Simply Six: Steven Graves

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?

Its hard to say, but I guess it was when I was about 5 yrs old listening to the Beatles, Motown, Jackson 5, Creedence and others.  I could feel this music in my soul.  It made me feel alive.  I knew there was magic in music and that it was something I would always have in my life.    When I was younger I always thought of myself as a guitar player.  It was about 10 years ago that I realized that I could express so much more by singing as well and then I started writing my own music, and there was no turning back!

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

your favorites?

I love the old school records and artists such as The Subdudes, Derek Trucks Band, Ben Harper, Robben Ford, Mark Knopler, Lyle Lovette.  I absolutely love everything that David Gilmour does!   Same goes for Jerry 

Garcia.  Ocassionally I like to listen to old CDs from the 70's era like James Gang, Pat Travers, Eagles, Eric Clapton, JJ. Cale, and Neil Young to name a few.   And then there are the 60's music compilations that I love too.  That music was so free and loving!   When I want to be on the quieter side I like Kirtan chants, and meditation music like Carlos Nakai.

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

or live?

I would have to say that my greatest moment is still in front of me.  Everyday I wake up and feel gratitude for my ability to play music, to connect with the audience and hopefully make the world a better place through the music that comes through me.   Everytime a new song comes through me, I am amazed and thrilled.    I can't wait to share it with the world.  I try to live in that space where anything is possible.  My last CD Release Party was  certainly a magical day, we packed the place, beautiful outdoor  garden, band sounded awesome,  and  it was an amazing  time!

4.  Do you believe music can change the world or is just something   to  listen   to?

How much can music influence current events?

I believe that music ABOVE all other cultural elements in our time, has had the greatest influence on our world, more than all the politicians combined.  Music has always been the catalyst for change.  From the rock n roll of the 1950's breaking down the racial barriers,  to Motown of the 60's providing the music soundtrack for our lives as the civil rights movement blossomed.   The popular music of the 60's Bob Dylan, the Beatles, Rolling Stones, the Bryds, Cream, CSNY, etc. the list goes on and on this music brought millions of people together for a common consciousness   The counter culture, the environmental movements, gay rights, feminism, Malcom X, Mohamad Ali, they all coinsided with massively popular music.    In more recent times, there have been all the great benefit concerts, Farm Aid, Micheal Jackson's "We are the world".   John Lennon's imagine.  I feel that as artists we have a responsibility to reflect something positive and offer inspiration in our music.   I  hold this goal  for all that I do in my life.

It seems to me that much of popular music today has less to do with the message or with emotion, depth, or musicianship, but more with selling a product.   This is not to say that there aren't thousands of GREAT artists out there making quality music and saying something positive with their music as well.   I believe that there remains a enormous population of folks out there who still love music and want to hear music that makes them feel good, moves them and makes an impact on their lives.    I hope in some way to have this type of impact on people and to make this world a better place.

5. How has technology affected the music industry?  How has technology affected

your career as a musician?

Technology has had a tremendous impact on the industry.   Now almost anyone can record using simple devices such as phones or sophisticated computer programs which are not accessible to everyone.   Internet radio stations, bloggers, on-line magazines, JANGO radio, Pandora, Last FM, you tube, and literally hundreds of on-line sites provide music for free.   This has lead to a title wave of artists and music,  some not very good, and some extremely well done.   There seems to be a perception that music should be free, which makes it difficult for musicians to make a living unless you achieve major success.   On one hand their are so many avenues for my music to heard, and most of them are free.   On the other, its very difficult to be heard or even listened to over the flood of music and musicians.   Also culture has shifted to some degree away from the days when you would look forward to sitting down with a bottle of wine or six pack of beer, a joint, and listening to side A and side B of a record.   Pink Floyld's Dark Side of the Moon comes to mind!  Music in the not so distant past was more of an active experience.  Now many artists sell more music for 3 or 4 second cell phone ring tones then they do CDs!   A sign of our instant gratification, minimal attention span, popular consumer culture.  However, out of much this seemingly soulless and shallow experience, millions of people and thousands of artists are getting back to making great music and performing at house concerts, festivals and other venues where its about the experience and connecting with people.   Also the computer age has altered the quality of music.  MP3's compromise the musical integrity of the sound, but there's no getting around their convenience and popularity.  Digital recording has for the most part replaced analogue which most will agree was a higher quality, bigger and warmer sound.  For my recordings, Blue Coast Records has mastered them, trying to achieve the highest quality most analogue-like sound possible.  Social networking is both a blessing and  curse for us musicians!!    Sometimes I need to remind myself that I need to be playing my guitar, writing music, rehearsing, etc. and not spending hours on the computer trying to promote my music and attempting to be heard by the masses!

