Jonah Tolchin CD Release Show Interview – 6/25 at Passim
The first thing that hit me when I heard Jonah Tolchin was that voice. It is a voice unlike any other singer-songwriter I have ever heard and it hit me like a ton of bricks. Then I heard his guitar playing and I thought “man, this just isn’t fair”. Jonah also happens to be as sweet of a guy as they come and a real dedicated song craftsman. Those songs will be on full display at his Cambridge CD release for his new record “Clover Lane” this coming Wednesday (6/25) at Passim. I can tell you that this is a show not to be missed, but I’ll let Jonah fill in the rest for you in his interview below…check it out!
1) So you have a new record titled “Clover Lane” out. Your music has always been a bit rooted in the blues/folk tradition. You are a heck of a guitar player and that stands out in your playing pretty frequently. What can people expect from this release sonically? How does it differ from your previous releases?
JT: This record was recorded almost entirely live using a variety of instruments and players. Acoustic guitar, electric guitar(s), upright bass, baritone saxophone, 12 string mandolin, rhodes keyboard, bass harmonica, etc. We had a lot of toys to play with at Farmland Recording Studios in Nashville, TN! The songwriting on the record is pretty eclectic. On the airplane from Boston to Nashville I was listening to “Let it Bleed” by the Stones. My producer Marvin Etzioni and I decided to go with that philosophy. Everything was tracked in one room w. live vocals (yes, drums too!). The post-production wizards were Sheldon Gomberg (Mixing) and Bernie Grundman (Mastering). The sounds we achieved are very rich and lush. I’m proud to share this album with the world via Yep Roc Records.
2) The release show is at Club Passim, which has so much historical significance and holds a special place in so many folks hearts here in the Cambridge music community. Do you have any special connection to Passim? Any moments from the past that really stand out to you from there?
JT: The most memorable experience that I’ve had at Passim was the Brown Bird benefit concert put together by my friend Ian Fitzgerald (a true gentlemen).
3) Tell us about your friends joining you for the release show at Club Passim!
JT: I will be on tour with Christopher Paul Stelling starting today (6-20-14) through the month of June. He is a true force of nature. It’s hard not to walk away from a CPS show without feeling energetically charged.
Ian Fitzgerald and I first met at The Mediator Stage open mic in Providence, RI. I was completely blown away by has calm but tremendous stage presence and songwriting. As I was watching the him play, I felt like Alan Lomax discovering a legend of the Delta. Ian Fitzgerald, Leonard Cohen, Bob Dylan, John Prine. All the same caliber.
Brendan Hogan and I first met a long time ago in Nashua, NH at Studio 99. We share a similar taste in music, and always have a new record to talk about. Last time it was Live at The Old Quarter by Townes Van Zandt. Brendan is a great songwriter and performer. I’m really looking forward to sharing the stage was these fine gents on June 25th!!!
4) For those folks that don’t know you that well, what is something that we should know about Jonah Tolchin, aside from the song writing, countryside rambling man?What else do you do in your free time? (not that you have much with how busy you are!)
JT: Meditate. Contemplate the universe. Spend time with my fiancee, Blue. Read & Write. Watch True Detective + Game Of Thrones.
5) You also have had your name as producer on a few projects of friends. Who do you think people should be taking note of in the independent music scene that they may not know about?
JT: Julie Rhodes voice is going to be playing from every car stereo, laptop speaker, turn table, and gramophone in the world in less than 5 years. We are going into the studio late Feb 2015.
Haunt The House (Will Houlihan), is one of the purest spirits I have ever met. His voice and songs dissolve the illusions of reality and leave you metaphysically naked and alive (and sometimes physically naked as well).
Will Kindler is a son of a gun. That rascal has been tearing up the Gun Clubs, Bars, and Listening Rooms for the last several years. He needs to be heard by the world, and I’m confident he will be.
6) Plug away anything else you have coming up!
JT: Thanks for having me and readers for reading. Please go to www.jonahtolchin.com to see when we will be playing live near you!
Ticket link is here:
