Judy Collins Interview: New Release –‘Judy Collins Live in Ireland’ from Dromoland Castle

By Ray Shasho

An Interview with the legendary Judy Collins:

Judy Collins, the award-winning singer and songwriter has been captivating audiences across the globe for over five decades. Collins would rather not dwell on past successes and glory because she tenaciously plans for what’s coming up next. Judy challenges herself daily by asking … did I practice today, have I written in my journals, have I written any new songs, when’s the next show? Collins remarks … “That’s who I am and the way I’m built.”

Judy Collins most recent endeavor is a much anticipated CD/DVD release on Cleopatra Records entitled …Judy Collins Live in Ireland. The show was recorded on September 29th 2013 at Dromoland Castle in County Clare, Ireland and was recently aired on PBS. The collection features many of Judy’s cherished hits along with her favorite Celtic folk songs and stories (Including duets with Irish singer Mary Black & NY singer-songwriter Ari Hest). The collection also spotlights Judy’s brand new composition … “New Moon Over The Hudson.” This amazing CD/DVD set is available to purchase now at amazon.com.

JUDY COLLINS became a prodigy of the piano and guitar before launching a prominent stretch at local clubs in Greenwich Village. In 1961, Collins recorded her debut album with Elektra Records entitled … Maid of Constant Sorrow. Collins primarily sang cover songs by artists like Tom Paxton, Phil Ochs and Bob Dylan. She also became known for introducing unknown artists to the public. She began recording songs by singer-songwriters Leonard Cohen, Eric Anderson, Randy Newman, Robin Williamson, Ian Tyson and Joni Mitchell to name a few.

In 1967, Collins released the critically-acclaimed Wildflowers (#5 on Billboard’s Pop Album Charts). The release spawned her first big hit “Both Sides, Now” (#8 on Billboard’s Hot 100) penned by Joni Mitchell. Judy won a Grammy Award in 1968 for Best Folk Performance. Collins also recorded Joni Mitchell’s “Chelsea Morning” released in 1969. Throughout the 60’s, Judy Collins was usually regarded as a folk singer, but she may also have been revered as a progressive rock pioneer. Collins scored commercially again with the Ian Tyson composition “Someday Soon” that same year.

The Judy Collins release Who Knows Where the Time Goes was her first album to feature guitarist Stephen Stills who she became romantically involved with. Judy became the inspiration behind the Stills penned classic “Suite: Judy Blue Eyes” which was performed at Woodstock in 1969 by Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young.
Collins became known for her own compositions throughout the 70’s, but also scored big hits with cover songs. Her awe-inspiring renditions of “Amazing Grace” (1970) and Stephen Sondheim’s "Send In The Clown’s" (1975 and 1977) became Top 20 Hit singles and proverbial classics.
Judy Collins profound vocalizations and musical perception are just a few reasons why she can brilliantly master any given musical genre.

Judy says … “I love it all, if it’s a good song, it’s for me.”

Collins is also an established author with nine published books to her credit and has a brand new book in the works and on the way soon.

Judy Collins performs live at the Capitol Theatre in Clearwater, Florida on April 11th at 7:30 p.m. Purchase tickets here or call 727-791-7400 for further information.

