Joomla extensions and Joomla templates by JoomlaShine.com
Southern Music Menu
Southern Culture Menu
Site Menu
Southern Fried Video
Southern Fried Radio
Home 
Interviews Interview With II Big - Susan Snider
Interviews Interview With II Big - Susan Snider | Interview With II Big - Susan Snider |
|
|
|
| Written by Susan Snider | |
| Tuesday, 24 June 2008 | |
|
II BIG -- Band Members: Aubrey Hansen stands up front with his solid guitar playing and soulful vocals that can bring tears to your eyes, as well as make you get up and dance—transferring the heart of any tune right to the listener's soul. Tom Hansen, keyboards/vocals, has performed since he was 15. He adds years of professional talent and emotional feeling to the sound of II BIG. Ken Ingels' drumming provides a solid rhythmic foundation for II BIG's sound with a style reminiscent of John Bonham. Drummers of this caliber are one in a million! Indiana Slim snagged his guitar snake oil juice directly from his cousin, Lonnie Mack. Fully accomplished in many musical styles from rock & roll, rock-a-billy, country and blues, he has rocked with such classic performers from Jerry Lee Lewis and Bo Diddley to Billy Idol and countless Blues Legends. He has grooved alongside numerous top bands including the Allman Brothers, the Outlaws, the Doobie Brothers, Leon Russell, and Johnny Winter. World Class Bassman, Roger Brouse, aka Roger Vance boldly delivers mighty electric Bass Tones and provides a fierce musical foundation. Having years of extensive performing and touring throughout the U.S. and Europe, he deeply anchored the sound for many Blues Greats such as John Lee Hooker, Luther Tucker, Mike Bloomfield, Lowell Fulson, Ron Thompson, and Indiana Slim. As a renowned Bassman he expanded his talent and ignited the sounds of Top Acts Eddie Money, The Coasters, and a multitude of other well known performers.”
 "A mainstay on the Northern California music scene since 1994, II BIG has been through various personnel changes over the years, but the original vision of founder and drummer Ken Ingels has never wavered—these guys come to rock! Over the course of hundreds of gigs, II BIG has opened for a veritable who’s who of classic rock: Foghat, Blue Oyster Cult, Loverboy, Grand Funk Railroad, Joe Walsh, REO Speedwagon, Ted Nugent, Jeff Healy, Creedence Clearwater Revival and Styx.”
II Big is a Northern California based band that has played such places as “Konocti Harbor”, located in beautiful Clear Lake. I have been here several times and this is no small venue. It plays host to such bands as Lynyrd Skynyrd, Charlie Daniels Band, .38 Special, Reba McIntire, Rascal Flatts, ZZ Top -- just to name a few. I really enjoy finding talent in my own home area and talent I have found in the band “II Big.” I have 4 of their CD’s and cannot choose a favorite. I have yet to see them live but hope to very soon. CD’s are: 1) Ain’t No Stoppin’ Us Now, 2) Mendocino Town, 3) Sound Of The Highway and 4) Face In The Glass. All of which are very good."
The band writes and plays original music. To try to pick one or two songs or even one or two CD’s is just is impossible. Their music is all good and as a band they perform them with 5 star qualities. And the bands they have opened for clearly speaks for itself. I look forward to hooking up with these guys at one of their gigs and meeting them personally and experiencing the music live. I ask myself if I had to buy these CD’s or pay for a concert, would I? I most certainly would without a doubt. I recommend everyone to listen to them on myspace and hear for yourselves just how great this band is. You guys rock!
SF: Where were you born and raised?
Ken: Born in New York City, raised in Greenwich, CT
SF: At what age did you first pick up an instrument and did you take lesson or self taught?
Ken: My Aunt bought me a drum set when I was in Jr. high school. Took some lessons and then played through high school and college learning on my own.
SF: Do you come from a musical background?
Ken: No.
SF: Your band has been together since 1994 with you being the only remaining original member. How long has this group of members been together?
Ken: Since 2001. Indiana Slim is our newest member and has an extensive history.
SF: It takes a lot of dedication and commitment for something like this. Do you all have other jobs or is the band your total support?
Ken: Everyone has some other work helping to support them selves. There is some more band info on the studio site. www.riverrox.com click on II BIG.
SF: How far do you travel for gigs?
Ken: 250 miles
SF: What is your favorite venue to perform at and why?
Ken: Konocti. We get to open for all our favorite bands.
SF: If you could play with anyone you want (living or dead) who would it be and why?
Ken: Too long a list. We have been lucky to open for a dozens of classic bands at Konocti.
SF: When you write songs where do you get your inspiration and who all sits down at the table to do so? The band puts the final arangements on all the songs.
Ken: Most of the songs come from real stories that we have been through.
SF: Where did you get the name “II Big”? Is there a story behind it?
Ken: The first II BIG band members were 6'6". Aub is like 6' 3" so the name still fits.
SF: What was the first concert you went to as a kid?
Ken: Steve Wonder/Blood Rock/Three Dog Night.
SF: Who do you go see now?
Ken: Take a look at the Konocti Line up. I see most of those shows.
SF: What was the first record you bought?
Ken: Creedence Clearwater, Cosmos Factory.
SF: What is in your CD player right at this moment?
Ken: 3 doors down.
SF: Who are your influences?
Ken: All bands from the 60's,70's and 80's.
SF: Do you listen to other types of music besides Rock?
Ken: All kinds. owning a studio I am always listening to the mixes.
SF: You have obviously been around a long time, where do you see yourselves in 5 yrs?
Ken:Touring with another national band.
SF: Who would you most like to open for?
Ken: Tom Petty.
SF: Tell us a funny road story that still makes you laugh when you think about it?
Ken: Going to Tahoe for a gig and having the guitar playing wear his sandals. Only problem was it was snowing when we got up there.
SF: Obviously, I’m a Southern Rock girl. I see Marshall Tucker Band is one of your influences. What about them influenced you?
Ken: Love the band. We play Can't you see all the time. The vocal harmonies are great.
SF: Is there anything you would like to tell the readers that I may not have covered in this interview?
Ken: We have so many good tunes. There is something for everyone. With 5 CD's out there is a lot of music to dig through. The more you listen the more you will like the band.
Please check out II Big at the following links:
I want to thank you for taking the time to do this interview with me and I hope we can get together soon. Oh.....and feel free to comp me & my husband into a show anytime! LOL......
|
|
| Last Updated ( Friday, 23 January 2009 ) |
| < Prev | Next > |
|---|
The Ultimate Tone!!
The folks over at WCR do pickups for Marshall Tucker Band, Bo Bice, Three Doors Down, Aerosmith, as well as Jam-A-Que's own Bruce Wall.
"Awesome Pickups handmade by awesome folks!!, The best sounding pickups I have ever heard.. The only pickup I will ever use again"... Bruce Wall
ADVERTISE ON SOUTHERN FRIED
If you are a business in the South (bed & breakfast, restaurant, bar, seller of handmade items, etc.) or are a band/solo musician in the South, get on board to be promoted with us. Our rates are reasonable and we can work around your budget.
CONTACT:
Teri Merchant
This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
Hank Hart This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it