Ok, I can't give any better recommendation than the fact that I did buy this album, even though I'm supposed to be getting a free copy in the mail. (You can still send it Mary, I bought it on ITunes and would still enjoy having a physical copy of the album.) I've been excited about this album for awhile now, even before she decided to record it.
The album is Mary Lasseigne's Mary Jane and the Brian Surgeon.
I first became a fan of Mary Lasseigne when I saw her singing background for other acts. She been around for awhile now, singing as part of a group or doing backups with such artists as Susan Cowsill or Paul Sanchez. For a brief while she was a member of Cowboy Mouth.
This is pop music at its best. Mary has a wonderful voice and her music is as good if not better than anything out there right now. While the music bounces the lyrics deal with love lost, parents missed and memories of Katrina.
Till now she's been content to be in the background. To be a member of a group. I hope this won't be the only solo album we see from her. Coming up soon will be our first full length Voices to hear interview and Mary Lasseigne will be our first interviewee.
Today we feature an older song from John Thomas Griffith, who is best known today for being a member of Cowboy Mouth. Before that he was a member of the Red Rockers and inbetween he released a solo album Son of An Engineer. This is the title song.
Paul Sanchez was a founding member of Cowboy Mouth. He's recently left the group and is now on his own. His concerts are billed as the Paul Sanchez and the Rolling Road Show where he performs with different special guests. At the French Quarter Fest this year I happened to catch his show there with John Boutte, Shamar Allen and Susan Cowsill. To call it one of my favorite concert moments is an understatement.
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?
I was asked this question a few years ago in a spontaneous moment and before I had time to think I answered. I remember that my father died when I was five and that is when I also started singing. I don't know that I was especially talented but I was encouraged to sing by my whole family. Looking back I realized it was probably that the sound of a five year old singing was prettier then a houseful of people crying. I have been attracted to playing solo acoustic and my earliest t.v. music memory is McCartney performing Yesterday on the Ed Sullivan Show.
2. When you’re not creating music what are you listening to? Who are some of your favorites?
I like Sinatra, Dr. John, the Nevilles, John Boutte, the Boss, the Beatles, Nat King Cole, Cole Porter, a good tune and a great lyric.
3. What would you say is your greatest moment so far as an artist, either on record or live?
I really dig the sense of community a great live show has and that is more difficult to put on a disc, energy and community are intangibles that have to be lived and felt in the recording before they can be heard in the listening. I played in one of the most energetic live bands to come out of New Orleans and for ten releases we made albums lacking in energy and passion. I'm most proud that Dave Pirner, who produced Exit To Mystery Street, was able to put the energy that was bouncing off the walls, on to the disc for people to hear.
4. Do you believe music can change the world or is just something to listen to? How much can music influence current events?
Listening to music is a liberating feeling, giving one's self over to its joys. you can change your world and how you feel about it and connect to it with music. I believe in that way music does, has and will continue to change the world. It starts with a person, spreads to a crowd and echoes to forever.
5. How has technology affected the music industry? How has technology affected your career as a musician?
It is easier to make demos, cheaper to record records, easier to share music with musicians and promoters. I'm still basically an acoustic guitar guy with a batch of songs but it easier to spread the tunes around now.
6. Now for my Barbara Walters question: If you were a pair of shoes what type of shoes would you be?
The comfortable kind that you slide into and remember you've always loved, the pair you never knew you missed and don't want to take off.