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

shoes would you be?

I would have to say barefoot!   When you go barefoot you are able to connect to the energy of the earth!   I believe we are all being called to reconnect to ourselves, to each other and to our planet.   Barefoot in the forest, barefoot on the beach, connecting to the land and to mother earth.   Symbolically barefoot is back to the basic human element.  No  consumerism, no looking  good, no pretense, just feet for walking, we all have them, we're all the same when you get down to it, and we all have a path to walk, individually and collectively!

Simply SIx: Glen Foster

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 was hearing Walk Don't Run by the Ventures at the fall fair played really loud on a great record player. That changed my life as I just had to play guitar.
    

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

your favorites?

I'm from the guitar school of Clapton, Hendrix, Beck, Page so I draw inspiration from them. Chet Atkins also is a big influence and I still listen to and practice that style. I enjoy listening to Dylan, Neil Young and the folkie songwriters. My other love is vocal groups like the Beach Boys and Four Seasons. There are a number of great Canadian Bands like The Odds, Streetheart, Trooper, Guess Who, that I dig.
To keep up with new music I listen to the radio in my car and internet radio at home.

 

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

or live?

I just finished recording some new tunes in the studio and did a few 'live off the floor' including solos. That's a very satisfying feeling and quite a thrill. But anytime you're up in front of an appreciative audience and the whole band is just playing great it's a huge payoff.   

 

4.  Do you believe music can change the world or is just something   to  listen   to?

How much can music influence current events?

Music has already changed the world in the way that we entertain ourselves. The two elements that most influence change are rhythm and rhyme. Music styles influence people en mass and change is constant, so we're always on the lookout waiting for the latest craze! Lyric can be a strong influence when the message gets to the people. The problem is getting it there and that's a matter of marketing. 

 

5. How has technology affected the music industry?  How has technology affected

your career as a musician?

I try to not get too hung up on technology. I still favour old Fender amps and Boss pedals, and use an older PA system that's reliable. But the studio is a different thing. Recording, mixing, editing, and mastering are now digital and computerized which has Pros and Cons. A lot of it is easier, faster, cheaper and can make an average musician sound great. But there's always sacrifices and we tend to lose authenticity, realism, enthusiasm and sometimes inspiration. Then there's Digital Releases, which has dramatically changed the entire music world. Bring it on, it's great, don't look back.

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

shoes would you be?

When I saw Jeff Beck Group play around 1973 JB was wearing some high top black leather boots. I bought a pair of handmade boots just like them in Montreal right after that and I still wear them today. They're solid, rugged, durable and when I play in them I feel the same way, well grounded and on a firm foundation. That's the type of shoes I would be. 

Simply Six: RoXi and the Blue Cats

photos copyright by Jim Obee and Mike Barratt


1. For many artists, they cite a defining moment for themselves when theyknew
they wanted  to  be a singer.  For many it was the appearance of Elvis onthe Ed
Sullivan show,  to  another generation it was the Beatles’ appearance onSullivan
half a decade later.  Is there  such  a defining moment for you?

A. That is a hard question and sure the rest of the band members will have
their own defining moments, but I guess for me it was as a child during an
appearance on stage with Sooty & Sweep (famous puppet show in the UK), with
a song & dance troupe - looking at the faces of all those people watching
and enjoying the show made me feel good too and want to keep entertaining.

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

A. Between all the band members, we have very eclectic tastes in music but
lovethe blues... all the greats like Robert Johnson, Magic Sam, Lightnin'
Hopkins, Bessie Smith, Billie Holiday, Albert King as well as more modern
artists like Muddy Waters, Eric Clapton, Peter Green, Stevie Ray Vaughan,
Etta James, Janis Joplin, Jefferson Airplane, Led Zeppelin, Fleetwood Mac,
BB King...  the list is extensive and ever expanding! I switch favourites as
often as my clothes, there are just so many amazing artists and songs out
there ... at the moment I'm into Francine Reed - amazing singer & songs.

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

A. Hmmm ... I guess the greatest moment live was winning a televised talent
show judged by the blues master himself Jools Holland and on record ..
.managing to get all the tracks on our album recorded in one afternoon!

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

A. I feel that it is a two way exchange ... of course music can change the
world and influence events ... a song or concert that speaks to you can
change your perspective on situations ... like Live Aid and events influence
musicians into writing
songs about them all the time. People meet, discuss, make love and get
married with music all the time ... it can be a huge influence ... or just
something in the background depending on the listeners mood and involvement
in what they hear.