I had the rare pleasure of chatting with Judy Collins recently about her latest CD/DVD entitled Judy Collins Live in Ireland, the Greenwich Village days, rock and roll pals and so much more!
Here’s my recent interview with singer, songwriter and author JUDY COLLINS.
Ray Shasho: Hi Judy thank you for being on the call today. You’ve got quite an extensive tour beginning in Collingswood, New Jersey on March 22nd and you’ll be performing at the Capitol Theatre in Clearwater, Florida on April 11th.
Judy Collins: “Yea, my life is a tour so I just keep connecting the dots. I just did a PBS show called Judy Collins Live in Ireland. I was just in Boston last night doing the pictures for it and it will be all over the country. It was a wonderful show.”
Ray Shasho: You actually performed at a castle in Ireland?
Judy Collins: “It was a beautiful place, Dromoland Castle in County Clare and right at the right place at the right time and I loved it. The CD/DVD will be out on March 18th.”
Ray Shasho: Judy what were the Greenwich Village days like for you?
Judy Collins: “Very exciting. There was a lot of turbulence going on in the country. All kinds of wonderful artists and I lived here in New York. I lived in the Village for a few years and that was incredible … The Village Gate, Gerde’s Folk City, The Bitter End, Gaslight Café, and The Fat Black Pussycat swarming with singers, songwriters, talent, and just wonderful times.”
Ray Shasho: Who were some of the artists that you hung out with in Greenwich Village back in those exciting days?
Judy Collins: “The Village was filled with people of course, but there was Shel Silverstein, Bob Dylan, Ramblin’ Jack Elliott, Peter, Paul & Mary, Arlo Guthrie, Cisco Houston …they were all here! Dave Van Ronk, Tom Paxton … I sang a lot of Tom Paxton’s songs. It was just great, everybody came to the Village and a lot of us lived here.”
Ray Shasho: I always thought of your early musical styles as perhaps a prelude to Progressive Rock.
Judy Collins: “Yes it was. I did a lot of different kinds of music and made records that had a very folk rock feel. So yea, it was Progressive Rock I’m sure.”
Ray Shasho: I think “Chelsea Morning” was a good example. I hear similarities to Annie Haslam of Renaissance and also Sandy Denny of The Strawbs and Fairport Convention.
Judy Collins: “Yes indeed. Our orchestrations were unusual then, so I was on the Cutting Edge so to speak.”
Ray Shasho: Who were some of the rock bands that you spent time with in the 60’s? I know for a fact, Crosby, Stills & Nash … who else?
Judy Collins: “Guaranteed Crosby, Stills & Nash … I also spent a lot of time with The Doors and Al Kooper of Blood, Sweat & Tears, we were very good friends. I had a lot of fun getting to know them. In fact, Al Kooper is the one that called me in the middle of the night and put Joni Mitchell on and sang me “Both Sides Now” so that was a nice connection.”
Ray Shasho: “So Stephen Stills definitely wrote “Suite: Judy Blues Eyes” about you?
Judy Collins: “Sure was. He sang it to me in 1968 and then started recording it. It was very beautiful.”
Ray Shasho: I always liked how Stephen ended the song singing Spanish lyrics. I know he has Tampa roots but didn’t he spend time in various Latin American countries as well?
Judy Collins: “Yes, he had some South American life experience. Stephen and I are still friends after all these years … nice-nice.”
Ray Shasho: Judy, how important was it for you to score a hit with a song that you composed?
Judy Collins: “It wasn’t important to me. I didn’t write anything until Leonard Cohen asked me why I wasn’t writing anything. I didn’t have any excuse so I started writing. I just wrote a new song that is in the Irish show which is called “New Moon Over The Hudson” which seems to be taking off and people seem to like it a lot, and that makes me very happy. I wrote that three days before I went to Ireland in September last year. I’m always writing and have a lot of songs coming out.”
Ray Shasho: You’ve also had great success as an established author.
Judy Collins: “I’ve written nine books and have got another one coming along, but I can’t tell you what it’s about. You’ll just have to see when it comes out.”
Ray Shasho: What about plans musically … another studio album in the near future?
Judy Collins: “Always! I’m working on an album of duets with men singers. That’s just one of the things that I’m doing. Besides the Live in Ireland CD/DVD, there’s also a big collection from Cleopatra Records of all the songs that I’ve been writing and singing since about 1984-85, from a box-set of the most recent years. And there are many other things planned.”
Ray Shasho: You’ve sustained an amazing music career and fan base since your debut album … A Maid of Constant Sorrow in 1961. What do attribute your longevity to … especially with all the changes throughout the years in the music industry?
Judy Collins: “I like what I do, I’m passionate about what I do, and a good song is a good song. Media, methods and styles come and go, but if you love what you do … essentially it’s the first thing you want to think about … did I practice today, have I written in my journals, have I written any new songs, when’s the next show? That’s who I am and the way I’m built.”
Ray Shasho: I think the fact that you are open to sing various musical genres has a lot to do with your longevity as well …and just the fact that your voice can sing multiple genres.
Judy Collins: “I love it all, if it’s a good song, it’s for me.”
Ray Shasho: I think your rendition of “Send In The Clowns” is the best version of Stephen Sondheim’s composition, followed by Sinatra’s version in 1973. When did you first get the idea for recording the song?
Judy Collins: “I found it in 1972 and recorded it in ’73. It came out in 1974 and became a hit a couple of times in 1975 and ’77. It’s also something that continues to be played a lot.”
Ray Shasho: I don’t know how you can perform that song without shedding a few tears?
Judy Collins: “People say that. They find it very moving and I do too.”
Ray Shasho: Talk about the Judy Collins Wildflower Festival … is that an ongoing event?
Judy Collins: “Well, in a way, I did a CD/ DVD called the Wildflower Festival. I haven’t done festivals with the artists that are on the Wildflower Festival, but we did for PBS … Eric Anderson, Arlo Guthrie and Tom Rush. That was a great show.”
Ray Shasho: I chatted with Tom Rush back in November of 2012, he’s a great guy! Have you heard Tom’s “The Remember Song”?
Judy Collins: “Tom Rush is a wonderful artist, I’m crazy about him. In fact, “The Remember Song” is on Judy Collins Wildflower Festival. He sang it at Humphrey’s By the Bay In San Diego in 2003. That song has had millions of hits on You Tube. It’s a great song.”
“I also like when Tom sings “Galveston Flood” and “Panama Limited.”
Ray Shasho: Judy, you’re involved with so many important causes, is there one in particular you would like to talk about?
Judy Collins: “I’ve always done speaking engagements in the area of mental health … suicide prevention and alcoholism recovery. That’s what has remained steady for the past several years.”
Ray Shasho: Judy, here’s a question that I ask everyone that I interview. If you had a ‘Field of Dreams’ wish like the movie, to play, sing or collaborate with anyone from the past or present, who would that be?
Judy Collins: “I’ve performed with just about everybody that I’ve wanted to including Johnny Cash. I think I’m more interested in what’s coming around the corner. I am having fun doing some shows with Don Mclean and that’s been very satisfying. I’m having a good time doing our shows.”
Ray Shasho: Judy, thank you for being on the call today but more importantly for all the incredible music you’ve given us and continue to bring. We’ll see you at the Capitol Theatre in Clearwater on April 11th.
Judy Collins: “Thank you Ray.”

Judy Collins much anticipated release -Judy Collins Live in Ireland CD/DVD on Cleopatra Records is NOW available to purchase at amazon.com. -Recorded September 29th 2013 at Dromoland Castle for the PBS broadcast Live in Ireland.
DVD Track Listing: 1) Wild Mountain Thyme 2) Chelsea Morning 3) Grandaddy (featuring step dancer Emily Ellis) 4) New Moon Over The Hudson 5)Bird On A Wire 6) Cat’s In The Cradle 7) John Riley 8) She Moved Through The Fair (feat. Mary Black) 9) The Fire Plays (feat. Ari Hest) 10) How Are Things In Glocca Morra? 11) Danny Boy 12) Amazing Grace Bonus Tracks: Gypsy Rover, Barbara Allen, Innisfree Plus additional Interview Footage
CD Track Listing: 1)Wild Mountain Thyme 2)Chelsea Morning 3)Gypsy Rover 4)Grandaddy (featuring step dancer Emily Ellis)5) New Moon Over The Hudson 6)Cat’s In The Cradle 7) John Riley 8) She Moved Through The Fair (feat. Mary Black) 9) The Fire Plays (feat. Ari Hest) 10) Innisfree 11) Danny Boy

Judy Collins performs live at the Capitol Theatre in Clearwater, Florida on April 11th at 7:30 p.m. Purchase tickets here or call 727-791-7400 for further information.

Judy Collins the author on amazon.com
Judy Collins official website
Judy Collins on tour
Judy Collins on Facebook
Judy Collins on Twitter
Judy Collins on Myspace

Very special thanks to Billy James

Coming up NEXT … My recent interview with Ian Anderson of the legendary Jethro Tull

Contact classic rock music journalist Ray Shasho at rockraymond.shasho@gmail.com

Purchase Ray’s very special memoir called ‘Check the Gs’ -The True Story of an Eclectic American Family and Their Wacky Family Business … You’ll LIVE IT! Also available for download on NOOK or KINDLE edition for JUST .99 CENTS at amazon.com or barnesandnoble.com - Please support Ray by purchasing his book so he can continue to bring you quality classic rock music reporting.

