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Festival full of life, good vibes on May 10 |
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Written by Submitted to the World
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Sunday, 04 May 2008 |
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 A grassroots effort to help North Shore resident Maddison Page brought forth The Good Life Festival. The event takes place Saturday, May 10 from 4 to 9 p.m. at the Olympic Valley Lodge. The one-day event features live music from four bands, including Vibemosphere, Pat McAteer, Malia & Mike and Maybelle Music.
Good Life Festival organizer Glenn Campbell got in touch with Maybelle Music guitarist Thomas Johnson to learn a little more about this gem from Louisiana.
Maybelle Music
Glenn Campbell: Where are you guys from and how has that influenced your music?
Thomas Johnson: We are all from Southern Louisiana. Scott is from Lacombe, Will, Jake and I are originally from Baton Rouge. We’ve been engulfed in Southern music since we were children. Some of the music in the world comes from Southern Louisiana.
GC: How long have you been playing together?
TJ: Will, Jake and I have been playing spontaneously together since we were about 15. About two years ago we formed a band called Low-Country Audio; that’s when Scott came into the picture. It was a six piece project which included two other brothers from back home. It didn’t really work out, but it seemed like Scott, Will, Jake and I had something going.
GC: How would you describe your original sound?
TJ: A blend of Southern R&B, Classic Soul, Finger Pickin, and Groove Improvisation with a little taste of bacon grease.
GC: Who are your favorite artists and inspirations?
TJ: I’ll try not to make this to long winded. For myself, Lowell George, Shuggie Otis, Larry Carlton, Leo Neocentelli, and B-Side Eric Clapton.
As for guys out there now, I’m really digging Eric Lindell, Brian Stolz, Marc Ford, and Scofield with Madeski, martin and wood. Will seems to gravitate to classic soul and funk. Jake thoroughly enjoys live Grateful Dead and Charles Mingus. Scott is inspired by Stevie Wonder to Dave Brubeck to Bob Marley. As a band we tend always listen to Little Feat, Curtis Mayfield, The Meters, Bootsy Collins and The Band.
GC: Of these artists, who was your favorite to perform live with?
TJ: I’ve had the great opportunity of sitting in with Eric Lindell and his fantastic choice of musicians a few times. It’s always a lot of fun playing on stage with those guys.
GC: What are your goals for Maybelle this year?
TJ: We really would just like to get out there as much as possible. We all share a passion for performing live. We’d really like to become a part of the great California festival scene.
GC: What is your most memorable gig so far?
TJ: I’d have to say The last Tradewinds gig down in Cotati. Ronnie Martin treats us pretty good down there. It was a good night; dancing, shrimp po-boys, and tasty funk grooves.
GC: Why did you decide to travel and play (Squaw Valley, May 10) The Good Life Festival for free?
TJ: Well, we believe that we are assisting the cause and helping people and Madison benefit from this event.
After all, it is a benefit for her not us. We feel great that we can be are part of something like this.
GC: What is your favorite audience to perform for?
TJ: Dancers. They make us feel like we’re doing our job.
GC: What venues are you aiming for this summer 2008 in the Tahoe area?
TJ: I personally would love to play the truckee amphitheater. It’s a beautiful set-up.
GC: Do you have a website with upcoming shows and demo music?
TJ: Sure do. You can check us out at www. maybellemusic. com or www. myspace. com/maybellemusic
GC: What would you say is the best thing about playing live, original music?
TJ: It’s always felt really good!
GC: Is there anything you would like to say to your fans (present and future) that this interview hasn’t mentioned but is important to you?
TJ: The music hopefully can speak for us.
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Last Updated ( Tuesday, 29 April 2008 )
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