Tag: Music

Interview, Music

Money Talks: Singer Eddie Money Coming To Jim Thorpe, PA

EddieMoneyOne legend might be leaving town, but another is on his way.

While family members of famed Olympic champion Jim Thorpe petition the courts to have his remains removed from the city that bares his name and transported back to his birthplace in Oklahoma, multi-platinum singer/songwriter Eddie Money will be bringing his arsenal of hits to Penns Peak on Friday, May 10th. Money’s catalog of songs includes many that have become staples of classic rock radio.

After signing a recording contract with Columbia in 1977 and bursting onto the scene with his eponymous debut, fans immediately fell in love with the album’s sound, which featured the hits “Baby Hold On” and “Two Tickets to Paradise.”

Money would follow the success of his debut album with a stream of Top 40 hits, including the 1986 Grammy-Nominated duet with Ronnie Spector, “Take Me Home Tonight”. The song, featured on Money’s “Can’t Hold Back” album, would go on to reach #4 on the Billboard Hot 100. The album also included the hit “I Wanna Go Back”, which reached #3 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Tracks.

I spoke with Money about his upcoming Jim Thorpe appearance as well as his music and personal mission to help wounded veterans returning home from war.

What can fans expect to see at your Jim Thorpe show?

Jim Thorpe is such a great rock and roll town, and we have a lot of fans there. I’ve written a lot of hits over the years and we’re still doing a lot of shows. I’ve also got five kids, so I’ll do anything to get out of the house! [laughs]

Back when I made my albums, I made them to sound very good live. When people come to the show, it’s almost like they’ve got their radio on and they’re listening to Eddie Money. I’ve had about twelve songs in the Top 100: “Endless Nights”, “Take Me Home Tonight”, “I Think I’m In Love”, “Shakin'”. We’ll open up with “Baby Hold On”, and we’ll do songs like “One More Soldier Coming Home” and “I Wanna Go Back”. I play the horn on “Two Tickets To Paradise”. It’s going to be a great show.

“I Wanna Go Back” is my favorite song that you do. What made you decide to record a version of that one?

I did that song because “I recall hanging out on Friday night. The first slow dance, hoping that I’ll get it right.” C’mon, you can’t get a better lyric than that!

What inspired you to write “Two Tickets To Paradise”?

I had a girlfriend in college and she became an Alpha Phi in her sorority. Her mother would always make her come home to San Francisco every weekend. I had no money to take her anywhere (like Hawaii or the Caribbean), but I do remember really wanting to take her up to the Redwood forest in Northern California on a Greyhound Bus. Two tickets to paradise could be anything you want. It’s like the song says: you’ve waited so long, so pack your bags; we’ll leave tonight. Who wouldn’t want two tickets to paradise?

Tell me about your relationship with the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund.

I speak with veterans and their parents all the time. I once met some parents who showed me a beautiful picture they had of their daughter who was in the Marines and died in a bombing accident in Iraq. I wanted to do something for the veterans, and found out about the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund. It’s a non-profit charitable organization and I do what I can for them. It’s good because it allows me to give something back. These kids don’t join the service thinking about things like the GI Bill or junior college. They join the service because they love this country. Just like their fathers did in Vietnam and Korea and like my father did in World War II.

eddiemoneycoverBefore your music career, you actually were a New York City police officer. What made you make the switch?

I was in a rock band in high school and then the band decided to move out to California. My father was already the Patrolman of The Year and my Captain started letting me grow my hair long, because his son was in a rock band too. Even though they all moved to California, we always kept in touch and one day, I just caught the bug.

I could have stayed on the police department, but really wanted to get out there. So I quit, moved to California and eventually got a record deal in the late 70’s.

As a singer, what are your thoughts on the instant fame that comes from reality TV as opposed to having to pay your dues?

I’ve always been a lead singer and I think shows like “American Idol” and “The Voice” have their place. I actually wanted my daughter Jessica to try out for American Idol, but Randy Jackson was my executive producer back at Columbia Records, so there was no way it could happen.

Finally, do you have a good rock and roll story you can tell me?

One time, there was a fan in New York who was schizophrenic. He was a sick man who thought that he was my twin brother. I remember we found out that he was actually coming out to California to kill me and the day that he came out, they picked him up in San Francisco. What’s funny is that he actually could have saved a lot of money because at the same time, I was on my way to New York. [laughs]

Eddie Money will perform at Penns Peak in Jim Thorpe, PA on Friday, May 10th.
For more information and to purchase tickets, Click Here.

1980's, Books, Life

Face Your Fear

doodlecoverWhen I heard my very first KISS album back in the 1970’s, a seed was planted and I realized I wanted to be a rock star. I remember picking up my grandmother’s hand-held potato slicer (which kind-of resembled a guitar) and played it til my fingers bled. Which come to think of it, happened rather quickly. Those little metal tines sure were sharp.

In the mid 80’s, I seriously began working on my craft. I’d sit up in my bedroom and play guitar for hours after school. I even remember getting mad at myself if I fell short of my set goal and only practiced for 2 1/2 hours instead of three. I couldn’t let anything (not even dinner or mowing the grass) interfere with my progress. Whether it was trying to figure out the lead to ‘Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap’ by AC/DC or mastering a section from my guitar lesson music book, I accomplished it.

Back then, I had no fear.

It wasn’t until 1987 that I had my first chance to actually get out of the bedroom and play in front of an audience. I was the sole guitarist in the pit band for the school play and also performed the song “Flashdance” on stage with the school choir. That’s where it all began.

Over the next few years (oh, ok… decades… I’m 43) I played in no less than seven different bands with various degrees of success. I remember a lot of the lows, like playing hair metal in dive bars for 6 people. I also remember the high: performing in front of 6,000 people at Musikfest. But whether it was six or six thousand it didn’t matter. The message was the same:

festI had no fear.

I’ve never really been concerned about playing my music in front of an audience. Nope, no stage fright here. Whether they loved it or hated it, I didn’t care. As Frankie said, I was doing it “my way”.

Which leads me to the real meat of this post.

Last month, me (along with a great friend and artist) had the opportunity to write and publish my first children’s book. I was interviewed by the local newspaper about it (piece of cake) and did an on camera, live TV interview (ok, I’ll admit, that one was a bit scary). I was even offered the opportunity to read my book to a group of children at a bookstore next week to help raise funds for a local organization, and I jumped at the chance. Not only would it be for a good cause, but it would also be a good outlet for the story. In retrospect though, as the day beins to draw closer, I’ve realized something:

I have fear.

crowdThere is something about reading in front of children that intimidates me. I could bring my guitar and sing songs all day long without worry. But reading a book (MY BOOK) is a whole different story (literally and figuratively). It’s funny to think that I can already tell I’ll be looking for reaction from their faces; hoping that my book will be worthy enough for them.

It’s odd how someone my age, who’s played so much music in front of people of all ages, would suddenly be nervous when it comes to a small amount of children. But I think I know the reason. When we’re kids, we discover early on how much it means to fit in with others. We all grow up wanting affirmation from our peers that what we’re doing is cool in their eyes. It’s important to kids that they feel a sense of belonging with each other, and I think one of the reasons for my own “cold feet” about reading the book has something to do with my subconscious mind still wanting to fit in too.

Regardless, I know the event is going to be fun and I’m really looking forward to it. Although some of my fear may rest with the fact that this whole experience is something completely new to me, I’m going to face it. For as is the case with music, the show must go on.

See you there.

Interview, Music

Nearly A Nation To Release Debut EP

NANFormed in the summer of 2012, Nearly A Nation (one of Columbus, Ohio’s most promising bands) has put a unique twist on the classical version of the piano trio; one traditionally made up of piano, cello, and violin.

By swapping out the violin for drums and then adding a host of electronic samples, the result is a large palette of musical possibility. One that mixes traditional and acoustic sounds with today’s more popular electronic flavors.

Nick Long (piano/vocals), Chris Brooks (cello) and Adam Lynskey (drums/samples) brand themselves as electronic rock, but like to describe their music as “dark and moody” for its reflections on the various conditions of personal struggle. Sonically speaking, the band’s self-titled debut is a compilation of alternative charm with classical influence.