...“Check the Gs is just a really cool story ... and it’s real. I’d like to see the kid on the front cover telling his story in a motion picture, TV sitcom or animated series. The characters in the story definitely jump out of the book and come to life. Very funny and scary moments throughout the story and I just love the way Ray timeline’s historical events during his lifetime. Ray’s love of rock music was evident throughout the book and it generates extra enthusiasm when I read his on-line classic rock music column on examiner.com. It’s a wonderful read for everyone!” …stillerb47@gmail.com


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Joe Bonsall Interview: The Oak Ridge Boys to Release Their Very First Live Album!

By Ray Shasho

An Interview with Joe Bonsall of The Oak Ridge Boys:

The legacy of The Oak Ridge Boys reaches way back to World War II. The original group was called the Oak Ridge Quartet and performed faithfully at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Tennessee. They quickly earned recognition as one of the top drawing Gospel groups in the U.S.A. The group managed to sustain a steady following of faithful fans and followers over the next several decades with numerous lineup variations.
In 1973, a new chapter to the Oak Ridge dynasty was written. The Oak Ridge Boys new lineup consisted of … Duane Allen (lead vocals), Joe Bonsall (tenor), William Lee Golden (baritone), and Richard Sterban (bass singer). The new Oak Ridge Boys would also cross-over musically into the realms of country, rock, and pop while preserving their traditional gospel roots. The 1973 legendary formation of The Oak Ridge Boys would eventually earn them status as “American icons.”

In 1977, The Oak Ridge Boys backed up Paul Simon in the studio on his classic hit “Slip Slidin’Away.” The group also recorded with George Jones, Brenda Lee, Johnny Cash, Roy Rogers, Billy Ray Cyrus, Bill Monroe, Ray Charles, and Shooter Jennings. ‘The Boys’ have also appeared before five presidents.

The Oak Ridge Boys incredible string of hit singles include … “Y’all Come Back Saloon,” “You’re The One,” “I’ll Be True to You,” “Cryin Again,” “Come On In,” “Sail Away,” “Dream On,” Leaving Louisiana in the Broad Daylight,” “Trying to Love Two Women,” “Heart of Mine,” “Beautiful You,” “Elvira,” “(I’m Settin’) Fancy Free,” “Bobbie Sue,” “I Wish You Could Have Turned My Head (And Left My Heart Alone), “American Made,” “Love Song,” “I Guess It Never Hurts to Hurt Sometimes,” “Everyday,” “Make My Life With You,” “Little Things,” “Touch a Hand, Make a Friend,” “Come On In (You Did the Best You Could Do),” “It Takes a Little Rain (To Make Love Grow),” “This Crazy Love,” “True Heart,” “Gonna Take a lot of River,” “An American Family,” and “No Matter How High”… to name a few.

The Oak Ridge Boys have spawned (12) gold, (3) platinum, and one double platinum album. They’ve also generated more than (12) Number One Hit singles and over (30) Top Ten Hits, including one double platinum single. The Oak Ridge Boys recently celebrated the sale of over (41) Million albums worldwide.
Their mega-hit “Elvia” (1981) penned by Dallas Frazier and sung by Joe Bonsall on lead vocals, became one of the group’s biggest hits and their signature song.

The Oak Ridge Boys celebrated their 40th anniversary in 2013 and today are stronger than ever. Their first live album ever entitled Boys Night Out will be released on Cleopatra Records April 15th on three different formats… CD, vinyl and digital download. ‘The Boys’ recently returned from sea on their annual Oak Ridge Boys Rally-at-Sea aboard the Celebrity Reflection with stops in San Juan, Puerto Rico; Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas; Philipsburg and St. Maarten. The Oak Ridge Boys are currently on the road in support of Boys Night Out.

Tenor Joe Bonsall is also an established author. He’s written a series of children books and several exciting novels including the commercially successful G.I. Joe & Lillie, An American Journey: A Look Back Over Thirty Years with The Oak Ridge Boys, and From My Perspective that includes a foreword by General Chuck Yeager.

