Simply Six: Ed Pettersen

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?  ****June 3, 1978, Nassau Coliseum, Uniondale LI, NY.  I was working at my high school radio station, WKWZ-FM, as a sophomore when the station manager, who was a senior and didn't normally hang with us soph's and freshman, told me he had an extra ticket someone bailed out on for a rock concert by some guy named Bruce Springsteen who I had barely heard of (I knew onlythe song Born to Run).  By some miracle my usually protective parents said yes and gave me the $17.50 for the ticket.  It changed my life.  It was like entering the everlasting church of rock n' roll holiness inhabited by the best rag tag bunch of outcasts and misfits I ever saw.  I was hooked.  I came home that night, many hours later than expected, and proclaimed to my mother as she stand waiting at the front door. "I know what I want to do with the rest of my life".  My mother asked, "What's that?".  "ROCK N' ROLL!!!!", I practically screamed.  Shesaid, "That's nice dear, now get to bed.  It's late".  I've never been the same since.

2. When you’re not creating music what are you listening to? Who are some of your favorites? ****Generally I mostly listen to jazz because I like it, it was my first love before rock n' roll, and because instrumentally it doesn't mess with my own writing.  It's nice to have something completely different to clear my head.  But of the the popular music I listen to I think Richard Thompson, Leonard Cohen, Lyle Lovett, Nick Drake and Neil Young come to mind off the top of my head.  I also listen to a lot of Norwegian artists like my friends Sivert Hoyem ( formerly of the band Madrugada), Henning Kvitnes and Susanna and the Magical Orchestra among others.

3. What would you say is your greatest moment so far as an artist, either on record or live? ****Hmmmm, tough question.  Having some of my songs covered by artists I revere like Candi Staton and Bettye LaVette is certainly up there but the two moments I remember best is meeting Dion for the first time and bringing him to hang with Bruce Springsteen at an unannounced gig in NJ and working on the Song of America and Happening operetta with some many great artists who gave of their time so freely.  Happening (which is available as a free download at:www.noisetrade.com/madkingedmund) is I think my highest artistic achievement because I never thought I could write a libretto and operetta (albeit a free jazz one) and because of the subject matter, representing the 99% and the Occupy movement which I think is still very important.

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 often been a the forefront of changing the world, attitudes and mores for as long as I've been listening to music and it continues to be though I think in today's' disposable mass media and reality crap it tends to get lost.  I shudder to think where we'd be without protest music and socially conscious artists.  Plus music would REALLY be boring without it.  I'm usually attracted to stuff that comes up from the streets anyway.

5. How has technology affected the music industry? How has technology affected your career as a musician? ****At one time I though technology was great and was really opening doors creatively and as a production vehicle.  Now I think it actually slows things down and is creating a morass by allowing too much out at one time.  There's no filters anymore.  Some A&R is good.  For instance, when my second record was released by Universal there were roughly 2500 records a week being released.  Now there are 25,000 because people can make records in their bedrooms and pressing is cheaper and more accessible.  But we all know the print press has declined and even blogs can't keep up with that kind of volume so the only thing the major outlets have room for is Lady Gaga.  However it's affected my life as a musician in a positive manner because I have worked outside the major label system since 1998 and there's no way I could keep making music if I hadn't learned Pro Tools and invested in myself.  So it's a double edged sword.

6. Now for my Barbara Walters question: If you were a pair of shoes what type of shoes would you be? ****Converse Chuck Taylor High Tops, size 13.  Most comfortable shoes I've ever worn (and I'm a shoe hog).

SImply SIx: Brett Ryan Stewart

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 sucha defining moment for you?

Absolutely. It was upon adopting my older brother's vinyl collection when I was about 12 years old. The first time I spun Neil Young's Harvest I was sold. I also discovered The Who, Pearl Jam, and Simon & Garfunkel around this time, and that sealed the deal.

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

It's a really vast canvas for me. I go from Leonard Cohen, to Tool, to Elliot Smith, to Mozart. Throw a little Sinatra in there and we've got ourselves a party!

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

Every time I get an email from someone who tells me my song brought them to tears, or inspired them, or simply gave them peace. That's what it's all about. The rest is details.

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

It's both. My preference leans towards to the former. Not to say that the lighthearted tunes don't have their place, but I tend to connect more with the stuff that gets down to your core. I believe it can change the world. But I'm not talking about topical, "start a revolution" kind of music. That's fine too, but real change comes from within, not without. So for me, when a song cuts through to your very being, extracting your demons and presenting them before you, fully exposed in the light where they can't survive... that's when it changes the world.

