Friday, September 5, 8PM Symply Fargone Productions brings you John Pousette-Dart Band at Mechanics Hall with special guest Kerri Powers. Tickets available at www.symplyfargone.com check out dinner,parking and concert special too.
(from his bio)
Seventies soft rockers the Pousette-Dart Band mined the same musical territory as acts like the Eagles, James Taylor, and Orleans, but despite arena tours and major-label releases they were unable to gain the same widespread audience as those groups. During the second half of the ’70s, the Pousette-Dart Band made four albums for Capitol Records and then called it quits. (Nashville veteran Norbert Putnam produced three of the albums.)
Singer/guitarist Jon Pousette-Dart founded and fronted the group. At 13, he had played in a band with Soupy Sales’ kids Tony and Hunt Sales, who years later would become members of David Bowie’s Tin Machine. the Pousette-Dart Band started out as an acoustic combo (with John Troy and John Curtis) on the Northeastern coffeehouse circuit. Manager Don Law discovered them opening for John Hammond on Nantucket. In 1974, now a full-fledged rock band, they signed a multi-album deal with Capitol Records. The group toured incessantly throughout the 1970s, drawing on pop, folk, country, and blues styles. In 1980, however, they found themselves without a record deal and splintered. John Pousette-Dart returned with the album Ready to Fly in 1998. He followed that with Sample This in 2002.
(interview with Jon)
PB Phil Barter
JP-D Jon Pousett-Dart
PB When I was asked to talk with you by the Worcester Herald I thought I better do some homework, my music abilities are none, my younger brother caught that trait from my father who played guitar. I told him I’d be talking with you and he said “I’m sure he won’t remember but I opened for him in the 80’s at Sir Morgans Cove here in the city”.
J P-D Yes I remember playing that club.
PB Over the past couple of weeks I have been exposing myself to your music, I have to admit late 70’s and 80’s I was playing family man and I listen to more Boston Red Sox than music on the radio. From what I remember and comparing what I’m hearing I keep asking my self why did bands like America, Orleans, and The Eagles get the air play when you were as good as any of that time?
J P-D Capital records marketing was into many things, most people do not understand that music was just one more money maker for them. I believe we fell into bad timing and poor corporate decision making on their part.
PB At 13 you were exposed on national TV with the Sales brothers, did you feel that was your break?
J P-D I grew up next door to Burgess Meredith, I was told they were looking for a bass player and we did it as a comedy thing.
PB When the Herald asked me if I’d be interested I thought “Amnesia”, anybody I’ve mentioned this interview too said the same thing, does it bother you to be known mostly for one song by the public or is it “at least they know me”?
J P-D I recently did an updated version for a new release coming out. I believe most bands have one or two songs they are known for and that is mine.
PB I, like most of the country was caught up in LOST, I was surprised to read “Fall on me” was used, but then being caught up in the story line the music was just part of it. I did go back to watch that episode. Paying attention to detail I realized Charlie puts on your album after Hurley hands it to him. Sayid’s comment “this music is depressing” gave me a chuckle.
J P-D Carlton Kutz placed song, he was a friend who created “Lost” and called and told me to get ready for some people contacting, which did happen. I appreciate him doing that placement.
PB I really liked the “Who am I” video, it touched my soul. Dawn Young’s vocals were beautiful.
J P-D My wife’s mother past from Alzheimer’s and it very sad to watch it. I felt addressing it was something personal for myself.
PB I noticed Mr. Saturday Night felt like tongue in cheek lyrics.
J P-D That was an old one from late 70’s and yes it was done tongue in cheek.
PB Are you on the road doing smaller venues often?
J P-D Yes, I like being close and having contact with the audience.
Opening for Jon is Kerri Powers
(Message from Kerri on Facebook to myself) “I has a new self titled album available (all online media outlets). It reached #1 on the Roots Music Report Folk Album Chart. It is starting to tour on a national level and will be supporting Jon Pousette-Dart, Jonathan Edwards, and Melanie over the next 3-6 months.”
(from her bio)
Making the decision to record this album came unexpectedly. I was living in Coventry, CT on my own for the first time in 21 years and the rural quiet and slower pace made it easier for me to get back to writing and painting after a long period of having to put my creative efforts on hold.
I wrote a dozen or so new songs that I hadn’t planned to do anything with and was encouraged this year to ‘record and share.’ The songs call for sparse treatment, and engineer, Eric Lichter at Dirt Floor Studios knew exactly what to do with each song. This recording has a nostalgic and organic vibe – bringing me back to the days I sat listening to my mother’s record collection of Joan Baez, Neil Young, CCR, The Band, and Roberta Flack. These artists made an impact on my life, helping me through some difficult times.
The album is about imperfection; something for which I’m grateful because it’s where art and magic co-exist.
Can’t wait to get the songs out to you. From my heart to yours …
Kerri
