Interview: Scott Moore of 23 String Band

37 FLOOD EXCLUSIVE: John King talks to Scott Moore about playing the fiddle with 23 string band, Wax Fang, Saredren Wells & Arnett Hollow, as well as new Albums, collaborations, and Zebras. 

John: Are You there?

Scott: yessir

John: my niece got online to look at animals, and it kicked me off line for a second...

Scott: haha it happens. is this a good time?

John: well, she is mad because she has a report on zebras to work on, but I told her that I am bigger than her and that she will have to wait..

But, I told her this shouldn't take too long, although she is puppy dog eyeing Me right now..

Scott: Ha! Thanks for doing this.

John: Thank you so much for Taking with Me!

Scott: Right On! What do You want to talk about? I was just reading the comments from that last post. hopefully nobody goes off on you this time! Nice to see positive feedback about the band though. we had a great show the other night.

John: i've never had as many readers comment on show announcements as they do for 23 string! they love you guys! i know you have your hand (or bow) in a lot of pies..

let's hear about 23 string band. how long have you been playing with them?

Scott: I've been playing with the 23 String Band for a little over two years now -- since summer 2008.

I do have my hand in a lot of pies, but right now this is the sweetest and biggest of the pies...

John: Good news then! How much of the creative process are you invloved in with them?

Scott: You know, one of the great things about this band is how well everyone gets along, personally but also musically and creatively. It's really a 100% group effort, whether you're talking about writing songs, coming up with arrangements, booking shows, posting flyers, or whatever. I'd say I have a pretty strong role in the band's creative process -- I write songs, contribute to arrangements, and do a lot of the booking and business stuff; but everybody has an equal stake, which is cool.

 I am working on a couple of tunes right now that I think have some real potential. Curtis and I have a songwriting team thing going on that's pretty cool.

  

John: Which is rare in music, it seems most bands have trouble getting members to stay involved or help out in the managment side.. i know i have had  that problem..

Scott: Yeah, I can't say enough how great it is to be in a band with my best friends, and both of those things stay steady.

John: It's a combo you don't find everyday.. How long has the band been together?

Scott: The band has been around with its current instrumentation (fiddle, banjo, mandolin, guitar, bass) for something like 3 years.

John: is there any recording or album making on the horizen?

  

Scott: Yeah. So the band does have an album, and I think it sounds really good -- and I can say that, because it was made before I joined the group! But we're overdue for a second album, and we're working through a bunch of new material right now, figuring out what works and what doesn't, tweaking arrangements, etc. We're hoping to get in the studio early in 2011 -- probably in February -- and have the album ready by the time the festival season starts next year.

John: any idea where you might record?

Scott: Not yet. Still weighing options. I think that'll depend somewhat on what kind of album we decide to make. We've also toyed with the idea of doing a live EP. Our live show is our bread and butter, it's what really gets folks excited about the band. -That would be a live EP in addition to a studio full-length, by the way..

John: Right! It's good to give the fans something while waiting on a new album. especially since it's been a couple years..

Scott: Yeah. Our fans are awesome! It's crazy, we kind of kicked it into another gear in 2010, and the feedback from fans and from folks in the business has been mind-blowing. It's been so much fun, and it's always so rewarding when someone says how they love the band, or you see someone singing along at a show. I've been a professional musician since I was six years old, and that kind of connection is the ultimate reward. And again, I consider myself lucky to be in a band that can make that kind of connection, show after show.

John: Speaking of live shows, when is 23 string's next outing?

Scott: Well, we're kind of winding things down a little for the rest of the year, so we can concentrate on laying the groundwork for an even bigger year in 2011. We do have a few things coming up, though. We're playing this Saturday, Oct 23, at UofL for the Bluegrass Bioneers event. 9-11pm. We have a few other dates as well, which are all on our calendar at www.the23stringband.com

John: speaking of professional, i heard from a few people that the second you started at U of L, you took over 2 nd chair?

Scott: Yeah, what's up with that? I was really gunning for first.

John: but, that's pretty amazing!

Scott: I've done a lot of different things, and been fortunate to have had good teachers and a supportive family growing up. And I've worked my ass off. I don't really do the classical thing as much anymore, although I love the music. I just think it's more fun and rewarding to have a creative role in the music that I'm playing, rather than just reproducing.

 I think that goes hand in hand with what I was saying about connecting with the audience.

John: and speaking of working your ass off, you play with other groups on a regular basis, as well as your solo work.. You play with Sardren Wells a lot, will you be there at Actor's on the 22nd?

