Simply Six: Gregory Abbott

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 met Miles Davis and I was surprised at how intelligent, humorous, and supportive he was, which was in direct contrast to how I had always seen him in the press. It was an inspiration. To live life doing something creative that you're passionate about and be able to support yourself and family doing so, I thought to myself "how cool is that?". It seemed like the perfect life and a worthwhile goal to purse.

2. When you’re not creating music what are you listening to?  Who are some of your favorites?

When I'm not doing my music, I actually spend time exploring the music of other cultures such as the music Putumayo releases. It broadens my musical  perspective and gives me new ideas as regards instrumentation and subject matter.

3. What would you say is your greatest moment so far as an artist, either on record or live?

Well I'd mention two moments. One was the pure adrenaline rush of performing in front of sixty thousand people when I was one of the winners of the Tokyo Music Festival performing at the Budokan. The performance was also broadcast to roughly two billion people over NHK TV. The second was when I was performing at a club in London and was informed by some fans that my record has just gone to #1 on Billboard in the US and in most territories around the world. Wow. What a feeling.

4.  Do you believe music can change the world or is just something to listen to?   How much can music influence current events?

Music is a very powerful medium and has an amazing effect on transforming human emotion. I absolutely believe that it can change the course of events both small and large. I mean, who doesn't like music in one form or another? I've personally seen music break down barriers and create common bondedness. I saw this happen very powerfully and very quickly when I went to Russia with some fellow songwriters (Cyndi Lauper, Michael Bolton, Brenda Russell...) with the goal of creating an album which was released on Epic. The Russians spoke no English and we spoke no Russian yet we communicated perfectly through music. It was definitely a transcendent experience.

5. How has technology affected the music industry?  How has technology affected your career as a musician?

Technology has delivered the power of creation back to the hands of the creator (songwriter). With a modest setup, a songwriter/producer can create something at 5:00 and by 7:00 have it available for the world to hear with the press of a button on a computer keyboard. No longer is a songwriter or producer completely  dependent on a record company for the money necessary to create. This establishes a fertile soil for experimentation and expands the borders of musical exploration.

6.  Now for my Barbara Walters question:  If you were a pair of shoes what type of shoes would you be?

New Balance High Tops (lol) This would help me be ready to pounce when opportunity presents itself, with good cushioning against the various trials and tribulations life throws my way, and good ankle support to get back on track should I have a mis-step. How's that?

Simply Six: Renee Wahl

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?

Like a lot of people, music was a huge part of my family life.  I was the youngest of 4, so my brothers and sister and I were always listening to or singing around the house (and my parents were too…my grandmother, Renee, was a Vaudeville singing tap acrobat with Billy Rose).

When I was very young, there was a TV show called “Puttin’ on the Hits” where people would dress up as a particular band or act and lip sync to a song.  My oldest brother was going to audition, so I thought I would too.  I dressed up as Cyndi Lauper and lip synced to “Time after Time”.  It was such an amazing experience!  Later on I saw her in concert and I knew this is what I wanted to do!

2. When you’re not creating music what are you listening to?  Who are some of your favorites?

Gosh, a ton of different stuff.  I can always listen to Chris Isaak, but I love everything from the Beatles to the Ramones.  I also really enjoy Angelo Badalamenti, The Reverend Horton Heat, Lucinda Williams, Sara Borges, Neko Case, Mumford and Sons, Wanda Jackson, Neil Diamond…I could fill pages with my favorites!

3. What would you say is your greatest moment so far as an artist, either on record or live?

In the studio, it’s always exciting to work with great musicians.  I remember sitting and talking with Bryan Owings (drummer for Buddy Miller, Emmylou Harris) during the tracking of “Cumberland Moonshine” and asking him if he played the drum track on one of my favorite Buddy and Julie Miller songs “Gasoline and Matches”.   I felt so giddy when he said “yes” because I thought it was such a brilliant track and I was so thankful to have him playing on my album. 

As far as live shows I don’t think there’s a better feeling than seeing or hearing people singing along to a song you’ve written and know that they’re having a good time!  I’m sure this sounds trite, but I think every moment is great.  Everyday something new happens that reinforces why I do what I do.  I’m definitely enjoying the journey!

4.  Do you believe music can change the world or is just something to listen to?   How much can music influence current events?

I strongly believe music has a profound effect on us as individuals.  The experiences are very personal.  I don’t know if two people can experience a song in the same way.  So as far as changing the world or current events…it dependsJ

A few years ago I read the book “This Is Your Brain On Music” by Daniel Levitin.  It’s such a great read and does a good job at explaining why music plays such a huge role in our lives.

5. How has technology affected the music industry?  How has technology affected your career as a musician? 

Technology has made music more accessible to the listener.  There’s so many artist and types of music that people are able to experience more than they ever could outside the confines of traditional radio and local venues.  Now you can listen to and watch music from all over the world without leaving your home.

For me, this has made it easier to make people aware of my music and what I’m doing.  On the other hand, it’s made it more difficult because there are so many more artists out there that it takes more effort to ensure people find my music and take notice of what’s going on.

6.  Now for my Barbara Walters question:  If you were a pair of shoes what type of shoes would you be?

I would be a pair of Lime Green and Blue Ariat FatBaby Boots!  I actually own a pair of these and they are my most fave shoes.  They’re fun and unusual and they grab your attention, but at the same time they’re super comfy and versatile...

Simply Six: Sheley & Cal

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?