The three tracks off the EP highlight the group’s versatility. The lead offering, “Mind Like a Gun” focuses on the importance of observing and guarding your thoughts in an unstable world. Flush with strong lead synth parts, the song shows off Long’s interest in incorporating rap into his songwriting.

“Nothing Left to Burn” highlights Brooks’ cello playing and is a song of sympathy for those who continuously struggle in life.

The EP ends on a high note with the uptempo “Miss Mary”, a track lyrically centered on being under the spell of the wrong woman and showcases Lynskey’s skills with an extensive mid-song drum solo. (Miss Mary is currently being played on WHEI 88.9 FM student radio at Heidelberg University).

Long, who majored in vocal performance at Ohio University, taught choral music for a number of years before deciding to take a leave to pursue his songwriting. He soon found Brooks after placing an ad on BandMix and the duo would rehearse together over the next year before realizing that something was missing in their sound. Enter: Lynskey.

“We knew that we wanted a unique, percussive background to go along with what we had”, Long says. “So we put the call out and auditioned probably 15 different drummers. Ironically, Adam was the first person that we auditioned. We really liked him, but since we didn’t want to close the door right away, we went through all of the other auditions but quickly realized that no one else was going to make the bar. We went back to Adam and everything has worked out great!”

Lynskey credits his percussive prowess to his worldly influences. “I try to study as many different things as I can to get the musical feeling from around the world. I studied African drumming and love a lot of jazz and funk drummers. I’m also influenced by a lot of country and classic rock like Led Zeppelin, Beatles and Rush.”

cover

Long says it was Lynskey’s drumming that influenced his songwriting process. “Miss Mary began as simple song, but it felt short and naked. There was a lot of space that I didn’t know what to do with. Once Adam came in, it really inspired me to write the whole second half of it.”

While the band makes plans to hit the studio and record a full-on album for release this summer,  the EP is currently available on iTunes, Amazon, and many other major online music stores and streaming services.

Nearly A Nation will officially release their self-titled debut EP on Friday, April 26th at Victory’s, in the Columbus Brewery District. In addition to performing the material from the album, the band will premiere a few brand new songs as well as their own unique spin on the Beatles “Let It Be” and Phil Collins’ “In The Air Tonight”. If you’re in the area, be sure to check them out.

Nearly A Nation EP Release Party at Victory’s
543 South High Street, Columbus, OH
Friday April 26th, 2013. Music at 9:30 (Nearly A Nation at 11:00 PM)
For More Info on Nearly A Nation Click Here

Interview, Music

Drummer Roxy Petrucci Discusses Madam X, Vixen And The New JSRG
Photo Credit: James Schmelzer
Roxy Petrucci  (Photo: James Schmelzer)

She’s feisty, she’s beautiful and she’s also one hell of a drummer. From her days performing with her sister Maxine in Madam x, to touring the world with Vixen while supporting Ozzy, Deep Purple and The Scorpions, there can be no denying that Roxy Petrucci is the real deal. Proving she’s one of the best drummers around (male or female); she was even asked by Billy Sheehan and Steve Vai to audition for David Lee Roth’s band shortly after his original departure from Van-Halen.

The classic Vixen disbanded in 1991 and despite doing a one-off for a VH1 show, have never officially reunited. But that didn’t stop fans from continuing to clamor for a full-on reunion.

In 2012 Roxy, along with former Vixen vocalist Janet Gardner and bassist Share Ross, approached guitarist Jan Kuehnemund about reuniting the classic Vixen lineup. When Kuehnemund passed on the opportunity, guitarist Gina Stile (who worked with Petrucci and Gardner on the 1998 Vixen album, “Tangerine”) was brought in to form JSRG (Janet, Share, Roxy, Gina).

Now, with a plethora of hits in their arsenal and having completed a successful run on the Monsters Of Rock Cruise, JSRG prepares to hit this year’s M3 Festival in Columbia, MD. In addition to more shows being in the works as well as a trip across the pond for this year’s Firefest, there have also been rumblings of new music.

I spoke with Roxy about JSRG, the MOR Cruise, Vixen, jamming with a guitar god and much, much more!