Scott: Yeah, I've kind of fallen into the role of the go-to fiddle/violin/whatever guy. I play a lot of different styles and I've spent a lot of time working on those styles, so I like being able to apply that versatility and putting myself in situations where I'm constantly facing a different challenge, because that's how you learn and become a stronger and more complete artist. I am playing with Saredren Wells this Friday night, the 22nd. I'll be playing Sunday with members of Bourbon Baroque and the UofL Early Music faculty, for the Monteverdi Vespers (string and choir music from the 1600s!) I've played quite a bit with Arnett Hollow, and had a great time with them at the Glassworks a few weeks ago. I've played with Ben Sollee in the past. I was thrilled to be asked to record a little bit on the new Waxfang record, and will be playing with them next weekend. The list goes on and on....

And I'm working on a solo album of all original material. Singing, playing electric guitar, doing some alternate style fiddle rhythm playing, it's kind of a post-rock type thing, with a lot of 60s rock influences. No timetable on that, though. I should also mention Andrea Davidson -- going to California in November to play shows with her out there. Love her voice and songwriting!

John: it amazing to hear someone so pasionate about playing with many different people and styles. i know so many classicly trained musicians who feel most comfortable staying with in the teaching relm and playing the same music that has been played for hundreds of years..

Scott: That's exactly what I'm trying to avoid :) I do love that music, though.

John: did you work on the wax fang 17 minute "the astronaut pt.1" that was released this week?

Scott: That's it. Speaking of classical music -- that's like the Wax Fang symphony! I love it. Theremin has never rocked so hard. Cheyenne and I did a pretty small little session on one part of the song, but I think I'll be doing a little more for the live show downtown.

 John: Wow, You have ton of shows coming up with a lot of different types of bands, i don't know when you find time for yourself, but we are greatly appreciative! I personally can't wait to see a release of your solo work, but understand that it may take awhile.

Scott: I love what I do, and I'm happy that it's something other people enjoy as well! I'm always just trying to get better and have fun. And get that Stones gig. Thanks John, I appreciate that. I've been fairly broke lately, and finding the time and money to go into the studio and finish that album has been a challenge, with so much else going on...

John: -i am broooke as well, and it never fails that just when i have an album's worth of material, i have no money to record it..

Scott: the life of a musician! 

John: well, thanks so much for talking with Me! I guess I should let my neice get back to the zebra report..

Scott: Sounds good. Thank you! Good luck with the report.

John: yeah, i think that report is probably gonna end up 'a john king production'.  Kids always convenintly fall asleep just when it's time to make a report for skool..

Scott: haha word. well, good luck, and have a great night. see you at actor's tomorrow night, maybe. i'm gonna go fill my belly. can't wait to see this online! And thank YOU for everything you do for the louisville music scene.

John: THANK YOU scott!! i will definatley see you at Actors if not at some of your other shows coming up!

Scott: peace

www.the23stringband.com

writers note: My niece Coco's report ended up being on the Congolese Mammal, the Okapi. It looks like a donkey with Zebra stripped appendages, and an elongated bat's face, but is actually related to the Giraffe. You can read more about the okapi here.  

Arnett News

After Friday's show at the Glassworks/altech event, Arnett Hollow told us they were taking a break and will return at the end of the year for "a final show." We wish them great luck in their future endeavors and look forward to this Holiday show later this year.


Roodie and Cheyenne Marie Mize on Glassworks rooftop

at The Cup Experience @ 4th Street Live (it's Par Tee time!)

Arnett Hollow "Open My Eyes" on The Player's Spot

Cheyenne Marie Mize: New Video, New Album, More Shows

As previewed in our recent interview with Ms. Mize, Cheyenne will release her debut LP, Before Lately, on October 12th.

She released a video this week for the song "Friend". The video was shot in the Rathskellar Room, which hosted this year's Louisville is for Lovers blow out with Jim James. The Squallis Puppeteers and the boys from Wax Fang are also featured in the video.

In addition to all this, Cheyenne continues to play shows all over the city and region this month. I saw her with the ladies from Maiden Radio last night at a church and the experience was nothing less of transcendent. The Obscure Handsome Brothers featuring Joe Manning opened and helped close out the show. This was the third time seeing Maiden Radio and this is the first time I could properly hear them, it's hard to believe what a difference that can make! I knew they were good before, now I know they're great!

I'm looking forward to Cheyenne's next performance in that space. Cheyenne is bringing in talent from around the globe to fill the Church with heavenly sounds on October 16th. I'm sure we're in for a treat.

Although I've already reviewed the Maiden Radio album, I have to reiterate how great this recording is and how much you need to see them while you have the chance (yes, I'm talking to you)! Before Lately will be available in stores on the 12th or online now.

