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Here are some must have CDs that will be
released very soon:G=MC2 is the Follow up to Marshall Tucker Founding Member George McCorkle's "American Street". Jimmie Van Zant : Jimmie has completed his second CD. More info on this in our next issue. However, I have heard some advance cuts, and all I got to say is WOW! Great CD. Candy Coburn: Candy''s new CD "Rev It Up" has just become available at her website. www.CandyCoburn.com
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Previous Featured Artist:
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 Not Just Another Interview by Jody Willman
Posted by admin on Friday, February 01 @ 13:15:44 CST (1401 reads)
Well as hard as it is to believe, another 3 months have flown by and it’s time for some more Southern Fried! Now as some of you know, I’m a wanna be songwriter/poet/storyteller, and I love it. Last issue I gave you my impression of the “Big State Festival” last Oct. in College Station, Texas. Seems I left out a part of the story that may turn out to be the best part of being there.
Sitting next to my wife and I were a few folks from my neck of the woods that we’d never met but seemed to be really enjoying the show. I started talking to one ol' boy and he mentioned that his nephew was a guitarist. Well you know man -- people that love their kin tend to like what they do a little more than others might. So being polite, I said well how old is he? He said he’s 9! And that’s him right there. I looked and there stood a little dude about as big as a 9 year old should be, cute as a bug’s ear, whatever that means, something mama used to say. But there was something different about this kid, and I noticed it when Skynyrd started playing. It was his eyes! Not just that they are an intense blue, but where they were looking. They never strayed much from Rickey Medlocke's fingers. And the fingers of his left hand, though down at his side, were forming chords. Now, there may have been 20,000 people standing behind us, a lot of pretty girls, other kids, his family, etc. But he only had one interest…Southern rock! I was introduced to his mom and dad, Paulette and Steve and they both proudly told me that their son could play a lot of Skynyrd's stuff, including “FREEBIRD.” Now THAT really peeked my interest, because if that was true…Nah couldn’t be! Well, not to bore y’all anymore with little details about how we hooked up back home after I went to the kid’s myspace page and decided from the first video I saw that I needed to really meet this kid. Now that will be the last time you hear me call him kid! His name is BRYCE SHAVER and here is my effort to introduce you to something special!
~Interview with Steve and Paulette Shaver and their son Bryce~
To both: I want to thank you guys for inviting me to your home and for the hospitality.
Reply: It’s our pleasure and thank you for coming.
Let me get right to it, dad what kind of music did you grow up listening to?
Reply: Van Halen, George Strait, Hank Jr. all kinds of different stuff.
That’s cool, mom and you?
Reply: The same, we went to high school together. High school sweethearts, huh? Well it interests me that Bryce chooses to play Southern rock on his own, not influenced by what he hears around the house or with family. I love to see young people liking Southern rock. How long has Bryce been playing guitar? Reply: Two years ago Feb. 14th we got him his first real guitar and it was just a “First Act” from Wal-Mart. TWO YEARS? (I might have said that loud) Wow! Now that blows me away! What was his first “Favorite” song if you can remember? Reply: That one, what was it? Drift away? When did you decide to invest the time and money into getting Bryce guitar lessons? Reply: Two years ago, he seemed to have a knack. I’ll say! How does it make you feel seeing him up there in front of a bunch of people, just freaking them out? Reply: Well proud, of course, but kind of amazed too. He just handles it so well. How far would you like to see him carry this? Reply: As long as he’s happy we’ll support him all the way. We love to hear him play as much as he loves to play. Now right about here I was going to ask the Shavers about the tales of what fame and money can do to some young actors, musicians and the like…but after meeting Steve and Paulette Shaver, in their home, one on one, I knew the answer already. His raisin’, the love for him, and the family support he gets, speaks for itself… He’s in great hands! Now Bryce my friend, do you know you’re nine years old? Reply: Yes sir. I’m asking because you walked into this room like you were at home…Oh! Right, ok you are at home! Reply: (Laugh) Do you think you could walk out in front of oh say 5000 people with the same air of confidence you walked into this room with? Reply: I think so, why not? Most people like me. (Laugh) How do you feel when there are bunches of people watching you play? Reply: I’m nervous before I get on stage but after I’m on stage I’m not. I like for people to watch me play. I bet the girls like you huh? Reply: Not yet it’s too hard to pick just one. (Laugh) They will, trust me. What’s the coolest thing anybody ever said to you after watching you jam? Reply: You’re going to be a rock star! (Laugh) Yep, who’s your guitar teacher? He must be good. Reply: Kenneth Sanders is my teacher now. You’ve had another teacher? Reply: Yes but after a year he said I needed another teacher because I could play everything he could. Wow! What draws you to Southern Rock? Reply: It’s harder to play and more fun than most music. Who’s your favorite Southern Rock band?
Reply: Lynyrd Skynyrd. A man after my own heart! What’s your favorite Skynyrd song right now? Reply: "Freebird" -- but I like all of their music And you can play and sing that? Reply: Yes sir, it took me a month to learn. Do you know how many grown veteran rockers would love to say that? Reply: Yes sir. What kind of guitar do you have? Reply: A Taylor and a Gibson Got em tuned? Reply: Yes sir. Well “Play me a little” People, I’m going to tell you this much, I was absolutely blown away by the talent, and the absolute dedication this young southern brother has inside him…it’s a beautiful thing! And after you finish reading this issue of Southernfried, take my advice and go to www.myspace.com/bryceshaver and check this MAN out! And keep going back and check now and then, because I have a feeling you’ll be seeing a LOT of new stuff on his myspace and everywhere else. Just remember folks, you saw him here first from the inside out! Oh yeah, a few more things about Bryce… He plays piano/keyboard, bass guitar, mandolin, some drums, lead and rhythm, so all you non-players like me well… what can I say?
Until next time remember to keep it SOUTHERNFRIED! Jody
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Doug Gray talks with Bruce Wall
Posted by admin on Friday, February 01 @ 11:10:02 CST (1385 reads)
Recently I sat and talked with Doug Gray about all the recent Marshall Tucker related news....
Click to listen
To hear the whole interview, listen on www.43thehawk.com Sunday Feb. 3rd at 11:00AM EST and again at 9:00PM EST
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Interview of Allan Kaplon & The Non-Prophets - Susan Snider
Posted by admin on Thursday, January 31 @ 23:00:00 CST (1178 reads)
This band is very impressive. I, for one, can listen to their music all day. They have the sound of Rock, but I find them to be a more mellow Southern Rock with an Outlaws/Marshall Tucker sound. “Strings” has got to be my all time favorite. It talks about life, love and hope. As I listened to the other songs I found myself replaying them over and over. Next thing I knew, I was singing along. There is nothing better than music you can relate to and understand. I want to hear more from them every time I play their music. Come on guys, let’s see a CD out there for the folks to hear. I can only say that this band should be touring the country and I hope they can make it to the West Coast.
The Band consist of:
Allan Kaplon-Guitar and Vocals--Jeff Chester-Drums and Percussion--Tim Scott-Vocals and Percussion--Dave McKenzie-Bass
SF: Where are you from? Born and raised.
Allan: Born in Rochester,N.Y., lived there for only 1 year. Grew up in Belmont, North Carolina, went to high school at South Point and college at Belmont Abbey.
SF: What age did you start playing music and realize you wanted to play for a living?
Allan: Started playing at 13 on a cheap nylon string guitar I got at Roses Dept. Store. Within a week, I knew I wanted to play music for a living.
SF: How long has the band been together?
Allan: We've been together for about 9 monthes. Originally I just put together a unit to play a show I had at the Double Door Inn. I only intended it to be a 1 time thing, having gotten burned out on the whole band thing and playing out 3 or 4 times a month solo for the last year and a half, I was having some success with just me and the guitar. However, working with Dave McKenzie on bass and Jeff Chester on drums, just felt so right. They are both easy going, hardworking guys and we really felt a connection. The more we played out together, we realized we had something special together, so we decided to make it a permanent thing.
SF: What instruments do you play besides what is listed above?
Allan: I play accoustic (a Gibson J-45) and electric guitar(Gibson SG), and electric bass (Ibanez RG).
SF: When you write your songs, who contributes to them?
Allan: I'm the songwriter in the band. I love playing out and recording, but the thing that I get the most joy from is sitting down with guitar and pen and paper. That said, I strongly feel that Jeff and Dave, and what they add to the songs, clearly shapes the tunes and sometimes even takes them down paths I might not have seen when I wrote them. They really add a lot to the whole process.
SF: What inspires you to write your songs?
Allan: So many different things. Things I overhear people say, things me or my friends or family are going through and doing, people watching and imagining a back story for some stranger. I try to write about the little everyday things and as a rule stay away from trying to be profound or preachy.
SF: Who are your influences in music?
Allan: Growing up the Beatles were number 1. Neil Young and Tom Petty later in life became big influences. Ryan Adams really seems to never put out a bad album. Lucinda Williams has done some great work. Theres so many I like: Nick Drake, Cat Stevens, Fleetwood Mac, Jackson Browne, Elton John, Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard, really too many to list.
SF: If you could play on stage with anyone you choose, who would it be (living or not) and why?
Allan: That's a tough one. I guess living it would be Tom Petty because I really admire the way he's stayed true to his own voice, but at the same time evolved through the years. And dead.....it would be John Lennon, because while I'm never been one for hero worship, I like the artist's music, but not interested in getting autographs or such. He comes the closest to someone that I look up to as a hero, not just for the music, but for the way he lived his life, on his own terms. SF: Who is waiting for you at home when you come home?
Allan: My wife Mesa, she's my best friend in the whole world. And my daughter Liz, and son Ben, they're the most important people in the world to me. I wouldn't trade my life with them for any kind of success in music.
SF: Do you have a favorite place to play?
Allan: Without question, the Double Door Inn!! It's truly a legendary place. Nick and all the folks there are the finest kind of folks and I actually met my wife there, long ago when I was in college.
SF: Where do you want to see the band in the future?
Allan: Right now, we've had a lot of success here in Charlotte and we're starting to branch out to venues in Chapel Hill, Winston Salem and Asheville. So hopefully by the end of the year we'll be able to duplicate the success we've had here to those locations.
SF: Your music is really awesome. What is it you want the fans to get from it?
Allan: You know, I think some of the real heroes in this world are people just out there doing the ordinary things we all do, that are faced with everyday problems like we all are. And in the middle of this cynical world where sometimes things can seem almost hopeless, are still able to find hope, still able to do a good job raising kids, have a good marriage, go to work everyday. And so I try to write a lot about folks who, maybe have had a few setbacks and even gotten discouraged some, but keep getting up and finding hope out there.
SF: Will you be doing a video for any of your songs?
Allan: Actually we'll be doing an on-air perfomance on the local FoxNews Rising Morning Show in the next little bit (we're just working on a date we can all get off work to do it) and while they're not paying us, we do get a DVD of the show. So we'll be putting that on our MySpace page when that happens.
SF: Is there anything you would like to tell the readers that we didn’t cover?
Allan: I always debate telling people this, because some folks seem to think less of the album when they hear this, but I'm kinda proud of it. I did all 12 songs; guitar, bass and vocals in 8 hours, no more than 3 takes for any song. And no click track. Then Tom Eure added drums, and no more than 1 extra part to each song. Then we mixed it in about 4 hours. In the end we wanted it to stand on the strength of the songs and to sound more like some friends sitting on a porch playing for the love of it, than some slick product for the radio. So, I guess I'm kinda proud of that. The other thing would be how neat the internet has made it for the Indie artist, where you can use MySpace or Facebook for a web page, Gmail for a mailing list, book your own shows, record, mix and master and even do the artwork. Then make copies of a CD using a hard disk system, or software, sell it on the internet, really do it all yourself, and along the way keep costs down, learn a lot about different aspects of the music biz. And if you're lucky even get good folks like you, Susan, to interview you and review your CD.
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Interview with SwampdaWamp - Susan Snider
Posted by admin on Thursday, January 31 @ 23:00:00 CST (1164 reads)
Gig Michaels: Lead Vocals, Guitar, and Songwriter
Gig is a passionate and talented songwriter and vocalist influenced by music icons like Led Zeppelin, Lynyrd Skynyrd and Joe Cocker. Producer Joe Boyland called some of Gig's lyrics "among the best songwriting that have ever come along." Early on, Gig wrote poetry and stories, and when he picked up guitar at age 16, Gig started writing original songs as an outlet to life's experiences. Based in North Carolina, he honed his song writing, guitar, and on-stage skills with the band he formed called Jeddidiah Train, a southern blues-influenced rock band. Gig then moved on to Nashville where he wrote and sang on the debut CD of Plain James, a band he formed with Yanni drummer Charlie Adams. He then returned to North Carolina and created the band SwampdaWamp with a slate of great new songs on their debut CD.
"Music to me is such an expression of life, be it good or be it bad. It has always been there for me and I think I am lucky to be able to translate my passion into a song. I have been touched or moved by so many artists and songs in so many ways I could only try to give something back. The band SwampdaWamp to me is like this: a bunch of very talented, friendly, humble, and way-too-funny musicians that have a very large time jamming and just want to do something good for the music loving world." --Gig Michaels
Marty Hill "The Goblet of Gibson": Lead Guitar
Marty is a gifted guitar player who can play with the best of them. He began playing guitar in Cabarrus County, North Carolina at age 10 and was working professionally by age 16. By combining the melodic harmonies of southern rock with the tones and rhythms of heavy metal, Marty soon developed a distinctive style and unique sound all his own, earning a well-deserved reputation as one of the Southeast's most promising young guitarists.
Early in his career, Marty worked regularly as a session guitarist for the top studios in Charlotte where he was featured on hundreds of nationally distributed karaoke songs. He then co-founded an all-original metal band called Phantom Park that enjoyed widespread regional success after the release of their critically acclaimed CD Freight Trained, which contained the popular single "Rainy Day." Phantom Park opened for artists such as Jefferson Starship and Steppenwolf.
After playing with the popular cover band SuperGlide, Marty found his musical soul mates in SwampdaWamp and his virtuoso guitar brought new passion to Gig's soulful compositions.
"When I met Gig and jammed on a couple of his tunes, I was floored to say the least. It's very rare to hook up with someone that shares the same spirit of emotion in music, but Gig and I are on the same page here. This band is unbelievable!!" -- Marty Hill
Michael Hough: Guitars, VocalsMichael started playing guitar at age 13 and soon joined The Creek, voted by the National Association of Campus Activities as the number one rock attraction on the east coast. The Creek were semi-finalists on the long running international talent competition Star Search.
Michael then collaborated with Jimi Ray in Age of Faith, which produced the highly successful Christian rock album Heart of the Young. Several popular singles made the charts and led to work with Giant founders Dann and David Huff, Steven Curtis Chapman, The Newsboys and more.
Returning to rock and roll, Michael co-founded the band Chyld with Steven Hayman and worked with David Lee in the studio. Next, Michael co-founded the popular band SuperGlide joining with Marty Hill on guitar. When SwampdaWamp went looking for another guitarist, Michael was a natural to join the family.
"I've done studio work with David and have been performing with Marty for the past several years. So SwampdaWamp is like a family reunion for me where I've found a few long lost cousins." --Michael Hough
Alan Huffman: Hammond B3 Keyboards Mike Alan Huffman, a.k.a. "Mike Magic" and "Sammy Fingers," began his musical life at age 12 playing the drums. By age 14, he was introduced in the Toledo music scene filling in for a drummer in a local classic rock band. He continued sitting in until he went to a drum clinic by Steve Smith.
Hammond B-3 organ sat on the side of the stage and Alan was irresistibly drawn to it. Soon afterwards, he taught himself to play piano and became the piano player for his high school jazz band. He eventually joined up with Josh Boyd and the VIP Band in Toledo, Ohio and placed First in the regional blues competition, which led to opening performances for national acts such as Grand Funk Railroad, Bad Company, and Cheap Trick.
When SwampdaWamp went looking for a new B-3 player, Alan impressed with his quick study, fast fingers, improve ability, and performance flair.
"Working with SwampdaWamp is one of the most righteous things that has ever happened to me. I feel as if I've known these cats forever. Good, tasty rock music is making a huge come back and I'm thrilled to be a part of that."
David Lee: Drums, Vocals
David was born to play drums. Even in pre-school, David wanted drums. He got piano lessons instead. In studying classical piano at a young age, David learned composition, chord structure, tempo, dynamics, and emotion. He finally got his first drum set at age 12 and before long mastered it. David began playing professionally after high school with various Charlotte bands like My Three Sons and Simon Sez, building on the lessons that made him a musician. Now, guided by his training, instinct, intuition, and destiny, David is SwampdaWamp's resident superhero.
"When I play, it's not about how many licks I can fit in, it's all about the song and what feels right for each one musically. Everything I've done my whole life has been for the music - for the song, and I wouldn't trade it for anything. It makes the people around me nuts because I obsess over the music so much, but that's the only way I'm happy. Sometimes you just know what you're supposed to do in life and I'm lucky enough to be doing It. “ -- David Lee
I have listened to this band’s music and am so impressed with them. I just had to contact them for an interview. The music is like none I have ever heard. It has a blues sound with a rock attitude. Their music leaves an impression on you and wanting to hear more. The CD is certainly bound to go gold. That is this reporters view. I'm sure others out there will agree. I highly recommend you to all get a copy, pop it in your CD player, kick back and be ready to be blown away. You're gonna hear some kick ass tunes. I cannot wait to see them perform live on stage. You can be sure I will be the one who cannot stay in my seat. I'll be up and dancing to the music. Of course as any listener, I have my favorite song or two that sets me on fire. "Miss Becky," "Sunday Southern Tradition," and "I'm Feeling Saturday." This band is definitely big time and going places. SF: Where were you born and raised?