How was the Monsters of Rock Cruise?

It was the ultimate rock and roll experience. For everyone, both fans and performers. I’ve never done anything like that before and it was so much fun. It was intimate and a rock concert all combined into one. It was also one of our first gigs as JSRG. We did a walk on in New York last summer and played a few songs, but Monsters of Rock was our first full-on gig.

How did the JSRG project come together?

We had been working on a Vixen reunion for quite a while, but Jan wasn’t ready to commit. We then decided to call Gina Stile and before we could even hang up she was at the door ready to “Rev it Up”. [laughs].  Seriously, the fans were asking for it and we were ready. Now there’s no stopping us.

What’s it like working with Gina?

Gina is a firecracker. She’s great. I enjoy playing with both Jan and Gina. The difference I would say is drinking whiskey out of the bottle or on the rocks. One is more unfiltered, the other is more savoring. Both are great, it’s just what you prefer.

Tell me a little about your days with your sister in Madam X.

We truly lived on the road and were around each other 24/7.  Sometimes, we didn’t even go home for Christmas. I think the thing that actually kept us together was our love of heavy metal and being on stage. But the thing is, when you’re around people for so long, you’re bound to get on each other’s nerves. It’s more than a marriage, and we would have fights. I remember Maxine and I used to go at it and Bret [Kaiser, vocals] and Chris [Doliber, bass] used to go at it. That’s how we would get our aggression out. Sometimes, Maxine would even go at it with Chris and kick his ass. [laughs]. Maybe it was the whole love/hate thing made what we had even better!

Do you have a funny story to share from your days with Madam X?

Not too people were aware of this, but Bret and I were a couple for many years during Madam X.  I remember one night on stage he got a little too flirty with a female fan and I happened to throw out my stick and “accidentally” hit him hard in the back of the head!

How did you get into Vixen?

Janet [Gardner] was actually keeping track of me with Madam X because she had heard some rumblings about us breaking up. She came down and saw me play and after the band did break up` she contacted me. It took a few rehearsals for me to get the jest of how Vixen worked. The whole experience though was great for me.

What was the transition like going from Madam X to Vixen?

It was culture shock times 10!  In Madam X, we were always full-bore. Vixen took more finesse in my playing and I had to listen more. Initially, it was clear that Jan didn’t seem to like me very much or the way I played; as she would plead for me to not play so hard. It was then that I realized Jan needed some “Rox-therapy”, so I shot back by asking if she had a mouse in her pocket or if this was an acoustic set?  As I spent more time getting to know the girls and the dynamics of the band I became “Vixen-ized”, but there were still times I’d double-check to see if Jan’s guitar was plugged in. [laughs]

Did you know at the time it was going to be something special?

I knew there was something special when I first started rehearsing with them. I wish we would have had more of our own tunes to record for the first record, but it was beneficial for us to record “Edge of a Broken Heart” and “Cryin”. Not only are they great songs, they put Vixen on the map. As we toured, we gelled more and then came the “Rev It Up” record that was written by the band.

What’s one of the most outrageous things a fan ever did to get your attention?

One of my favorites was the time when a fan wanted to meet us so badly that he actually crashed his car into the back of our limo. We all got out and autographed his traffic ticket. [laughs]

You also auditioned to be the drummer for David Lee Roth’s band after he had left Van-Halen. How did that come about?

It was shortly after I had just joined Vixen.  I don’t remember if it was Steve [Vai] or Billy [Sheehan] who told me that they were having auditions and asked me to come in. At the time, Steve Vai’s wife Pia was the bassist in Vixen so I got to know Steve through her. Dave wasn’t there for the audition but I just remember looking to my right and seeing Steve Vai and there on my left was Billy Sheehan. It was awesome! I was scared shitless, but it didn’t matter if I got the gig or not. I was jamming with Steve and Billy! Another career highlight. I was solid and kept it going but Greg Bissonette nailed it and eventually got the gig. I was happy for him. He deserved it.

Do you remember which songs you auditioned on?