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

A. Technology has affected the music industry incredibly! Anyone can pick up
an
instrument or use a piece of software to create music but were always
limited to where they lived and if a label could be bothered to sign and
promote them. Now, musicians can upload their music to a variety of sites
and be heard by people all over the world without being signed.  It has
opened up the type of music people can create to provide a broader range of
styles and genres.

As a musician, technology has opened up so many ways of creating, marketing
and listening to music that it would be very hard for it not to affect a
musicians career in some way! I use it more for helping to fine tune the
live stuff ... recording everything for later review and for marketing ...
the most useful gadget I own is an MP3 player/recorder that is used to
record ideas, rehearsals and is packed with a myriad of favourites as well
as whatever songs the band are writing or rehearsing at the time.

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

A. Stilettoes!

Immense Beauty, Intense Presence: British Icon John Martyn’s Legacy is Reimagined by Thirty Artists on Johnny Boy Would Love This…a Tribute to John Martyn

In the late ’60s, the late British guitarist and songwriter John Martyn broke ground by leaping from acoustic folk into highly successful experiments with tape delay, wild recording scenarios, and jazz-inspired arrangements. He became a cult figure among British musicians. A list of his admirers reads like a who’s-who of rock, pop, and even trip hop: Eric Clapton, The Band’s Levon Helm, Lee “Scratch” Perry, The Cure’s Robert Smith, Beck, Morcheeba.

To honor his life, thirty artists reveal the full breadth of Martyn’s creativity onJohnny Boy Would Love This…A Tribute to John Martyn (Hole in the Rain; August 16, 2011). The package will include a double CD digi-pak, 40-page booklet, and DVD that will feature interviews with a number of the contributing artists, performance videos, and rare live performances by John himself. Adding to this unique audio experience is the inclusion of John's actual guitar work on two of the tracks.

Musicians from several generations take on Martyn’s intense, sometimes joyful and sometimes despairing, but always influential work. They come from the fertile acoustic fringes (Vetiver, Beth Orton) and from the heart of rock and pop (Robert Smith, Phil Collins). They are elders of blues (Clarence Fountain and Sam Butler of the Blind Boys of Alabama) and young up-and-comers (John Smith and Sabrina Dinan).

***

When Bob Marley listened to Martyn (his label mate from Island Records) perform from backstage, he turned to Island founder Chris Blackwell and asked, intrigued, “What band is that?” It was the charismatic Martyn, playing solo. Along with his charmingly rakish persona and intense musicianship, Martyn began using analogue effects on his acoustic guitar in the 1960s. The result was so big and distinctive that it transformed Britain’s rock, roots, and dance music.

“I first heard ‘Small Hours’ on the John Peel Show late in 1977 and fell instantly in love with it... ‘One World' very quickly became my favourite John Martyn album... And these beautiful songs were, are and always will be an inspiration and an enchantment.””—Robert Smith (“Small Hours”)

Martyn’s deep appreciation for jazz musicians like Pharoah Sanders, as well as his unfailing instinct for crafting evocative and musically complex songs, led him to the Echoplex, an early tape delay unit that allowed him to layer sound on sound live. The effect not only wowed Marley, but opened the door for Brian Eno’s ambient music, The Edge’s delay-soaked guitar, and a slew of recent loop-based solo artists.

“He was the very first folktroniker if ever there was one!”—Beth Orton (“Go Down Easy”)

His live innovations were matched with unconventional approaches to studio recording, audible on tracks like “Small Hours.” Recorded beside a lake at 3 a.m., Martyn played on one shore while the engineers sat on the other.

“John Martyn was a true pioneer within the world of acoustic music, and his work has left signs on the road for all of those who would follow. As well as being a deft guitar player and passionate singer, he was always very much alive to the possibilities of the studio, where he was a vivid creator of mood and atmosphere.” –David Gray (“Let the Good Things Come”)

Add excellent songs to that heady mix—gems like “Stormbringer,” “Glorious Fool,” “Bless the Weather,” and “May You Never”—and it’s easy to understand why generations of musicians have respected and loved the innately musical, tumultuous Martyn. He was everywhere in the ’60s and ’70s—and knew and inspired everyone. He struck up close friendships with Nick Drake, Phil Collins, and Eric Clapton, with Steve Winwood and Jimmy Page.