Gig: I was actually born in Hartford, Connecticut. We moved to the Carolinas when I was about 7 years old, so I consider myself a Southern boy! SF: At what age did you first pick up your instrument?
Gig: I was influenced by my father at a young age as he used to sit around with the neighbor playing acoustic guitars singing stuff like old Waylon, Merle Haggard, etc. I was actually around 14 years old when I picked up the guitar and went on to learning by ear. I started writing my own songs as I learned how to play! I think that is how I developed a style, if you will.
SF: How long have you been playing professionally?
Gig: I have been playing professionally full time for last few years, with on again / off again jaunts over the past 20 years.
SF: Who are your influences?
Gig: Man my influences range from Led Zeppelin to Lynyrd Skynyrd. I keep fresh on the latest as well as the old and I think I get inspired from the same all the time. For me I like anything that is memorable or catchy. I dig Allman Brothers as well as Black Crowes and Train.
SF: How did you all get together?
Gig: As cliché as it might sound, my drummer David Lee responded to an ad Yes, an ad! Stranger things have happened! I don't usually do the ad thing because of all the people that are unqualified seem to respond! But David and I hooked up after a few conversations and whalla! We began auditioning the rest of the line up which has been through many changes before getting to this point, believe me it has been a 3 year long struggle to reach this point with the great line up we now have.
SF: Why is Southern music so popular to you?
Gig: I simply relate the most to the life style that exists in Southern Rock.
SF: Southern Rock is popular everywhere, from the East to the West Coast. Why do you think that is?
Gig: Well again, I believe Southern Rock translates a not only a life style but a culture. There are very few cultures left in America as huge corporations gobble it up making everything the same everywhere. People still hear Southern Rock as a free way of living, struggling and partying. That’s ho w I see it anyway.
SF: When you sit down to write a song, who all comes to the table?
Gig: Well I typically will bring in the basic structure for a tune and present it to the band and we all take it from there. The longer we are together the more we are expanding on the writing though. It is really a team effort and we all share the final results with our Producer, Joe Boyland. Joe has produced many great acts like Skynyrd, Bad Company, Rainbow, as well as Black Crowes DVD Freak n Roll among other many others. Working with Joe is a great experience for us all.
SF: Where do you get your inspiration when you write a song?
Gig: Usually out of a bottle of whiskey!!! LOL!! No really I do tend to lose myself into the reality of daily living when I write and a couple of drinks seems to let it flow out easily! I live with the problems of every day man just like we all do, I just have the ability to relate to it in song and I think people grab a hold of that. People relating to our music lyrically are the biggest reward in this for me. Touching people making them feel better about themselves or helping them to cope with struggles is my motivation.
SF: Who is waiting at home for you while you’re on the road?
Gig: My son. I have been a single dad for the last 7 years. He is the apple of my eye and always will be!
SF: If you had a chance to play with anyone, dead or living, who would that be and why?
Gig: Ronnie Van Zant. I think we would have written some big time hits together! I know I would have learned a lot from his style. Our manager tells us stories about working with him and his approach to writing is much the same as my own. To have written with or jammed with Ronnie would be huge to me.
SF: Do you have a favorite venue to play at and why?
Gig: You know, not really. Of course I dig the huge venues with thousands of people, there is no rush quite the same as that! But I also have a blast at smaller clubs where you are one to one from the stage and get to hang out with fans afterwards. That is just as cool in a different way!! SF: At what point did you realize that you wanted to play professionally?
Gig: I have always wanted to be a rock star!! From early on, didn’t we all! LOL!! I used to dream of traveling around in a tour bus, now we do! You could say that I'm living the dream! LOL!!
SF: What music do you listen to at home and in the car?
Gig: Mostly I listen to rough tracks from rehearsal! We are always trying to better ourselves. Other than that I jam on Nickelback, Zeppelin, Skynyrd, Hinder is cool, I like Buck Cherry. I think Incubus is in my truck player as we speak! In the home I listen to Sinatra at dinner, some Louis Armstrong, Zeppelin is in every player I have!! I dig Robert Cray at home as well as John Mayer. But again I dig all good music from any genre.
SF: Are you gonna make it to the West Coast, (please say yes)?
Gig: We are indeed!! We are getting a lot of play on the Crush in Santa Rosa which is leaning toward a station event performance in the near future!! We have enough radio support now to string together enough dates to play all the way there and back!!
SF: What would you like to tell the readers that I may not have covered here in the interview?
Gig: I would like to point out to the readers that it is people like you and your magazine that are huge in the success of bands like ours and to support your magazine for always. We thank you for the opportunity to be included in your publication!! I also want to encourage everyone to visit our websites swampdawamp.com and on myspace for free offerings of music and video as well as some very cool swamp gear!! Spreading the Swamp World Wide!
www.swampdawamp.com
www.myspace.com/swampdawamp
www.sonicbids.com/swampdawamp
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Interview of Suzanne Gorman - Susan Snider
Posted by admin on Thursday, January 31 @ 23:00:00 CST (2116 reads)
 Suzanne Gorman is the next singer to be coming out to hit both the adult contemporary and country genres. Her music has both pop and country appeal, with the same caliber of talent as top artist Shania Twain. Suzanne is a new artist that writes her own music with her first nationally distributed CD Open Book, released on September 19, 2006 highlights both her vocal abilities and her writing.
I have the pleasure of introducing you to a talented and beautiful songwriter/singer. Her name is Suzanne Gorman. I have gotten to know Suzanne in the past few weeks and find her charming, delightful and true to her fans. To Suzanne, when she looks out into the crowd of fans and see=s smiles on their face, she feels completely satisfied that what she is doing has touched each of them. Toes tapping, singing along, dancing, and hands clapping, these are all things that make her who she is. A caring, loving, and totally committed young woman that stands out in the crowd.
Her CD, Open Book, is full of music and songs that touch your heart. After listening to it, I find myself singing along after a while. Each song contains words of strength. Giving you the feeling you can accomplish anything. From You Gotta Believe to That's What Life's About. Her music gives you encouragement to keep on going. Her songs tell a story and what she believes in. Suzanne has a voice of Angel and belts out her music straight from the heart with both passion and conviction. She definitely should have her name in lights. I always ask myself, would I buy this CD or pay to see her? Yes, I would. She is fantastic and I hope to see Suzanne Gorman live on stage soon.
SF: Where were you born and raised? I was born in Cleveland, Ohio. I grew up in Cleveland and Detroit, Michigan and then moved to Philly and then lived in Switzerland for a year, as well. SF: At what age did you begin writing and playing? I started writing when I was around 7-ish. But it wasn't until later, after a terrible infection in my spine, that I had to do an about face with my life. I was riding horses and it was my passion from the time I was a child. I rode Dressage and my goal was to go to Worlds in Canada. It wasn't until I realized during my healing process that the guitar was a way to do therapy for my hand. I always was a creative writer but I never realized that by writing a song, with the melody in my head that I met me for the first time. I am so in love with songwriting that this is me and me must have been sitting on the steps somewhere just waiting for me to open my artistry up. I have been writing music now for about 10 years.
SF: Do you play any instruments?
I can play guitar a bit but I much rather use it as a tool to write with then play out. Because of what is left from the spinal infection I have a little trouble with my hand, being honest for me on those strings. So I don't trust it in the light of perfection. I let my guitarists play for me when I play live. They do a much better job of playing my songs for me.
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Interview of J.D. Steagall - Susan Snider
Posted by admin on Thursday, January 31 @ 23:00:00 CST (1728 reads)
J.D. is one of the most down to earth people I have ever met. He loves what he does and not for the fame or the stardom. We all know music can soothe the soul and that is exactly what J.D. is about. Among his many accomplishments as a songwriter and musician. J.D. supports our troops by playing for them and has given thousands of CDs away to them. He has a generous heart and a kind soul. He wants his fans to leave his shows feeling good about the music and relating to it.
After a phone conversation with J.D., I learned so much more about the man. He is the real deal. He’s honest and has love and passion for what he does. He takes care of his family and that is his number ONE priority. Seems to me he fits right in with our Down South Jukin’ Family. He has played with many famous artists but doesn’t want to throw names out and make the readers think he is boasting about these entertainers. J.D. loves that one on one with his fans. He knows that they are why he is what he is today. He turns no one away for a chat or autograph.
I was sent three of his CDs and love them all. His music is a lot of Southern Rock with a bit of Country and mixed with a little Blues, too. He writes his own music with heart and passion. There is absolutely a song on his CD’s for everyone. If you listen to this CD and don=t find at least 5 songs that hit your between the eyes, it would surprise me. He has emotion and feelings in his music and writes of real life happenings. If you get the chance to see him perform...GO, I promise you won't be disappointed.
SF: Where were you born and raised? San Diego, CA. SF: At what age did you pick up your first instrument? I young about 7 or 8 SF: Ho w many instruments do you play? Bass, Piano, Mandolin, Slide Guitar, Lap Steele Harp, Drums. SF: When did you figure out that music is where it was at for you?
The first time I saw Jimi Hendrix play...WOW!
SF: Have you taken lessons or has it come natural?I had a few Accordian Lessons. I got kicked out for being ahead of the class...Go Figure. SF: You're a family man. Who is at home waiting for you when you home from a gig? My lady and baby (my dog) that thinks she is a person. Two girls (Sarah and Michelle) and John, we won=t go there. SF: I understand you have played with some pretty impressive folks. Can you name a few for us?Ray Wylie Hubbard, DAC, Bobby Whitlock, Townes Van Zandt, Dickie Betts, Warren Haynes. SF: Where is it you want to go with your band and your music?I really want to go to Europe and all over, really. SF: How important are the fans to you?Without the fans there would be NO J.D. Steagall. SF: When you play a gig, what is it that you want the fans to leave with a feeling of?Feeling Good and wanting to see me again. SF: What does becoming a Rock Star mean to you?What's a Rock Star? SF: What is it you want for the future of this band?Success and adventure with harmony. SF: Do you have a favorite venue to play? The Cain's Ballroom. SF: If you could choose anyone to perform with, dead or living who would you choose and why?Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix, Johnny Winter, Johnny Cash, Cozy Powell, and Sheryl Crow. This would be the ultimate band to play with. Some sexy ladies and some bad ass players...Top that? SF: You live in New York, how well known are you there for your music?I never asked anyone but every time we play, the place is packed. SF: You write your own music, who sits at the table when you do this?Me and my dog. No really, I play all the new songs to Baby, if she wags her tail then I continue with the song. If no response, then I can it. I know your laughing right now but its true. SF: Who influences your music?All artists, Country, Blues, Rock and a little Jazz. SF: Who would you like to thank for giving you your start?My mom and grandma. They bought me my first amp and guitar. SF: At home, what is in your CD player right now?Some songs Bob Burns gave me that no one has heard real rough cuts of Ronnie and the Boyz. SF: You have played with and are friends with Bob Burns, the original Drummer for Lynyrd Skynyrd. How did you two meet?Well, that was a surprise. My Buddy, Kerry Creasy told Bob we were playing in Memphis and Bob and his wife Marsha came to see me play. I put them up for two days and after that show, me, Bob and Marsha went to eat breakfast. We have been friends ever since. SF: Is there anything you personally would like to tell the readers that I may not have covered? Yes! The world is a messed up place these days. People and music take me and I hope you too, to a place of Peace and Harmony. When I play, it=s the only time I feel free. And please SUPPORT OUR TROOPS.
Check out J.D. Steagall on his myspace
http://www.myspace.com/busterchopzband
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Interview with HOGJAW - Teri Merchant
Posted by admin on Thursday, January 31 @ 23:00:00 CST (1436 reads)
"Hailing from the desert land of Arizona – HOGJAW is bringing in the Southern Rock from the SOUTHwest. Like a Freight-train of sound; Jonboat Jones (vox/guitar), Craig Self (lead guitar), Elvis DD (Bass) & J. "killer" Kowalski (drums) deliver a dose of genuine rocking goodness."
I have listened to this CD 5 or 6 times all the way through and I really do like it! As a matter of fact, it's still in the CD player in my car. This band's got a great sound that is uniquely their own, but their southern influences can definitely be heard on most of the tracks. I hear a little Skynyrd, MTB, Hatchet, Metallica and some ZZ Top. But most importantly what I hear are four talented musicians that have worked very hard and have written some great music. All four members of the band have known each other since high school and you can hear that bond in the music. This is a very dedicated group of musicians who are serious about what they do, but at the same time they are having a great time doing it! They live here in the Phoenix area and I was not able to catch one of their shows last month, but hopefully will in the very near future. I'm also looking forward to the release of their new CD. I'm sure it will be awesome! So, if you're into listening to some good ole Southern Rock 'n' Roll.....these guys will deliver it to ya.
SF: Tell us a little bit about your backgrounds. Where were you all born and raised? Craig: Air force brat, my roots are more in Kansas than anything. Hutchinson, Kansas. Jonboat: My Dads career in the USAF ran me all through a good part of the Southeast. I grew up there. Lightning bugs and humidity! LOL. Mostly in Paris, Tennessee, though. Jason: I was born in Holland and moved to Arizona around 10 yrs old. Elvis: I was an air force brat. been all over.
SF: How old were you when you started playing music? Were you self-taught or did you take lessons early on? Craig: I was 13. Self taught until I was 20 or so, and I took a couple of years lessons. JB: I was 16. I wanted a keyboard for Christmas, and I got one. Soon I decided that I would be "cooler" if I played the guitar too, so I acquired one, and I was off to a slow process of self taught guitar playing. I never took any official lessons, but I will say once I met Craig, I stole every lick I could watch him play. In reality, I owe most of my abilities to him, we been picking on guitars for nearly 20 years now. Wow. I just realized how long its really been! Jason: I guess it was in grade school. I taught myself but I also learned to read music and was a part of most performance activity through-out school. Elvis: 16, self taught, took two lessons, read a lot of books and jammed along with cassette tapes. SF: What were you listening to when you were growing up? Craig: You name it. Kiss, Rush, Metallica, Iron Maiden, AC/DC, ZZ top and stuff like that. JB: I guess what would be considered today to be "Classic Country" and "Classic and 70's Southern Rock". But once I really started getting into music from a player's stand point, it was Southern Rock, Metal and Country all the way up till now. Jason: A major influence in my style came from Rock & Metal but I listen to everything I could attach my ears too. Elvis: HEAVY F#@$#%$ METAL! SF: Do any of you come from a musical family? Craig: Yes. Dad played guitar, Grandma played piano and sang, two uncles played guitar and sang, all on my dad's side of the family. JB: My dad played guitar for a while, my Uncle Harry is a guitar player, (BTW the J45 is the coolest guitar ever) and my cousin Bret is a guitar/bass player. Some other family members played stuff, but I'm not quite sure to what extent. Jason: My Father "Bugs" used to be a solo artist for a short period of time, doing mostly acoustic guitar in the folk music genre back in the 70's. Elvis: My older brother was in one of the best thrash metal bands this town ever had, Soothsayer.
SF: When did you know that music is what you wanted to do with your life? Craig: As soon as I bought my first guitar. A Hondo Les Paul copy! JB: I've always liked to fiddle around with instruments, but I would have to say within the last 5 years I've realized that I must do this. Jason: I remember getting my first drum kit in 6th grade and I knew from then on I was born to rock and have stuck with that since.
Elvis: When I first saw Kiss on TV, I knew then what I had to do. SF: What kind of work do you do when you're not playing music? Craig: Commercial Truck driver. JB: Currently, I am part owner of a video production company, and am an editor/camera guy/producer. Also, I am a gunsmith/machinist and welder for hire. Did that stuff for 13 some odd years! Guns were my life for a while… Jason: I am a Journeyman Electrician. Elvis: I am a Server Wrangler. SF: Who do you think influenced you the most when you started writing your own music? Craig: Early on, I was influenced by Metallica, Iron Maiden, Queensryche, Fates Warning, Dream Theater, progressive metal stuff, but, as I got older I got heavy into the whole Southern Rock thing, Skynryrd, Hatchet, Marshall Tucker, Charlie Daniels, Hank Jr, ZZ Top, Allman Brothers, Blackfoot. JB: This is a big answer to a short question. I've written stuff in my bedroom and recorded it since I was in HS. They weren't always real good, but I did it, because to me, it was better than wasting time watching TV or playing video games. Creating something from nothing, you know, is what I thrive on. As far as musical influences, Hank Jr. was the first musician whom I ever tried to play/write like. Of course, later on that list would grow into a range between Skynryd, CDB, and Metallica. I love the power of metal and the lyrical meaning behind "GOOD" country music. And finally, my cousin Bret is the one who really showed me the rewards of writing your own material, rather than just having fun with cover songs. Jason: This answer could go a few ways, I am going to choose saying the first band I played in was with Craig our guitarist and he gave me a lot of influence to drive me/us to write some amazing songs for them and that particular group. Elvis: The super fabulous freaky funky seventies and some metal. SF: How many bands have each of you been part of before putting this one together? Craig: I've been in three other bands. And in a couple other side projects. JB: This is the first "real" full band I been in ever. Me and Craig have been writing stuff for years, for fun and enjoyment around the campfire. In 2004/2005 we wrote and recorded a bunch of stuff for a video project I was involved with, and that has helped set the pace for HOGJAW and our overall writing style. Jason: Well everyone has brought ideas into the group but mostly we write together as a band. When we first started out, it was mainly a jam thing and JonBoat and Craig had written a few songs together (pre-HOGJAW) – I would say that was the foundation of where we are now… Elvis: I've been in 3 or 4. SF: How does the writing process work in your band? Is everyone involved? Craig: Everyone is totally involved, but I will say that JB contributes the most in the creativity. JB: We all bring good stuff to the plate, and we have an ability to just Jam with one another, it seems to come naturally, perhaps because of our long history. I will say, this project has certainly pushed me into a new creative realm, and I am finding that there is more to it than music alone. The lyric writing part is new to me. And I love it. I try to keep it all real as possible, pulling from my experience, and/or about stuff we like to do. I know there will be folks who are into it. I been around them all my life, they are real too. Jason: First song I wrote was in 7th grade with this kid I jammed with – it was horrible! I do not think I'd ever want to rekindle or rehash a new version of that anytime soon. (heh heh heh) Elvis: First, we get together and open some whiskey and beer. Then we plug in, and when we stop, we wrote something....damn near ever' time. SF: What was the first song you ever wrote either individually or with someone else? Are you still playing it today?