I had the wonderful opportunity to interview Joe Bonsall recently while on the road in Laughlin, Nevada. We chatted about … Boys Night Out the new live album, Nashville, Joe’s latest book, The inception of “Elvira,” Phillies baseball… and so much more.
Here’s my interview with legendary Oak Ridge Boys Tenor and Author … JOE BONSALL.
Ray Shasho: Hello Joe!
Joe Bonsall: “Hi Ray, hold on, let me turn this music off here, I’ve got Rosanne Cash blaring on my iTunes today.”
Ray Shasho: That’s a good thing.
Joe Bonsall: “Yea man, she’s got a new album out that’s just great!”
Ray Shasho: So should I call you Joe or Ban-Joey?
Joe Bonsall: “You can call me either one, but I am Ban-Joey though … how did you know that?”
Ray Shasho: I dug deep. (Laughing) I’ve always thought the banjo was a difficult instrument to play.
Joe Bonsall: “I’ve never really played an instrument, I’ve always just sang. I play a little piano but not enough where I can say that I play. When I decided to take up the banjo, I didn’t realize that it would be so hard, if I knew that, I may not have even started it. I’ve been playing banjo for eleven years now and after all the years I should be better … but I can at least take it out of the case and make it sound like a banjo now (All laughing).”
Ray Shasho: Joe, do you still live in Nashville?
Joe Bonsall: “The Oak ridge Boys make their home in Hendersonville, Tennessee, right outside of Nashville, and I’ve lived there for the forty-one years that I’ve been with this group. I’m in Laughlin, Nevada right now and its eighty degrees, I should be feeling guilty. For the fourth or fifth time this year we’ve had a real-real winter in Nashville. We don’t usually get that kind of winter, but a lot of the country just got blasted … I guess its global warming Ray (All Laughing).”
Ray Shasho: My wife and I used to take the kids to Opryland USA Theme Park when they were young and we just loved it. I didn’t realize the park and other important landmarks were closed down primarily due to flooding. I chatted with Tony Joe White recently who actually wrote a song about the Nashville flood on his latest album.
Joe Bonsall: “The flood of several years ago flooded out downtown Nashville. It not only closed the Opry but flooded all the way above the stage and the dressing rooms. It was amazing! Everybody got damage from that flood. It was one of the worst floods in the history of the mid south. There was a big rain that came over and stayed, it did not go away. It was dropping seven to ten inches an hour. Every river, especially the mighty Cumberland River which goes right through Nashville, Tennessee flooded out big time. It created a lot of problems. They’ve got a big mall now where the Theme Park used to be … we call it the Grand Ole Shopry (All laughing).”
Ray Shasho: You and the rest of the group will be sailing out to sea soon for The Oak Ridge Boys Rally-at-Sea II.
Joe Bonsall: “We actually have a show in Key West the night before, and then we depart out of Miami for about seven days on the Celebrity Reflection. A bunch of fans and friends of The Oak Ridge Boys can all come out on the ocean with us for seven days … enjoy some islands, some concerts, and personal time. It’s only the second time we’ve ever done it and quite frankly it’s something I really enjoy doing … just really fun. I think it was a nice experience for the folks who came on the tour and it was good for us. I was reading USA Today the other day and they had the top ten brand new cruise ships on the water today and the Reflection was number one.”
Ray Shasho: So Joe how did a guy from Philly windup in a Country and Gospel group?
Joe Bonsall: “I was always musically inclined and loved singing since I was really little. Growing up in Philly … it was the Mecca of the early rock ‘n’ roll. I loved Elvis and all the Philly acts so being in the Philly Hall of Fame now just blows my mind, as a kid I loved the Philly sound. When I was in my early teens going to church, kids got a hold of me and started driving out to the suburbs of Philadelphia to listen to some of the great Southern Gospel groups. Loving Doo-Wop and the harmony like I did, I thought the power harmonies of these Gospel Quartets just blew my mind. I started charting a path in my life when I was fifteen years old that someday I was going to sing in a quartet like this. So I started my own little quartet in Philly when I was younger and it was a metamorphosis for sure, but to end up today being sixty-five years old and spent my whole life singing in a quartet … so I did what I wanted to do.”
Ray Shasho: Philadelphia is usually known for American Bandstand and Soul music, but the city has also been associated with some of the top Gospels singers in the world like … The Dixie Hummingbirds and Clara Ward ( Famous Ward singers).
Joe Bonsall: “You’re exactly right; a lot of great gospel music came out of Philly. I lived in Philly since I was nineteen years old. Since I lost my parents I don’t get up to Philly as much as I used too. I love the city and growing up there, it’s a melting pot for sure, and I wouldn’t change anything about growing up in Philly. My neighborhood was a little rough and that was good for me too, I learned how to either fight or run and I learned how to do both (All laughing).”
Ray Shasho: I know you’re a huge Philadelphia Phillies fan, have you ever done a fantasy camp with the team?
Joe Bonsall: “I did the ultimate fantasy camp; the Phillies let me hang in the dugout for three straight days. I went out there in a Phillies uniform and took ground balls and fly balls and just hung out with the team, and that was right after they won the World Series with Mike Schmidt, Pete Rose, Steve Carlton and all that bunch. I became friends with all those guys and they were all Oak Ridge Boys fans. The whole time we were out there taking batting practice, they were blasting “Elvira” over the speakers at the old Veterans stadium. The first piece that I ever wrote, that was published, was a piece called ‘Daydream’ in which I chronicled that event, and it was published in Country Music Magazine at that time. It was a great experience for me and I still love the Phillies.”
Ray Shasho: I also heard that you have nine cats …did you name each cat after a Phillies lineup?
Joe Bonsall: “No, my wife is actually in charge of naming the cats. I’m actually down to seven now. My wife and I are big cat people … I love my cats. Having cats leads to having more cats, and for some reason I think that’s how it happens. My wife Mary and I married in 1982 and we’ve always had cats around. They’re fun and unique in their personalities, traits, and the things they do and I really enjoy watching and studying them. I wrote a series of books on cats back in the early 90’s called Mollie the cat book series where I took the four cats that I had and made a story out of them. I made my little kitty Molly famous at the time; we lost her a couple of years ago. I still get mail from people who read Molly to their kids or grandkids.”
Ray Shasho: You’ve written numerous books as an established author … but I believe your most popular novel to date is GI Joe and Lillie.
Joe Bonsall: “It’s my best-selling book, it came out in 2003 and it still has legs. It’s a story based on the life of my parents. My father was there at D-Day on Utah Beach on the first day of the invasion on June 6th. He fought about fifty days and then got hit at St. Lo. He won a Silver and Bronze Star, a Purple Heart. My mother was in the Women’s Army Core, she was a (WAC).They met after the war and what I do in the book is follow her life growing up and his growing up, both of them and their war experiences, then them meeting and going on as a family. I wrote it as a third person. People that know that the writer is the son doesn’t really hurt the story any. Most people if they read the book and really don’t know me, at the end will realize that it’s the son that’s writing the story for the parents. For me it was a rare opportunity that very few of us ever get to honor our parents. They both rest in Arlington today. I think the story hit a lot of positive chords with people because so many people from that generation lived that same exact life.”

“Today at our show, General Chuck Yeager will be here. He’s 91 years old today. For the fourth consecutive year, he will be celebrating his birthday with The Oak Ridge Boys. He’ll be here with us tonight in Laughlin, Nevada. He’s an amazing human being. He was just in South Africa training young South African pilots to fly F-14’s.”
Ray Shasho: Joe, The Oak Ridge Boys recently signed with Cleopatra Records and are finally releasing a Live album on April 15th… what took you so long man?
Joe Bonsall: “You know that’s a real good question. Over all of these years, I can’t tell you how many fans and friends have asked us …when are you going to do a live album? I guess it never felt right to do it. A live album idea was always put on the shelf. We got the idea last year after our manager Jim Halsey started talking with Cleopatra Records. After we came up with the idea of a live album …they loved it! So what we did is take recording equipment out and started recording shows one after another and had some forty some songs in the can. We picked out the best twelve or thirteen, best ones and biggest hits. We tweaked and remixed them, then turned it in to the record company and they just loved the album. We’re all real happy with it … it came out just great!”