Here are some of the shows Cheyenne has in the works:

10/1 Arnett Hollow featuring CMM at the Glassworks Rooftop, 7:30

10/8 with Ben Sollee, Grand Theatre, Frankfort, KY

10/12 Cheyenne Marie Mize @ Ear Xtacy, Album Release Party, 7pm, FREE

10/16 Cheyenne Marie Mize, Olof Arnalds, Doug Paisley @ Christ Evangelical United Church

Update:

More photos from the album release show here

Forecastle in Review

What a three days! I had a great time out in the blistering sun, soaking in as much of the music coming from the four stages as possible. Although I didn't go to any shows at the Ocean Stage or what I referred to as the BOOM! CHE! BOOM! CHE! Stage, the other three stages had a ton of great music to offer. Here are some of the acts I checked out:

Sandpaper Dolls

The three-piece a capella group from Louisville opened the festivities with a great version of “My Old Kentucky Home”.

23 String Band

I was not familiar with these guys before the show but loved their set. The fiddle player, who also played with Arnett Hollow, was quite impressive. Great bluegrass!

Kinetix

I hadn’t planned on seeing this high-energy band from Colorado, but as I was getting some “concessions” they started into Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody” and I became drawn to the stage.

Maiden Radio

I love this band! The harmonies are tight and the songwriting is definitely there. We’re looking forward to the new album.

Drive-by Truckers

I was not really impressed with this band. I had seen them open for My Morning Jacket years ago and decided to give them another chance to no avail. How many songs can one band write with the same G-Cadd9-Dsus4 chord progression?

Yard Sale

It’s really too bad these guys are breaking up! I really enjoyed their set. I hope to catch their final show at Vernon Lanes on Saturday.

Arnett Hollow

Unfortunately I was not able to get good shots of the band because there were technical difficulties with the lights and the band played in the dark. Unfortunately Cheyenne was not with the band, but the rest of the guys picked up the slack.

Widespread Panic

Again, another band I just don’t get. They seemed bored on stage and the music didn’t move me, as much as it seemed it should judging by the people around me. I don’t know how they got the following they have. But, hey, that’s just one guy talking.

Lucky Pineapple

The Pineapple put on a great set with eyeballs abounding!

Modern English

I didn’t get to hear the one song I was hoping for, but these guys put on a pretty good early set on Saturday.

Black Diamond Heavies

My biggest surprise of the festival and in my top 5 performances of the entire weekend was the Black Diamond Heavies out of Nashville. It’s too bad they were saddled with a 30-minute early set on Saturday. I’m definitely going to catch these guys again!

Umphrey’s McGee

I was pleasantly surprised with these guys. Since I got three songs in the pit I ended up being there for about a half hour. Not bad for what they are.

Mucca Pazza

This 30-piece marching band was a ton of fun. I don’t own a lot of music by marching bands, but this is not your normal marching band. If you get a chance to see them, do it!

Shelby Park Soul Stew Kitchen

Chef Tim Tucker and the guys from A.M. Sunday are doing something really original. As the chef cooks, the band, led by Ray Rizzo, plays behind the sounds emanating from his cutting board. The band played tunes fittingly called Popcorn, Watermelon and Bourbon, and Catfish.

Wax Fang

What can I say about these guys that hasn’t been said before? They played three songs from their upcoming album, which all sounded good, especially the last song. I got a chance to interview Scott Carney on Sunday. The interview will be posted here soon.

Grace Potter and the Nocturnals

This lady’s got some pipes and some legs to boot. Any gal who plays a Flying V and can pull off “White Rabbit” has my full attention.

Cake

Cake put on a fun set, but what else would you expect from this band? I was pleasantly surprised to find out that they are very environmentally conscience and that their new album was recorded totally on solar power.

DEVO

I got to sit in on an interview with lead singer Mark Mothersbaugh. I was taken aback by the seriousness this guy spoke with when his band, on the surface, seems like a “silly” band. There are obviously more layers to DEVO than I knew about. I enjoyed the interview and the set.

The Tillers

I was originally bummed that I couldn’t catch these guys’ first set because of schedule conflicts, but was excited when I heard they were offered a late night encore performance on Saturday. They play straightforward Bluegrass straight out of Cincinnati.

Vandaveer

I was really impressed with these guys. They were joined on stage by Cheyenne Marie Mize and pulled out a great version John Prine's "Paradise" as well as a great set of original tunes. These guys are certainly worth checking out.

iAMIs

Although they only played with a two-piece I can’t help but be pulled in by Shauna’s performances of their beautifully crafted songs.

