Simply Six: Robin Roberts

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?

For me....it began with Ricky Nelson way back in the days where he was featured and the end of "The Ozzie and Harriet Show" ........I would wait patiently every week hoping that he would be playing a song at the end of the show. I was just a little kid from a small Kansas town who fantasized about actually having a real guitar.....then it was Elvis...and then....THE BEATLES!!!!!!!!!!!!  As it turns out....... I've been playing and singing now most of my life...........

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

Growing up in the 60's I was always hooked on Rock'n Roll from the Beatles, Rolling Stones and all the rest........  and became a Bob Dylan fanatic the first time I heard "Like a Rolling Stone"....in the 70's I was lucky enough to get turned on to the songwriting of Hank Williams senior.....and that totally threw me in a different direction........I've played the guitar most all of my life....but got struck by the banjo bug real bad after hearing a guy picking at the Walnut Valley Festival in Winfield, Kansas a few years ago..... these days....... I still love and listen to all kinds of music...but listen to a lot of bluegrass like "The Stanley Brothers", Lester Flatt and Earl Scruggs, Allison Krauss, Bill Monroe and all the rest.........  very good stuff.......

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

I've played a lot of gigs with the folksinger Billie Preston since 2008 and it seems the high-light of our year the last couple of years has been playing Stage 5 at the Walnut Valley Festival in Winfield, Kansas....it's a great crowd ....and a real good feeling.......to be playing there......and have a lot of folks singing along......with our songs.... 

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

Yes, I believe music can change the world........   from Woody Guthrie singing "This Land is Your Land", to Crosby Stills and Nash singing "For What it's Worth", to John Lennon doing "Imagine".....and the beat goes on ...............

And yes, I believe music does influence current events by bringing a strong message to the masses...........whether it be about social injustice......... or the terrible costs of war........or the love felt in the spirit of Christmas

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

Technology has changed the music industry forever.... in gigantic and unbelievable ways.....from the simple things like electronic tuners.....to digital recordings and photographs........to the internet and each of us having our websites.....and Facebook.....and the ability to get our music out to the whole world from right here in Wichita, Kansas...... ...it's a crazy big world out there..........and it's just a click away.........

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

That would be a pair of nicely worn black and white Converse, Chuck Taylor basketball shoes............:) 

 

SIMPLY SIX: Autumn

 Autumn is a singer/songwriter from Austin Texas.

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 ofElvis 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 did not have a specific defining moment, I just liked to sing.  I never sang out as a child, because my brothers would make fun of me -- so I stuck with piano.  When I went to music school for college, it was a requirement to sing in the choir.  My professor told me that I was good.  That was the first time I even considered singing out...and my brother's don't make fun of me anymore (as much).

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

I am really into Elvis right now.  I get on random music kicks, and Elvis is definitely king right now on my Itunes playlist.  Dinah Washington, too.  I also love Patty Griffin, Ray Lamontagne, Ricky Lee Jones and Grateful Dead.   Texas artists like Bobby Duncan, Jason Eady, The Mystiqueros, Sam Baker, & Josh Grider are also high on my radar.

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

Playing with the band...in studio or live, is the greatest thrill of life.  I honestly cannot pinpoint one specific instant, because we have had a lot of very special "moments"...and all musicians know what I'm talking about.  The world stops, and everything clears, in real time.  The more we play together, the more we tap into that presence, and the experience becomes increasingly more intense & deep & meaningful each time.  It is beautiful.

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

I absolutely 100% believe that music can HEAL the world.  I would not be devoted to this art if I didn't believe that to be true!

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

I dig technology.  I think it keeps us on our toes, and it challenges us to maintain our artistry while staying current with how people communicate.  We are forever evolving & growing & changing...like anything new, it is hard to keep up, but in many ways, technology gives independent artists an advantage to write music and grow their own business on their own.  It also enables fans of music to spread the word, and share their thoughts to a larger audience, passionately & in their own words- and I believe that forum makes a huge difference.

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

Cowboy boots.  Dependable, trustworthy, and they look cute with almost everything!

SIMPLY SIX: Jeff Jacob

Jeff Jacob is a singer/songwriter from Nashville.