“The album will be released worldwide and even be available on vinyl. It could even start a series of live albums because believe me we’ve got the songs now. We’ve been listening to some great old classics that weren’t hits that people love. Songs like … “Dig A Little Deeper in the Well” for instance, it was never a single but it’s an Oak Ridge Boys song that everybody knows. So we’re trying to bring songs like that back on stage and record them live too. Who knows within the next year or so we could have a whole box set of live music, it could be an anthology like you will not believe. The album will be available on tax day April 15th, so if anyone has any money left, they can buy the album. We’ll be promoting it pretty heavily and hitting the road really hard this year.”
Ray Shasho: Everyone loves “Elvira” but my favorite Oak Ridge Boys tune is the group’s rendition of Wood Newton’s “Bobbie Sue” The Oak Ridge Boys definitely rock on that one.
Joe Bonsall: “Speaking of that …right after we turned this album over to Cleopatra, they came back to us and said we’re going to do a tribute album to The Allman Brothers, would you guys like to be a part of that. So we recorded “Ramblin’ Man” and our version rocks! We’re also staging it. We’re pinning people’s ears back with “Ramblin’ Man” right now.”
Ray Shasho: Did The Oak Ridge Boys back up Paul Simon on “Slip Slidin’ Away”?
Joe Bonsall: “We sure did. That was a great experience… we were starving to death yet we sang with Paul Simon. It really put some fire under us to get us through another year.”
Ray Shasho: Was it the Dallas Frazier version of “Elvira” that inspired the group to record it?
Joe Bonsall: “I had heard “Elvira” by Kenny Rogers and The First Edition; I also heard Rodney Crowell and was familiar with the old Dallas Frazier cut. When Ron Chancey our producer back then pitched the song, he played us the Dallas Frazier cut and I listened to it only one time. I knew if we were going to do it, we’d have to do it different. We’d need to feel it like we feel it. If you notice there’s some melody changes and a few things in there that aren’t like the other Elvira’s. But it was the Dallas Frazier cut that Ron Chancey pitched to us. Dallas is still around and still writing. We ran into him not too long ago. He wrote a couple of other songs for us …a gospel song called “The Baptism of Jesse Taylor” which was a big record and won us a Grammy. He also wrote a song that’s on our The Boys Are Back album called “You Ain’t Gonna Blow My House Down.”
Ray Shasho: Joe, here’s a question that I ask everyone that I interview. If you had a ‘Field of Dreams’ wish like the movie, to play, sing or collaborate with anyone from the past or present, who would that be?
Joe Bonsall: “There are so many people I already have collaborated with. I sung with our longtime friend George Jones on a record and then our history with Johnny Cash. I never knew Elvis like Richard (Richard Sterban) did, but I kind of feel like I knew Elvis because Richard spent a couple of years with him. I know all the stories and of course was a big Elvis fan. I sometimes envy Richard singing gospel songs around the piano with the Stamps Quartet and Elvis. I would have loved being around that circle and singing with Elvis.”

“To tell you the truth, I wish we could have done something with Bruce Springsteen. Springsteen is a real hero of mine …actually Springsteen or Bob Seger. Those two guys come to mind because I love that style of what they do and how they write. It would have been fun to collaborate with either or both of those guys.”
Ray Shasho: Joe, thank you for being on the call today but more importantly for all the incredible Oak Ridge Boys music you’ve given us and continue to bring.
Joe Bonsall: “I enjoyed talking with you Ray, and your personality, insight and preparation… thank you! I’m so proud to be with The Oak Ridge Boys, I joined the group in 1973 and I was 25 years old. I’m 65 today and my group is still out there. We’re singing good, we’re feeling good, and very blessed with good health.”

THE OAK RIDGE BOYS LIVE -BOYS NIGHT OUT (Track list) …1) You’re The One 2)American Made 3)(I’m Settin’) Fancy Free 4)Love Song 5)Y’all Come Back Saloon 6)Sail Away 7)Dream On 8)This Crazy Love 9)Trying To Love Two Women 10)Come On In 11)Make My Life With You 12)Thank God For Kids 13)Elvira 14) Bobbie Sue … Pre-order your copy here

The Oak Ridge Boys official website
The Oak Ridge Boys concert dates
Author Joe Bonsall on amazon
The Oak Ridge Boys on Facebook
The Oak Ridge Boys on Twitter
The Oak Ridge Boys on Myspace
Very special thanks to Billy James of Glass Onyon PR

Coming up NEXT … Interviews with Judy Collins and Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull

Contact classic rock music journalist Ray Shasho at rockraymond.shasho@gmail.com
Purchase Ray’s very special memoir called ‘Check the Gs’ -The True Story of an Eclectic American Family and Their Wacky Family Business … You’ll LIVE IT! Also available for download on NOOK or KINDLE edition for JUST .99 CENTS at amazon.com or barnesandnoble.com - Please support Ray by purchasing his book so he can continue to bring you quality classic rock music reporting.

“Check the Gs is just a really cool story ... and it’s real. I’d like to see the kid on the front cover telling his story in a motion picture, TV sitcom or animated series. The characters in the story definitely jump out of the book and come to life. Very funny and scary moments throughout the story and I just love the way Ray timeline’s historical events during his lifetime. Ray’s love of rock music was evident throughout the book and it generates extra enthusiasm when I read his on-line classic rock music column on examiner.com. It’s a wonderful read for everyone!” …stillerb47@gmail.com

© Copyright rayshasho.com. All Rights Reserved

Wayne Swinny Interview: SALIVA Rise Up with Vengeance on Brilliant New CD

By Ray Shasho

An Interview with Saliva guitarist Wayne Swinny:  

An exciting new chapter has been written in the Saliva saga that entails a sensational new singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, a brilliant new CD that may be their finest recording to date, a new record label, and the launch of a new tour. Saliva is back with rock ‘n’ roll vengeance!

SALIVA has been conquering audiences with their eclectic mix of rock, metal, grunge, rap, and hip-hop … ceremoniously labeled as nu metal or hard alternative …since the band’s inception in 1996. The Memphis based band released their self-titled debut album the following year under the Rocking Chair Records label. Saliva’s second studio album Every Six Seconds would not be released until 2001 but had catapulted the band into the mainstream while achieving commercial success. The album spawned the proverbial favorites … “Superstar,” “After Me,” “Click, Click Boom,” and “Your Disease.” Many of the songs were featured in such motion pictures as The Fast and the Furious and Dracula 2000. Saliva also financially benefited with their music by being featured in various video games and sporting events including Monster Jam and WrestleMania. Every Six Seconds also instituted the band’s relationship with Island Records.

In 2002, Saliva scored commercially again with their first single entitled “Always” from the Back into Your System album. The single reached #1 on the Modern Rock Tracks and became Saliva’s biggest hit to date. The track was also featured in the game Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock. The album also spawned the hit “Rest in Pieces” penned by James Michael & Nikki Sixx of Mötley Crüe and a third single “Raise Up.” Saliva was also chosen to support Kiss and Aerosmith on tour in 2003.