Sarah Watkins

Mrs. Watkins has a beautiful voice. I realized when watching her perform that she always was the best thing about Nickel Creek.

Whistle Peak

This is certainly one of the most interesting bands to come out of this area, possibly since Wax Fang. Whistle Peak put on a great set to a pretty good crowd at the North Stage.

The Pass

Now I see what the hype is about. Although these guys are a little more “dancy” than I’m used to I really enjoyed their set and have now jumped on the bandwagon.

She and Him

I had a great time watching She and Him up close. Yes, Zooey is a knockout and yes, M. can play that guitar.

The Ravenna Colt

It was great to see Johnny Quaid back on stage rocking out, this time as a front man. He hasn’t lost any of the energy that he used to bring to My Morning Jacket shows.

The Flaming Lips

The best was definitely saved for last. What a way to top off a great weekend of music! Part circus, part beautiful psychedelic trip, part rock show, the Flaming Lips brought beauty and positivity to a very thankful audience.

Although it was hot and I didn’t care for the amount of narcs in attendance, the festival was, by most accounts, a complete success. There were whispers that this year may be the last, but I think that rumor has been around since Forecastle began and J.K. always seems to find a way to make the next year the biggest and the best yet. Here’s hoping next year will be no exception.

More photos here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/dylang37

Forecastle Preview: What I'm Seeing

The major drawback of a multi-staged festival like Forecastle is inevitably there will be a couple acts you want to see who are unfortunately playing at the same time. Here's the decisions I've made for this weekend's Forecastle Festival at Waterfront Park. If you don't have your tickets yet, take this as my final shot at convincing you to be rocked for three days on the waterfront.

Friday

4:00-4:40 23 String Band

This old-timey bluegrass band bears a striking resemblance to the Old Crow Medicine Show which is anything but a bad thing. They'll be getting things started for us.

5:00-5:40 Maiden Radio

The first really bad schedule conflict, in my opinion. I'd love to check out Scott Miller & the Commonwealth but as detailed on this blog before, I can never pass up a chance to see Cheyenne Mize do her thing. I'm really liking this trio and we at 37Flood are anxiously awaiting their debut CD later this summer.

6:00-6:30 Yard Sale

Self-described as Louisville's second most rootin'-est and tootin'-est band, I'm going to at least catch a bit of their set as this will be one of the last chances to catch them. Their farewell concert is July 17th at Vernon Lanes.

6:30-7:00 Drive-By Truckers

These Southern boys seem to have a good-old time on stage and certainly have quite a following even outside of Muscle Shoals, so how could I pass them up?

7:00-7:40 Dangerbird

This Louisville band is made up of some of the ex-members from one of my favorite gone-but-not-forgotten Louisville bands, the Pine Club. I haven't gotten a chance to see them and unless I get totally sucked in by DBT I'll get my chance on Friday.

7:50-8:20 All the Day Holiday

The Cincinnati band reminds me a little of Cabin and a little of U2. Should be worth checking out for at least a minute especially with the lull in the schedule as they begin their set.

8:20-8:40 The Manchester Orchestra

I don't know much about these guys but they have an interesting sound and ought to be able to hold their own sandwiched between DBT and Widespread Panic on the main stage and going against Dead Confederate on the second stage.

8:40-9:20 Dead Confederate

I'm looking forward to seeing these Athens pychedelic folk-rockers. I don't know how they aren't on the main stage, but I know I'll be there.

9:20-9:45 Arnett Hollow

Again, another chance to see Cheyenne that I cannot completely pass up. I've seen these guys a lot and they never fail to entertain.

9:45- 10:30 Widespread Panic

I'm not a Panichead, but I'm willing to find out what all the hubbub is all about.

10:30-12:00 Lucero

Although I'm not super-familiar with this group I've heard a lot good things about these guys lately and am looking forward to checking them out Friday night.

Saturday

12:30-1:00 Lucky Pineapple

The mostly instrumental Louisville band always has the ability to take you to another place. I think they would be perfectly paired on a bill with the Flaming Lips. This should be a great way to kick off day two, a little morning maniac music.

1:00-1:20 Modern English

I really hope they play "I'll Melt with You" in the small time I have to catch them. I still love that song! However, this means I'll miss the whole set from Scott Mertz's The News Vehicle. I may change my mind at the last minute.

1:20-1:50 Black Diamond Heavies

I've heard great things about these guys and their live set. I've been wanting to pick up their album, hopefully this performance will finally convince me to pop on it.

1:50-2:10 The Giving Tree Band

These guys seem like a lot of fun. I'm not sure why they stuck them on the Sustaining Living Roadshow "stage". I hope to get a chance to check them out.