Craig: It was a song in early 90's with our bass player DD and Killer, our drummer. We had a progressive metal band called Kyrin. We don't play it anymore. JB: I don't remember, but its probably on one of the dozens of cassette tapes I got in a box from my old 4 track deck I would spend countless hours rolling tape on. Drum machines, keyboards, and guitar. I learned how to multitrack early on. Never sang much though. That came way later. Like, here with HOGJAW. Elvis: I don't recall. SF: The song "Cheap Whiskey" is really interesting. Was that something you were just fooling around with and decided to record? Sounds like something you could pitch to the Cohen brothers for a movie soundtrack.....pretty funny, but it's great! Lyrically, you pretty much covered every ingredient you need for a country hit....or some backwoods mountain music! Craig: Yes it was, totally spontaneous, lots of whiskey drinkin' involved with that one. JB: "Cheap Whiskey" was the product of one evening's drunken creativity. We had everyone here, some other friends, and 2 big ass tubs of cheap whiskey. To put it simply, we started strumming acoustics and found a melody. From there, we just had too much fun playing the chords and makin' up lyrics. Finally, I had to scribble something down that we could remember. Next thing we know, the trusty old 4 track that I had forever was pressed into service and we ended up with that song by 5AM. Jason: JB will be right on the money with this one – all I can say is cheap whiskey!! Elvis: "Cheap Whiskey" is the counterpart to HOGJAW, 'rotten country' we call it sometimes.
SF: Have you done much touring around the states or are most of your gigs pretty close to home?
Craig: So far pretty close to home, but were getting ready to do some traveling. As soon as we can get some time away from our real jobs! lol! JB: We've only played around Arizona so far, but when this record is done, I'm pretty sure we're hitting the road as much and as far as we can. Jason: I personally spent a decade playing around this fine country of ours. HOGJAW has not had an opportunity as of yet, however, we are a young band and most of our concentration is building a good following in our own town before we make that leap. Plans are by the end of summer we'll do a mini-tour through the South & Midwest. Elvis: HOGJAW has yet to leave AZ. SF: If you were able to choose a venue to play, what would it be? Who would you like to open for? Craig: I'd like to play at the Crown King Saloon, a very small town in Arizona, with Skynyrd, Charlie Daniels and Molly Hatchet, know anyone that could set that up? JB: I really couldn't say where would be the best, but I would love to play with Hank Jr/ III or Skynryd or Marshall Tucker or Clutch or CDB. Hell, there's too many folks I would like to play with. I just hope I could keep up with them! Jason: Madison Square Garden, NY in 1977 with Skynyrd. Unfortunately, they never were able to play the show and we do not have a time capsule. Elvis: Anyplace on Beale Street in Memphis, or 6th Street in Austin. It would be great to open up for Hank III or maybe the Dale Watson band. SF: I noticed from your website that you don't have a record contract. How close are you to getting signed somewhere? Craig: We don't have the record all done yet, but when it is, we will send it to some folks who are waiting to hear it. JB: Well, first we got to finish what we've started, after that, We're goin' for it! Jason: We have just have gotten out here with our music at the end of 2007 and there are interests. 2008 is a whole new playing field with self release of "Devil in the Details" coming in spring – we plan to see where things take us. Elvis: We don't care so much about getting signed, when our music has reached it's audience and started turning heads, all that will fall into place. SF: How would you describe your image and/or style? Craig: It's all about campin, fishin, 4 wheelin, and drinkin. Generally having a good time. JB: I'm just a redneck kid who never really quite grew out of it, so I guess that's why I spent most of my adult life messing around with guns, 4X4 trucks, guitars, hotrods, ATC's, and fishing poles. And some might say I look the part too. Jason: I do not think we have an image but our style is what you hear…I know that is vague but we're not a fashion band we're dirty Arizona boys who like drinkin, 4 wheelin and fishin…. There's your image ladies & gents!!!! Elvis: It's HOGJAW.....Southern Rock. SF: You've spent the last couple of months in the recording studio. Can you tell us anything about what will be on the new CD? Craig: Lots of goodness. JB: A sampling of what means most to me/us. Music and stories about life we seen or know or heard about somewhere, sometime. And we tried to put a little throttle into it. Jason: We have 10 songs slated for our first release "Devil In The Details" which are all sounding so good. It will include some of the songs from our "Cheap whiskey - EP" as we decided to wait and not print it to have a full length record. Elvis: It's going to be the "Cheap Whiskey" EP plus 4 new tracks, released as "Devil In The Details" full length CD. SF: What's in your own CD players at the moment, other than HOGJAW. Craig: It's been mostly HJ, every once in a while I'll put in Hank or Stevie Ray.
JB: That's funny, you called it. I am always listening to stuff were working on. But I find myself playing old country and underground Southern Rock/Rock/Metal stuff. I try to stay apprised of what's going on out there right now too. There's great stuff goin' on. Jason: Geez; George Jones, AC/DC, Dick Cureless, O'Death & Hank III. Elvis: I have a playlist of hundreds of MP3s of all different styles including bop Jazz, Classical, Metal, Rock, Pop, 80's....whatever I like. SF: Where do you see yourselves in the next 5 years? Have you set any particular goals for yourselves? Craig: I see good things coming. Were working real hard, but right now the goal is to complete the record and start playing lots of shows. JB: I see hard work ahead, but we are all ready to do it. Nothing comes easy in my experience, and so far I have learned much. I see myself fully discovering what I can do musically. And I got the best help to do it. The guys in the band are my favorite musicians ever. My goal is to continue to stay true to what ideals spawned this whole project, and keep writing more, as much and as best as possible. I want to leave my mark in the world of music for those who will notice it. Jason: For me, I plan on jamming with these boys for a long while and where ever the road of destiny takes us we will travel it. Elvis: HOGJAW wants to visit all our potential new fans, everywhere. SF: What's the best part of being in this band? Craig: Hangin' out with some great guys and making some kick ass music! JB: That's easy. I'm still hangin' out with my High School buddies some 20 years later, and we are able to come up with music that inspires us, and we are truly proud of. Jason: Good friends, good times = great song writing. Elvis: Makin' music is fun, bein' with friends is fun, getting drunk and playing kick ass Southern Rock is a lot of fun. Fun fun fun.
SF: Is there anything you'd like our readers to know about HOGJAW that we haven't covered here?
Craig: Yes. I hope everyone enjoys our music as much as we do playing it for them. JB: I would like to say, once we get on the road, and hit all these towns playing shows, I want people to tell us where the good local fishin' holes are! Have tackle and will travel. Jason: If you made it this far in the interview….I give you kudos and applause for having a great attention span….thanks for reading and we hope to see you on the road. Stop by our page and say something….CHEERS!! Elvis: HOGJAW has no pretensions, we do what we do and we love it, others seem to love it too. Have a drink with us, come see us tear a hole in the place and then have another drink with us. ;-) For more information on HOGJAW check out their myspace page and take a listen to their music. I think you'll like what you hear!
www.myspace.com/hogjawband
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Mountain: Better than Ever - Col. Tamar Alexia Fleishman
Posted by admin on Thursday, November 01 @ 00:00:00 CDT (1202 reads)
When you feel the blues, when you want to hear the blues, it’s gotta resonate. Leslie West, with his hard, metallic guitar playing and raspy voice does the trick. And, with his lead of the hard rock band Mountain, you’re gonna get a heapin’ dish of message, cleanly delivered. This was the driving force behind “Mississippi Queen,” after all. In their new CD, “Masters of War,” there’s no mistaking the point or lyrics, for that matter, of songs like “Serve Somebody” or “Blowing in the Wind”. By the way, this ain’t no whiny version of the song, either. In “Everything is Broken,” you understand and still rock out. But somehow, the messages and the arrangements still retain some hope and aren’t screech-anger fests, either. The musicality shines through. The guitar work is gorgeous, articulated and with the expert production values, you don’t feel like you’re in the audience – you feel like you’re sitting on stage with them. And by the way, I want to find out how Leslie West has made his voice better than ever… he can still hit all the notes, has a silky timber and still has good power.
Mountain got a couple of super heavy hitters to guest on this CD: Ozzie Osbourne in the title track and Warren Haynes. This CD’s gonna make you want to be alone, blasting up the stereo in your house or in your car on one of those days.
Not everybody is aware that Leslie West had a role in the Tom Hanks movie, “The Money Pit” or that he lent his voice to the animated series, “Beast Wars Transformers”.
I called Leslie West as he was lounging poolside at the Beverly Hills Hotel.
Tell me about your latest projects?
I just put out the new Masters of War CD, with Ozzie and Warren Haynes doing some vocals. I took an idea I had from listening to a bootleg copy of Neil Young doing Dylan, with Celtic choir and strings. Ever since 1969, I wanted to do Dylan, but I never thought Mountain would be able to do it. I wanted it to not sound like Dylan. It was two years in the making! I had bladder cancer, from smoking. I was lucky; I had a 40-minute operation and it took care of it. Most of my friends are dead! I went out to see Ozzie, he was doing Mississippi Queen. I wanted him to do Masters of War… I emailed him, “Before I die!” He thought I was kidding. When he found out I had cancer, he said, “If that happened to me, I’d take the biggest shot of something and you wouldn’t know a fucking thing that happened!”. Then, he sent the biggest basket of fruit. You are known as being very particular about sound equipment and placement. Tell me about that. I was never a guitarist who could play fast. So, I used two fingers. So, it became all about tone. I now have a model with Dean Guitars. I told them they needed volume knobs that go to 11… and they do! I use only one pickup. In the studio, I have amps in a room and 5 or 6 room mics. If you put a mic in front of a cabinet, there’s no air in between and sound is in the air. Then, I mix the CD. It’s tough to mix by email! How did you get into acting?
MTV’s Martha Quinn got a call from Steven Spielberg, looking for a larger than life character. It was gonna be Meatloaf or me. I auditioned and they used me for the Money Pit. I also did the voice for the Transformer Beast Wars. My nephew loved it! I said to him, “This is me, Max,” and I did the voice. Do you come from a musical family?
No. But my family was involved in show business. My uncle was a Broadway writer and his nephew wrote for Jackie Gleason and Sammy Davis, Jr. When I was 8, I went to see Jackie Gleason in New York. As the show was starting, they announced that Tommy Dorsey was going to be substituting. I cried and cried – and it was a live show! Then, he had a guest…Elvis! It was the first time he was on tv. I decided I would be a guitarist right there and then. They started me off on a ukulele, then a bigger guitar. I had the first ’78 Elvis put out. Tell me about playing at Woodstock. The first time or this year? The first time, it was scary… it was only our third show! Jimmy Hendrix’s agent was our agent. We weren’t in the movie, they lost the film. But they’ve found it and they’re putting it in a new DVD. This year, we played at the new ampitheater. You can see the old site from the stage. What was your relationship with Felix Pappalardi?
Felix produced my first group, The Vagrants. He said, “If you guys break up, let me know.” We broke up and he called 3 days later. Drugs entered into it, though. I thought he was the greatest thing since sliced bread. I didn’t realize he produced Cream. I asked my brother, “How come we don’t sound like Cream?” He said we didn’t practice! Felix got shot by his wife, I’m sure drugs were involved. Never give your wife a gun! Give ‘em a Porsche, a Miracle Bra, but no gun. Most bands active in the 1970’s were heavy into drugs. Most who are still playing today aren’t. What are your thoughts? I stopped taking drugs in 1978. That’s why my voice still sounds the way it does. I went to a good clinic in Milwaukee, got straightened out. I was on heroin. After I got out, I didn’t want to play guitar for two years. I went to see Journey play in Milwaukee and Eddie Van Halen opened for them. It changed my life! I stopped smoking. I couldn’t take the patch, because I’m diabetic. I am on medicine, and I was told it was “expensive,” that it costs $150 a month. I was spending $500 a month on cigarettes. It blocks the receptors in the brain…the thrill is gone. What musician out there would you like to play with?
Eric Clapton. I would love to, even for a minute.
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Interview with Four Winds band - Susan Snider
Posted by admin on Thursday, November 01 @ 00:00:00 CDT (1478 reads)
My meeting of the band Four Winds today was nothing less than spectacular. First off, the name was deceiving. The band consists of three brothers: Scott, Bryan and Erick, whom I would like to say are the most polite young men I have had the opportunity to meet in a long time. They played me some of their music and even a Hendrix song. In dealing
with local bands that are trying to get their name out there, I am completely surprised this band is not known by everyone.
Their music is hard to pin down. They have the sound of the 60's, but you can hear some guitar that sounds like CCR. I say they have a little bit of blues, country and rock. I don't know how else to put it. On bass, you have Bryan, on drums you have Scott and on guitar you have Erick. The three brothers have three completely different personalities and qualities.
Bryan is the one that makes you laugh. He will come up with a comment out of the blue in a conversation that has nothing to do with what you’re talking about. This to me is the quality of a man who can always keep you smiling. As a bass player, he jams.
Erick plays guitar and sings. He has charisma and talent. He can belt out a song as
well as any performer I've seen with 20 years in the business. He can
sure play Hendrix tunes without any trouble.
Scott the drummer, what can I say? This young man can get your attention. He
plays the drums with ease and you can one look at him and know he enjoys what he does. He draws your attention to him with his ability toplay the drums and charm. You find yourself always drifting back to watch him. I am gonna enjoy seeing them play live soon.
SF: Where were you all born and raised?
E: Vallejo, California
SF: At what age did you start playing and how long have you been playing?
E: We have all been around music since early on, but like the others, I
started lessons at around 8, and have not ever stopped.
Br: I was About 10 or 11.
S: I can’t quite recall what age I started playing the trap set, but I started formal lessons at age 12.
SF: What drew you to your instrument?
E: Was given the choice of picking an instrument or having it picked.
So, I guess I chose the one my dad played and was most familiar.
Br: I wanted to play guitar like Jimi Hendrix.
S: I remember when I was really little, I can=t recall what age we had
this Slingerland gold sparkle drum set that I always wanted to play, but was
not allowed to play. A few years went by and we got rid of that set. Then,
a day I'll never forget, my dad said, “Hey Son, I've got something outside
for you to carry into the house,” and when I went outside, sitting in his truck, was a spanking new drum set. It's a true story, but I think ended up with the drums because the other two had already chosen guitars.
SF: How did you get your name?
E: Although people say names don't matter, it is the first impression for some people... I liked Scott’s idea.
Br: Don=t look at me.
S: Through my study of history.
SF: Who are your influences?
E: As kids, we were exposed to all sorts of stuff having the kind of
family history WE have. I’m always attracted to the BEST in all the
different types.
B: Jimi Hendrix, Robin Trower, Peter Frampton, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Carlos Santana and many others 60’s and 70’s genre of music.
S: I would say that I drew quite a bit of inspiration from drumming
greats like Buddy Rich, Gene Krupa, Elvin Jones, Mitch Mitchell and my
hero, John Bonham of Led Zeppelin, just to name a few.
SF: What do you consider your music to be?
E: I always wanted to call it classic rock, since EVERYONE can think
at least one classic that made an impression on them.
B: Kick ass.
S: A collective effort which assimilates many styles including jazz,
Rock, funk and a few others.
SF: Who all is involved in the writing of your music?
E: I think I hold that record.
Br: My brother Erick writes most of our music though we all put in every
now and again.
S: Erick is the dominant factor in writing the music thought we all add
our own ideas
SF: What type of music do you like?
E: Mostly music from 60s-70s B. Blues and rock.
S: Many different types, everything from Freebird, Chopin to Santana. For
music is not about styles, genre, but about feel.
SF: Where have you played already?
E: Besides parties, we can count local places on our hands. We are ready
and willing for much more.
SF: Where do you hope to go with your music and career?
E: To a place where we can both live comfortably and still enjoy
if such a place exists.
Br: To the stars.
S: If I could make the act or expression of making music a viable
income.
SF: What would you three like Southern Fried Magazine readers to know that I may not have covered?
E: We appreciate being in a place where were able to enjoy such a thing
as playing music, a lot of people don't.
Br: I love life, everything I want is everything I have.