Survival of the Sickest (#20 on the Billboard 200) was the group’s fourth studio release in 2004. The album launched two singles …"Survival of the Sickest" and “Razor’s Edge.” The band continued to reap rewards for their music being included in video games and pay per view specials. Guitarist Chris D’ Abaldo parted ways with Saliva in 2005. Jonathan Montoya (Full Devil Jacket) eventually replaced him as the new rhythm guitarist.
Saliva released the single “Ladies and Gentlemen” in 2006 reaching #2 on the U.S. Mainstream Rock charts and became the band’s best- selling single. The single was followed-up with the album Blood Stained Love Story in 2007. The release sold 31,000 copies in its first week.

In 2010, Jonathan Montoya exited the band and Saliva announced it would continue as a four piece group.

In 2011, Saliva released Under Your Skin their seventh studio effort. It would also be their final studio album with longtime frontman Josie Scott. The album spawned the single “Nothing.”The track “Badass” co-written by Wayne Swinny was featured in the film Saw 3D.

SALIVA TODAY: Their back to rock basics line-up is … Bobby Amaru (lead vocals), Wayne Swinny (guitars), David Novotny (bass guitar) and Paul Crosby (drums/percussion). Their brand new single “Rise Up” is available to purchase at all digital stores. Rise Up …their incredible new CD on their new label… Rum Bum Records will be available to purchase on April 29th. Saliva is currently on tour and recently performed several dates in Florida.
I had the great privilege recently to chat extensively with original Saliva guitarist Wayne Swinny. Wayne and I chatted about Rise Up… their latest album and its lyrical meaning, new lead singer and songwriter Bobby Amaru, the departing of Josey Scott, touring with Kiss and Aerosmith, a rock and roll comeback, Football … and so much more!

Here’s my interview with lead guitarist and songwriter for ‘Saliva’ and die-hard Oakland Raiders fan…WAYNE SWINNY.
Ray Shasho: Hello Wayne, how you doing man?
Wayne Swinny: “Hi Ray, I’m all good, sorry about the mix-up, my daughter’s afternoon nap kind of screwed up my schedule (All laughing).”
Ray Shasho: That’s all right, how old is she?
Wayne Swinny: “Two and a half, she’ll be three this June. She’s a hoot right now; it’s really cool, something new every day almost. When you get time you’ve got to just get with your family, fast forward, and spend as much time together as you can. And thank God with iPhones you’ve got Face Time to try and see your family when you’re away. So it’s a little better than it used to be and don’t have to go to a pay phone (Laughing).”
Ray Shasho: So where are you calling from Wayne?
Wayne Swinny: “I’m in Gulfport, Mississippi, that’s where my daughter and wife live. I’m a Memphis boy who moved south in my later years. There are a lot of characters down here that make for some great stories. I did find that out in my years … I meet some unusual characters the more southern that I migrated. We’ll be performing in Memphis in a few days to rework the entire show. It’s going to be a completely new deal and our fans won’t have to worry about seeing us play the same thing they saw before, that’s for sure.”
Ray Shasho: Saliva’s new lead singer Bobby Amaru is terrific and such a great find.
Wayne Swinny: “He’s got a great voice and is an all around professional. The guy can write songs and is a great producer in the studio in his own right as well. But just having him in the band is an adrenaline boost … just getting new blood. With Bobby it’s great and he has respect for all the older Saliva music and he’s not coming in with an attitude. He actually enjoys doing the older material, so he’s the perfect balance. I tell everybody all the time that we hit the lottery when we found Bobby.”
Ray Shasho: Is Bobby also playing rhythm guitar in the band?
Wayne Swinny: “He hasn’t started playing live yet. We do some songs that include a medley of some of the slower songs and covers that we do, so I’ve been on him to grab an acoustic guitar and help me out on that. There are some songs that would be really cool for him to play, so I’m going to stay on him and see what happens with that.”
Ray Shasho: So what is Josey Scott doing nowadays, I heard that he was into Christian music?
Wayne Swinny: “The last I heard, that’s where he was headed. I’m not even sure if he’s still doing anything to be in the business that way. I just know that he got to the point where his family and personal life became more important to him than his musical life, and you’ve got to respect a guy for that. It works for some people and doesn’t work for others, if it wasn’t working for him than I think he made the right decision. It’s a good thing, it appears to be that he’s very happy and content now, and we got very lucky to keep going too, so it worked out for both parties involved, and we’re all very lucky to be where we are in life today.”
Ray Shasho: Wayne, who were some of the artists that got you interested in playing guitar and becoming a professional musician?
Wayne Swinny: “It’s a laundry list of all the classic rock guitar heroes… Angus Young, Randy Rhoads, Jimi Hendrix. Then you’ve got the metal guys … I was a huge early Judas Priest fan so Glenn Tipton and K .K. Downing … all the pre-modern era of metal. I was able to catch some of those guys live early on and made quite an impression on me. I tried to soak in everything, from early Kiss stuff to listening to Rush and Ted Nugent. I was a huge Michael Schenker fan of UFO. The way Michael Schenker played sort of spoke to me, just an awesome player. One of these days I’ve got to get on with Eddie Trunk on ‘That Metal Show,’ I swear, I could probably talk with him for an hour just about UFO. He’s the only guy that knows more Michael Schenker and UFO trivia than I do.”
Ray Shasho: Have you had any kind of formal musical training?
Wayne Swinny: “I didn’t, unless you could call when I was a kid; my father and his father before him were both song leaders in church. Our whole family sang at the church, so all that traditional music was either based on old classical songs or based on traditional blues and gospel. So man … what great knowledge! The ABC’s of rock which is blues and a little bit of classical thrown in to give you a little schoolin’. It was a great place to learn music and that was really the only formal training I had. If you put down sheet music in front of me, you might as well put down Russian dialogue and ask me to speak it, I’ve got nothing there.”