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?

My defining "moment" would have been a combination of being in school musicals as a very young kid all the way up through high school, quiting piano lessons after 6 years in my early teens and then realizing I could just write my own songs. They were pretty bad back then, but I recorded some with the guys in the house band on a river cruise ship and then just kept going...It was all about getting in the studio and recording for me.

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

I love SO much of a variety. Favorites include - Bruce Springsteen, Tom Petty, Bryan Adams, John Waite,early REM, The Beatles, The Stones....Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, John Fogerty, Dobie Gray, Ray Charles....Billy Joel, Elton John...Elvis, Steve Earle, Tina Turner....

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

Generally speaking, I think there are small moments when people come up to me after a gig, or listening to a recording of mine and say how much a certain song moved them or meant to them. I have this song God Backwards, about a dog who has been put down by his owner as a humane choice, and the dog is talking through God back to his owner telling him how grateful he is....Only one time in the years I've been playing this song live, have I not had a least one person come up to me after wards and tell me how much that song meant to them because of their own experience with a loved pet.

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

Music can change the world, because change and revolution really happen one person at a time, until a critical mass or one huge unified voice rises up and demands that things change, and music can certainly if not directly lead to change, help inspire, galvanize and unify that focus.

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

Technology has been killing the commercial recording studios for the past 6-7 years at a very fast pace, but on the flipside here we indies have all sorts of digital avenues to promote and sell our products and gigs...that's pretty great. I really need to get more with that!

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

It's a battle between an old pair of "Chucks" and a comfortable pair of flip-flops these days. Check with me in the next few years...If I move to the beach as I'm hoping to do in the near future....you'll know which shoe wins!

SIMPLY SIX: Leslie

Leslie is a three man band that showcases the best of Southern Rock.

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 think the defining moment for me was when my parents took me to
Farm Aid 96 in Columbia, SC. I was about ten years old, and Neil Young
& Crazy Horse was the the last act. Seeing Neil electric changed my
life, the volume and power was so much that it rattled my chest, thats
when i realized thats what i want to do


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

I like to listen to old blues , old soul, and
classic rock when i'm not creating music, we like everything!! Since
we play rock and roll, some of our favorites are Nick Drake, Stevie
Wonder, all over the map

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

I think the greatest moment in our career
so far is the release of our new EP "Rebel Souls" It just has a lot
to say on it, and i feel like people are getting the band that we've
always been but this is the first time they can hear it in a quality
way.

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
universal language. Its not the question of can it change the world,
it already has! Elvis, The Beatles, The Clash, U2....Music can
definitely affect current events because people listen to the artists

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

Technology affects everything. Now you have more ways than ever
to get music and hear about bands, the band thing is that you have so
many ways to get it for free! But I feel good to know that if someone
is getting it for free at least they're getting the music, but if
everyone was getting it for free, i wouldn't be able to have a career
in music! There's a lot of blood sweat and tears that go into making
records and I don't want to be stolen from on the ground level. Lars
can screw off!

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 good boots, cuz they are good in any types
of weather and they look badass'

Interview: Coco Robicheaux

This Simply Six Interview is part of our Jazz Fest coverage. We talk with legendary New Orleans' singer Coco Robicheaux. Coco is an accomplished bluesman. The pictures preceding this interview were from this year's Jazz Fest.

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?
IT WAS MAYBE 1959, AND I WAS DRIVING WITH MY FAMILY THROUGH MEMPHIS DURING A CIVIL RIGHTS RIOT. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. AND OTHERS WERE SPEAKING, TRYING TO KEEP THE PEACE. WE WERE HELD UP IN TRAFFIC, AND A STATE POLICE TROOPER ON A HORSE LEANED OVER AND SAID, "IF YOU WANT TO WAIT A MINUTE, ELVIS PRESLEY IS COMING THROUGH IN THAT RED TRUCK." ELVIS WAS STANDING ON THE SIDEBOARD, AND HE SMILED AND REACHED DOWN TO SHAKE MY HAND. IT WAS LIKE THE IMAGE IN SISTINE CHAPEL, WHEN GOD IS REACHING DOWN TO ADAM. IT SEEMED LIKE HIS TOOTH WENT "BLING", IT GLIMMERED. I LET MY HAND GET ALL GRUBBY, I WOULDN'T WASH IT FOR A WHILE.