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

This has obviously been a hot topic for a few years now. Just like a hammer, you can use it to build or destruct. The choice is in the beholder. 

I'm hopeful that we'll continue to progress towards proper and fair use of emerging technologies. I learned to embrace it a long while back. With this new album, "Tilt" we decided to only sell and promote it online. As a result we're able to reach our audience across the globe, to places we might have never gotten to tour!

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

Stilts.

Simply Six: Erin Dickens

Erin is a founding member of The Manhattan Transfer and is currently from Maryland.

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 knew from a very early age that I was crazy about music. I started singing and
playing music with my father at a very early age...maybe six years old. He was a
fabulous musician - he played piano, guitar and banjo by ear and was wonderful at jazz
improvisation. Passion just oozed from the core of his being. Thankfully, I inherited his
love for music, and on a good day, some of his talent!

The day that I knew that music would be my profession was the day that I packed my car
to leave college in Virginia and move to New York. This was no casual decision, and my
parents were horrified. I was in the middle of starting a new singing group with some
friends, and I was determined to make it work. A few weeks after my bold move, and
after much heated debate, we finally decided on a name: The Manhattan Transfer.

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

There are so many artists that I love! Sting, Andreas Bocelli, Pink Martini, Chandler
Travis, Benyaro, Chris Gotti, Melody Gardot, Lambert Hendricks and Ross, Amos Lee,
Julie London, Tony Bennett, Gregg Allman, Leonard Cohen. Just a few. I love it all.

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

I have had the good fortune to have been involved in creating amateur variety shows to
benefit a wonderful organization: Habitat for Humanity. I live in a small town, and I was
asked to co-write original comedic material, produce a show and act as musical director
for a live stage production we called “The Follies”. We mounted these productions over a
five-year period, and it was truly a high point in my life. Our last show gathered together
205 amateurs both on and off-stage. We put up an hilarious and well-produced variety
show, and the proceeds from our performances were great enough to build three homes
for needy families in my town. And I got to sing, too. How cool is that? I was juiced
beyond measure for months. I still am, actually.

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

Oh, don’t get me started here! J Music is transformational. Music is a divinely powerful
force in our lives and I believe that it is the responsibility of every artist to do his/her
share of healing, problem-solving, enlightening…whatever you want to call it. We have
the power to teach and bring to light things/situations/people that desperately need help.
We can discuss the obvious in regard to influencing current events – artists like Bono and
Sting’s Conspiracy of Hope – saving rainforests and working to end human suffering and
the like. Using our voices to raise money and create awareness on a giant scale is a given.

We must do that. But even more, artists like me can reach out to smaller crowds at every
concert. We can change minds; we can spread joy. We can lift spirits and heal our world
– one fan at a time.

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

I used to tell my sound engineer, “I don’t care what you do, just make me sound good.”
Boy, have times changed. Now my engineer says stuff like, “What ratio do you want that
compression at? Soft or hard knee? What frequencies do you want rolled-off on your
upper mids?”

But that is just the beginning….technology has made it possible for masses of music
lovers (only some are actually musicians) to create and record music at home. That is so
great. What a gift to have access to professional tools to learn and grow as an artist. To
be able to knock out a quick demo of a new composition at home (in the old days that
would cost thousands of dollars in a studio) is just awesome. This is better than kittens.

On the other hand, one no longer needs to be able to sing and play in time or, more
importantly, in tune. For the record, I do not need to correct my pitch. I sing in tune. And
I phrase in time. These days, that is really saying something.

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

I am a Gemini. Seriously, do I have to pick?

Sunday: Fuzzy slippers
Monday: Running shoes
Tuesday: Ralph Lauren kidskin penny loafers
Wednesday: My red Justin cowboy boots
Thursday: maybe the loafers again or Uggs.
Friday: MJ Knoud Paddock boots. (Nothing kinky here – I actually ride horses)
Saturday: Something sexy…maybe a Jimmy Choo strappy sandal.

OK…OK…..If I had to pick, I’d be the loafer. J

French Quarter Fest: John Boutte

I should know by now that I am going to be amazed at a John Boutte show.  Everytime I have seen him live he pulls some song out that just leaves my mouth hanging open with the sheer artistry of it.  The first time I ever saw him, not really being that familiar with him I was literally blown away by his version of "City of New Orleans."  That was always a song I loved by Arlo Gutherie but after hearing John Boutte sing it live that song now belonged to him.  In fact I was so taken with that song by him I made it my phone ringer.  Than at a New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Show he did a version of Paul Simon's "American Tune" with just Paul Sanchez on guitar that again left me speechless.