“Literally, when I got my first electric guitar and amp, it was the cheapest one they had. I also bought the Dressed to Kill album, and that is how I got started. So Ace Frehley taught me how to play guitar. I didn’t read music. For me it was the best way to learn. And from there I went to a Kiss concert, I think the ‘Love Gun Tour’ and there was this band from Australia opening up called AC/DC. And holy cow dude! So from Ace Frehley to Angus Young… it just exploded. Those two guys were amazing!”
Ray Shasho: It really is amazing how so many legendary musicians haven’t had any kind of formal training.
Wayne Swinny: “You are right, it’s amazing how many guys are not trained, but also intentionally did not seek musical training. I kind of wish I hadn’t had this philosophy because it would have been good to be able to read music at this point in the game. I intentionally refused to go back and learn it, even earlier on in my career. I felt if I had that regimented technical knowledge it was going to affect my improvisation or the way I naturally interpreted music. So I stayed away from it literally on purpose.”
Ray Shasho: The bands brand new CD… Rise Up will be officially released on April 29th. It opens up a whole new chapter for Saliva. There’s not a sleeper track on the album and I truly believe its Saliva’s best work to date! I’m giving the album (5) stars!
Wayne Swinny: “I have said that myself. The first album you do, you’re always kind of partial, like your date at the prom. But honestly, I had more fun doing this record and I actually listened to this record. I enjoy listening to this CD more than anyone we’ve ever made, and maybe because I felt more involved and hands-on with it.”
Ray Shasho: The music and lyrical content on Rise Up are extremely intelligent with a clear-cut agenda and definitely not a headbanging rock album.
Wayne Swinny: “We can credit Bobby for bringing in that fresh attitude in the songwriting aspect. I’ve got to hand it to the guy; he’s an all around great musician. He can play anything; he’s also a great drummer. He was a drummer for Burn Season back in early 2000 and can session drum with just about anybody. He can also pick up a guitar or a bass and lay down tracks on a record with no problem.”

“Bobby Huff was also quite an asset in the studio too. As a producer he didn’t over produce, he kind of let us by ourselves with Bobby Amaru. Being his first record with us, he knew there was sort of a growth process. I think we were actually able to give each song the time that it deserved in the writing process …so credit to both Bobby’s.”
Ray Shasho: Did Bobby Amaru write most of the lyrics on the new album?
Wayne Swinny: “He either wrote or co-wrote on a lot of the songs. I don’t think there was a single song that Bobby didn’t have his input on. There were several that he already had written before he got in the band. When we heard demos of them we thought they were really cool. So we kind of reworked them with the Saliva twist. Bobby was open to changing things up and making things work. It was the most enjoyable process that I’ve had in the business to date, and I think everybody in the band would say the same thing.”
Ray Shasho: There’s an obvious strategic message or theme to the new album. For instance, a few sample lyrics off the newly released single “Rise Up” … It's time we choose a side … It's time for do or die… Some things are worth the fight… It's time to set it off. Talk about the meaning and intention behind those powerful lyrics?
Wayne Swinny: “I think there are multiple levels to the message. It not only applies to us as a band, to rise up from the reformation of the band sort of speak, but it also speaks to the times right now. There’s so much turmoil in the world. You can either let it all get you down or you can take it and let it inspire you to rise to new heights. That’s kind of where we are as a band, as a country, and a world … we’re all kind of in that same spot too. If the message reaches one person, than it’s worth it, so hopefully we can reach a few people.”
Ray Shasho: Some other tracks on the new album … “She Can Sure Hide Crazy” features awesome guitar licks with Soundgarden overtones.
Wayne Swinny: “A little bit … I broke out the effects for that one and had to do a little whammy. I had fun doing that one.”
Ray Shasho: “No One But Me” was probably my favorite track.
Wayne Swinny: “Wow, no kidding? Thank you very much. I actually had a slightly different form of that music. We put out three records since I wrote that music and it just kept getting passed over. I threw it out there this time and Bobby Huff and Bobby Amaru took the idea and sat there right in front of me and turned it into the song that it is now. So kudos to those guys and Bobby for coming up with the whole direction of the song.”
Ray Shasho: Another track that I really enjoyed, and also think should be played on mainstream radio is “Redneck Freakshow.”
Wayne Swinny: “We had a thought that with all the reality TV that is happening, maybe eventually somebody might grab a hold of that and use it for a theme song.”
Ray Shasho: Talk about the meaning behind “1000 Eyes.”
Wayne Swinny: “That’s a good question. We had a friend of ours that’s a writer and does screenplays. One of his ideas was getting looked at for a zombie show on TV called The Walking Dead. He had a script that was being considered and wanted to get music for it. So literally … that quick, Bobby took the idea and ran with it. He came back with a song and we’re like, dude, that’s freaking amazing! We loved it and it made the record. We’re still hoping with all the undead stuff out there we’ll get usage in a show, a movie or something. So the song is from the point of view of the last guy that’s not a zombie …and he’s fighting his way through all the zombies.”
Ray Shasho: I think teens today are way too passive when it comes to issues affecting our country and the rest of the world. They’re not getting involved and I think Smartphone’s are probably partially responsible for that. My generation got involved and inspired because of the lyrical content in the music recorded by our favorite bands or artist …and then it became ‘us and them.’
Wayne Swinny: “We have these electronic pacifiers now. I love technology, don’t get me wrong, and I’m just as guilty of having a version of each kind … I have a tablet, iPhone, and all the other electronic pacifiers. So I am guilty, but I do feel like you may be right, it sort of keeps people from stepping out physically and doing something. You can blog or rant about it on your Instagram, Facebook or Twitter account all you want, but it actually takes getting out of your house and doing something to get it done sometimes. I think we are lacking a little bit of that, but as soon as we say that, somebody’s going to step out and prove us wrong.”