We did two songs from the ‘Eat Em And Smile Record’. I remember one of the ones I did was ‘Ladies Night In Buffalo’. The other was ‘Big Trouble’. That track has a real sexy groove and it felt great to lock it in with Billy. After that tune, I remember Steve started playing this monster riff and Billy and I kicked in and jammed! It just doesn’t get any better than that! Well, maybe if Rob Halford grabbed a mic and joined in! [laughs]. 

Tell me about your musical background.

I came from a musical family so it was never a question of “Do you want to play?” it was “What instrument do you want to play?”  At the time, Maxine was playing flute, my brother was playing sax and my other sister was playing accordion, so I played the clarinet.

Eventually there came a time where my Dad asked me if I wanted to play something else. Maxine was playing guitar and said that she was going to start a girl rock band, so my choices were either bass or drums. I picked drums and never looked back.  Although, the last tune on the Vixen “Tangerine” CD is a hidden track called “Swatting Flies in Wanker County”.  It’s a swingin’ blue grass instrumental with yours truly on the clarinet!

Did you ever find it challenging being a female drummer or being in an all-female band?

Sure, clearly I’ve encountered challenges in this highly charged testosterone driven industry.  But overcoming these tough challenges also brings sweet success few ever get to experience.  My focus will remain on the things I can control.  Therefore I like to think I’m a dominant drummer with a stage presence that allows me to hold my own in any rock band. Love me or hate me I’m rock-n-roll to the bone!

Are there any players you’d like to work with?

I’d love to jump on stage with Billy Sheehan and Paul Gilbert to rock ‘Shy Boy’. I love that song! In fact, I may try to convince the girls to throw it in our set. Now THAT would be an unexpected treat, don’t ya think? [laughs].

(l to r: Gina Stile, Janet Gardner, Roxy Petrucci, Share Ross)
(JSRG)  l to r: Gina Stile, Janet Gardner, Roxy Petrucci, Share Ross (Photo: Mark Weiss)

What was the reason behind the Vixen break up?

I guess it depends on which band members you ask, but after 20 years, does anyone really give a rat’s ass anymore? We’re BACK and better than ever! Who knows what the future holds but for right now, we’re fired up and focused on JSRG and giving fans the ultimate Vixen experience.

For more on JSRG Visit their Facebook page by Clicking Here

Roxy will be performing along with sister Maxine and Rachel May (Broadzilla) at The Detroit Pub on May 18.  It’s for the Ronnie James Dio Stand Up and Shout Against Cancer Benefit. Click Here for more information.

Guitar World Interviews, Interview

Illusion: Matt Baird Discusses New ‘Spoken’ Album

Spoken_Illusion_Cover

It’s been a long process for Matt Baird, but the Spoken vocalist is glad the band’s new album, Illusion is finally out.

After fulfilling their obligation with Tooth and Nail records in 2007, the band decided to play the field to build momentum and see what fate had in store for them. Over the next few years the band continued to tour and was able to find time in between shows to start writing. The result is an album that appeals to both hard rock and metal enthusiasts. From the opening screams of “Stand Alone” to the anthemic“Through It All”, a song that really hits home, the band is firing on all cylinders.

While on tour with Volbeat, we sat down with Baird to get the inside scoop on Spoken’s new album, Illusion.

Why such a long wait in between albums?

Our fans have been awesome with being patient. We really didn’t plan on it taking 2 1/2 years to write a record. The fact is, we all live in different parts of the country and are touring eight months out of the year. So, it’s really hard to take a month off to write a proper record. We did make time to write and record if we had a few days off in between shows. It was a process, but it was worth the wait. A lot of life happened during those 2 1/2 years and gave us a lot of material to write about. Some of the first songs we wrote were written during times of bitterness and confusion. I’m not talking about within the band, but within our own personal lives and dealing with relationships on the brink of disaster. Then, some of the last songs we wrote were about grace and redemption. So it literally went full circle.

You can read the rest of my interview with Matt Baird on Guitar World and Revolver

Guitar World Interviews, Music

Guitar World Interview: Erik Martensson Discusses ‘Rise Up’ – New W.E.T. Album

RiseUpIn 2008, Frontiers Records asked guitarist and producer Erik Martensson (Eclipse) to write six songs for an album project with Jeff Scott Soto (Talisman) on vocals. At the same time, keyboardist/guitarist Robert Säll (Work Of Art) was also asked to contribute six songs of his own to the project. After listening to each other’s material and discovering how differently it sounded, the duo decided to scrap the songs and start writing together. Soto loved the result of their efforts so much that what started out as a solo project instead morphed into the super group W.E.T. (whose initials stand for the names of each member’s other respective bands).