Today's show was supposed to be another of Paul Sanchez's Rolling Road shows.  Paul acts as the ringleader for these shows, but he always brings a lot of guest musicians.  John Boutte was one of those that was supposed to appear with Paul today.  Unfortunately Paul was too sick to attend, so the show fell on John Boutte's shoulders.  You could tell that he wasn't prepared for this to be a solo Boutte show.  The musicians and he weren't on the same page of what songs they were supposed to play.  They braved their way through it, with a lot of long pauses between songs while they conferred on what to do next.  Up to that point I was enjoying the show, but it was really nothing spectacular.  Honestly they were taking too long inbetween songs when they only had ninety minutes to do their show.

Than John let the other musicians take a break and he did an Acapella version of Lennon/McCartney's "Blackbird."   Again he was creating art as he sang.  The band came back and he brought one of his sisters out to sing.  She did a couple songs and proved that talent did indeed run in the Boutte family.  Than again the band left and he did "American Tune" with no instruments but his voice.  Again he has taken a song best known by another and made it his own.

Than he did something I thought almost impossible.  He sat down at the piano and began the Leonard Cohen song "Hallelujah."  Now once upon a time I liked this song, but over the last year or so you can't escape it, especially Jeff Buckley's version of it.  Every TV show has to feature it at some point.  Truthfully I've grown tired of the song.  But as John played at the piano and sang I heard the wizardy in this song again.  As he sang Susan Cowsill came out with John's sister and they started providing harmony.  This song took on a new life.  I could only wish that these shows were taped like at the Jazz Fest, but regrettably are not.

Afterwards the band came back and they finished with a few more numbers.  It's shows like this that help me realize why I love music so much.

SIMPLY SIX: Cary Grace

Cary Grace is a singer/songwriter from Nashville but currently living in England.

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?

The first time I heard Blonde on Blonde. I found the LP in my dad's record collection. It was rather fascinating looking with that grainy photo printed the whole length of the gatefold, so I played it. I was completely awe-struck. I can't quite remember if it was, "my warehouse eyes, my Arabian drums," or if it was, "the ghost of 'lectricity howls in the bones of her face." Perhaps the cumulative effect of both.

At any rate, some time during that album was most definitely the moment I said to myself, "I don't just want to do that, I have to do that. It is necessary. I have no choice."

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

This week...Pink Floyd, Leonard Cohen, Miles Davis, Gong, Cream, Neil Young, NEU!, Amon Düül II, Mazzy Star, Frank Zappa, Beethoven, Tangerine Dream, Radiohead, The Velvet Underground, The Doors...my musical travels are far and wide, but somehow I always find my way back to Dylan.

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

Right now. No, right now. No, NOW. This is definitely...no, it's actually right NOW...

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

Everything changes the world, even if nobody notices. Change and influence can appear to be very subtle, but small things can actually be very important.

If somebody hears a piece of music, and it changes who they are a little, or how they think--even slightly--the music has affected that person's life, and has affected the way they will react to events, what they will do when faced with choices, etc. That person might go on to do something very significant to society or culture, but it's more likely that the person's life will only really be significant to those close to him or her...maybe a few dozen people.

Now imagine a million people so affected by a piece of music. Maybe 10 million. Even if none of those people are individually considered to be very significant, collectively they are very significant, and collectively those they influence are even more significant.

A small thing can be far-reaching. Influence spreads like ripples, and is very difficult to quantify or prove, or to trace back to a source, when it reaches to places far removed from the source. One should not mistake a lack of proof or direct traceability for a lack of potential, or a lack of power.

I think that because of this great potential, we also have a great responsibility as artists.

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

The music industry is certainly in a state of flux right now, very much instigated by technology. It will be interesting to see how it all shakes out. I think the technological thing that has affected me most is the cost of recording equipment coming down, and the fact that making quality recordings is now very accessible. I love the recording and production process, and it is wonderful being able to do it on my own time and my own terms.

Also, the internet has made it easier and easier to distribute music directly to the music buying public. I think this allows for a level of interaction that was not possible before, but it also makes it more difficult to be heard through the noise. I hope that eventually the anarchic freedom the technology provides will be balanced by order, but not of the same type the old regime forced upon us. I hope that the free exchange of information afforded us by technology will eventually put the power of music recommendation back in the hands of real music lovers, and take it out of the hands of big corporations with monetary agendas which have nothing to do with music. I think that is beginning to happen now, but it is very fragmented. Many people don't know where to go to find new music anymore.

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

Shiny, shiny, shiny boots of leather.

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.