“I really don’t even remember my life before rock. I was around thirteen when I got a guitar. All I remember before that was riding my bike and going fishing and that’s really all the early memory I’ve got. So all of a sudden, when I found music is when my eyes became open. I became aware of not only music itself, but issues outside of music.”
Ray Shasho: The music industry definitely hasn’t been a factor for inspiring young minds nowadays.
Wayne Swinny: “My big soapbox is with American Idol and all these popular shows. Music is not a competition and it’s not a sport people! They’ve turned it into something that it’s not. But if people want to watch those shows, I won’t judge them. It’s kind of the sign of the times and they’re just trying to make it in this world and it’s a great jumpstart. To me, the experience more people should bring away from competitions are not who wins or loses, but it’s about meeting other musicians and expanding your horizons.”
Ray Shasho: A lot of the greatest musicians in the world were discovered in their garages.
Wayne Swinny: “That’s it. You got in your garage, turned it up as loud as you possibly could and attracted as many angry neighbors and teenage friends as you could. That’s how I did it!”
Ray Shasho: Can rock music make a comeback in the mainstream?
Wayne Swinny: “As far as the cycle goes we’re at six o’clock right now. I think it’s working its way back around the cycle. As long as there are still a handful of us out there still rockin’ it will survive. It may be in a little bit different shape or form, but if the idea, the feeling, and the emotion of it survive … it will live on!”
Ray Shasho: You’re right, we may be in one of those cycles. Between Elvis and the Beatles there was a cycle, and during the disco era there was another cycle. Today’s mainstream radio is reminiscent to the disco phase.
Wayne Swinny: “Right, we are kind of in that phase right now. I’ve had that same thought myself. I was a kid, and I remember slapping a ‘Disco Sucks!’ bumper sticker on my mom’s car. She got really mad when she found out, but I had to do it to support rock. (All Laughing) But it also seems that people are listening to a much wider range of music. So you have to catch people when they are in that rock mood and give them something to hold on to.”
Ray Shasho: One of the financial advantages to modern technology is that you can collect music royalties from video games.
Wayne Swinny: “Absolutely! We pay a lot of bills with video games and movie soundtracks. I remember seeing a comment from one of the fans that said, “Hey man, can’t you write anything that doesn’t have anything to do with sports or wrestling? (All laughing) But I am a big sports guy! I wake-up every morning and watch ‘Mike & Mike’… that’s a big part in my everyday routine.”
Ray Shasho: Wayne, are you a Tennessee Titans fan?
Wayne Swinny: “I’m not an anti-Titans fan, because I am a Tennessee boy. I was an Oakland Raiders fan way before the Titans were even a franchise. I’ve got two Raiders Tats. And I’m talking from back in the day when “The Snake” Ken Stabler was there. Kenny Stabler was the guy I wanted to be when I was a kid. He was like the rock and roll quarterback of all-time. Kenny Stabler and Fred Biletnikoff were probably the reason I grew my hair long in high school.”
Ray Shasho: In 2003, Saliva supported Kiss and Aerosmith on tour … what was that like?
Wayne Swinny: “Crazy and most surreal time of my life. It’s insane to even think about it now. I had to wake up every day and pinch myself on that tour. Joe Perry was just too cool for me at first. Aerosmith had a reputation and they lived up to it for being a little out of it. Every single night, just because the way the stage was laid out, Gene Simmons setlist would be out there every night on the stage, and I don’t recall a night where I didn’t rip his setlist completely to shreds. It was right where my effects board was and my backup mike and close to his too. It would strike all of his stuff, but his setlist would be taped down. So right where I planted my left foot every night was usually at the Kiss setlist. As soon as I did a turn or spin it would just tear to shreds. I was always terrified that Gene was going to get mad because when they were in their garb he was like twelve feet tall and they were quite imposing figures. He was my first rock idol. Luckily, Gene was very cool and he laughed it off. He always had a stack of extra setlists on hand. It was never intentional, I wanted to make sure he knew that, and it wasn’t me thumbing my nose at the man or anything like that (All laughing).”
Ray Shasho: Wayne, here’s a question that I ask everyone that I interview. If you had a ‘Field of Dreams’ wish like the movie, to play, sing or collaborate with anyone from the past or present, who would that be?
…And it can’t be Kenny Stabler; it has to be a musician. (All Laughing)
Wayne Swinny: “If I built a band on stage … “I’d like to hangout one night with Bon Scott, write some music, and just see what that was like. That guy was crazy! He would have been fun to be in a band with. As far as drummers, I would have to say John Bonham… Are you kidding me? John Paul Jones on bass, he did some really cool and innovative stuff. He could play progressive and play straightforward rock songs too. If we started adding guitar players, that would be a crowded stage … Angus Young, Jimmy Page, Joe Perry …and the list goes on and on …all the guys that laid the foundation for where we are now.”

“The most star struck I’ve ever been in my entire life was a surprised meeting. We were staying on Sunset Boulevard and I’m out walking the halls on my cell phone and I come back around the corner toward my room. Coming out of the room across the hall from ours was Little Richard. He had the two biggest bodyguards I’ve ever seen in my life. When I saw him I literally dropped my cell phone and I know my jaw went wide open and I started pointing and saying … You! You! I was just in shock. And he had the biggest grin from ear to ear and motioned for me to come over. He gave me a big hug and handed me three of his prayer books. Maybe he took one look at me and said one of these isn’t going to be enough. It was the greatest rock star moment of my life.”
Ray Shasho: Wayne, thank you for being on the call today but more importantly for all the incredible music you’ve given us with Saliva and continue to bring.
Wayne Swinny: “Alright man …thank you brother!”

Saliva’s new single … “Rise Up” is now available to purchase on iTunes and amazon.com
Saliva’s incredible new CD also entitled … Rise Up will be released April 29th via Rum Bum Records.
Rum Bum Records official website www.rumbumrecords.com
Saliva official website Saliva on tour
Saliva on Facebook
Saliva on Twitter
Saliva on Myspace
Very special thanks to Chip Ruggieri of Chipster PR

Coming UP … My interview with singer Joe Bonsall of The Oak Ridge Boys, the legendary Judy Collins, Jesse Colin Young, and Travis Barker of Blink-182
Contact classic rock music journalist Ray Shasho at rockraymond.shasho@gmail.com


Purchase Ray’s very special memoir called ‘Check the Gs’ -The True Story of an Eclectic American Family and Their Wacky Family Business … You’ll LIVE IT! Also available for download on NOOK or KINDLE edition for JUST .99 CENTS at amazon.com or barnesandnoble.com - Please support Ray by purchasing his book so he can continue to bring you quality classic rock music reporting.

“Check the Gs is just a really cool story ... and it’s real. I’d like to see the kid on the front cover telling his story in a motion picture, TV sitcom or animated series. The characters in the story definitely jump out of the book and come to life. Very funny and scary moments throughout the story and I just love the way Ray timeline’s historical events during his lifetime. Ray’s love of rock music was evident throughout the book and it generates extra enthusiasm when I read his on-line classic rock music column on examiner.com. It’s a wonderful read for everyone!” …stillerb47@gmail.com

© Copyright rayshasho.com. All Rights Reserved