2:10-2:40 The Tillers

Covered here before, these high-energy Bluegrass boys from Cincinnati are a lot of fun live.

2:40-3:00 & 3:30-3:50 Umphrey's McGee

Jam bands are perfect for these kinds of festivals. I'll check as much of these guys as I can. Though their original work tends to be a little too derivative for me, I love some of their covers and imagine they are great live.

3:00-3:30 Mucca Pazza

You say 30 piece punk-rock marching band and I say, "Okay, I'm there". You gotta at least see what that sounds like, right?

3:50-4:15 Wax Fang

37Flood has been on these guys' bandwagon for a while now. I'll never turn down a chance to see these hometown boys done right!

4:15-5:15 Grace Potter & the Nocturnals

I hate to skip out on Louisville boys Broken Spurs, but I can't miss Mrs. Potter. I've had many friends see her live recently and all have come away from the experience having fallen deeply in love with Grace Potter. I think they liked the music, too. I'm ready to fall in love!

5:45-7:00 Cake

Cake is a fun band and I'm looking forward to a fun show. The horns will be kicking it and so will I.

7:30-8:45 DEVO

Though growing older by the day, DEVO is still pushing the envelope with a new album and new uniforms to boot! I look forward to the new songs as much as the old hits. Should be a great show.

8:30-9:00 Cloud Cult

I wasn't familiar with these guys before they signed with Forecastle, but I really like their sound. I think it'll be a powerful performance, definitely going to check them out.

9:00-9:30 Frontier(s)

This will be my first chance to check out this Louisville group, looking forward to it.

9:30-10:10 we were promised jetpacks

Definitely winners of best name for this year's festival, this band is coming all the way from Scotland to do there thing. This is a good alternative to the main stage's act at this time, Bassnectar, who just don't do it for me.

10:45-12:30 The Smashing Pumpkins

12 years ago I saw Smashing Pumpkins at HORDE Festival (along with Blues Traveler, mentioned in the previous post). Hopefully this show won't be like watching Tron 12 years later where you realize the thing you used to love is actually pretty crappy.

Sunday

2:10-2:40 Vandaveer

Although Sunday may be my favorite day I don't see any reason to show up until 2:00 that day, giving me plenty of time to recover from the first two nights. Vandaveer should be worth getting out of bed for though.

2:40-3:00 Dar Williams

I'm not a big fan...yet.

3:00-3:30 Iamis

I love this band! Unfortunately I'm going to have to skip out a little early to catch a portion of Sarah Watkins.

3:30-4:00 Sarah Watkins of Nickel Creek

Obviously very talented, I'm looking forward to hearing what she's doing minus the rest of Nickel Creek. I'm a sucker for a girl with a fiddle!

4:00-4:40 Whistle Peak

Always on the 37Flood radar, Whistle Peak continues the strong showing for Louisville bands on Sunday. Hopefully we'll get to hear a few tunes from their forthcoming album.

5:00-5:30 The Pass

This Louisville band is getting a lot of hype in hipster circles. Time to see what the talk's about.

5:30-6:00 Minus the Bear

This Seattle band has a great sound that should prove to be fun to see live.

6:00-6:40 The Fervor

One of my favorite Louisville bands, with melodies that rival the Beatles. They don't play out enough and I'm looking forward to seeing them again and also seeing what their current lineup looks like.

6:40-7:00 Jukebox the Ghost

The piano and melody driven Indie-pop band from the DC area should be worth checking out.

7:00-8:00 She & Him

Zooey Deschanel and M. Ward's band was a late addition to the lineup. Personally, as a huge M. fan, I'd rather seeing a M. Ward set. I don't see why we can't get both, but beggars can't be choosers and I'll take what I can get.

8:00-8:40 The Ravenna Colt

Former My Morning Jacket guitarist Johnny Quaid's new band will be rocking out the North Stage prompting me to leave before the end of She & Him.

8:45-10:00 Spoon

I'm looking forward to seeing these indie rockers from Austin. Having been together for a decade now, these guys have shown great lasting power, especially with their last couple albums.

10:00-10:30 Cirque Berzerk

The French circus of the absurd promises to be a great time. This was the only time I could find to fit it into the busy Forecastle schedule. I will have to skip out early to catch the beginning of the Lips.

10:30-12:00 The Flaming Lips

Forecastle saves the best for last, in my opinion. This is by far the show I'm looking forward to the most. I don't know how I haven't seen this band yet, but the drought ends Sunday!

That's 40 acts I'll be checking out! Okay, I'm officially pumped to get this show on the road! If someone wants to try to convince me that I need to see an act I didn't list, let me know with a comment. See you crazy kids out there!