16/mc1993-11-03 If you have feedback or suggestions for future episodes, send a message via the contact link located on the Hooked on Creek website: https://hookedoncreek.com Read a transcript of this episode on the Hooked on Creek website: https://hookedoncreek.com/2025/06/episode-61-reviewing-max-creek-performance-on-november-3-1993/ Setlist from November 3, 1993: Set one 1: Cruel World 2: Alabama Getaway 3: Borrowing Time 4: If You Ask Me 5: Gypsy Blue 6: Fire & Brimstone 7: Louisiana Sun Set two 8: The Field 9: Border Song 10: You Don't Know 11: Dark Water 12: Knockin' on Heaven's Door 13: Good Lovin' Encore 14: Not Fade Away

    22 min

  6. 04/16/2025

    Graham Gibbs discusses Max Creek

    Episode 60 features a conversation with Graham Gibbs, a lifelong Max Creek fan and guitarist whose connection to the band runs deep. Graham shares heartfelt stories about growing up with a Creek-loving dad, learning guitar by studying Scott Murawski and the personal impact the band's music has had on his life. Graham also talks about his experiences performing on stage with Max Creek. This episode features the following songs performed live by Max Creek: Devil’s Heart performed at Lupo’s Heartbreak Hotel in Providence, Rhode Island, on May 17, 2000: https://archive.org/details/mc2000-05-17.sbd.fryinbri.flac16/mc2000-05-17d1t03.flac Yellow Moon performed at The Living Room in Providence, Rhode Island, on September 19, 2001: https://archive.org/details/mc2001-09-19.shnf/mc2001-09-19d3t01.shn Yes We Can Can performed with Graham Gibbs at The Met in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, on January 21, 2017: https://archive.org/details/MC2017-01-21.MaxCreekTheMetPawtucketRIwithSpecialGuestGrahamGibbs/17YesWeCanCan.flac Dance performed at The Met in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, on January 25, 2019: https://archive.org/details/MC2019-01-25.\_KM140/MC\_20190125\_KM140-SBD-S01-05.flac This episode also features a clip of the band Candle Opera performing a cover of Frank Zappa’s song Cosmik Debris live at Bishop’s Lounge in Northampton, Massachusetts, on March 29, 2025. Learn more about Candel Opera on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/candle\_opera\_music/ Read a transcript of this episode on the Hooked on Creek website: https://hookedoncreek.com/2025/04/episode-60-graham-gibbs-discusses-max-creek/ If you have feedback or suggestions for future episodes, send a message via the Hooked on Creek website: https://hookedoncreek.com/contact/

    28 min

  7. 03/02/2025

    Why Max Creek has stood the test of time

    In episode 59 of Hooked on Creek, Korre Johnson explores the enduring legacy of Max Creek and unpacks why the band has remained together for over five decades. Korre discusses the deep sense of community that surrounds the band, the improvisational spirit that keeps their music fresh and the genuine love for making music together that fuels their longevity. This episode features the following songs performed live by Max Creek:  Road of Dreams performed at The Old Well Tavern in Simsbury, Connecticut, on March 31, 2012: https://archive.org/details/mc2012-03-31.flac16/mc2012-03-31s1t01.flac Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes performed at The Met in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, on January 25, 2025: https://archive.org/details/mc2025-01-25/07+Diamonds+on+the+Soles+of+Her+Shoes.wav If you have feedback or suggestions for future episodes, send a message via the contact link on the Hooked on Creek website: https://hookedoncreek.com Read a transcript of this episode on the Hooked on Creek website: https://hookedoncreek.com/2025/03/episode-59-why-max-creek-has-stood-the-test-of-time/

    20 min

  8. 01/13/2025

    Phil Simon talks about Max Creek and promoting live music

    Episode 58 features an interview with Phil Simon, a booking agent for Max Creek and life-long fan of the band. Phil talks about his professional relationship with Max Creek and shares his insights on what makes Max Creek so special. Phil explains how his personal connection to Max Creek as a fan has shaped his approach to booking their gigs, allowing him to understand the band's needs and the expectations of fans. Phil also reflects on the challenges facing the live music industry today. This episode also features segments of the following songs performed live by Max Creek at The Living Room in Providence, Rhode Island: Just a Rose performed on December 14, 1988: https://archive.org/details/mc1988-12-14.flac16/mc1988-12-14d2t05.flac Orange Sunshine performed on November 30, 1988: https://archive.org/details/mc1988-11-30.flac16/mc1988-11-30d2t10.flac Big Boat performed on December 14, 1988: https://archive.org/details/mc1988-12-14.flac16/mc1988-12-14d2t06.flac Rainbow performed on October 5, 1988: https://archive.org/details/mc1988-10-05.flac16/mc1988-10-05d2t02.flac Read a transcript of this episode on the Hooked on Creek website: https://hookedoncreek.com/2025/01/episode-58-phil-simon-talks-about-max-creek-and-promoting-live-music/ If you have feedback or suggestions for future episodes, send a message via the contact link on the Hooked on Creek website: https://hookedoncreek.com

    59 min
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5
out of 5
14 Ratings

About

Celebrating the music of Max Creek, including reviews of live shows, conversations with fans and discussions about the history and impact of this legendary jam band.

Information

  • Creator
    Korre Johnson
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    65
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Hooked on Creek
  • Show Website
    Hooked on Creek