2. When you’re not creating music what are you listening to? Who are some of your favorites?
ANY LIVE MUSIC.I LIKE ALL MUSIC IF IT IS PLAYED WITH PASSION.

3. What would you say is your greatest moment so far as an artist, either on record or live?
SEEMS TO ME, EVERY TIME WE PLAY IT GETS BETTER AND BETTER, IT'S CONSTANTLY EVOLVING.

4. Do you believe music can change the world or is just something to listen to? How much can music influence current events?
THERE ARE PARTS OF THE BRAIN SPECIFICALLY DEDICATED TO HARMONY AND RHYTHM, SO THERE IS NO DOUBT THAT WE NEED IT. MUSIC CREATES THE WORLD. IT'S SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE TO FOCUS ON. I KNOW IT CHANGED MY WORLD.

5. How has technology affected the music industry? How has technology affected your career as a musician?
IT IS MUCH MORE ACCESSIBLE NOW TO EVERYONE, AND IT IS SO MUCH EASIER. THANK GOD FOR MY HELPERS THAT UNDERSTAND THE TECHNOLOGY. I CAN CONNECT WITH PEOPLE ALL OVER THE WORLD WITH MY WEBSITE, SPIRITLAND. COM. EVEN THOUGH SOME OF MY FAVORITE SONGS ARE 50 OR 60 YEARS OLD, THEY SOUND AS BRILLIANT TODAY AS THE FIRST TIME I HEARD THEM.

6. Now for my Barbara Walters question: If you were a pair of shoes what type of shoes would you be?
WESTERN BOOTS, YOU KNOW, MANLY FOOTWEAR.

"Work of the Devil"

Blind Boys of Alabama

I’m not much of a church-going man, but strangely I find the music of the church has a soothing effect. The call and response of the Spiritual infuses me with an almost religious feeling of joy and happiness. There is so much emotion in the musical shouting of these songs. This week’s voice to hear is a veteran gospel group of over sixty years. Also along with a voice this week we’re also going to talk about a specific song.

The group is the Blind Boys of Alabama. The group was formed in 1939 at the Alabama Institute for the Negro Blind. Two founding members, Clarence Fountain and Jimmy Carter are still performing with the band. They’ve added a few newer members in the years following their debut. The Blind Boys of Alabama worked the traditional gospel circuit for over 40 years, releasing albums that primarily found an audience with the Christian following.

In 1982 they made something of a cross over between the religious audience and the secular one with their appearance at the World’s Fair in Knoxville. The next year they appeared in a smash musical drama off-Broadway The Gospel at Colonus. During the nineties they released a couple of albums that had some cross over potential, but never quite made the reach across between the pop audience and the religious one.

All the changed in 2001 when they released Spirit of the Century. Their booking agent and producer decided to self finance the album that he knew the group could make. This album brought them to the attention of the music world outside the gospel one. It was the start of a string of Grammy Awards for them. The music on this album mixed traditional gospel songs with contemporary songs by such writers as Tom Waits, Ben Harper, Mick Jagger and Keith Richards. Their version of “Amazing Grace” was sung over the tune of the traditional blues “House of the Rising Son.”

“Amazing Grace” has become one of those songs that has become more than just a standard. Everyone from gospel singers to jazz to rock to punk rockers have covered this song. This song is so ingrained into the fabric of our musical heritage, but what do we know of it?

The song was written by a former slave trader, John Newton, who reformed and became a Christian minister. Newton was captured and held prisoner on Plantain Island off the African coast for close to a year. After being rescued he converted to Christianity on the trip home. Years later he wrote the hymn after he became a minister.

They hymn crossed the Atlantic in the early 1800s and was put to the now familiar music by a singing instructor from South Carolina. The song spread throughout the South with the growing revival tents that moved from one Southern town to another.

Today the song is heard performed by everyone from Elvis Presley to KC and the Sunshine Band to Tori Amos to Ani Difranco to Dropkick Murphys to…well the list is just about endless.