“Rise Up”, the new sophomore album from W.E.T. continues to build upon the cohesion of talent that won critical acclaim for Martensson, Säll and Soto. Together with guitarist Magnus Henriksson and drummer Robban Bäck, the album presents a combination of massive production quality, impressive songwriting and blistering solos by Henriksson that takes the new “classic rock” sound well into the 21st century.

I spoke with Martensson about the new “Rise Up” album and more in this interview.

This new W.E.T. project has been a long time coming.

It has. The album was actually finished at the end of May 2012, but after a summer break we decided to go back and do three more songs. “Walk Away”, “Rise Up” And “The Moment” were the ones we recorded. I remember we drank a lot of coffee, but came up with a lot of great songs. [laughs]

You can read the rest of my Guitar World Interview With Erik Martensson
by Clicking Here.

Guitar World Interviews, Interview, Music

Former Vixen Bassist Share Ross Ready To Rev It Up Again With JSRG

In a world where males seem to dominate most of the guitar spectrum, ShareRoss continues to break down walls. Whether it’s her bass prowess, songwriting skills or having held her own against the forces of a Michael Schenker or a Tracii Guns, the beautiful blonde who once ruled the 80’s as bassist for Vixen is still proving she’s more than capable of running with the big boys.

(l to r: Gina Stile, Janet Gardner, Roxy Petrucci, Share Ross)
(l to r: Gina Stile, Janet Gardner, Roxy Petrucci, Share Ross)

Vixen disbanded for a short while in the early 90’s but aside from a one-off reunion for VH1, Ross hasn’t performed with the band during its various lineup changes. Not one to rest on her laurels, she’s remained busy during her post Vixen years. Ross was bassist for the super group ‘Contraband’ (with Schenker and Guns) as well as released three albums with her band ‘Bubble’ (with husband Bam). She’s also won the coveted John Lennon Songwriting Contest in 2000 with the song ‘Sparkle Star’, written a book on punk knitting and now even finds time to mentor and empower young women to become successful in the digital age. All this, and she’s still one bad ass rocker to boot!

For fans desperate for a return to the glory days, the wait is over. After a long hiatus, (and not a minute too soon) Ross is returning with JSRG, a band that includes 3/4 of the classic Vixen lineup. JSRG (whose initials stand for each of the ladies’ first names) features Ross (bass), Janet Gardner (vocals/guitar) and Roxy Petrucci (drums). Added to the mix is guitarist Gina Stile (also a member of Vixen from ’97-’98). Together, the ladies of rock are once again ready to rev it up.  It started last month with a journey on this year’s Monsters of Rock Cruise.

I caught up with Ross and spoke to her about JSRG, Vixen and how she continues to forge her own path.

How long has this reunion been brewing?

We’ve been talking about getting back together as Vixen for a while. I know some people think there are some big shenanigans going on, but the fact is we’re all still friends with Jan (Kuehnemund – Vixen guitarist who holds the rights to the name). The timing just isn’t right. So, we’ve decided to let go of the Vixen thing for now and reached out to Gina. Out of respect for Jan, we’re not going to call it Vixen and instead calling it JSRG.

Read more of my Guitar World Interview with Share Ross Here.

Guitar World Interviews

Dave Amato Talks Les Pauls, Touring and REO Speedwagon

DaveAmato

If you’re a child of the ’80s and ’90s, chances are you’ve heard the work of guitarist Dave Amato.

Amato’s six-string prowess is a major part of songs by REO Speedwagon, and his impressive resume includes stints with Ted Nugent, Richie Sambora, Cher and Latoya Jackson.

Amato, a self-professed gear head, has amassed a collection of more than 100 guitars and a dozen Marshall stacks over the course of his career (most of them vintage).