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MASON DIXON LINE - Susan Snider & Teri Merchant
Posted by admin on Friday, August 03 @ 10:55:00 CDT (1048 reads)
I took great pleasure in doing this interview. Mason Dixon Line has a Southern Rock sound and to me they've even thrown in a little .38 Special into their style. I have listened to their CD and just keep playing it over and over. From the moment I put it in the CD player I knew I was going to want to hear more from this band. As always, you can’t help but have that one song that reaches out and grabs you, sticks with you and that one song remains in your mind. The song for me is “Something I Said.” This song just keeps playing in my head and I find myself playing it over and over. Great song! The CD I received had three songs on it, “Stone Cold”, “Cheap Whiskey” and “Something I Said.” I can only imagine what all of their music sounds like with just a sneak peek at these three. However, I have heard “Simple Man” on their myspace page and I give them all a high five. Job well done on that one! Now here is a little info for ya'll on this great band! "Mason Dixon Line...The original members of "Smokin Bone" Chris Morrison, Stephanie Steele and Ronnie Boles are back together and gearing up to hit the road once again. Now with a killer 3 part harmony the band is better than ever. "Mason Dixon Line" is a trio of talented individuals with a diverse background of musical influences ranging from The Beatles to Alice Cooper. The band members are: Chris. Morrison-Lead vocals/Lead guitar" "Stephanie Steele-Bass guitar/Vocals" "Ronnie Boles Drums/ Vocals" and newcomer "Hunter Stewart-Guitar/Vocals."
The band has been quickly noticed due to their type of music and showmanship and the band members have been featured in several magazines and music publications. Having a good looking female bass player doesn't hurt either!"
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Interview with Rock 'n' Roll Reporter Sharon Lawrence - Teri Merchant
Posted by admin on Wednesday, August 01 @ 00:00:00 CDT (1005 reads)
I “met” Sharon a couple of years ago on Ed King’s forum where she has shared her thoughts, opinions and great stories from inside the music business. She has also talked about her friendships and professional relationships with some of the most famous rock and roll musicians in the world. So, I was very pleased and thankful when she agreed to do this interview for Southern Fried Magazine…and rightfully so. Having someone of her caliber to take the time to share her experiences and personal memories with our readers is unsurpassed and very much appreciated.
The following bio was published in one of her books:
"Sharon Lawrence started her career as a reporter for the United Press International's Los Angeles bureau. Her specialty was the entertainment beat, including film and pop music. After more than five years with UPI, she became a management, marketing, and PR consultant for such clients as MCA, Columbia, Apple, and Rocket Record Company, as well as for major movie studios. She has worked with numerous artists including Elton John, David Bowie, Andrew Lloyd Webber, Tim Rice, and Lynyrd Skynyrd. Lawrence is the author of So You Want to Be a Rock and Roll Star and Old Carmel in Rare Photographs. She lives in Los Angeles."
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Doubleshot Interview - Susan Snider
Posted by admin on Wednesday, August 01 @ 00:00:00 CDT (567 reads)
Michael Vincent (guitar,vocals)
Danny Jackson (bass)
Dan Hewitt (drums)
“We are a blues power trio that can be seen around New England, but we are based out of Gilford, New Hampshire. We are inspired by the Jimi Hendrix Experience, Band of Gypsies, Stevie Ray Vaughan, DoubleTrouble, Freddie King, Albert King, B.B. King and many others.
Doubleshot was started about 2 years ago in Gilford, NH. About 3 months ago, Dan Hewitt jumped in, after the original drummer ventured out to seek another style of music. We are all 16 years old, at least as of January, 2007. The band is commonly referred to as Doubleshot Power Trio, Doubleshot Blues Band, and Michael Vincent and Doubleshot.”
I personally feel these young men to have talent beyond their years. They play with true professionalism. If you didn’t know these were teenagers, you certainly would not guess from listening to them. I can only imagine that if they can play this well at such a young age, than in 10 years they will be beyond belief.
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Luvplanet Interview - Susan Snider
Posted by admin on Wednesday, August 01 @ 00:00:00 CDT (490 reads)
First of all, I would like to thank Luvplanet for inviting me into their home. They showed me great respect and made me feel right at home. The evening started out very relaxed with just friendly conversation and kidding around. But the night soon got started with the interview that I have been waiting to do since I saw them in concert and was amazed by their talent and music.
I encourage everyone to get the CD, “State Of Mind.” This is a wonderful CD with songs that will blow you away. They are working on a new CD and hope to have it out soon. I can't wait to own it also.
SF: How did you get the name Luvplanet?
Nicole: That question always comes up. Some people think there is some deep dark secret behind it and that the name was contrived. But we all just sat around trying to think of a name and decided to put names into a hat. Things that were important to them and we decided to pull two out and stick 'em together. And those are the two words that we pulled.
SF: Nicole, is Luvplanet the first band you have played and sang with?
Nicole: I played with a duo for years called “You and Me.” Two girls and two guitars and that kinda branched off into “The You and Me Band.” This is the first where the thought process of the song and everything from beginning to end. So this is like the first real band.
SF: Nicole, I have to say this and feel free not to answer. I have video and pictures of you on stage. I am truly amazed at the way you look at Mark when singing. It's a look I cannot describe. What is going thru your mind when you do this?
Nicole: Interesting, I'm not aware of it. I can think of a song, its ““Down Days”” with the lyrics, “There's enough going on in this world, don't get caught up in the emptiness,’” that I have a habit of looking straight at him, ‘cuz that’s where he comes in and does harmony with me, but I'm not aware of it. Do I do it at the same time?”
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Interview with Roger Sherman, Filmmaker Extraordinaire - Col. Tamar Alexia Fleis
Posted by admin on Wednesday, August 01 @ 00:00:00 CDT (707 reads)
 
I was honored to speak with award-winning filmmaker Roger Sherman – whose documentaries range from music to art to history to beer! He’s received an Emmy, a Peabody and TWO Academy Award nominations. One of his latest projects has been making The Rhythm of My Soul: Kentucky Roots Music, examining the Commonwealth’s Country, Gospel, Bluegrass and Mountain music. The film features our friends, Rob McNurlin and the Beatnik Cowboys, and has aired on PBS.
Sherman creates under the auspices of Florentine Films, along with filmmaker Ken Burns – his former roommate at Hampshire College.
How did you get involved in filming Rhythm of My Soul?
I produced the film for the Southern and Eastern Kentucky Tourism Association. They wanted to do a film showing how incredible the music is there. They asked for four 10-minute films, for the different styles of music. They wanted it to be historical, too. We worked it out – you can’t do a history of anything in 10 minutes! I proposed that we do the people who live the music now, the people who drive hundreds and hundreds of miles for very little pay, just for the passion of the music.
After the four sections were filmed, I made it into a PBS documentary. I did it on my own dime; I thought it deserves a wider audience. What did you learn about the people of Eastern Kentucky?
I’d never been to Kentucky at all! I was far from being an expert – which was of great benefit to my film. I represent my audience, who might not know the subject, might not even be music afictionados. But I can pick out the cool and interesting things that they would want to see. I went on two visits, once in the Fall for foliage shots. We stayed in motels and I ate BBQ! Rob McNurlin quotes Hank Williams when he says, “To play that kind of music, you have to stand behind a mule a while.”
Generally, what are you trying to convey in your documentary?
One message? No. My process is organic: the subject, the pacing, the style. I really hope you can’t tell a Roger Sherman film in the first 5 minutes.
All of my films change as I create them. I say, “Take me for a ride!” For instance, Rob McNurlin’s dad came out and invited me to a horse auction. That’s a piece of America that’s disappearing.
How would you describe your cinematography style?
I think that’s for the viewer to decide. I come from a very traditional background, straight documentary. I’m not in front of the camera, you don’t hear my voice. It’s not MTV or Court TV. I don’t want to lose you for a second. I don’t want to call attention to trickery. That being said, I want it to look gorgeous, gorgeous countryside. I want seamless editing: I really don’t do fade outs or dissolves. What’s a documentary subject you’d like to cover in the future?
I’ve always wanted to do another music film. I’ve been working on doing a Little Feat concert film. It’s interesting; they lost Lowell George 30 years ago and they kept on going. When I do a concert film, I don’t want to see a lot of crane shots and cutting away from the guitarist to the sax to someone in the audience. I don’t play instruments, so I want to watch the guitar solo and so does the viewer. What’s your favorite film of all time?
Roman Polansky’s Chinatown! I’ve watched it many, many times. I also love Francois Truffaut. Also, Seven Samurai. My 14 year old son watches with me; we tie him down and have family movie night!
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Interview of the Black Diamond Heavies - Teri Merchant
Posted by admin on Wednesday, August 01 @ 00:00:00 CDT (764 reads)
"The Black Diamond Heavies hail from the Southern States of America, but currently live as "vagrants/citizens of the world." Their music is urgent,raw,and full of ass-shaking soul. The live show has been described as both "Pentecostal"and"Demon-Possessed". Most of the material is original, although covers are sometimes thrown in as tribute to gods, generals, heroes, and vampires such as John Lee Hooker, T-Model Ford, Muddy Waters, Nina Simone, and Tom Waits. The Heavies continuously gain momentum on their quest to unleash the punk-ass blues on the world. The Heavies tour internationally and constantly and have shared the stage with many notable acts including Son Volt, Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings, The Immortal Lee County Killers, Thee Shams, Jimbo Mathus, Kenny Brown, and Scott H Biram.
The band consists of:
John Wesley Myers : bass keys, fender rhodes, organ, knife and vocal . Left hand of rhythm, right hand of soul. The son of a Baptist preacher, John Wesley is from Port Arthur, Texas and has been shaking his . . ."testimony" all over the south for 25 years, playing gospel as a child till the devil got hold of him. John Wesley also fools around with fellow blues-evangelists, the Immortal Lee County Killers.
Van Campbell : Drums, vocal, getaway. Van is from Louisville, Kentucky and comes from a family of bourbon distillers. He holds a degree in Mandarin Chinese from a small girl's college in New York and has drummed professionally on three continents. Upon deportation from England, Van returned to the states after a three year stint with The Invisibles, and the art punk explosion now known as The Rum Circus."
http://www.blackdiamondheavies.com/home.html
SF: At what age did you start playing music and when did you decide this is what you wanted to do with your life?
Van: John and I both starting playing at a young age. He played and sang in church. I'm sure he was surrounded by church and gospel music as his daddy was an independent Baptist minister. My family was musical too. Dad was a jazz drummer and played in the same band for 25 years, the "Fogbound 5." He just did it for fun, not for money. Mom was a singer in a huge white folk band called "The Peer Group." They played a lot of Kingston Trio, Peter Paul and Mary, stuff like that. They used to practice at our house every Wednesday and I thought it was the coolest thing in the whole world. It was my first exposure to bands and how they work. There was a lot of drama in that band, even though they just played mostly local shows. Although my parents, especially my dad, discouraged me at first to become a working musician, they had fostered it my whole life so they couldn't really stop me. Now, they seem to be pretty comfortable with the idea.
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Interview with Rocky Athas - Susan Snider
Posted by admin on Wednesday, August 01 @ 00:00:00 CDT (734 reads)
 Rocky Athas is an accomplished musician and songwriter. Although he calls his music called blues, it sways from the blues you are used to. His music has a blues sound with just a hint of Southern Rock. Songs like “Voodoo Moon,” that have the upbeat blues sound, to “Sleep,” that comes across as a folk song. Then, there is “I’m In Love Again,” -- that is a blues tune all the way. Each song on “Voodoo Moon” has it own unique sound and leaves me wanting to hear the next one, just to hear what special touch he has put on it. “Ain’t No Doubt” comes across as a blues soft rock sound. This CD has something for everyone on it. I am very impressed and happy to add it to my collection of music to listen to.
Rocky’s list of credits and music speaks for itself. He has played with such legends as Bo Diddley, Buddy Miles, and has toured with Ted Nugent, Pat Travers, The Kinks, Rick Derringer and Peter Frampton -- just to name a few. Thin Lizzy even wrote a song about Rocky called, “*****y Rocky” !
SF: Where were you born and raised?
In Dallas, Texas. Actually, Oak Cliff in Dallas.
SF: At what age did you become interested in music?
I was about 10 years old when I heard the Beatles. It was magic.
SF: How did your parents feel about you going into music as a career?
I love both of my parents for their support. They have both passed now but I think about how they always wanted this for me. They always believed in my mMusic.
SF: What instruments do you play?
I play guitar and bass.
SF: At age 23, you were honored as one of Texas’ great guitarists, how did that make you feel?
WOW, honored. It was cool getting voted along side of Billy Gibbons, Johnny Winter, Eric Johnson to just name a few.
SF: Black Oak Arkansas, how did it feel to be the lead guitarist?
I always liked being in Black Oak. I really enjoyed working with the original line up. Jim Dandy, Ricky Reynolds, and Pat Daughtery.
SF: How long were you with Black Oak Arkansas?
I would say around 7 or 8 years. Long enough to do three albums with them. The Wild Bunch, Ready as Hell, and the new greatest hits album. They used two of my songs on the greatest hits CD. That was cool.
SF: I read you did a solo instrumental. Was this something you always wanted to do, or just came out of the blue?
I always wanted to do one. After I started it I realized just how hard it is to do one.
SF: You made it into “The Real Blue Magazine” -- what a great honor! How did this make you feel at this point in your career?
Also, very cool. There are a lot of Blues Rock CD's put out each year, thousands of them. So, it was really nice to be picked in the top 100. I would like to continue this in the future.
SF: You played with Bo Diddley. What can you tell us about the man?
He was unique. Very hard to play with. It was his way or the highway. But don’t get me wrong: I still enjoyed this very much. He had developed a style over the years and wanted it to be played just right. He was a real perfectionist. He would know when you changed things up on him. So, I did what his songs called for and stayed with that. Believe me, it was fun to play such reckless but uniform music.
SF: What do you see for yourself further down the road?
I want to keep putting out GREAT CD’S. I always think of the song first. It has to be a good song before I record it.
SF: Buddy Miles, drummer for Jimi Hendrix. You must have had a feeling of great accomplishment to open for him?
Oh yea and we became very good friends.
SF: How do you feel when you came together again with Buddy to record together?
We loved doing this album, "Buddy Miles Blues Berries" With Double Trouble on bass and drums. This was a real fun record to record. I was playing with Jimi Hendrix's drummer and Stevie Ray Vaughan's bass player and drummer. It really is a good CD.
SF: What would you like to tell the readers about Rocky that we may not have covered?
I would like to tell all musicians to never give up on your musical dream and to always pay attention to the song and song structure. In the end this is all that matters. Good songs and good song structure will make the music last forever. Just like the old great hits you still like today.
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Interview with Zepparella - Teri Merchant
Posted by admin on Wednesday, August 01 @ 00:00:00 CDT (772 reads)
BAND MEMBERS:
Anna Kristina - Lead Vocals
Gretchen Menn - Guitar
Nila Minnerock - Bass
Clementine - Drums
I've been looking over your bios and listening to the music on your web sites. Very impressive! I'm a huge Led Zeppelin fan, so I'm looking forward to learning more about the four of you and what you're doing with your music. So, let's start with where were you all born and raised?
Gretchen: Palo Alto, California Nila: Northern coast town in Germany, on a horse farm. Anna: Born in L.A., but not from there...mostly Northern California Clem: Born in So. Cal, spent most of my adult life in NYC
At what age did you start playing music?
Gretchen: I always had access to musical instruments-- piano, flute, clarinet, trumpet--but didn't start playing guitar until I took up classical guitar in college. I was just about to turn 19.
Nila: 21 Anna: 5 or 6 started piano at 8 years old Clem: Started piano at 8 years old.
Tell us a little bit about your music background. Are there other musicians in your family?
Gretchen: My sister, Kirsten, sings opera, plays the piano and a bit of violin. My dad, Don Menn, is a journalist--he was with Guitar Player Magazine from the early days and until the early 90's. He is one of those people who plays a bit of everything. He's a really good singer, songwriter and plays some piano and guitar. My cousin, David, is the bass player in a band out of Tennessee called The American Plague. Nila: Not really, but it has always been around and I had the early piano lessons until I froze at the church organ my first sunday morning in public. Anna: Father was jazz bass player in LA...sang "Summertime" with him at jazz festival at age 11, mother is artist with an extremely musical ear...both very supportive of my talents...and I was just bitten by the bug.
Clem: My grandmother sang with Benny Goodman for a short amount of time. My dad was the ultimate Rock and Roll fan. I was awakened every weekend morning of my childhood with the stereo blasting Beatles, Stones, Skynyrd, The Band.
What kind of work do you do when you're not playing music?
Gretchen: I am also a pilot. I used to fly for the airlines, but it was too difficult to juggle that career with pursuing my dreams of music, so I quit. I still give flight lessons, though. Nila: Anything that comes about. Anna: I sing full time, different projects, different styles. Clem: Monkey work.  Who were your biggest influences or favorite bands growing up? Other than Zeppelin. And what are you listening to today?
Gretchen: My original inspiration to pick up the guitar was Eric Johnson. His playing seemed to me to be the aural manifestation of transcendent joy and beauty. Steve Morse has also been a huge and continued inspiration. He is an amazingly diverse musician and a great composer--a wonderful combination of heart and head. I love Frank Zappa's scope and creative bravery. My most recent obsessions have been Jeff Beck, John McLaughlin and Al DiMeola. Django Reinhardt always makes me smile. I could compile a really long list, but those are the absolute essentials.
Nila: Mozart and Abba. I went from Metal to weird noise and electronic stuff, Thomas Koener, Jazkammer and Pelican, but Zeppelin takes a lot of time on my ears.
