The soulful rock sounds of the spacebar-defiant OldJack will finally be available to take home this Friday when they celebrate the release of their debut, UnionGlory, at Church. Singer Dan Nicklin, whose remarkable vocal chops are reminiscent of Joe Cocker (minus the drugged-out demeanor), gave Boston Band Crush the inside scoop:
BBC: What's the story behind the name OldJack?
Dan Nicklin: I was in the Abbey Lounge with my first guitar player (his name is Dom, but I call him Bagel). We had a few songs, were auditioning musicians (none of whom worked out) and we needed a name. Can't remember what the first awful names were, and if I do I will laugh and still not tell you. Bagel was born in the US and I was born in England, Old Glory/Union Jack = OldJack. I walked over and told him, we shook on it, the rest is history. I named the album UnionGlory in the hopes that people would get it, and stop thinking it is because of whiskey. Though there's nothing wrong with good ol no. 7. I just prefer Bookers, or Knob Creek.
BBC: How'd you assemble this powerhouse ensemble?
DN: I would love to say pure charisma, but that's only half the story. I think it's the music. It's easy, if you know what I mean. No crazy changes musically, and lyrically, stories about love, loss, pain, hope, change. When the band gets going you can feel them playing off one another. Jason [Dunn] and Ryan [Peters] played together in The Halogens and although that ended, the respect and joy they get from playing together never did. Derek [Feeney] moved here from the Tri-State area and was looking for a band. We met at Johnny D's at a Black Crowes pre-show. One rehearsal — actually one solo later, he was in. Meeker and I worked together on Ms. Pigeon's last record and also have another side project called The Good and the Meek, which you will hear something from this year. So he was a natural fit; besides he is my favorite drummer in Boston. And the girls... Sometimes I'm not sure why they are here, being professionals and all, but I am always grateful they are. Really, the truth is I am blessed to have them. All of them.
BBC: What's the songwriting process in the band?
DN: Most of the songs are melody lines I hear and record or just log mentally. When Bagel and I started, I couldn't play a note and I would sing stuff and he would write around it. Since then I have learned to write on piano and guitar, but most of the songs on this record are from the old way. So I'm grateful all these guys learned to write around me. If you look at who wrote with me, it's Ryan, Jason, Rish (TLO), Jeff Moxely (Ms. Pigeon, Lavas), Bagel and myself. Typically I would sing them a thought or play them an idea and we'd go from there, although Ryan and I usually work from the ground up starting with acoustic parts he has. The girls usually write their own parts after the band gets it together. Words come quick, probably because of the freestyling from the hip hop years.
BBC: Are you sure Joe Cocker's not your dad?
DN: I can only say that I was born in England and I hope you only see the resemblance with your eyes closed. I get a lot of comparisons but that one the most. But it's just as big a tribute to the band for that. I do have dreams of 30 musicians on stage and touring with whole families in tow. Maybe next year.
BBC: Now that the debut is finally being released, what's next for OldJack?
DN: Not sure. We are trying to decide what the next record is meant to sound like now. I have about 30-40 song ideas ready to go and a few from the last year that will get fleshed out in time. Right now I just want to play these for 6 months or so and then put them away. Bring them back out like a tuxedo on special occasions. I do know I am renting a place on the vineyard in june to record the next record. One week, commune style, all hours, press record and go.
BBC: What Boston bands are you crushing on right now?
DN: Totally unfair question. However, it goes like this:
Song Crush - Prime Time
Folk Crush - David Wax Museum
Hip-Hop Crush - 7L and Esoteric
Rock Crush - Gozu
Label Crush - Supply and Demand Music
Booty Call - Bodega Girls
Posters on the wall - Luxury
Old Flame - Reverse
Divorced and still friends - Ms. Pigeon
BBC: Where do you get your stylish hats?
DN: Would the Colonel tell you his secret recipe?
Nicklin (in the stylish hat) says cheese with (l-r) Will Dailey, Brendan Boogie & Nate Leavitt. Photo by Sooz.
Here's some more background on OldJack, from their press release:
Over the course of the '90s, Dan "Goodwood" Nicklin developed a solid reputation as a rock and hip-hop producer and engineer, quietly hiding his own talents as a soulful vocalist and songwriter with a penchant for gritty, heartfelt rock tunes along the lines of such greats as Joe Cocker, The Black Crowes and Stereophonics. In the winter of 2004, Nicklin brought together an all-star cast of comrades in his home studio to record a new Christmas song for family and friends - a modest amibition that created a sound no one had quite heard before, mixing hip-hop beats, gutsy guitar melodies and a group singalong vibe — and almost unintentionally laying the groundwork for what would, years later, become OldJack.
In 2009, OldJack is a big, bold, boisterous rock force to be reckoned with. Bringing up to nine members to the stage at each show, the band features members and ex-members of such Boston notables as The Luxury, The Ultrasonic Rock Orchestra, Ms. Pigeon and The Halogens, featuring Hammond organ, a twin-guitar attack and the staple of any great soul-rock band — a lovely and talented backing vocal section (all present and ex-URO members).
In keeping with the tradition laid forth by the original Christmas recording, an OldJack show feels like a family affair as talent overflows from a motley group of musical characters, banded together to create a sound that is at once huge, psychedelic, rocking and sincere. OldJack brings you home, sets you up on the couch with a nice hot drink, and tells you stories you won't forget.
Posts
0 comments:
Post a Comment