Paula Atherton Interview Page 4

Jazz Monthly: The other thing I noticed, Paula, is that on your flute solo, you weren’t just going 100 miles and hour in “park” so to speak, as some players might do. It was just a great solo and very pleasing.

PA: I’m glad you feel that way. I’m glad you like it. I try to take my time when I’m taking a solo and build something and make it make sense. Otherwise, what’s the point?

Jazz Monthly: I’m saying this jokingly, in listening to “Marimba Islands,” I almost felt like having one of those tropical drinks with the little paper umbrella in it (laugh)…

PA: I always feel like having one of those! (both laughing)

Jazz Monthly: And then of course, the second cut “ There Ain’t Nothin,” again Paula you took another fine solo… also very nice percussion on it to.

PA: Thank you. That song was actually written as a vocal song, and we did include the vocal version on the CD; so you get two versions of that particular song.

Jazz Monthly: That’s right. The final cut you have the vocal version, right?

PA: Yeah, I just wanted to make sure that it received airplay. Some play lists, in general… in this particular genre, play less vocals then instrumentals. A lot of times when I’m doing a vocal tune, I’ll do an instrumental version of it, unless I absolutely don’t want an instrumental version of it. Case in point would be “Send Down An Angel.”
The words were too important to me to do an instrumental of it.

Jazz Monthly: Yes, Yes… absolutely. You’re quite accurate. Did you ever write a song that started out as a vocal and you just thought that it would be better received or performed just to keep it instrumental?

PA: Yes, actually “Winds Of Change” is instrumental because the lyrics were just way too personal. I can’t release it like this… (laughing) it has to be an instrumental.

Jazz Monthly: You know on “Block Party” I loved the opening. It kind of reminded me of a cross between Santana and the band “War.” Eric Burton’s War. Remember?

PA: Yes.

Jazz Monthly: Just a great performance by all of you.

PA: Thank you. That song was a lot of fun. That was one of the tunes that was written right after “Whenever You Come Around.” That was written earlier on.

Jazz Monthly: Speaking of “Whenever You Come Around,” very expressive vocals by you and your background vocalist. In fact, you co-wrote “Whenever You Come Around.”

PA: Yes. Schuyler Deale’s on that song with me as far as songwriting credit goes. I really felt that he had an influence on the way the song came out.  He has writer’s credit also on that song.

Jazz Monthly: Let’s talk about “JB.” What a smokin’ groove on that one – right out of the gate! You know, Paula, when I listen to JB, I think of a smoky nightclub where you are just groovin’ with the band… you know what I mean?

PA: I hope you get that! (laughing) I listen to that song and it just makes me laugh because it’s very spirited, and the whole thing with the James Brown voice over is just…

Jazz Monthly: It’s just festive. It reminds me of how jazz clubs used to be. Greg Adams takes a hip muted trumpet solo on that and then you kind of piggyback on Greg’s trumpet solo… and then it really explodes! It’s just a great groove! As I said earlier, even traditional jazz purists will love this whole CD, because there’s just such great playing on it!

PA: I hope so, even though this is not a straight-ahead jazz CD, which I still do a lot of playing and singing in that genre. But, who doesn’t enjoy playing and singing the old standards… the wonderful writing?

Jazz Monthly: That’s how you got started, right?

PA: Absolutely. I still do gigs like that… duo and trio and things like that. “Groove With Me” is obviously not that, I hope that people that are more inclined to listen to that type of music will maybe give us a little listen. I think there might be something in here for them to like.

Jazz Monthly: There’s a lot in there. Don’t be so modest Paula. (both laughing) There’s a lot in this CD. Being surrounded by great musicians and being a great musician yourself Paula, you have to be pleased with this project.

PA: I’m very excited about it! You know, there were times I was thinking that it was never going to get done. (laughing) That it’s never coming out. You know, it’s hard putting something like this together and giving it its wings. We just started radio promotion. This is the third week and it’s going very well. I just started to do some station ID’s. I’m doing one for this station in Houston KPVU later today. I recorded an interview for City Sounds radio in the state of Washington yesterday. It’s a lot of work to get it out there, but, it’s a wonderful kind of work. You certainly don’t mind doing it when it’s for a project that you’re proud of.

Jazz Monthly: What’s on the horizon for Paula Atherton.

PA: We are hoping that this CD does well, that we can break into the radio and record charts and do well. We are hoping to put together some nice performance dates together and get out there and do some playing.

Jazz Monthly: And our readers can visit your web site at?

PA: I actually have two websites. My personal web site is: www.paulaatheron.com. And I have a my space page, which is: www.myspace.com/paulaatherton.

Jazz Monthly: Well it’s been a delight, and I urge our viewers to get this CD: “Groove With Me” by Paula Atherton. I mentioned earlier, she is surrounded by super stars of the business and… in many way I think you are a superstar!

PA: Well, thanks. Thank you very much! It’s really been a great interview! It’s wonderful to have an interviewer like you who’s also a musician and understands the music and can ask such insightful questions.

Jazz Monthly: God bless you. You already have a lot to be proud of. Paula Atherton… you are more than on your way. You are THERE… my friend.

PA: Thank you so much!

 

For More Information Visit www.paulaatherton.com

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