“I miss the open raw sound, I miss the space between the notes and the sense of timing. As Muddy Waters said “Less is more”. I love the feeling of the blues and will support artists like Kingfish and GA-20 whose recordings have a real taste of the past, and a fresh new sound at the same time. Bands like this will lead the way for other artists.”

Alan Arena: Sounds of American Songbook

Musician, singer/songwriter, and artist Alan Arena had two top 10 New England albums when he moved away from Boston to become a caregiver for his best friend, a veteran who had been stricken with Huntington’s Disease. He thought performing original music might no longer be in his future, but when a venue and studio called The Music Room opened on Cape Cod, he decided to see if it might be a good place to record new material. It turned out to be the break he never found in Boston. Grammy-winning guitarist and producer Paul Nelson, who played for Johnny Winter for 14 years, was a partner in the venue, and they struck up a conversation. Paul asked Alan to play a couple of his original songs and, impressed, offered to produce Alan’s next recording. They collaborated on some of the music for the resulting album, including the title track “Deceived” (Release Day: May 22). Paul arranged to bring in an ace rhythm section, including bassist Brad Hallen (Susan Tedeschi, Roomful of Blues), drummer Marty Richards (J Geils Band), and keyboardist Brooks Milgate (Chris O’Leary). They also recruited Jerry Portnoy (Muddy Waters) on harp on one song and Disney legend Milton Smith on strings to play on “Deceived.”               (Alan Arena / Photo by Bryan Stearns)

Paul also made Alan a stage manager of the Music Room, where he opened for Denny Lane, Albert Lee, Kim Wilson, Mike Zito, Albert Castiglia, Shemekia Copeland, Bernard Allison, and many more national artists. Paul and Alan were talking about collaborating on a Paul Nelson album when Paul passed away from a heart attack at 63 years old while on tour. Now Alan plans to honor Paul’s legacy by giving him writing credits for everything he touched and inspired, as with “Deceived.”

Interview by Michael Limnios                  Special Thanks: Frank Roszak Promotions

What does the blues mean to you? Why is it important that we preserve and spread the blues?

The blues is my iconic connection to the love of music, It was in my soul before I knew what it was. The blues is in my blood. Blues, Rhythm & Blues and Jazz are more than the melting pot of American music, It’s American history. And that story should be continued to be shared.

How do you describe your sound and songbook? Where does your creative drive come from?

I am a Contemporary American Blues Artist who’s been heavily influenced by the American songbook, blues, R&B, roots, soul, gospel, jazz themes and more all come out in my writing.  Vocally I work the keys to find a way to use my whole voice. My creative drive comes from the desire to communicate. I will take as long as I need to to find the words to say what I mean.

Why do you think that New England Blues Scene continues to generate such a devoted following?

We have some great clubs and music festivals, Lots of blues society’s and open blues jams. Plus we have lots of college radio and the Berkeley college of music. A lot of young people come to Boston and New England, and the blues is being passed down from generation to generation.

What is the impact of music on the socio-cultural implications? How do you want the music to affect people?

We need music that matters, Music that heals. Music that makes people believe in themselves. We can sing about the pain but let’s also sing about positive change.

”The blues is my iconic connection to the love of music, It was in my soul before I knew what it was. The blues is in my blood. Blues, Rhythm & Blues and Jazz are more than the melting pot of American music, It’s American history. And that story should be continued to be shared.” (Alan Arena, New England based musician / Photo by Bryan Stearns)

Are there any memories from gigs, jams, open acts and studio sessions which you’d like to share with us?

I’ve been lucky to be around some true blues icon’s, I’ve jammed and recorded with Ronnie Earl, I’ve opened for true blues greats including Shemekia Copeland, Bernard Allison, Mike Zito and so many others, But the magic of watching blues artists share the stage together means the most to me. To watch Monster Mike Welsh sit in with Susan Tedeschi in the early days really stood out. Now I’ll be playing with Monster Mike.

What do you miss most nowadays from the blues of the past? What are your hopes and fears for the future of?

I miss the open raw sound, I miss the space between the notes and the sense of timing. As Muddy Waters said “Less is more”. I love the feeling of the blues and will support artists like Kingfish and GA-20 whose recordings have a real taste of the past, and a fresh new sound at the same time. Bands like this will lead the way for other artists.

What are some of the most important lessons you have learned from your experience in the music paths?

To treat people and other artists the way that you would want to be treated. A band coming off the road might be hungry and tired, take care of each other and let them know they matter. Make sure they have clean water to drink and just do what you can to help!

What are you doing to keep your music relevant today, to develop it and present it to the new generation?

I speak to people though my songs and I try to give everyone a chance to be a friend. I’ll give a guitar player a free lesson, or help a good local band get a gig. to me music is about community, It’s good to get everyone including younger players involved.

Alan Arena - Home

(Alan Arena / Photo by Bryan Stearns)