Anna: Biggest influences, Aretha Franklin, Chaka Khan (with Rufus), Stevie Wonder, Ella Fitzgerald. Clem: Classic and Southern Rock, Big Band. In the rotation these days: Wilco, Tom Petty, Tom Waits, Underworld.
When did you realize that playing professionally is something you wanted to do?
Gretchen: It was at a Dixie Dregs show. I was pondering how wonderful it must be to be playing that music. It then occurred to me that they were at "work." It was a simple revelation, yet a formative moment. Nila: 1995, when I left Germany and went to New York, met Clem and that was that. After 9 years of Metal and van touring, we arrived at Zeppelin. Anna: When I was about 21 years old.
Clem: I made the decision to do that before I started playing the drums. I read in your bio that you don't refer to Zepparella as a tribute band. Sometimes there is a fine line between a "tribute band" and a real good "cover band." From what I've heard, you come very close to that original sound, but with your own spin on it and it works. How would you define what you do? Gretchen: For me, learning other people's music is for the fun and education of the experience. I started on my instrument later in life than most of my heroes did--though I think Frank Zappa also started guitar at 19--so I was intent on figuring out a good path from the onset. It seemed that a great way to learn was to imitate. We do that when we learn a language, so what better way to strive for musical fluency that to attempt to imitate the greats? Jimmy Page wrote some of the best riffs of all time, in my opinion, and I do my best to learn the songs as note-for-note as possible. There are a few places in the set where I improvise, but they are places that are clearly improv moments for Zeppelin as well. To me, the term "tribute band" implies a visual experience beyond the musical--dressing like the original band, imitating their antics, etc. We strive to do justice to the music, but stay genuine in our stage show. We love the music so much that we allow that to come though, instead of making intentional "Jimmy Page faces."
Nila: Ha, play as many notes of his as my fingers can and be as close to the bass drum as possible, just not his haircut please. Anna: We try to honor the soul and inside of the music rather than costumes and exterior imitation...because zeppelin was so fluid and slinky it gives us room to be fluid in our own way with it ...in essence that is the soul of the music 
There are a LOT of Zeppelin tribute bands out there that are predominately male. Have you run into people that were a bit skeptical about what you do because you're female? I would imagine that people are very curious about Zepparella when they come to see you perform and not really knowing what to expect.
Gretchen: Sure, people are skeptical. There aren't very many female musicians playing this kind of music. It is the same for anyone who is a minority in any field--aviation is the same way. You just do your best, and if you do well, something that might have induced skepticism can ultimately make you stand out, and a potential disadvantage can turn into an advantage. Nila: Yes, but I understand, it's a slow process to change the expectations. Anna: Very true, the skepticism is common and actually a bit predictable at this point...if it's a new audience, my view from the stage observes the same patterns...they show up still with their arms crossed for about the first 3-5 songs, quietly whispering to their friends with some occasional that indicating they're actually liking it...then, once we've proved ourselves they totally let loose and just celebrate Zeppelin with us...giving in to the full experience....and i hear a lot of "you girls f-ing rock!!!" yelled from the audience You've got some very big shoes to fill. There are 2 members of Led Zeppelin whose names you will find on any top 10 list - best guitar player and best drummer. When did you decide that you had the lemons to try to fill those shoes?
Gretchen: When I realized that being afraid was only an obstacle to my improving as a musician.
Anna: I just loved Plant's style so much, I was more excited and I love being challenged like that...I took it seriously because of respect for his amazing instrument and finesse and I wanted to do it justice...without sounding corny, it really is an honor
Clem: I'd say that the reason that Zeppelin is such an amazing band is that each of the four players were groundbreaking on their instrument. The reason they were each so great was that they played individually, and from the heart. That's something that each of the Zepparella girls do as well. Whereas we're not as groundbreaking as Zeppelin, we at least give it everything we have, and play from the heart. Having played with Gretchen and Nila, I knew that because they were those kind of players and people, we'd be able to do the music justice. Anna came later and immediately I could see she was one of that kind of musician too.
One of my all time favorite things to watch is "The Song Remains The Same." I literally wore out the first video I had and bought another one. I have always been mesmerized watching Jimmy Page and those magic fingers doing "Since I've Been Loving You." BTW, Gretchen does a killer job with that solo, too. What do you find yourselves watching over and over again in that movie? What's your favorite performance? Gretchen: Thank you so much for the kind words. I very much appreciate it. I love "Since I've Been Loving You" as well, and it is one of the toughest Zeppelin songs for me to do. The emotion and feel have to be just right, not to mention trying to nail it technically. I really love "In My Time Of Dying" from the new DVD set. I've watched that quite a bit. Anna: Honestly, I just get mesmerized by the whole thing and always get caught up in the journey of the whole movie...every song has something captivating for me that i learn from and love to watch Clem: Other than Plant's pants? I love it when Bonham is driving around in that car. I had a dream where we were driving around together in a drum set built like a car. Cool! Seriously, I love that movie so much that I couldn't choose. I also love the live version of "Immigrant Song" on the DVD that came out in 2003. The power of that sticks with me and I never get tired of being overwhelmed by it.
My boyfriend is a drummer and does a pretty good job with "Moby Dick", which I love to watch him do! Is this on your set list?
Gretchen: Love that one as well. Talk to Clem.
Anna: Not yet.
Clem: Nope. I have a short and long answer: Short answer is that I just don't have the time to learn it. Long answer is that I would like to one day, but really the thing about drumming that I love most is the communication between the drums and the other instruments, and I love making people dance. There are so many songs I haven't learned yet that I don't feel justified in taking time away from learning those to spend on the weeks it will take to figure the solo out. Also, even being such a huge fan of drumming, there are exactly 3 people I've ever seen play a solo that didn't make me want to leave the room: John Bonham, Dale Crover, Terri Bozzio. I'm really far away from those guys, and I find it hard to believe that the Clementine solo, at this point would be something people would want to stay for! And learning the solo beat for beat will be an incredible learning experience, but I think in the context of Zepparella it would fall pretty flat. I'd have to put my own spin on it and that seems silly, to think of altering such a masterpiece. Anyway, you see my dilemma... back to the short answer: someday. Maybe. Does Nila also double on keyboards or do you even use them while performing?
Gretchen: No--she is bass all the way. We don't do the really keyboard featured songs. Nila: No, I don't think I will be ready for that any time soon, I am learning the mandolin in the meantime. Anna: Not using them yet but possible future addition for either Nila or myself. I've always been fascinated by the fact that Zeppelin only had 4 people in that band who created some of the best music that will ever be recorded. One of them not even playing an instrument and another one playing two. If you can pull that off it says an awful lot about the amount of talent in your band. How hard was that for you to do when you started Zepparella? Gretchen: It was definitely a reach for me initially, but that's how one improves. To paraphrase a cool point I read in a John McLaughlin interview, improving is the constant mastery over that which one cannot do. Nila: Oh I remember first playing Black Dog and my fingers could not do it, just not even close. I almost gave up. It's very different to play your own lines all your bass player life and then you stand in front of JPJ, the master. I will take me forever to understand what he does. Anna: Playing Zeppelin is challenging, learning your part and then sinking into the other 3 people so we capture that Zeppelin sync and tight groove...but everyone really takes their part seriously and our chemistry is extremely unique both on and off stage, so that adds to the richness and ease so that once we've got it, it's like we're all floating together on this new place. Clem: So far we've stuck to the serious rockers, the less complex stuff. As time goes on we figure out how to tackle the more involved songs with the instrumentation we have. One benefit is that Nila and I have played together for 10 years, so we have our sound dialed pretty well. Gretchen and I have been playing together for 5, so likewise, we're pretty locked in. A uniform sound is a major step to sounding bigger as a band. What's your favorite Zeppelin album? Guess that's a pretty tough question, don't know if I could answer it myself....maybe the first one. Every one of them is great. Gretchen: I agree. It's a tough call. I really love Zeppelin II and Physical Graffiti, though.
Anna: That's hard but it might still be IV.
Clem: Lately I've been into Presence. But I would never be able to choose. I always said the first one was up there for me.
I was lucky enough to see Robert Plant and his band play here in Phoenix in 1993 and then Page and Plant's Unledded tour in 1994. Did any of you happen to catch any of those concerts?
Gretchen: Sadly, no. Anna: No, would have LOVED to. Clem: What a luxury, to go see music. I don't get to do that much.
What kind of venues are you playing now and where would you like to play?
Gretchen: Mostly clubs, and a construction site or two--very Spinal Tap, but a funny story. I would like to play places where I don't have to get changed in an outhouse and I can hear myself on stage. Seriously, though, I love playing to appreciative audiences,
regardless of the circumstances. I would prefer to play in a living room to people who are really into it than a world-class venue to no one who cares. Nila: Oh Japan, please, Japan, please please. Anna: Upscale rock clubs and want to move to festivals and concert halls all over the world. Do you tour at all or are there any plans for a tour?
Gretchen: Just shorter tours around the west coast and southwest so far. Anna: Yes, we do many mini tours and our goal has always been to do a long wide tour. What's next for Zepparella? What is your goal as far as where you want to go with the band?
Anna: Keep spreading the Zeppelin love to a wider and wider circumference of people...would love to tour the world. Clem: We have plans for another live album, hopefully to be recorded by the end of the year. Ok, one last extremely important question. When you're home alone just kickin' back on a Saturday night, what's your favorite junk food to snack on? I'm kinda partial to chips and dip myself. But then again, chocolate is pretty damn good!
Gretchen: I am sorry to inform you that you just asked that to a vegan, so I am afraid my answer will be extremely boring. Although we did recently play a place in Portland, Dante's, which had a bakery that sold VEGAN DONUTS across the street. Good lord, I didn't know what to do with myself. It took a huge amount of self control, as well as gear to load, to not buy a dozen! Nila: Chocolate ice cream and Makers Mark, mhmmmmmmmm Anna: Salt and vinegar kettle chips...or any kettle chips for that matter I'm definitely in the potato chip lover family myself--followed by chocolate covered macaroons or warm cookies - my PMS buffet... Clem: Sushi first, then cookies.
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VinnyMac’s Latest Band Interviews
Posted by admin on Tuesday, May 01 @ 00:00:00 CDT (538 reads)
“VinnyMac’s Latest Band Interviews”  Andy Tanas is an inspiration to all music enthusiasts. This artist has done what many musicians have not. I learned so much about this individual on February 2nd during an interview on my radio show, VinnyMac’s 9. We discussed items like his latest album he calls Songs from the New South. Like other artists I have spoken to over the years, Andy Tanas is not in the business for fame or money. He is, in my opinion, what I considered to be a musician who writes music from the heart and soul. His lyrics and music are something you will not find from a famous rock star.  The Bridge is another band I had the pleasure of interviewing. They are based out of Baltimore, Maryland. The interview I had with The Bridge took place on my radio show on February 9th. I spoke to Cris Jacobs guitarist of the group about some of the exciting things his band had going on at the time. The other band members include Russel Batiste – Drums, Jonathan Batiste – Keyboards, and Nori Naraoka – Bass. Their music features other instruments like the guitar, mandolin, saxophone, and vocal percussion. What makes The Bridge really special is their genre gap!  Lastly, I had the opportunity to interview Mike Silverman the lone person in a band known as That 1 Guy. Getting to know the new genre of music that I had been introduced to, was rather different but interesting at the same time. During our phone interview I had to ask him how he would classify the genre of music he writes and performs. The best way to describe his work might be to say that the genre spans from funk, jazz, rock, percussion, and opera. What really topped the interview off is when I discovered That 1 Guy plays instruments which he invented himself. His main masterpiece and instrument is what he calls the “Magic Pipe”. Essentially this instrument is made out of pipe, about 7 feet tall, with switches, strings, and pedals which That 1 Guy uses to create and manipulate sounds. By using the Magic Pipe That 1 Guy wrote songs like “It’s Raining Meat” and “Weasel Potpie”. His work containing these tracks is in an album he calls Songs in the Key of Beotch. He even uses a handsaw and a cowboy boot to create more sounds to make his music even better.  That 1 Guy has traveled all over the world introducing people to his one of a kind instrument. I got to hear some of his best and worst experiences. As I would expect he has not has any terrible performances. The only thing he can say about his encounters is that he, for the most part, has always had great times performing for people. That 1 Guy states he has had a few “weird” experiences in his career, but nothing he would report as something he would recall as a bad time. If the opportunity comes up to see That 1 Guy, I would recommend going to see one of his performances. Everything he has to offer from his type of music, lyrics, and experimentation with homemade instruments should make That 1 Guy an excitement for everyone to see. So, what is the major common link between these three groups of musicians? From talking with each group, they care more about the being able to carry out their dream of writing lyrics, and performing music than making money and being famous. These are inspirational artists to the music industry. Musicians like Andy Tanas, The Bridge, and That 1 Guy are real people who shape the music of today!
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Interview of Gator Alley Band - Susan Snider
Posted by admin on Tuesday, May 01 @ 00:00:00 CDT (585 reads)
Oh man, where to start?! First, let me say that until now, I had only met three of the band members. The night before the show started we had little time for introductions.
They took the stage and the crowd went crazy. Some die hard Lynyrd Skynyrd fans were there. The lead singer, Mel, can belt out a song that will send chills up your spine. He hits every note and every whistle that Ronnie did. I was truly amazed at the sound and accuracy of each member.
As for watching them, I could not get enough. They do not try to look like the band. They concentrate on the sound. They want the crowd to think they are listening to Lynyrd Skynyrd…and when you close your eyes, that is exactly what you think. I got a kick out of watching the crowd singing along and dancing to the music. They played for 2 hours or more, and kept the crowd on the edge of their seats with each song they played.
After a while, you were just lost in the music and singing along thinking you were there with Skynyrd. They do Curtis Lowe, Sweet Home Alabama, Call Me The Breeze and the list goes on. And yes Missy, On The Hunt. You would love to see this done live by them, as I know you love that song.
As for a tribute band, Gator Alley is by far one of the best I have seen or heard. From the keyboards to vocals and don’t even get me started on the guitars. Oh hell, let’s do. In fact, lets talk about each one of them individually.
Mike: As usual, he was friendly and gave me a hug when we got there. I could see the adrenaline pumping in him and he wasn’t even on stage yet. Mike is very easy going, loves to make sure the fans get their money’s worth. He stands on stage, plays with his heart and soul. During the performance, Mike wanders out into the crowd and interacts with the fans. This is very important: I know as a fan, there is nothing better than knowing that the band members know you’re there and you’re not just another ticket to them. When he plays the guitar, Mike does so with passion and respect. Mike, I hope you know what a great honor it is to have you as my friend.
Pat: Now Pat, well what can I say? He is just so Southern rock oriented, that he belongs on the stage doing Lynyrd Skynyrd. His technique and style compare to none I’ve seen. From start to finish, he is giving his heart and soul to every chord he plays on his guitar. He transforms on stage into a Southern rock star and should be in the spotlight. You see his eyes close and his talent open up to degree that only a true Lynyrd Skynyrd fan can appreciate. We also got to talk before the show. As before at the interview, Pat is full of fire and enjoys performing to the crowd. He is a crowd pleaser.
Cutty: Cutty sat and talked with Randy and myself for a while before going on stage. I enjoy talking with Cutty. He is always mellow and happy to be around friends. However, to see him on stage for the first time was amazing and a thrill. He electrifies the crowd with his ability to play Lynyrd Skynyrd as though he were an original band member. He prides himself on being nothing less than perfect, so that you get a feeling of being back in the 70's. Cutty moves around the stage from one side to the other and interacts with every one of the members, including the backup singers. Don’t worry about getting his picture --he will eventually be on the side of the stage you are on to get a Kodak moment memory.
Mel: Now, this guy just blew my mind. He hits every note and key that you can remember hearing on stage from Ronnie Van Zant. He sings from the heart and doesn’t miss a beat. He also is able to throw in those little sayings that Ronnie always threw in like, “Turn It Up”. You all know what I mean. It is what made Ronnie, RONNIE. Mel keeps you going and at one point you cannot help but close your eyes, just to see if you can go back in time. I know I did at several points in the show. I even had to open my eyes just to make sure I was listening to a tribute band.
Jimmi: I am truly impressed with Jimmi. His stage presence is unbelievable. He gets on stage and his style just jumps out and grabs hold of you. I really don’t know how to explain it. At this point, I had not met the man yet. But I know the way he presented himself and his style just kept me looking at him with full attention. The way he moved, plays and looks out at the crowd…he seems to reach out and grab you by the front of your shirt and you just want to see more. Yet, he does not come across as though he wants any special recognition. He plays the bass and loves his music. After the concert. I was able to meet Jimmi and you could not ask for a nicer guy to have a conversation with.
Brett: Oh -- this man has got one heck of a personality! Brett plays keyboards and does so very well, I might say. His ability to add the Billy Powell sound comes naturally. He plays with pride and always has a smile on his face. I was completely shocked when he played “Freebird”. Not only can he play the keyboards with every bit as much talent as Billy, but when Freebird came time to play, Brett was a shining star.
Paul: Okay, I know they pride themselves on not looking like the band. But Paul, you look so much like Artimus that it’s scary. And I would know, I am a huge Artimus fan. Oh yeah, he can play the drums. Those sticks hit every beat and every tune to perfection. He even did a drum solo that just made my heart melt. I know that any Skynyrd fan would not want to miss his performance. Paul, you rock!
