Anthology: Behind the Scenes

An Interview with Dave Mason

by: Casey Pukl

Being an oldies radio junkie, Dave Mason’s music has long been a part of my life. I can still remember singing “Feelin’ Alright” in my dad’s truck, and later cursing his name in college as I tried to transcribe the guitar part in “We Just Disagree” (more on this toward the end of the interview). Mason is an icon in rock music. He’s a founding member of the band Traffic with Steve Winwood, an incredible guitar player (who doesn’t read music), and one heck of a hit-maker. I was fortunate to have the chance to speak with him this morning to discuss his recent happenings including his new acoustic set, how he’s adapting to changes in the music industry, and the charity he’s help found that assists veterans.

CP: What have you been up in to 2011?

DM: I’ve mostly been touring this year with the band. Towards the end of the year, I started touring this acoustic show with my guitar player, Johnne Sambataro. It’s been really fun to do, and I thought it would be cool to switch it up and do something new.

CP: Have you been recording and writing at all this year?

DM: I’m always doing something. I’m always playing around in my home studio now, but I don’t think I’ll ever release another record— not with the way the industry is right now anyway. But I’ll be releasing stuff through my website. We’re redoing the site right now, and I’ll be adding some new things as we go.

CP: You hit right where I was headed. I’ve been talking to so many artists lately who have been in this business for decades about how technology has changed the way they conduct business and record.

DM: It’s not the technology so much as it is the lack of radio. There’s nowhere to promote and get the airtime. There are no more national radio formats. The internet just gives you another way to access the information. Well, I guess it also allows… well… to be quite frank, it allows mass theft, really. But the radio problem is the weakest link in the whole thing right now. 

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An Interview with Scars on 45

by: Casey Pukl

It’s hard to believe some of the stories that come out of the mouths of the members of indie rock powerhouse Scars on 45. Their journey is one that will leave you laughing, scratching your head, and wishing you had the same luck and raw talent. I had the pleasure of sitting down with the band when they came to play Jingle Ball last week, and I couldn’t be more excited for their return in February. Not only is the band super talented, but they’re also five of the most funny and friendly people I’ve ever encountered. Sitting down to chat with them felt like having Christmas dinner with a big family. There was a lot of love, laughs, and more than a few wise cracks. Sit back, fire up the video, and get to know the band.

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An Interview with Dan Kuramoto of Hiroshima

by: Casey Pukl

As we covered in yesterday’s interview with Frank London of The Klezmatics, these are challenging times for many artists, and particularly those in alternative genres. It can be especially challenging to navigate these changes for those who have been in the business since long before the days of the internet, social media, and digital downloads.

I had the opportunity to speak with Dan Kuramoto of Hiroshima this week about how the legendary group has been embracing the changes, and using them to create a deeper connection with their loyal following. The group’s latest release, Departure, is due out next month, and couldn’t be titled any more appropriately. Not only has the group parted ways with their label, but musically the album is also going to be a departure from many of their previous releases. Read on to hear about Dan’s plans for their “Hiroshima Community”, what you can expect to see at their holiday show here next week, and what’s in store for the next 30 years of Hiroshima!

CP: Hiroshima seems to have had a pretty incredible ride lately. Tell me a little bit about what you all have been up to since leaving your record label.

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An Interview with Frank London of The Klezmatics

by: Casey Pukl

This has been an incredibly interesting and thought provoking week of interviews for me, and I hope it is for all of you loyal blog readers out there as well. I don’t usually do this, but I’m going to give you a short preview of what’s coming up tomorrow and Friday so you can get excited!

I kicked off the week interviewing one of my favorite break out bands of 2011, Scars on 45 after their sound check for Star94’s Jingle Ball show on Monday night. These guys (and gal) are quickly gaining momentum for their debut album in true millennium fashion— through television placements of their songs and the internet.

Then I went on to interview the legendary leader of Hiroshima, Dan Kuramoto, about the band’s recent decision to leave their record label and go indie. We discussed some of their changes in marketing strategy, the difficulties of crossing genres, and their quest to build an online community that’s about more than selling their music.

Following that lively discussion, I spoke with the focus of today’s post— Frank London of The Klezmatics. The Klezmatics are celebrating their 25^th anniversary as a group this year, and have released their 10^th album, a two-CD set titled Live at Town Hall. The group was also recently the subject of documentary film, The Klezmatics: On Holy Ground. It’s been a wild ride for the internationally renowned, Grammy award winning proponents of Jewish roots music, and watching the industry change over the years has sometimes been a rocky road to navigate. Keep reading to find out how the group has adapted to industry changes, London’s feelings about the documentary, and what fans can look forward to for the future. Read the rest of this entry »

An Interview With The Dazz Band

by: Casey Pukl

I don’t think words can adequately express the level of excitement I feel about today’s blog. I think I’ll just have to open with this video to set the mood.

In a word, the Dazz Band is awesome. Yup, I said it. They’ve been groovin’ since the late 1970’s, and landed their biggest hits with Motown in the mid 1980’s. Throughout the years, the band has continued to record and extensively tour, bringing their danceable jazz around the world. This month, the band is bringing their show to Anthology, and we couldn’t be more excited. I got the chance to speak with these fantastic guys yesterday morning about what they’ve been up to, who they’re listening to these days, and if there’s a new record in the works!

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An Interview with Sophie Milman

by: Casey Pukl

Growing up in communist Russia and then moving to Israel, Sophie Milman didn’t grow up with much— except for her father’s record collection. Milman credits that record collection for being the “glue” that held her family together. I think at this point, we’re all thankful for that collection, because without it, we might not have one of the greatest jazz vocalists of our time.

