Way Back Home

Way Back Home

He crashes the greatest records. He’s traveled the road and brought back the most fabulous melodic sounds it has to offer. An incredibly eclectic mix of the deepest soul and vintage R&B. Paul doesn’t stop there. Brazilian, Cuban, African, classic ska, reggae and singer songwriters all drop on the decks.

One of the great long running shows on WMSE – 30 years and still getting better.

Get to Know Your WMSE DJ Profile – Paul Cebar

How do you spend your days and nights when not hosting your radio show?

When not hosting my show, life is an empty husk blowing hither and thither through a pale fogscape. No, actually I prefer to spend my time playing with my band, preparing to play with my band, reading like all get-out, cutting Dad’s lawn, sifting through the records and looking for Al Pastor tacos that taste anything like the ones in the street in Oaxaca.

Do you remember what band, album or song took you from being a casual music listener to a passionate music lover? Is there a memory associated with that experience?

“Love Me Do” and “Hold Me Tight” by the Beatles took this dreaming seven year old to the party. The mysteries of “Working in a Coalmine” by Lee Dorsey ushered me into new levels of immersion. ‘Thelonious Monk’s Greatest Hits’ bought on State St. in Madison as a callow youth, “Paradise and Lunch” & “Mo Roots” playing in the dorms the first week of college. “Crawfish Fiesta” playing in a record store in Minneapolis…

What band have you heard or discovered in the past six months that reminded you why you want to continue being a WMSE DJ.

A Senegalese band called Fonseca et les Anges Noirs remind me (as if I needed reminding) why I’d like to continue sailing songs into the air at WMSE.

Who is your favorite non-you WMSE DJ and why? 

Johnny Ziegler, Dewey and Shopkeeper Ken are my favorite compatriots for the sheer intrepidity and mayhem-laden fun.

What do you want to be when you grow up?

When I grow up, I will perhaps be paid…and dancing.