Anthology: Behind the Scenes

An Interview with Roslyn Kind

by: Casey Pukl

As Don Heckman of the LA Times said, “Forget that Roslyn Kind is Barbra Streisand’s kid sister. She’s too good and too special to have to worry about comparisons.”

From the time Roslyn Kind left high school, it was clear that she was going to be big. Graduating high school with a recording contract with RCA, Kind has gone on to perform in such prestigious venues as Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall, and every late night show in America. Read on to find out what she’s got on deck for the year!  Read the rest of this entry »

An Interview with Jon Anderson of Yes

by: Casey Pukl

Jon Anderson is one of the most recognizable voices in rock history. Long known as the creative driving force behind iconic progressive rock band, Yes, Anderson is now out on his own playing acoustic shows across the country. Anderson is giving fans a more personal glimpse into his life with his acoustic show, which is also peppered with stories about his life and career. On top of his current tour, Anderson is also busy writing and recording songs for a new album, and he is collaborating with writers and musicians around the globe! Read on to find out more about what Anderson is up to, and what you can look forward to this Wednesday night!

CP: Let’s talk a little bit about what you’ve been up to lately. I know in November you released an album with Rick Wakeman.

JA: I was working with Rick on the west coast in October and November. Then I went to Brazil for three weeks doing some shows down there, then I came home for Christmas— I got in on Christmas eve, put up a Christmas tree, had a lovely month relaxing and writing songs, and now I’m out on the road again!

CP: Sounds like a busy few months.

JA: It’s been a busy time. It’s going to be a busy year coming up, and I’m just happy to be singing and creating and writing and having a great time. It’s a great time to be alive. There’s a lot going on in the world, and music is very good for you. 

CP: I’d love to get into your writing process and how you get started. Read the rest of this entry »

An Interview with Glen Marhevka of Big Bad Voodoo Daddy

by: Casey Pukl

You all remember Big Bad Voodoo Daddy from the Hollywood hit movie, Swingers, and fortunately these guys are still going strong. A house favorite, these guys turned Anthology upside down with their infectious swing last time they were here, and this weekend, we’re ready for part two! With two sold out shows, we fortunately found time to catch up with trumpet player, Glen Marhevka, to get the scoop on the band’s latest record, which they’re hoping to get out later in 2012!

CP: I read on the Facebook page that you guys just finished recording a new album!

GM: We did! We did all the band stuff, and now we’re getting ready to mix and master and do all of the artwork and stuff. The music is all pretty much recorded at this point. It’s going to be a little while before it comes out obviously, but it’s recorded.

CP: Can you give us a little preview of what to expect?

GM: It’s definitely going to sound like us. It won’t be anything from out in left field, but it’s going to be a really great album. There’s a bunch of original stuff on it, a few obscure covers on it, and we’re actually going to play a few of the songs live when we’re down there in San Diego this weekend. People can get a feel for what we’re doing now. Read the rest of this entry »

An Interview with Javier Colon

by: Casey Pukl

The title of this post really should’ve been “Javier Colon: Just As Rad As You Thought He Was On TV”. Not only can he sing, play guitar, and write incredibly moving songs, but he also has a great sense of humor and an overwhelming gratitude for where he is today. His latest album, Come Through For You, is receiving great reviews, and is a welcome progression for this acoustic soul singer/songwriter. This week, I had the chance to chat with him about his experience on the show, where his inspiration comes from, who he listens to, and his bromance with “The Voice” coach, Adam Levine.

CP: Tell me about how you found out about “The Voice”, and what that whole experience was like for you.

JC: I found out about it through my manager who got an email about the competition going on. And at first, I was like well, they’re not going to let me do that because I had a previous deal with Capitol Records, so I assumed I wouldn’t be eligible. But my manager inquired about it, and found out that I actually could do it, I just couldn’t have a current record deal, which I didn’t. So it took a little coaxing for me to want to do it, but I ended up thinking it would be a good thing for me to do it, so I went out for the audition, and here we are.

CP: It seemed like they gave you a lot of freedom to really do your own thing as an artist on the show as opposed to things like American Idol and some of the other singing competitions. Do you feel like you were really able to represent who you truly are as an artist on the show? Read the rest of this entry »

An Interview with Goapele

by: Casey Pukl 

It’s hard not to love Goapele— especially now that she’s back with her first new studio record in 6 years. Her latest release, Break of Dawn, finds the same Goapele that we all know and love all grown up. Read on to find out what she’s been up to, what inspired her latest record, and what she’s most looking forward to about coming home to Anthology!

CP: “Break of Dawn” is your latest record! Let’s talk about it!

G: Yes! I’ll definitely be doing some new material from the record with my band at Anthology! 

CP: Awesome! What inspired the record? I know it’s been a while!