I recently spoke to Amato, who’s now on tour with REO Speedwagon, Styx and Nugent, and got the scoop on his time with the band as well as his affinity for vintage gear and his forthcoming signature model Gibson Les Paul.

This is the second annual Midwest Rock and Roll Express. How has it been reuniting with Ted (Nugent) for these tours?

It’s fun. I was Ted’s understudy in the 80’s and we’re close friends. And Styx and REO are like family, so it’s a great bill.

You always play a lot beautiful guitars on stage.

I love guitars and like to show them off. When people come backstage after the show, we’ll talk about everything and that’s great. But if we start talking about guitars, I’ll keep them there all night. I’m a gear head first and foremost. [laughs]

Read the rest of my Guitar World interview with REO Speedwagon’s Dave Amato HERE

Interview, Music

Boney James Delivers ‘The Beat’

The BeatThere are so many different influences in musical style these days that artists sometimes find the need to blend them together in order to make music that’s sonically appealing. But saxophonist Boney James believes there are really just two kinds of music: good and bad. His latest album, “The Beat” falls into the former category by cleverly combining the elements of R&B and Latin, and is already my choice for album of the year, in any genre.

From the moment I first heard this album, it immediately became clear that it would become the default soundtrack in my car wherever I went. It has elements of sound that make you want to move your feet, while others are best absorbed in the evening twilight, perhaps with a fine glass of wine. From the fresh version of Stevie Wonder’s “Don’t You Worry ‘Bout a Thing” that kicks off the album to the smoothness of “You Can Count On Me” and everything in between, the album is nothing short of brilliant. Repeated listenings find you choosing a different favorite song, something unheard of for an album in the day and age of instant gratification.

James pulls no punches in bringing out the heavy hitters for “The Beat”, including Rick Braun (“Batucada, The Beat”), Raheem DeVaughn (“Maker of Love”) and U.K. poet/musician The Floacist on “The Midas (This Is Why).”

James once envisioned himself in another career role, even having achieved a degree in History from UCLA. But that was before he decided that music was going to become his life. After four gold albums, three Grammy nominations and sales totaling more than 3 million records, it’s hard to argue that he’s made the right choice. With “The Beat”, he is certain to add to that total.

I had the pleasure of speaking with Boney James about the new album and more.

What was the spark that ignited “The Beat”?

I’ve always played around with the idea of one day doing a full-on Latin record. I began by thinking about how I could pull it off and decided to try working on an arrangement of one of my favorite Latin songs, Batucada (The Beat); which Sergio Mendes recorded. I’ve always loved the song and as I was working on it, I decided to try and take out the samba beat and put on more of an R&B back beat. It was so fresh sounding that it became an a-ha moment where I discovered that if I combined the Latin with my R&B groove, it would become this whole new thing. That’s what sparked the whole record.

BoneyJames1Your fresh take on Stevie Wonder’s “Don’t You Worry ‘Bout A Thing” follows a similar formula.

Stevie had done a similar thing with his version by mixing the Latin with the R&B. He’s an R&B singer, but he incorporated a lot of Latin percussion into that song.  So I figured I would do my version of his version of that, and it became this whole third thing.

Tell me about how you connected with Raheem DeVaughn for the track “Maker of Love”.

I had written the music for that song and needed a vocal. Raheem was someone who was on the top of my list of artists I was hoping to work with someday. So just as I’m having that thought, I get an email from Twitter saying that Raheem DeVaughn had started following me. Out of the blue, he  just followed me. I emailed him and asked if he’d like to do a collaboration. I wound up sending him the track and a few days later, he sends me back this whole finished thing. I thought I was just going to get a demo, but he wrote and sang it it all in one night. It was pretty awesome.

What’s your process for songwriting?

It happens in many different ways. Usually though, I’ll be sitting in my studio practicing my saxophone when I’ll get an idea. A little shred of melody or rhythm will pop into my head and I’ll go over to the keyboard and pound out a few measures of the idea. I’ll put it down and save the file and then later on, I’ll go back to it and it starts me on this incredible journey of taking a little nugget of an idea and turning it into a song. It’s a great experience and one of the best parts of what I do. Taking something that once didn’t exist and turning it into something real. I love it.

