1. For many artists, they cite a defining moment for themselves when they knew they wanted to be a singer. For many it was the appearance of Elvis on the Ed Sullivan show, to another generation it was the Beatles’ appearance on Sullivan half a decade later. Is there such a defining moment for you?
Not sure if there was one such moment for me. My mom says I began tinkering around on the piano and writing little songs at a very young age, 4-5, something like that. Of course, lyrics didn't really come together 'til much later, but I always sang along with what I played even when I didn't have much to really say!
2. When you’re not creating music what are you listening to? Who are some of your favorites?
I tend to go back to certain favorites. I really love the sound that Alison Krauss and Union Station get, just lush, achingly beautiful stuff. I love my 70's rock, especially when I'm in a car or driving. Bad Company, Skynard, Thin Lizzie, Boston, etc. and then there are the storytellers like James Taylor and Joni Mitchell. Of course, no piano-man can deny the influence of Billy Joel or Elton. I think I've always leaned towards the Billy Joel side of that argument because of the stories he used to tell and how expressive the music was in helping define those stories....And then there's the British side of things: Beatles, Stones, Who, Zep etc. Not much new in there unfortunately.
3. What would you say is your greatest moment so far as an artist, either on record or live?
Been fortunate to have a few, and there are still many to come hopefully. I would have to say the whole process of recording my latest record, "Iron & Coal" in Vienna this year was a huge and emotional achievement. It's just the biggest, most detailed production I've ever done, and the experience of recording (then later performing) in a former Third Reich country really helped deepen an album that was already steeped in my personal family history. Performing for the opening ceremony of the first Maccabi Games held in a former Third Reich country this Summer in Vienna and Music directing/performing for the opening ceremonies two years ago at Madison Square Garden were both pretty cool moments as well.
4. Do you believe music can change the world or is just something to listen to? How much can music influence current events?
That's a good question. I worry sometimes that we live in such a fast-paced, soundbite world where everything is streaming everywhere 'right now', that it's difficult to get anyone to focus on anything for very long. That, and the fact that we process music so differently now make the answer less obvious than it was, say even 10-15 years ago. Music and art in general should be able to change the world. But the world has to find a way to slow down, focus, and take it all in. On a personal note, songwriters need to go back to crafting songs again, and the industry at large needs to step away from the dance floor - but that's just me.
5. How has technology affected the music industry? How has technology affected your career as a musician?
Plus and minus on this one: Plus side, it's so much more accessible now, which makes recording and creating infinitely easier for many artists. You don't have to be rich or get a big record deal to create cool exciting music. Hell, you don't even have to be in the building! People can collaborate all around the world without ever having to jump a flight etc. So that's good. On the downside, I think there are a lot more untrained musicians making music now because they can. Who needs to actually learn to play an instrument when all the technology does it for you? Singers don't have to really sing if you can fix everything in the studio, right? So, it's a definite mixed bag.
6. Now for my Barbara Walters question: If you were a pair of shoes what type of shoes would you be?
I gotta pair of vintage Frye round-toe cowboy boots that look great and are unique as hell. I get 'em re-soled every year or so, but they still get me where I need to go.