Ginny and Jen can belt out the backup for this band as good as the honkettes. They have energy and shine at the microphones. They have voices that are made to sing Lynyrd Skynyrd songs. This venue was hot but these ladies carried on. They both carry themselves well on stage and have smiles that light up a room. Jen had to leave after the show but I did get the chance to meet Ginny and talk with her. Great lady. I can only say that I am proud to have met her and had the chance to get to know her. Ginny is just as outgoing and charming off as she is on stage. I absolutely love this lady. I don’t even know where to begin. We talked about so many different things. We talked about the music, family, and a lot of things that just pertain to life.
I am truly blessed to have gotten the chance to meet these folks and plan to attend every concert that I possibly can. I have had the opportunity to hang out with a couple of them on Sunday after coming back from Oregon. They have that same effect on you that Southern bands do: they make you feel at home and like family.
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Leroy Justice Interview - Susan Snider & Teri Merchant
Posted by admin on Tuesday, May 01 @ 00:00:00 CDT (540 reads)
We recently interviewed 3 members of a young band from New York City that we felt deserved some attention here at Southern Fried Magazine. They have a distinct and unique sound that is their own but it also oozes a bit of a Southern flavor. If you listen hard you can hear a little bit of Blues mixed in with some Southern Rock with a dash of Funk and Soul. The ingredients come from five individuals who all bring something different to the table. Mix it all together, stir it up a bit and you have the very unique sound of LEROY JUSTICE. Although you can hear the influences from the past, they are very talented in their own right. Take some time and listen to their debut album "Revolutions Son" on myspace.com/leroyjustice. We think you'll find that this band has carved their own nitch in today's music with their songwriting and their exceptional talent as musicians who have a bright future ahead of them.
Band members interviewed:
Jason Gallagher
Brendan Cavanugh
Bradley Wegner
SF: How did you guys form your band? Did you all have similar music
backgrounds or did everyone bring something different to the table?
JASON: We met at a poker game on the lower east side of NYC. The band has different backgrounds, but all rooted in "pocket" music. Soul, blues, funk, etc. Add a little white guy in there and you got it.
BRENDAN: The band had been together for a number of years before I joined. I was in a band called Nomad at the time, and we ended up playing a lot of shows with Leroy. Eventually I began sitting in with LJ for a few songs a night, and before long I was playing most of the set with them. We had a great connection musically so we decided to make it official, and I joined the band as a permanent member.
BRADLEY: Came together in pieces. It all started at a poker game. Cxbone found me at Tobacco Road and asked me to fill in on a studio date. Days later J did an opening slot for Mike Farris (Screaming Cheetah Wheelies) and Mike had been trying to get me to play with him on this monthly gig. I got to kill two birds with one stone; Check out Lady J Gallagher and Play with Mike. Honestly I must say what impressed me most was that Jason started a tune, made it halfway through a verse and stopped... apologized and tuned the guitar and started again. The fact that he cared enough to tune and do it right is a big reason that I met with the band later that week. Brendon played on the record and we convinced him to leave his band and join Leroy where he would later pick up the dreaded nick name... Hot Lunch.
SF: At what age did you all start playing and what instrument?
JASON: 17 years old. A Yamaha acoustic guitar given to me by my stepfather.
BRENDAN: I started at around age 12 or so. I played the cello as a concession to my parents for getting me a guitar. After a few years, it was evident that I was much more interested, and proficient, with the guitar. My folks let me quit the cello and focus on my guitar playing.
BRADLEY: Believe it or not, my first instrument was Bass.
My best friend as a kid played drums since he was strong enough to hold the sticks. I picked up the bass to play with him. I started at 15 on bass and the rest filled in later.
SF: Who have been your greatest influences that helped you create your
overall sound and lyric content? I detected a little bit of a Southern flavor mixed in there.
JASON: Eric Clapton, Bob Dylan, Steve Martin, Charles Bukowski, Bill Monroe
BRENDAN: There is a definite southern flavor. I listen to a lot of blues… but I would say my biggest influences are what I consider the 2 nd generation blues players. The guys from the 60's and 70's who really electrified the blues and helped made rock and roll what it is. Whether it was Clapton, Dickey and Duane from the Allmans, or Mick Taylor era Rolling Stones…. That was the sound that really resonated with me.
BRADLEY: Influences come from everywhere. I come from a mixed background. I started out with a lot of funk and R & B. (Motown, Funkadelic, Sly Stone, Rage Against The Machine.) At the same time I put time into great songwriters like Neil Young, Townes Van Zandt, Blind Melon, Ani Difranco. In college I played in a Latin band (Salsa, *****bia, Merenge) When I moved to New York I fell into Hip Hop, Country/Bluegrass, and several Musicals ranging from 50's jazz to early Rock n Roll.
SF: How does your writing process work? Are you all involved?
JASON: Usually I bring some little bit of a verse or chorus to the band to
work it out, we play it loud, I take it home and finish it off. Kinda like meeting a good woman.
BRENDAN: A lot of the songs were written before I joined the band. We've written a few since then…. Basically Jason is the main songwriter and lyricist, but we all contribute ideas to help shape the final product.
BRADLEY: It’s a mixed up jumble. Some tunes derive from plugging in and playing....then later listening to recordings and rearranging. Often Jason comes with an idea and once you add drums the train is rolling. We piece it together over time. Try things live and see what fits and what doesn't.
SF: If you were given the opportunity to play with anyone, who would
that be?
JASON: Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band circa 1975.
BRENDAN: I’m tempted to say Derek Trucks… but the truth is that I would be so humbled after playing with him that I'd probably quit music all together and sell insurance or something.
BRADLEY: My grandfather paid his way through college playing the tenor banjo but as a child I never knew him as a musician. At church he used to hum along with hymns in harmony and grin at me whenever I noticed he wasn't simply singing the melody. I play his banjo today and it still smells like him; yet I never heard him play it himself. I wish I could have started sooner, or he could have held out a little longer.
SF: Tell us a little about the equipment you use
JASON: (2) 1973 Fender Strats, mod'ed Marshall JTM45 head, avatar cab.
fulltone pedals, sweat, tears. No blood though.
BRENDAN: I have 2 Gibsons, one Fender and one G&L guitar. I seem to alternate favorites. but lately I have really been favoring my Gibson SG. It just has "that sound" that I hear in my head. And its light as a feather which is a big plus on your back if you play night in and night out.
BRADLEY: Warwick Jazzman 5 String. DR Strings, Fender Jazz (custom fretless) Very old La Bella flat wound strings; Live Hartke 350 6x10 ampeg cab Swr Workingman 15 studio and small club gigs Ampeg B 15.
SF: What is the largest crowd you ever performed for? And how did that
make you feel?
JASON: Size doesn't matter. Except when you're talking about your member.
BRADLEY: 1000+ It's phenomenal!!! But don't think that makes it a better show. Some of the best gigs are in tiny rooms with people sweating on each other and so packed you can't help but feed off each other.
SF: Are you touring now or are you working on a new project?
JASON: About to tour. Writing new album too. And juggling knives that are on fire.
BRENDAN: Right now we are gearing up for a 6 week tour of the east coast.
BRADLEY: Touring, check myspace.com/leroyjustice for dates.
SF: Where do you see yourselves in 5 years and what is your ultimate goal?
JASON: Half drunk wandering the streets of Paris. To be half drunk wandering the streets of Paris.
BRENDAN: I don't think any of us are trying to be the next Rolling Stones, but if we are fortunate enough to still be playing music together in 5 years time, and maybe making a little money while we are at it, I'll be content.
BRADLEY: I see myself on the road and playing music for a living. If I were out for money and fame I would have never picked up the bass. Winning the lottery is easier and less exhausting than trying to be a rock star. Being a musician is a very difficult yet realistic goal.
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JJ Grey & MOFRO - Col. Tamar Alexia Fleishman
Posted by admin on Tuesday, May 01 @ 00:00:00 CDT (514 reads)
Jacksonville, Florida’s JJ Grey has a dark, funky, Southern sound. His latest CD, “Country Ghetto” is fantastic! The song, “War” has a David Ruffin-ear Temptations sound…and I love-love-love The Temptations. “Circles” has a Muddy-Waters sound. He says he’s influenced by Sly and the Family Stone, and I can hear that too in “By My Side”.
His voice is so smooth, the recording quality is top-notch, with interesting instrumentation, including piano and electric guitar that’s just subtle enough. There are some very Southern rock sounding things, too in songs like “Footsteps”…very Allman Bros. If you are reading this magazine, I promise you will love this CD.
I got a chance to speak to JJ Grey about his career:
What are your latest projects?
The main thing is, getting on the road and supporting this record. We’re in west Texas now. We’ve been touring since February 16; our new CD came out February 20.
You are from northern Florida. Tell me why that area has been so inspirational to musicians.
I don’t know…it steeps in your pores, whether you like it or not.
Tell me how, when you were starting out, you drew the interest of a British label.
I was in London, visiting. My wife’s from there. I used to go there every now and again. I took copies of my demos and brought them to a bunch of labels. I moved there for a year and a half, but it didn’t pan out. We never recorded there or anything. One label contacted me, but they went out of business.
How did you end up getting featured on NPR? Fog City Records knew someone at NPR. She knew they were doing a Southern Artists series. She said, “You’ve got to hear them!” That’s the best thing that ever happened to us. We had an instant nation-wide audience. We sold a lot of records fast and people in all the towns we played already had heard of us. We were famous in nine minutes!
Do you come from a musical family? Not really. My aunt and uncle sing in a Gospel group; they live on an Indian reservation in Oklahoma. My mother was in a choir.
What effect has being a Southerner had on your music? I think being a Southerner has an effect on everything in my life, not just my music. The warmer climate makes people lighter, more boisterous, crazier!
What creature comforts do you like to have on the road? I just like to have good food, that’s the main thing, and to crawl in my bunk to sleep. Every musician has their short list of restaurants on the road. It can be great salad or great BBQ. One of them is definitely Dreamland BBQ in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Also, for the best Mexican food north of the border, you can’t beat The Red Iguana in Salt Lake City.
Do you have any formal music training? No.
How old are you? 39.
Do you have any kids?
A have a 19-year-old son…sometimes, when he doesn’t have work or school, he comes and helps out at gigs.
For more information, check out www.mofro.net
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Interview with Scott Braswell - Susan Snider & Teri Merchant
Posted by admin on Tuesday, May 01 @ 00:00:00 CDT (658 reads)
I was born March 21st, 1965 in Charlotte, NC at Mercy Hospital. Was raised by my parents Roger and Jan Braswell in Mt. Holly, NC. I attended Pinewood Elementary, Mt. Holly Jr. High and graduated in the class of 1983 from East Gaston High. I am also a trained computer service technician. I also have made a living in textiles, as a truck driver, as a carpenter and machine shop operator working for home improvement companies and as a guitar teacher. My first guitar was a Woolworth/Woolco cheapo electric guitar, that was around 1970 when I was five years old. I also had a Woolworth/Woolco "Global" acoustic guitar that my dad bought for me at a flea market around 1973 for $6.00. I kid you not, the action on that "global" guitar was like a vegamatic food chopper. You could literally grate cheese on the neck! I then had a 1976 "Royce" Gibson ES335 copy that played a lot better. I started taking guitar lessons in the summer of 1977 and continued until 1982. I got my first Gibson guitar in 1978. It is the factory blonde 25/50 Les Paul anniversary that I am playing on some of the photos on the pictures page, I still have her and she still sounds great! My first real band was a southern rock band called the Southern Brigade. I joined this band around Christmas of 1980. Those were some of the best times of my life. As time went on I have played with dozens of bands in the Charlotte, NC area...... Here recently, I have been doing some playing in Nashville, TN. and have made many friends there that have a lot of history in southern rock. One of my good friends that I met in Nashville is Mr. George McCorkle. George is a founder member of the Marshall Tucker Band. George wrote "Fire On The Mountain", which is one of Marshall Tucker's greatest songs. I can not say enough good things about George, he is one of the nicest people I have ever met. I have met and played with Dennis Winters of the Winters Brothers Band. Dennis is a great guy! I also met Tom Crain of the Charlie Daniels Band and the Crosstown Allstars. I have played with Gary Allen who was Charlie Daniels` drummer for many years in the early 70s.
~~Our Interview~~
Do you play any other instruments?
Yes. I dabble with banjo, mandolin, harmonica.
Who influenced you the most?
It was Eric Clapton and Leslie West that made me want a guitar in the first place, this was around 1973. Actually, Ace Frehley was the first guitar player I was ever able to copy, which was a HUGE step in my early progress. Later on, doing Outlaws covers really opened my eyes. Hughie Thomasson and Billy Jones of the Outlaws forced me to be a better, more articulate lead player, and still retain my speed. The Beatles also influenced me a lot as did Dickey Betts and Duane Allman.
What artists do you listen to?
I still listen to the Beatles, Outlaws, Mountain, Skynyrd, .38 special, Marshall Tucker, any southern rock and 60's/70's rock. I also really like the Drive By Truckers. Another great band that I listen to is Nantucket. Those guys are from NC. "Heartbreaker" and "Quite Like You" are great tunes.
You write your own music, do you have a partner that writes with you?
No, not at this time. I have written songs before with partners but this time around I am doing all the writing myself. But, I have no problem writing with other people if the situation arises.
What influences you to write a song?
Different things. Usually I hear a guitar riff in my head and write around that. I guess that`s the guitar player in me. Sometimes I may hear a song on the radio that makes me want to write something in that style, but mostly it`s just ideas I have in my head. But I never have written a song around lyrics, it`s always lyrics written around chords/riffs for me.
Do you have a CD out yet?
I am working on that as we speak. I am currently writing new songs and recording. What I need is a good Indie label that will listen to what I have after it`s finished.
What is the name of your band?
"Scott Braswell and West 40". That name came from all those "West 40" signs I see on the way to Nashville from Charlotte. After 8 hours of driving on I-40 those signs just stick in my head. I also play lead guitar and sing with the Rock Bottom Band out of Charlotte, NC. Rock Bottom is a cover band that plays steady throughout NC and SC.
How far do you travel to tour, long distance or local?
Right now, NC and SC. After my CD is complete I am planning on venturing out a lot further, maybe TN or GA, we`ll see.
Where is your favorite place to perform?
Man, I`ll play anywhere that will let in the door. I guess one of my favorites are custom bike shows, I just love playing at those events as I do four or five every year. I also enjoyed playing at the "Winters Brothers Summer Jam" in Nolensville TN.
If you could choose a venue to play, where would it be and why?
I hear guys always saying "I want to play Madison Square Garden" which would be nice, of course. But really, I love playing the small pubs. The folks are usually very nice and they really support you. The intimate surroundings of a small pub really lets the fans connect.
If you could get up on stage and perform with anyone, who would that be and why?
Eric Clapton FOR SURE! Leslie West, Hughie Thomasson, Paul McCartney, Dicky Betts . There are many others that I love, but these guys really shaped my playing. They made such a difference in my life as a young guitarist. I would just like to thank them for being such great teachers.
Outside of music, what do you enjoy doing?
I love building computers from scratch as I am a trained computer service tech. I also love to build things from wood. I have a shop at home loaded with wood working tools and power tools. I love to ride motorcycles, too. Vintage musical instruments is a passion of mine, especially Gibson Les Pauls and Marshall amps.
Tell us about your family.
I have been married to the same girl for 18 years. It takes a special lady to put up with a working musician for a husband for 18 years. We also have a daughter about to start high school next year.
Tell the readers something about Scott that you would like them to know.
Not really much to tell actually, I`m just a regular guy struggling like everybody else to pay my bills and keep food on the table. I will say this though, I have stayed drug free my whole life which has made a HUGE and POSITIVE difference in my guitar playing. And, never let anyone tell you that you are too old to be in a band. I am 42 years old and I feel like I am at my peak right now AND smart enough at this age not to take any success I may have, how ever great or small, and waste it. I`m gonna pay my bills off and give my wife and daughter the best life I possibly can.......
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Interview with Russell Gulley - Col. Tamar Alexia Fleishman
Posted by admin on Tuesday, May 01 @ 00:00:00 CDT (546 reads)
For 13 years, Russell Gulley was a songwriter and guitarist for the Southern rock band, Jackson Highway. Hatched under the famous Muscle Shoals Sound Publishing studios, they opened for the likes of Ted Nugent, Blackfoot and Triumph.
What are your latest projects?
I have my CD, “Back to the Swamp”. I’m working on a follow-up CD. I’ve actually laid down three tracks in Nashville. My brother Dennis is producing, Chris Anderson of The Outlaws is playing guitar, Johnny Neel from the Allman Bros. is playing harmonica. We have to have a follow-up in hand: it helps in securing those record deals. “Swamp” is roots music, a selfish record, for me. I did it for my children – I had children late in life – who didn’t understand who I was.
I’m opening for Marty Stuart for an Earth Day celebration. I’m bringing Chris and Johnny down; I wanted everything to be top-notch.
How did you get started in music? I grew up in the Pentacostal Church, there was always music there. My mother took me to singing school in the 1950’s, I was about 6. The Howell Family, a Southern Gospel band, hired me to play bass when I was 15. We played in north Georgia, north Alabama and eastern Tennessee on weekends. I got drafted, went to Vietnam and when I got back, I when to work playing for Ray Peterson (“Tell Laura I Love Her”).
Tell me about serving on the Board of Directors of the Alabama Folk Life Association.