G: I slowed down for a little while and started a family. I let the recording process be a little more organic. So it was about 5 years since the last album, and I just really wanted to put something that I really felt out there for listeners to hear. Some of it talks about some of my feelings and thoughts over the past couple years, and some of it drifts off into fantasy world and borrows other people’s stories. I wanted that to come across in the music. Music wise, I just wanted it to feel good and feel right. Read the rest of this entry »

An Interview with Chante Moore

by: Casey Pukl

Soulful R&B singer, Chante Moore, might not have a man in 2012, but she sure is fired up for her career. Recently off her split with Kenny Lattimore, Chante Moore is feeling energized and ready for a great year. I got the chance to catch up with her this week to talk about her upcoming show at Anthology on Sunday, the new album she’s working on, and what her plans are for the new year.

CP: You’re working on a new album right now, and I’m dying to talk about it! 

CM: (Laughs) I am! I’m going to do a couple of new songs from it on Sunday when I see you all. But the new album is still forming. There are still some more songs that I want to write to get the best of what’s inside of me, but I really am excited. There are things that I cannot talk about that I can sing about. That’s the most important thing to me. There’s so much that could be said that won’t be.

CP: Is this album more gospel, soul, jazz, everything?

CM: I think it’ll be more soulful than gospel for me. If there is anything that sounds gospely about it, it’ll be the lyrical content, but not necessarily the sound if that makes sense. I might write about something. To me, love is God, and God is love. When I have love with a man, it’s rooted in that and that respect and that value. It keeps that respect and value to me even if God gives me the love for the person I’m going to spend a life with.

CP: What inspired you to do this record? I know it’s been a little while since the last one. Did you take a bit of a break? Read the rest of this entry »

An Interview with Eddie Palmieri

by: Casey Pukl

Talking to Eddie Palmieri feels identical to listening to his music. This jovial and enthusiastic father of Latin Jazz is celebrating his 75th birthday with a bang this year (but if you ask him, he’ll tell you he’s started counting backwards). Fresh off the release of his first ever DVD show, this nine time Grammy Award winner shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon. Take a read, and see what he’ll be bringing to Anthology for the first time ever this weekend!

CP: I have to start off by wishing you a very happy birthday! I know this is a big year for you!

EP: Yes! I turned 25 again! (Laughs) I heard you’re supposed to start counting backwards.

CP: (Laughs) 25 is certainly a great age to be! Tell me a little bit about the anniversary DVD you just released! Read the rest of this entry »

An Interview with Teitur Lassen

by: Casey Pukl

When John Mayer talks about an album like this: “…it may be one of the best albums to come around in the last five years…Music like this is jet fuel on the fire of a broken heart. Even if you think the flame has died, there’s at least one lyric that’ll hit that last hot spot, and then you’ll find yourself as fucked as you were the day you lied and said you never wanted to see her again. Enjoy.” it’s tough not to take notice and do a little research. Meet Teitur— singer,songwriter, guitarist, producer, composer, and overall evil genius that continues to break and re-break every last piece of my heart.

Hailing from the Faroe Islands, Teitur has come a long way since he first opened for John Mayer. His latest record, Let the Dog Drive Home, is perhaps his most adventurous and charming to date. I had the opportunity to chat with Teitur about recording this latest effort, how he continues to challenge himself as a writer, and just what the heck that awesome monster noise is on his latest track, “Stormy Weather”. Read the rest of this entry »

An Interview with Steve Perry of the Cherry Poppin’ Daddies

by: Casey Pukl

It’s hard to find a person who doesn’t enjoy, “Zoot Suit Riot”. Seriously. Have you ever met a person that doesn’t hear that song and either sing along, dance, or both? The Cherry Poppin’ Daddies are now in their 23rd year as a group, and frontman, Steve Perry, is still as original and innovative as ever. From his dark and stirring lyrics to his unique blend of swing, ska, and rockabilly, there’s no telling what genre he’ll be venturing into next! I had the chance to chat with Steve about his upcoming show at Anthology on Sunday, as well as what inspires him, and what’s next for the Daddies!

CP: I saw on your blog that you’re currently working on a new album! Let’s dive right into that! Read the rest of this entry »

An Interview with Dave Revels of The Persuasions

by: Casey Pukl

50  years is one heck of a long time to imagine anyone doing any one thing. But legendary a cappella group, The Persuasions, is still at it! The group is currently celebrating their 50th Anniversary, and they’re bringing their signature soul-baring show to Anthology next week. Find out what they’ve been up to, what iconic artist’s material is next on their list, and how they choose their material in my candid chat with the groups producer/arranger, Dave Revels.

CP: When did you officially join the group?

DR: I officially joined the group in either 2008 or 2009, but I’ve actually been a part of it since 2002. In 2003, I produced and arranged the U2 album, “The Persuasions Sing U2”. And then I arranged and produced the latest album, “Knockin’ On Bob’s Door”. But I’ve also done some additional projects along the way. We’ve been working with J J Cale, and we did a few more Grateful Dead tracks. We released a couple of songs that didn’t make it onto the first album on the new release, “Might As Well.” But I guess full-time, I started performing with the group in 2008. Read the rest of this entry »