Shelley:  My mom tells me that when I was 4 I came into the kitchen and announce that I was going to be a singer.  I am sure that singing at this early age with my family was totally giving me a love for music and vocals.  I don't remember it though.  So, for an actual event that I remember:  My brother took me to a Heart concert when I was in the 6th grade.  It was their Dreamboat Annie tour (their first record, which made them stars with 4 hit songs including Barracuda).  They came out on stage playing mandolins from opposite sides, and started in on Barracuda.  They had me at the first note.

Cal:  The defining moment for me was some time when I was a freshman in high school.  I had  become hooked on MTV when they used to play music 24/7.  The videos were clean, and artistic.  I watched the Police, Duran Duran, Prince, Cyndi Lauper, The Who, all of this great music I had never heard.  I was never afraid that my parents would walk in the room and disapprove of what I was watching.  Well one day, I picked up my dad's electric bass and played along with ZZ Top "Gimme All Your Lovin'".  It was such an easy song, I picked it out right away, and was hooked.  This instrument was something I never took interest in until then.  I knew right there, I knew I wanted to be a musician.

2. When you’re not creating music what are you listening to?  Who are some of your favorites? - We have a wide palette of taste.  We listen to our satellite radio on our TV on the smooth jazz, reggae, classical stations.  We love Jonathan Butler.  We also listen to a variety of classic CDs that we own.  Music like Heart, Joni Mitchell, Carpenters, reggae, jazz, worship music from all over.  We keep the radio on the local 70s 'oldies' station which plays a lot of dance music we love like Earth Wind and Fire, Michael Jackson, Chic.

3. What would you say is your greatest moment so far as an artist, either on record or live?

Shelley:  In 2006, I was asked to sing with the Escovedo Family Latin Jazz Orchestra at the Disney Concert Hall in LA for their Christmas concert.  We had become good friends of this incredible music family, so it made the time so much fun, because we had time before and after to enjoy each other's company all while doing this great music for Christmas.  The concert hall is amazing, and it was truly an honor to get to perform there with such legendary artists who inspire and encourage me.

Cal:  I was asked by Peter Michael Escovedo to be the bass player in the band he was putting together for legendary bass player Andy Fraser (Brit rock band Free).  It was an all star band performing live, with cameras for a DVD show in an incredible theater in Temecula.

4.  Do you believe music can change the world or is just something to listen to?   How much can music influence current events? - 

Music is one of the most powerful forces in creation.  There is so much positive that comes out of music, though people often don't even realize it when it is happening.  Music can bring people together, and cause them to release much pent up energy, or create revenue, and flow for hurting people in the form of fundraising events.  I think music influences current events for the better one event at a time, promoters, and planners using the medium of live music events to bring awareness and revenue for various needs.  In the context of church, music inspires and heals.  People go out and do great things because the music helped them be in a positive emotional space to hear the word that lead them to aspire to make a difference.

5. How has technology affected the music industry?  

Technology has made recording possible for indie musicians in a way like never before.  Shelley and I recorded an entire album at our home.  To date, it is some of the best memories of our marriage.

How has technology affected your career as a musician? - We have been able to reach many people all over the world because of the internet.  We look at our downloads on CD baby and people have purchased our music from England, China, Japan, Australia, the list goes on.  That was never possible a few years ago.  This is music we recorded at our home studio, mixed and mastered ourselves.

6.  Now for my Barbara Walters question:  If you were a pair of shoes what type of shoes would you be?

Cal:  I think I'd be a pair of Nike running shoes on Andrew Wheaton, or Jordan Hasay from the University of Oregon track team.  The joy I'd experience winning races would be just great.  

Shelley:  I'd be a white pair of tennis shoes worn by Sheila E. on one of her gigs.  What a blast to help on the drums eh?  

(She wears high heels to walk out on stage so she looks hot in her outfit.  She then sits at her drum set, takes them off and actually puts on tennis shoes to play so she does not continue to have back problems she developed while playing in Prince's band in high heels for years.)

Simply Six: Lisa Sheppard

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 apparently wanted to be a singer before I was aware of the fact.  When I was not even 5 my mother had a panic attack in a store when she thought I'd gone missing.  Then she heard this voice singing loud and proud "Why Don't You Love Me Like You Used To Do".  I apparently found a gazebo in the store and decided to entertain the shoppers.  But my earliest memory of a voice or performer that made me want to sing, was when I heard Linda Ronstadt.  I thought her voice was absolutely amazing.



2. When you’re not creating music what are you listening to? Who are some of your favorites?


I have so many, it would be unfair to not add them all.  But right now I'm listening to Tom Petty, Cyndi Lauper's blues album, Robert Plant and The Rolling Stones.


3. What would you say is your greatest moment so far as an artist, either on record or live?


 I think my greatest moment so far was recording with the amazing musicians on my latest album Neon Lights.


4. Do you believe music can change the world or is just something to listen to? How much can music influence current events?


 For me, music has always been a spiritual experience.  I've had some very dark moments in my life and what I've noted is that in those times there was an absence of music.  I believe that music stirs the soul, and that is a powerful, altering experience.


5. How has technology affected the music industry? How has technology affected your career as a musician?


 Technology has not affected the way in which I approach a song or songwriting.  It's always me and my 6 string acoustic guitar that writes the song.  But digital recording has definitely made it easier as a share my music with others.  And the Internet and social media in particular has made it easier to reach a wide audience faster.


6. Now for my Barbara Walters question: If you were a pair of shoes what type of shoes would you be?