It goes back a way. I took a sabbatical from the music industry when my daughters were born. I moved back from Nashville to Ft. Payne. I started to examine my musical roots in Northeast Alabama. I was looking back at people like the Louvin Brothers. . .eventually, I became part of the Alabama Folk Life Association and I was later invited to be on its board.
How do you develop your class lectures? I was given scholarships to workshops, to teach. In my residency, I developed a block of lesson plans. I feel comfortable doing lectures from K-12.
You have been in bands that have stayed together many years. What lessons have you learned?
We decided that Jackson Highway was a family – that we wouldn’t be changing personnel, even if we got mad at each other. We had a common goal: to get on a major label. It took us seven years! We helped each other and talked a lot. We’d be on the road from 6-8 weeks. Later, we had a road crew, but in the beginning, we were the only five guys that we’d know in a town. That brings you closer together than anything. Some weeks, only some of us got paid! We’d take turns. If somebody’s equipment broke, I saw to it that it was replaced. If one of us got sick – and we had no health insurance – we all paid for it.
Describe how living in the South affects your music.
Very definitely! I’m a Southern person, I grew up here. My father would play the Grand Old Opry on the radio. In the South, there were a lot of syndicated country shows. There was a lot Lester Flatt and Earl Scruggs…and even though I listened to rock ‘n’ toll, it still sunk in. I also grew up singing Gospel. That’s who I am, I’m validated by the South.
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The Brian Chris Band - Teri Merchant & Susan Snider
Posted by admin on Tuesday, May 01 @ 00:00:00 CDT (1243 reads)
BRIAN CHRIS BAND
Brian Levering - Vocals
Chuck Morrongiello - Guitar and Bass
Mike Tzigos - Drums and Percussion
Rob Stony - Keyboards
What is there to say about a band that does it all? Their music makes a statement; they are successful businessmen, they write their own music and they own their own record label. From my standpoint it just doesn’t get any better than that. If you think nothing they do can top that, it can and it does. They are sending out 500 packages to our troops in Iraq in hopes to lift their spirits and let them know that we appreciate what they are doing to make us free. These packages will contain their CD and a video of “Fight For The Cause,” along with some other things to remind them of home. This is my second interview with musicians that have a CD dedicated to our military in some way. As you know, Paul Coleman is involved in “Operation Homefront.” We should hook these two bands up.
The conversation Teri and I had with Chuck and Brian was, to say the least, enlightening and very informative. We talked, laughed and discussed a wide variety of music and interests. I do not know where to start. I found both men to be well educated and most definitely someone I would like to sit down, have a drink with and just talk.
I found their music to be that of rock star quality. To pinpoint one style would not be possible. That is because they have a style of their own. “Fight For The Cause” truly makes a statement of not only this war, but also every war that our country has been involved with. Each song gives you a different aspect of them and how they feel about life. I judge music by listening to it, then deciding. “Would I buy this CD and would I pay for tickets to a concert to see them?" My answer is, “YES, I definitely would." I get a real feel for their sound and popping it in my CD player and letting it play while I work is a sign that I want to see them perform live. I could go on about these two forever, but I’ll let the interview and their music speak for itself. Chuck, Brian, you won me as a fan. Now its time to go get ‘em!
Susan Snider
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Susan and I had the honor of getting a request from Tamar to interview and do a review of The Brian Chris Band out of Tampa, Fla. The written interview below gives you some of the basics about Brian and Chuck; where they've been and what they're doing now with their music. So, I'll talk about what I was able to learn about them from our telephone interview.
I was very impressed with their knowledge of music from a generation of the past, MY generation. Every musician has their own music background and influences and sometimes it is very clearly heard in what they are writing today. However, their writing style is uniquely their own. They draw from their own life experiences, of course, but if I had to categorize their music I guess I would call it traditional modern rock. There are a few songs on their debut CD that focus on sending positive messages and support for what is going on in the world today; "Fight For The Cause", "Change" and "Too Tired To Fight." Whether it be the war in Iraq or supporting individuals with their own demons and addictions, they have found a way to address these issues in some of their music. What I heard from talking to them is that they are very sensitive to and aware of what's going on today in our country and in the rest of the world. There is a lot of pain and misery out there and hopefully they can reach some folks with a message that says...."We care. Let's help each other." That kind of message in music, whether it be from another era or what is being written today, is not always a popular band wagon to jump on sometimes. I think the response to their new CD and in particular, the song "Fight For The Cause" and their video, will make an impact in a positive way. I personally hope so. Our country is divided right now, so I think if they/we can reach out and grab some of those people who seem to be a little confused as to where their loyalties lie...it'll be a real good thing. Aside from that, their music is just good ole rock and roll to me!
Here are the links to their video for "Fight For The Cause" and their web site. That song is already a winner in my book and I'm really looking forward to seeing what they are going to do next. Make sure you listen to their other songs on their site, too. I think you will like what you hear.
Teri Merchant
http://www.youtube.com/BrianChrisVideo
http://www.brianchris.com/
INTERVIEW WITH THE BRIAN CHRIS BAND
Where were you all born and raised?
BRIAN: Tampa
CHUCK: I was born in Brooklyn NY , And my parents moved us to Long Island.
At what age did you become interested in playing music and when did you start playing professionally?
BRIAN: I started late. I was about 18. I have been playing in bands ever since. Professionally? This is the first time.
CHUCK: I started playing guitar at 16 when we would cut classes and jam at my friend's house. We starting getting very popular. Over a four year period my band "Strange Brew" became the #1 band on Long Island. We were warming up for national acts and getting a lot of exposure . Every night we played somewhere else. Then it ended.
Who were your early influences and who do you like to listen to today?
BRIAN: The Who, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Aerosmith, Bon Jovi. Today? Shinedown, Chili Peppers, Bon Jovi.
CHUCK: Hot Tuna , Airplane, Django Reinhardt, Duane Allman, Dicky Betts, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Marshall Tucker, 38 Special, Derek Trucks, Jeff Beck, Eric Clapton, Jimmy Page, Hendrix, Carlos Santana and anything that is stringed.
Do any of you come from a musical background? If so, how much did they play a part in what you're doing today?
BRIAN: They're many people in my family that sing and play. Many much more talented then I. What part did they play? Really not much other than good genetics.
CHUCK: No background that I know of.
Can you give us a little musical history on the other band members? How did The Brian Chris Band come together?
BRIAN: Chuck was auditioning a singer with the drummer he was playing with then. I came in and free styled lyrics over Chuck's original licks as if the songs were already written and we were off.
CHUCK: I met Brian years ago from an ad that I put out back a few years ago. I liked his style and his very cool lyrics and we just hit it off and the rest is history. Brian is a natural. He's a powerful, talented musician. The drummer I've known for years, Mike the Greek.
Tell us a little bit about your writing process. Is everyone involved?
BRIAN: No, Chuck and I are the only writers in the band. He writes the rhythms and I do the lyrics and melodies. We both work on the arrangements and dynamics of the song.
CHUCK: Only me and Brian and L&M (our record company). I start with a acoustic or electric then it goes from there.
Other than writing and playing music do any of have other careers? In other words, have you quit your day jobs?
BRIAN: Not yet, but that is what we are shooting for. We're both in sales and marketing so that is what is really driving the business end of the band right now.
CHUCK: I own my own successful financial business, which is through a Fortune 500 company. I basically can do what I want. Also started a non-profit society with friends called The Center For Civil War Photography. (www.civilwarphotography.org)
I see that you are signed with a label. Was it difficult to find a record company that took a chance on you as a new band?
BRIAN: It is an Indie label and is essential to breaking through some of the barriers out there. It was not hard to make the deal, but we are still a self- promoted, self-managed team.
CHUCK: Not difficult at all, we own the record company.
How many CDs do you have out now? Are you working on a new project?
BRIAN: "Fight for the Cause" is our debut album and we are currently writing material for a follow up. We are hoping to have it released in the fall of 2008.
CHUCK: This is only one at this time, new material for a new CD is in the works for 2008.
I notice you're coming out with a video. Do you know when it will be finished and if so where will we be able to see it?
BRIAN: The video is almost done we are simply working on the logistics of releasing it. Where can you view it? At first it will be on youtube and our myspace and web site. After that hopefully MTV or VH1 or any other forms of media that wants to help us spread the message of hope and freedom.
CHUCK: We will have the video out within a week. Then everybody can see it. We are all very proud and excited.
What was it like to shoot a video and how long did it take?
BRIAN: Not long for the band itself. This video was for our troops and not about us so the band does not appear very often. However, the video and its message took quite some time to get correct. This was a heart felt project and we put everything we had into it. We support the troops and they deserve it.
CHUCK: It was a blast. The whole concept of writing a song about our beloved troops, then together with great historical film footage . It's making a statement and a message. It took about maybe a month.
Have you been touring? If so, where is your favorite place to play?
BRIAN: We have not set our tour dates yet. We are promoting the CD through all forms of media right now. We want to create the proper amount of hype for this album to accurately determine where our strongest market is and then we can set off across the globe. Before the tour, we are going to set up key events to help promote our cause.
CHUCK: We had just got out of the studio so we plan to have a killer CD release party, then do some special venues.
Do you have any interesting stories you'd like to share about life on the road?
BRIAN: Like I said, we have not been on the road together yet. But neither one of us is a stranger to it. All the good stories, I have promised all of those involved that I would take our secrets to the grave. But trust me when I say that it was tiring, but I miss the race.
CHUCK: Silence is golden.
If you could play any venue in the world, where would that be?
BRIAN: Tampa Stadium.
CHUCK: I would love to play at the Garden in New York.
Given the chance to play on stage with anyone you choose, who would it be and why?
BRIAN: Bon Jovi. Why? I have followed their career ever since the beginning. I love their style of writing and I think it would make a great show.
CHUCK: That would have to be Mr. Jeff Beck, all of my other favorites are dead. Jeff Beck is the daddy of electric guitars.
I see that your song "Fight For The Cause" is a salute to our troops and military service. A lot of artists have taken hits over this subject. How do you feel about that?
BRIAN: The hits we're taking for supporting the troops are nothing compared to the hits the troops are taking trying to support us.
CHUCK: Well, we love what the troops are doing. These solders that give up there lives need to be recognized, so we thought we would write a rock anthem for them in tribute to what they have given up for us. We feel strongly about showing our support. "Fight For The Cause" needed to be written.
What's your ultimate goal as far as your music career? Where would you like to be in 5 years?
BRIAN: On top. Co-writing songs with our ideals, doing sound tracks. Maybe some appearances in a movie or two.
CHUCK: To tour and play great venues with great musicians. I think we will have many CDs out and a movie sound track.
Is there anything you'd like people to know about The Brian Chris Band?
BRIAN: This is just the beginning, so climb on board so you can say you were here when it all started. And having said that, we appreciate all of those people that have been involved in supporting us along the way. Any help that we receive at this point we are hoping to have come back to those who helped by bragging rights when this thing is world-wide. So come along for the ride!
CHUCK: Check out our new CD and we hope you enjoy our magic...
(Read More... | Score: 5)
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Review of Gator Alley Band - Susan Snider
Posted by admin on Tuesday, May 01 @ 00:00:00 CDT (452 reads)
A Tribute To Lynyrd Skynyrd
Santa Cruz, California
We arrived in Santa Cruz, CA at 10am. When we arrived at the Harley Davidson dealership, there were already over 200 bikers there. Festivities were already underway. Venders were set up and a registration booth for the riders going on the run. This event was to benefit the Jacob Cancer Foundation. It was a very touching scene when all the riders were giving donations, buying raffle tickets, and paying to register for the run. I was immediately greeted by their band/tour manager, Steve. Now, he is just a doll. He sees me and says, “There’s my girl!” followed by a hug. This is a very loving man that takes his job very seriously. I love him.
While the riders were gone on the run. I had to time to mingle with the Gator Alley Band once again. This time we had several hours to set up, talk and just plain goof off and have some fun. As band members arrived at different times, everyone was happy to see each other and the fun began. I started taking pictures of the behind the scenes of the festivities. I had the opportunity to meet wives and fiancée... all of whom were very pleasant and fun to hang out with.
The guys got started on setting up the stage and equipment. This in itself is no easy task. I finally got to see for myself how many it takes, along with all the hard work that goes with it. Sound boards have to be set up, sound checks, and a ton of cords running to I don’t even want to try to explain. But it all done to make sure the sound is nothing other than perfect.
First band member I run into is Mel, the lead singer. We exchange pleasantries and talked for a few but Mel is a man of few words. He lets his singing do his talking and this you can be sure of. He is very good at his job. He remembers every little saying and remark that Ronnie Van Zant makes in his songs without forgetting one -- not one. This makes for the real thing, ‘cuz I for one look for that in a tribute band. Good job, Mel.
Next is Paul the drummer, who has a personality that compares to nothing I’ve ever seen. We hug and he introduces me to a couple of folks And without missing a beat, he mentions that I work for Southern Fried and did a great interview with Mike, Pat and Cutty. He also tells of the other work I do on web sites. He seems very proud of the fact that I started a forum for their band called, “The Gator Hole”. Paul is fun, always upbeat and enjoys playing the drums, which he is very good at. Paul got the entire band to sign a drumstick for me and I will always treasure that.
Next up is Mike. Mike has become a very close friend. He was the first one I met and we seem to have a lot in common. Mike is the serious one of the band. He takes everything to heart and is very business-like right up to the moment they go on stage. I’m not saying the rest are not. But Mike wants everything fine- tuned and running without a glitch. And it does. He seems to be high strung, up until the last moment he gets on stage and straps on that guitar. Then his natural ability kicks in and he rocks from start to finish.
Ginny the backup singer is just so pleasant and talks to everyone like they are her best friend. She is the cool and calm on through the whole thing. She knows her job and does it with extreme talent. On stage she sings out the backup vocals like that of an angel and never stays still. She’s always dancing and moving to the beat and getting the audience involved. Her charm stands out for all to see and people cannot help but to feed from it. She is able to get the audience up on their feet and clapping. She moves around the stage and you can find her at anytime dancing with one of the guitarists. This is a sight to see. She is one fantastic lady.
A different keyboard player was there from the last show I saw. He was very kind... and man, can he play! He plays that keyboard to perfection. His name was Kenny and I found him pleasant and hard-working. He can play like no other I’ve seen and doesn’t miss a beat. And let me tell you, he plays a mean Snoopy tune from the Peanuts cartoon. That seem to be everyone’s favorite. We did get a chance to talk and low and behold --he is a hometown boy from Vallejo but relocated to another area a while back. This is always nice to run into. I consider that home town boy makes good.
Then we add none other than Pat, also known as Smythers. This guy is so unpredictable, but you just can’t help but love him. Nothing bothers him. He is very sure of himself and just does what he does best. He plays the guitar and gives the audience a thrill of a lifetime. Behind the scenes, Pat is the fun, witty, and charming one. He is never in a bad mood and can bring even the worst person to break a smile. I just can’t say enough about this guy. I enjoy talking with him and cracking jokes. So let’s just call him the joker of the band. He makes comments out of the blue that make you go, “What?” I just know he is the life of a party and I want to throw one just to invite him to it.
Cutty, now there is a man after your heart. He plays with passion and literally gets into every song. Sometimes, I think he is in another place with his music the way he closed his eyes and jams. I believe it may be heaven to him. Cutty is also fun and full of humorous comments.He’s always on Pat and picking on him in one way or the other. These two make quite a pair! I’m not sure I could handle them both at the same party, but it could be very interesting to find out what would happen. Cutty moves around the stage also and can play a guitar like it was born in his hand.
Jimmi. I can only find to say about him is, his stage presence. He has a way of drawing you in and holding your attention with his charming smile, not to mention the way he can hold an audiences attention. He does do tricks on stage. He stands there and plays with all his heart. There is no doubt that this man is a natural and was born to be on stage. We also had a chance to talk; he is always so nice and pleasant to be around. You will see in the PICS what Jimmi is like. He is crazy!
Now for the concert. Well, as always… I loved it and they play the Lynyrd Skynyrd tunes like its second nature to them. They keep the audience intrigued and hanging on every note. People are standing, dancing and singing right along. They opened with, “Workin For MCA”, a favorite of many. As I said, Mel does not miss any little behind the music comments that Ronnie Van Zant made -- which is what we all like about Ronnie. That was his trademark so to speak. The band plays with the ability of no other I have ever seen. They switch out guitars to make sure they get the right sound so you hear the real thing. They strive on sounding like Lynyrd Skynyrd and not looking like them. It is a group effort and everyone does his part. I find myself more and more impressed with them when I hear them play. Paul keeps up on the drum like he was in the band himself, not to mention he kinda looks like Artimus. All we need to do is put shorts and knee socks on him and he’s a match. Paul plays with all his heart. As do the guitarists in the band. They all switch out parts so no one plays just one original Lynyrd Skynyrd part. They all play them all, which makes for more enjoyment and the fact that one member is not trying to be a certain Lynyrd Skynyrd band member. Hope sometime you all get the chance to see this band.
(Read More... | Score: 5)
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Interview with John Callaway - Susan Snider
Posted by admin on Tuesday, May 01 @ 00:00:00 CDT (907 reads)
John Callaway is a talented young man whose music is definitely got something for everyone. I have listened to his CD, "Drive", and it has a little of rock and pop with some Southern rock touches. . . and, to me, a little country. John is a grad of Clemson University. He is playing universities, private parties, and coffee houses. He will be going on tour in May of this year and I hope he makes it out to my area!
From what I hear on this CD, John has accomplished a dream and a goal. His music tells a story and gives you a soothing feeling as you listen to it. John can only go up from what I have heard by keeping up the good work.
