New Orleans band Tuba Skinny are currently in Australia, hitting the road in support of their latest record Owl Call Blues. Our very own Simon Clark had a brief chat with the talented group to discuss the album, the tour and life in New Orleans.
What was the inspiration behind new album Owl Call Blues?
We had a changing year, including the addition of a few new players to the band and Owl Call Blues represents those changes. Owl Call Blues is a song that we wrote during that time.
How did Tuba Skinny come about?
We had all been traveling independently of each other and met on the streets of New Orleans, all with a desire to learn and play music with friends.
What was it that drew you to New Orleans and your particular style of music?
I think we all came to New Orleans with the feeling that it was a special and unique culture, intact with a vibrant music tradition. There were people around us learning and reviving the old traditional songs and we found that we were able to pick up on them, and that they were fun and easy find a place in.
Who do you consider to be your main influences?
There are so many, old and new. We are so lucky to live where we do and be surrounded by so many great musicians. Seems like every year new folks emerge and have something exciting and fresh to bring to our music scene. Some of the old influences include Jellyroll Morton, Bessie Smith, Louis Armstrong, Merline Johnson, Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Kansas City Joe McCoy, and the list goes on……
How do you decide which “long-lost” songs to revive and record?
It’s a very natural, organic process. We listen to a lot of music and listen to a lot of people play music so the inspiration can really strike from anywhere. There is no real process.
You recorded your previous album Pyramid Strut in Tasmania, how did that come about? And how did you find the experience?
We were lucky enough to be presented with the opportunity to record with Chris Townend at his place, White Light on the Mountain, out in the Tasmanian jungle. We spent a few days there, and overall it was a great experience. A beautiful and inspiring environment and Chris was a pleasure to work with.
Your last tour of Australia was a great success, how did you find the tour?
We had a great time. The audiences here were fun and extremely appreciative, and we were made to feel very welcome. There were lots of memorable moments from that tour.
What are you most looking forward to about your upcoming Australian tour?
Exploring new territory. We are currently touring around Western Australia, seeing new sites and crowds. But we are excited to revisit some of the places we’ve played in the past.
How would you describe a Tuba Skinny live show?
The first thing that comes to mind is “no frills”, meaning that we are there for the music and hope to convey the emotion and dynamics of the songs we are playing. And we hope that people are as moved by the music as we are. We hope they will be moved to dance!
What’s next for the band?
After a month here in Australia we will return to New Orleans and continue playing there, and we plan to do some small intermittent tours around the US in the following months.
—————————-
Tuba Skinny 2014 Australia Tour Dates:
Friday October 3 – Mullumbimby Civic Hall, NSW
Saturday October 4 – The Zoo, Brisbane, QLD
Sunday October 5 – Caloundra Music Festival, QLD
Monday October 6 – Caloundra Music Festival, QLD
Thursday October 9 – The Heritage Hotel, Bulli, NSW
Friday October 10 – Gearin Hotel, Katoomba, NSW
Saturday October 11 – The Basement, Sydney, NSW
Sunday October 12 – The Basement, Sydney, NSW
Wednesday October 15 – The Republic Bar, Hobart. TAS – NEW SHOW
Thursday October 16 – Theatre Royal, Castlemaine, NSW
Friday October 17 – Melbourne Festival, Vic
Saturday October 18 – Melbourne Festival, Vic
Sunday October 19 – Melbourne Festival, Vic
———-