The 28 year-old international sensation has been touring the world’s most prestigious venues and receiving critical acclaim from end to end of the globe since she was barely out of high school. She has even earned a Juno Award. Her latest album, In the Moonlight, is one of her greatest to date. Showcasing her incredible maturity, sultry voice, and a fantastic collection of songs, the record is a true reflection of where Milman is at this point in her life. Fortunately I had the opportunity to speak with her this morning and discuss her record, vocal health, and how she’s grown.

CP: Tell me a little bit about this latest record. I’m in love with the cover of, “So Sorry” that is on there! Read the rest of this entry »

An Interview with Louis Prima Jr.

by: Casey Pukl

If I had a dollar for every time I heard someone either deny that they’re anything like their parents or wish that they weren’t, I’d own a lot of Manolo’s and Seat Belt Bags. What can I say? I’m weak. But I can’t say that I’d be getting a dime from Louis Prima Jr. The son of the legendary, “Swing King,” has been touring the country bringing his father’s music back to the forefront with a bit of an edge. I got the opportunity to talk to him today about this freshly finished debut record, his incredibly talented sons (we knew the genes were good, so no surprise there), and just what it means to him to perform his father’s music.

CP: You started out playing rock and roll in a pretty successful band before you took a break. What inspired you to come back to the music industry and plau your father’s music?

LPJ: You know, every young person wants to do what’s popular. I love rock, I’ll always love it, and at the time it was just what I was into. But rock got a little depressing, grunge started, and I just felt a certain level of frustration with the music business in general. I took a break, but I came back. It’s my first love. I loved my father’s music forever, and it just felt right to come back and perform it.

CP: I know that you’ve commented previously that you didn’t want hired guns as your band when you started this project. Has it taken a while to get a steady band together? Read the rest of this entry »

An Interview with Beverly McClellan

by: Casey Pukl

There are just some people in the world that are easy to talk to. They’re open, honest, and confident in who they are and what they put out into the universe. That’s Beverly McClellan, and after our interview, I’m pretty sure we’re BFF’s. No, seriously. She’s that fun to talk to! Widely known for her time on NBC’s show, “The Voice,” McClellan quickly captivated audiences with her soul-shaking vocals, honest sense of humor, and energetic performances. With twenty years of experience under her belt in the South Florida music scene, McClellan gained the exposure she needed to take her already successful career to the next level.

I was fortunate enough to speak with Beverly this morning. I had all intentions of asking her a ton of questions, but instead, we wound up having a great conversation about everything from her recent writing session with Keb’ Mo’ to her tattoos, her discovery of Nina Simone, and her love affair with her van.

Oh, and then there’s her latest record that drops NEXT WEEK! Fear Nothing is the sixth release for McClellan, and she couldn’t be more excited for everyone to have a copy.

CP: I want to thank you so much for taking the time to talk to me this morning. I was a huge fan of yours on the show, and I’m so looking forward to your latest record.  Read the rest of this entry »

An Interview with Booker T. Jones

by: Casey Pukl

Booker T. Jones. What’s the first thing we think of when we hear that name?

A. “Green Onions”
B. B3 Hammond Organ
C. Stax
D. Booker T & the MG’s
E. Grammy Award winner
F. Musical Genius

Or there’s always G. All of the Above.

Booker T is a living legend. He’s credited with pioneering the modern rock organ. That tone you hear on every late night show? Guess who that’s inspired by? Nord Keyboards— who do they ask to review their latest keyboards? It’s a little overwhelming to prepare to interview him. I’m not going to lie— I’ve been stressing this week— a lot. Where do you even begin to talk about a career than spans half of a century and includes dozens of #1’s, countless accolades, ridiculous collaborations, and more? What can you ask the person who inspired the sound you personally aim for every time you sit down at a keyboard?

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An Interview With Boney James

by: Casey Pukl

I’m always honored to interview the incredible artists that play here at Anthology. Boney James is no exception. With over three million copies of his twelve albums sold, four certified Gold albums, three Grammy nominations, a Soul Train Award, and an NAACP award nomination, James has plenty to be proud of.

His latest release, Contact, has been nominated for a Soul Train Award, and has also received much critical acclaim. The album covers new ground for James, who is constantly striving to innovate and span across genres. Fortunately for me, I had the opportunity to talk to Boney James about his latest record, his evolution as an artist, and what we can look forward to seeing when he comes to Anthology at the end of the month!

CP: I want to start out by congratulating you on our Soul Train Award nomination for Contact!

BJ: Oh, thank you! Yeah, it’s pretty cool. I’m really excited about it!

CP: Tell me a little bit about this record and how it came about.

BJ: Sure. This record is a real departure from the last one. The last one was more of a late night record with a lot of covers on it, you know, it had that slower vibe. I really tried to give this record a new energy. There’s a lot of up-tempo stuff on it, a lot of vocal tunes, it’s really got a different vibe. I always try to reach across genres, that’s where the name Contact comes from in a lot of ways. It started out being like the roar of a plane and that electrical contact, but it later became about people connecting.

CP: Speaking of people connecting, you featured a lot of great R&B singers on this record. How did that come about?

BJ: I started writing the songs for the record, and you know, sometimes the horn just doesn’t sound right. Sometimes the melody was made for a voice and not the horn. So I started writing lyrics, and then trying to match a voice to it.

CP: Did you have any particular artists in mind as you were writing, or did that come later? Read the rest of this entry »