“John Martyn was unique. Completely unique. He had such power, such emotion, in his music that he could overwhelm the listener even when it was just him and an acoustic guitar.”—Phil Collins

Yet unlike many icons, Martyn never settled for pop stardom. He continued to innovate and reach new audiences. His classic album Solid Air was voted one of the best chill-out albums of all time in the 1990s, and Martyn was lionized by a new generation of trip hoppers.

"I can remember when I first heard [the seminal Martyn song] ‘Solid Air.’ I was around 20 years old. It was a bright sunny afternoon. The sound of the double bass and the twinkling of the piano was just delicious. I was totally smitten.”—Skye Edwards (“Solid Air”)

Despite the acclaim and recognition he received in Britain, Martyn remains a musician’s musician in the U.S., where his albums were not widely distributed. Johnny Boy Would Love This aims to bring the immense beauty Martyn sparked to new listeners.

“The album features all these young new artists, as well as some big guns and old friends,” says Jim Tullio, longtime Martyn friend and producer, who also covers Martyn’s “Road to Ruin” for the tribute. “They were elated to be asked, and really show how influential John has been. They’ve done more than just make for a nice standard tribute; they’ve breathed new life into John’s songs.”

Spotlight: Almost Friday

Music Promotion via MusicSubmit.com

Webpage: http://www.almostfridaymusic.com
Location: Salem, Oregon, USA
Description: Almost Friday produces "main street" original rock music
Biography: Almost Friday is a four member rock band from Salem, Oregon. Formed in October 2007, Almost Friday has branded a strong reputation with their energetic "main street rock" original music and dynamic live stage shows. The innovation, creativity and marketability of Almost Friday is demonstrated by achieving the goals of producing and recording their self titled 11 track debut album, one single release, two music videos and regional performances, three of which were performed at the Rose Garden in Portland, Oregon. Almost Friday features Rodney Galloway on lead guitar/lead vocals and Steve Cannon on rhythm guitar/backing vocals. Dave Noffsinger pounds out the bass, while Chuck Kovitch completes the line up on drums. All four members are long time friends devoted to the artistic success of the band's sound by writing all of their original music. The band takes great pride in producing songs that have stimulating hooks, hypnotic melodies and rousing beats that stir the listener's emotions while leaving them wanting to hear more. With years of individual music experience brought to the band by each member, it is clear that several artists have influenced them such as Eric Clapton, Social Distortion, The Ramones, Rush, Randy Rhodes, The White Stripes and a wide range of other influences.

SIMPLY SIX: Joe Croker

Joe Croker 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?

This is a great question, and it's one that pushes my thoughts back to childhood. As a kid, I can recall taking on different guises when listening to tunes. One moment I would be Professor Harold Hill from Meredith Willson's "The Music Man"; the next I was a heart-strung Eric Clapton saddled with the "Bell Bottom Blues." Songs became a way of accessing feelings and possibilities, a bridge back and forth between adulthood and youth. The line dissolves.

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

I met Antje Duvekot the other night at a club in Nashville. There were only sixteen people in the audience, but everyone was enraptured because Antje brings it. She has access to the deep muse. So I listen to singers like Antje and Kathleen Edwards, Walt Wilkins, La Lupe, and Celia Cruz. Though the latter two women have left us, they still haunt me. I remember seeing Freedy Johnston out at McCabe's in LA one time, and he told me to get the hell out of Wichita, where I was living at the time. So Nashville became the place for new tunes and old, and it all sort of centers for me there. Mark Knopfler comes back to town from time to time and I always listen to him and seek out his show. The same is true of countless others.

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

For me, live performance is almost always the best. I like an audience, whether real or imaginary, so my best moments occur then. I knew that I was onto something when the tunes that came through my pen started to give me the same chill and shiver that Dylan and Joni Mitchell and Leonard Cohen evoked in me over the years. These "shiver" moments happen quite frequently, sometimes when I'm rehearsing alone. I remember playing a song of mine called "Sally, Everything's Changed" with Arkansas songwriter Dave Fredrick, and we both knew that we had gone to that rare space. Almost none of this stuff is on record. Like theater, musical performance is often a very ephemeral art.

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

Sure. It's both, or can be. I tend to lean toward the heavier stuff, with a social edge, but it can also be pure celebration. Delight and instruct said the old Roman. Songs often do both.

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

I like the openness of the non-system. New songwriters get their space. But there's a lot of anonymity, too. Valuable blogs like this one are a sound intermediary for bringing the anonymous artist to the public.

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

Something Italian -- elegant but sturdy. It may be time to cross The Alps.