SF: Where were you born and raised?
JC: I was born and raised in the small town of Boiling Springs, South Carolina. Boiling Springs is in Spartanburg and, as most of your readers know, that is the home of the Marshall Tucker Band. Most of the guys call Boiling Springs home now, and it has really grown up during the last 10 years.
SF: Do you come from a family of musicians?
JC: I would say so. My dad taught me my first chords on guitar and I can still hear my mom singing the alto harmonies on Beach Boys songs in the car. They have always been involved in church music.
SF: At what age did you first start playing?
JC: I guess I was probably about 13.
SF: What made you interested in music in those early years?
JC: Hearing my dad play along to Creedence Clearwater Revival songs was pretty much enough for me.
SF: Do you write your own music, and do you write alone or have a writing partner?
JC: I usually write alone, but I do have a couple of folks that I partner with. A couple of really good friends and a cousin help a lot. I’m always bouncing ideas off of friends and family though.
SF: Tell us how the writing process works?
JC: A couple of different ways have worked for me. I usually get some sort of chorus stuck in my head when I’m singing in the shower. Then I work it out on guitar and add some verses. Sometimes I do start with an overall subject though and build from there.
SF: How long have you been playing professionally and when did you decide this is what you wanted to do with your life?
JC: I don’t know if you consider the college band professional or not. I was, and still am, very involved with an a cappella group called TIGEROAR from Clemson University. Once I graduated I really needed a musical outlet again, and that is when I really started taking it seriously. Music really works well with graduate school if you don’t sleep.
SF: I noticed you use an acoustic guitar. Do you find that it fits the music you play better than an electric guitar?
JC: With a full band backing, there is nothing quite like the electric guitar solo. Our new demo, The Castle Sessions, will feature a good bit of electric guitar. The acoustic is just more of my personal style.
SF: How did you come to add the mandolin to the already awesome sound you have?
JC: I guess that goes back to TIGEROAR as well. I ended up meeting one of my best friends in that group, named Michael Costa. We had both been in bands and playing live through high school and college. He finally decided that he could put up with my music if he could play mandolin. We thought it was a little weird, but the more we played and recorded, people really seemed to enjoy it. I think it really sets us apart from normal acoustic rock music.
SF: When you go on tour will the band be going with you?
JC: The full band will be playing at least two shows with us on the tour. The rest of the tour will feature Costa on mandolin. It is much easier to tour as a duo at this point.
SF: You attended Clemson University and were a member of Tigeroar. Is this a school choir? And how long did you sing with them?
JC: This isn’t your average school choir. People should really go check out tigeroar.net and listen to some collegiate a cappella. This group features vocal percussion and some great ensemble work. I sang in the group for my 5 years of undergrad (really the reason for the 5th year) and I have been producing with them ever since. This has given me the opportunity to meet some of the coolest music folk across the country. Our producer in California has actually really helped me with my albums and frequently makes some appearances on instruments.
SF: How long did it take to get your own sound together that you wanted to bring to your audience?
JC: Wow. I guess I have wanted to bring my music to an audience since high school. I think musicians are always in the process of developing their sound. I’m excited to see where it will go.
SF: I have noticed you play a lot of Universities. Do you find that you have a particular connection with that audience?
JC: I really relate with the college audience. I am always trying to make music that people can put their own situations in. I guess college students just seem to fit the bill pretty well.
SF: What is the largest venue you have played and where was the largest audience?
JC: I guess the largest venue would probably be Bowman Field in Clemson at this point. There were about 2000 people outside for a kickoff party. In Tigeroar, my first gig and my first solo, was in front of about 35,000 people inside Death Valley in Clemson. That has to be one of my favorite memories.
SF: Where would you like to see yourself in 5 yrs?
JC: I would love to be at a point where I could fully support myself with music. I enjoy producing and playing live events, so that would be the dream.
SF: Tell us something you want the readers to know about John Callaway
JC: There really are some good folks in the music industry. Not everybody you see on stage has the “rock star” attitude. I hope I will always fall in the category of “one of the good guys”. The Southern roots will always show through!
(Read More... | 7463 bytes more | Score: 5)
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Interview with Michael Cartellone
Posted by admin on Wednesday, January 31 @ 23:00:00 CST (725 reads)
(fellow Gemini and cross disciplinarian)
~*How was The Gimme Three Steps Cruise? I see you just finished it, good vibe?
Yes, it was a lot of fun. Honestly, I wasn’t looking forward to it at all (I have motion sickness), but I wore a seasick patch behind my ear and felt great. That aside though, we all missed Gary and Dale Rossington not being with us (for those of you who don’t know, Gary was recovering from double pneumonia and was on strict Doctor’s rest). Gary’s guitar is a huge part of the band’s sound as any Skynyrd fan would attest. He’s a tough guy though and will be as good as new soon.
~*Did the weather suit you? Were you ready to come back to chilly January USA?
The weather was nice- sunny and in the 80’s. Although, while we were on the boat it was 70 degrees at my NYC home- in January! Welcome to Global Warming, my friends.
~*I see a lot of great bands on the roster: 38 Special, Sister Hazel, Drivin N Cryin, Corey Smith, American Minor, Blackberry Smoke, Blue Dogs, Zac Brown Band, Chris Janson, Travis Mitchell Band, Keni Thomas, Tishamingo, Patrick Davis, the Steepwater Band. Wow! Talk about cross fertilization. I’ll bet there were a few impromptu jams on board. Any fun stories you want to lay on us?
 I saw Rickey Medlocke get up with Blackberry Smoke for one tune. I imagine there were other things like that going on, but bands were playing at the same time all over the place.
~*Those cabins are pretty small to be setting up a drumkit after hours. Do you carry a Djembe or any other hand percussion for side Jams?
Actually, my wife and I had a nice size room. I didn’t get involved in any side jams though, I was just happy not to be throwing up somewhere.
~* It seems like there would have to be a few opportunities to collaborate with other players on shipboard. That is sometimes where new songs begin- anything like that happen?
I really don’t know. There was a lot going on, we all had family traveling with us and everybody running in different directions, etc.
 ~*For the Music Gear-heads among us- what’s your rig? What kind of Drums do you favor?
I’ve played Pearl Drums since 1989, when Damn Yankees formed. I’m using a custom built Pearl Masterworks kit right now.
~*I know most Drummers are very particular about their Kick-pedals, and especially their Snare type- which do you use?
The snare is a Pearl Stainless Steel Masterworks, 6” x 14.” The kick pedal is a Pearl Eliminator Double Pedal.
~*Brand of Cymbals?
Zildjian.
~*Do you ever use digital, MIDI or electronic percussion, either on the LS gig or otherwise?
I have a very elaborate Roland V-Drum Electronic kit. It’s not appropriate for Skynyrd though, so I use it on freelance recording sessions.
~*Do you compose?
I’ve dabbled.
~* How long have you been playing with LS ?
I started with the band in November 1998. Time’s flying by.
~* Have you been able to Record with LS? If so, which Albums are you on?
I’m on Edge of Forever, Christmas Time Again, Thyrty, Then And Now and Vicious Cycle Lyve.
~* You have a seriously impressive Gig Sheet- I was looking through your Website, this is what I picked up:
“After playing with former Roxy Music/UK keyboardist Eddie Jobson, and then former Styx guitarist Tommy Shaw, Michael found himself a member of the multi-platinum selling band Damn Yankees. This was the springboard for a career that has included recording and touring with John Fogerty, Peter Frampton, John Wetton, Freddie Mercury, Cher, Adrian Belew, Accept and now the legendary Lynyrd Skynyrd.”
Thank You for the compliment. Yes, I’ve been blessed to have a solid and rewarding career thus far. Life is good.
~*And a Question of Deep Personal Interest- Were you ever able to sit on Cher’s Lap? And if so, how long?
Sorry to disappoint, but I never met Cher, even though I recorded for her (no touring). When we were in the studio, there was a session vocalist singing guide vocal tracks as the band recorded. Then, Cher came in afterward and recorded all her vocals. Very unusual, but it is what it is. I would have liked to sit on her lap, now that you mention it.
~* Jeez, Michael- what is it about Cleveland, Man? So many great players have come from that City! Is it that Great Lakes water? Is it the Air? Is it that FREEZING weather that causes Indoors winter Jams? Were you inspired by the music history of Cleveland? Who were your early heroes- including music or Art teachers?
Yes, Cleveland is a hot bed of talent, although I can’t explain why. When I first moved to New York City, there were 13 drummers from Cleveland living there. Most of us knew each other and competed for the same gigs. Crazy, huh? As for the music history, I think we’re all proud that Alan Freed coined the term “Rock and Roll.” Also, the Rock Hall of Fame being there is a nice feather in the cap. My early drumming inspiration was an older cousin named Bert- great drummer. My parents even hooked me up with his teacher, a great guy named Dale Yoho. As for Art: I had a great teacher named Phil Tuttle (who I’ve stayed in touch with). Early Heroes: Harry Houdini and Charlie Chaplin.
~* One would have to assume that decision to move to New York City early in your career was a pretty pivotal one. Were you drawn to NYC for the Art opportunities as well?
Moving to NYC made all the difference. Everything that has happened to me, was because of that move. It was purely for Music then. Although, now years later, the Art has come into play.
 ~*Now to a subject WE BOTH love- Art. Your Artwork is great- and many of your Artworks are featured in the Rock Star Gallery (http://rockstargallery.net ).
My personal favorite was from your early paintings- the one called “ROY.” This is a great moment you captured- Is Roy an old pal? Can you give us a little back story?
Thank You. I’m very proud of my Art. It really has been a plan for years, to bring it to the forefront. As for Roy, I happened to stumble onto a photo of that face and was inspired to paint it. He looked like he could have been in that environment, so I created the scene. He actually reminds me of someone I once knew, although I wasn’t aware of that until the painting was finished.
~* Your John Lennon is magnificent. I read on your Art site that you were able to present it to Yoko- how did that transpire?
I met Yoko at an Awards event here in NYC. It happened to be the night before the 25th Anniversary of John’s death. We had a brief, but very meaningful conversation. I felt I really connected with her. She was moved when she saw the photo of the painting and I sent her a full size reproduction a few weeks later.
~* I know whenever I’m Painting or Writing there are a few, what I call, “Gateway Compositions” I always listen to bring on The Muse- Miles Davis “Kind Of Blue” is mine. Do you have a particular Musical work you like to play while Painting?
No, I don’t have a single song inspiration like that. I do listen to music often while I paint, but that can be just about anything from my collection.
~* I know how difficult it is to point to just one or two primary Art influences, but who are yours?
Rene’ Magritte, Norman Rockwell and M.C. Escher.
~* One would assume you bring a sketchpad wherever you go on the road. Do you favor pencil or chalk for sketching?
I used to carry a pad and charcoal pencils on the road, but not anymore. Once I realized I could paint during a tour, I left the pad and pencils at home. I’ve always enjoyed painting more than drawing.
~* You work primarily in Acrylics- do you ever use Oils or other Media?
I experimented a little with Oils, etc. during school years, but prefer Acrylics. Plus, they dry very fast, which is important while touring.
~* When you are on the road, assuming you occasionally have down time in one city or another, do you get out of the Hotel and check out Galleries and Local artists? And more importantly- can you drag your LS bandmates out for a little Cultural Art Fix?
Yes, I venture out often for this exact thing. This past summer in Sacramento, I stumbled upon an M.C Escher exhibit at a Gallery. As for the Skynyrd guys, they all showed up at my Opening at the Rock Star Gallery in Phoenix recently- literally pulling up in a tour bus!
~* What’s on the Michael Cartellone personal Reading List at this moment?
I’m currently reading “The Secret Life of Houdini” by William Kalush and Larry Sloman. I just finished reading “Here, There and Everywhere” by Beatles engineer Geoff Emerick.
~* Ever pop in on an Open mic just for kicks?
No- I never cared for that sort of thing.
~* Any new Albums in the works? Cool sessions coming up?
Skynyrd are writing some new tunes, although no recording has been scheduled as of yet. I just played on a great album for Joe Lynn Turner (former singer of Rainbow and Deep Purple).
~* Do you have a decent Art studio set up where you live?
Yes, a nice, sunny corner of a room. On the wall for inspiration: a Norman Rockwell framed autograph.
~* OK, and now the most important question: What Is Your Favorite Snack Food while touring?
Atomic Fireballs.
Thanks, My fellow Gemini, Artist and Musician for being such a brother and taking time to discuss Art and Music here in Southern Fried!
You are much appreciated.
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Interview with Gator Alley Band - Susan Snider
Posted by admin on Wednesday, January 31 @ 23:00:00 CST (1326 reads)
I had the pleasure of hooking up with three very special men that play for a Lynyrd Skynyrd Tribute Band. They call themselves, “The Gator Alley Band”. I saw their logo on an advertisement light board and took it upon myself to investigate them. It didn’t take long before I found Mike, one of their guitarists on MySpace. I emailed him and asked for an interview for 43 the Hawk, Southern Fried, and DSJ.
For me, this first time out to do an interview was absolutely amazing. These three guys made me feel so at home and just like the Southern hospitality you always see and hear about: they were no different. They were fun, serious, relaxed, and not once made me feel out of place or nervous.
We met at the Shamrock Irish Pub in Alameda, CA. Randy and I arrived and were met by Cutty and Pat -- two guys that just keep you laughing and smiling. Couldn’t ask for two nicer guys. Mike arrived with his wife and son. He has got the most beautiful woman I have ever seen. And his son was quiet but so well mannered, that it just blew me away. We decided to leave the Shamrock Pub due to the noise. So we moved across the street to a bar and grill. Much quieter and more room. This is where the interview began.
How did you get your name, Gator Alley Band?
Cutty: Mike and I had just got done doing a tour and we were down in Florida. We saw a sign on the I-75 turnpike that read, “Welcome to Alligator Alley”. Mike and Carl were talking about how that would be a great name for a Southern Rock Band. About a year later, Mike got the band Gator Alley together; that was about 1994. I was playing with Fast Eddy and opened a show for Gator Alley and told Mike, “I should be playing with this band.” I grew up playing Skynyrd.
Mike and I took a few years to get the band together. A few guys were not working out and we needed a guitar player. Mike asked me if I knew someone. I said yeah, and that is where Pat came into the band. He loves Skynyrd more than most guitar players ever will. He came in and sounded like Steve Gaines, Gary Rossington and Allen Collins and it wasn’t long before he was correcting us on what we were doing. It wasn’t long before we knew that we had to get that sound. The fans know the licks in the music and we had to get it perfect.
We don’t wear the wigs to try to look like the band members. We want the music to sound like Lynyrd Skynyrd. We don’t want to look like them; we want to sound like them. And looking like them would take away from the music and sounding like them. Mike says you just can’t do the music without 3 guitars sufficiently. You just can’t.
Q: Of the original Lynyrd Skynyrd band who was your favorite, excluding Ronnie?
Mike: I loved Steve Gaines’ strat playing hillbilly chicken picking style. Cutty loves Gary and his laid back playing. Pat loves to watch Allen jump up on stage and the way he could jump so high.
Q: Do any of you come from musical families?
Mike: Yes, my Grandfather was a composer and my dad had an acoustic guitar and I used to sneak in his closet and play anything I could which wasn’t much but the music bug had bit me.
Pat says his great grandfather had a musical talent. He played the piano and could play it by ear. Just listen and play. None of us had any formal training. We just play it by ear.
Cutty, his grandfather played and at this time, Cutty’s 13 yr old son plays drums. So the talent carries on.
Q: Other than southern rock. What music do you like?
Mike, other than southern rock. Hard rock bands such as, Judas Priest, Scorpions, Pete Frampton and classics like Aerosmith, Ted Nugent, April Wine, Thin Lizzy, Outlaws, and Black Oak Arkansas. Cutty, Led Zeppelin, Beatles, Pink Floyd, Aerosmith; but Pat sticks with southern rock, country and loves guitar players.
Mike, Cutty, and Pat all agree that LS has been the biggest challenge of all to play.
Q: How do you feel about Johnny Van Zant fronting the band and standing center stage now?
Mike: What other person could be better than Ronnie’s brother.
Q: Do you think that Johnny has done a good job in his brother’s shoes?
Mike: Oh, yes.
Q: What do you think of the record industry?
Mike: You know what I think? Nowadays, you don’t need to have a record label to do it anymore. I think if you are smart, you have good material, and can get it out on the Internet, you can be successful. You’ve got MySpace, personal web-sites and a multitude of other ways to get your music out there.
Q: How does Southern Music affect you guys?
Its part our life, we grew up with it. We are in our 40's now and Southern Music has affected us since day one.
Q: Who are your musical heros?
Jimmy Page, John Lennon, Paul McCartney, Michael Shenker, Dickie Betts, Gary Moore, Glenn Miller, Benny Goodman, Ed King, Allen Collins, Steve Gaines, Mark Knoffler, .38 Special, Doobie Brothers, and the Eagles.
Q: Who do you think is over-rated?
Pat: Kid Rock, he’s a rap artist.
Cutty: Some of the country music is like pop.
Mike: I’m easing up on Kid Rock purely ‘cuz he did sing Give Me Back My Bullets on Vicious Cycle.
Q: Tell me about your personal lives.
Cutty: I am married, have a beautiful wife, three kids and I’m a grandfather.
Mike: I’m married, have five kids and two granddaughters.
Pat: I got a lovely fiancée.
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Bruce Wall chats with Charlie Daniels