Where do you get your song titles?

What I like to do is listen to the song many times, close my eyes and try to imagine what kind of feeling I’m getting from it and then see if there’s some kind of poetic, clever way I can communicate that in a song title. ‘Mari’s Song’ is named for my wife. Her real name is Lily, but the family calls her Mari. It’s an old nickname she has.

For ‘Sunset Boulevard’ I was thinking about driving. It’s a great street in LA that goes from downtown all the way to the beach and I thought that was an apt title.

For “Acalento (Lullaby)”, I was already thinking lullaby, but since the album had a Latin element I thought to myself, “How do you say “Lullaby” in Portuguese?” I looked it up online and luckily, it was poetic sounding. [laughs]

How would you classify your style of music?

I don’t feel like I belong to any certain style of music. I just try to do my own thing and people respond to it. It’s really gratifying.

BoneyJames2Growing up, you started out playing clarinet and then switched over to sax. What prompted the change?

There were so many clarinets in the band at the time and the teacher needed a sax player. I was one of the better clarinet players and my teacher thought it would be easier for me to transition over, so he sort of leaned on me to do it. Right away I loved it. It opened up more of a Pop and R&B repertoire for me, as opposed to the classical style that the clarinet had been.

Who were some of your influences?

I grew up listening to a lot of Motown: Aretha Franklin, Marvin Gaye and Curtis Mayfield. As I picked up the horn, I started listening to more fusion like Grover Washington Jr., Weather Report and Chick Corea.

You have a history degree from UCLA. Was there a time where you considered pursuing another career?

I was very interested in history and originally thought I was going to be a lawyer. I thought it would be a good pre-law degree to have. About a year into college was when I discovered that music was my true love and decided to pursue it as a living.  But since I had already started college, I figured I’d finish it.

What’s next for you?

I’m so proud of this new record that I’m going to dedicate the next 18 months of my life to getting out there and letting people know that it exists and making some noise.

For more on Boney James check out his official website by clicking here.

Guitar World Interviews, Music

Guitar World Interview: Gunnar Nelson discusses father’s legacy, James Burton and Scrap Metal

NelsonConsider a world where Bob Dylan, Johnny Cash and The Eagles were all regular visitors to your house. A world where George Harrison was literally “Uncle George” who lived next door, and one where Mama Cass Elliott was your babysitter. Now consider guitarist Gunnar Nelson and his brother Matthew, for that was the world they grew up in.  Where most fans could only dream of meeting their musical heroes, the sons of the legendary Ricky Nelson were privy to music royalty nearly every single day of their childhood.

Ricky Nelson’s music (and particularly the guitar prowess of James Burton) has been cited as a major influence for such players as Brian May and Jimmy Page. Proving that the apple doesn’t fall from the tree, the brother’s own 1990 debut album went multi-platinum and spawned the #1 hit, “Love and Affection”.

The Nelson Brothers are currently involved in several different projects. Their recent album; “Lightning Strikes Twice” is a follow-up of sorts to the hugely successful “After the Rain”. They’re also involved in a traveling road show called “Ricky Nelson Remembered” which pays tribute to their late father and his music.

In addition, the brothers are also performing as part of “Scrap Metal”, a show which features the lead singers of popular 80’s bands doing nothing but their biggest hits. Finally, Gunnar and Matthew are working on a brand new Brothers Nelson experience that’s been five years in the making and promises to showcase the duo as a modern day Everly Brothers.

I sat down with Gunnar Nelson to get the scoop on these projects as well as what it was like growing up in a musical household and performing alongside legendary guitarist, James Burton.

What was it like growing up in such a unique musical environment?

I was born too late for my Dad’s first go around in music, but when Matthew and I were becoming musically conscious, it was vintage garden party Stone Canyon Band. I remember my Dad rehearsing in the pool house that was right down the hall. Bob Dylan would stop by the house and George Harrison lived next door; always encouraging him to write his own songs. When Matthew and I were growing up, this stuff was in our house all the time. I mean, these guys were doing what the Eagles wound up doing four years later, but in MY house. [laughs]

Read more of my Guitar World interview with Gunnar Nelson here.