SOUTHERN GENTLEMEN 11/17/2003
by Commando Rock
Southern Gentleman is the first CD that you play a sound based in blues rock. Why did you begin to play in this style?
David T. Chastain: As I was growing up that style of music was an influence in my guitar growth. I have always recorded side projects in this style but never released them. However I began playing the demos for people in 1999 and they all thought that I should release it. So I finally got the nerve to release the material in 2000. Surprisingly SOUTHERN GENTLEMEN "Exotic Dancer Blues" was the best reviewed Cd of my career. It reaches out to a broader fan base than just a metal release. It is still heavy but not just a metal Cd.
How do you define the Southern Gentlemen's sound?
David T. Chastain: Very heavy blues hard rock. Kind of if ZZ Top, Robin Trower, Skynyrd, Free or similar bands came out today and played with a metal sound and attitude.
Why did you wait three years between the first album (in 2000) and this new record (Double your Pleasure)?
David T. Chastain: I was also working on a new Chastain Cd that will come out next year at the same time. It will be called "In An Outrage." I also recorded quite a few Cds for my Diginet Music company. (http://www.diginetmusic.com) In SOUTHERN GENTLEMEN I do most of the stuff so it is pretty easy to get one of those Cds recorded once the wheels start moving. I have another SOUTHERN GENTLEMEN Cd written and partly recorded for release maybe in late 2004.
What do you think about work with Mike Haid and Kevin Kekes?
David T. Chastain: I really enjoy working with both Mike and Kevin. They are both professional in their approach. We get along great and there are no ego battles or other such nonsense. Plus the fact they are great musicians makes it a perfect match for me and hopefully for them. We have recorded quite a few Cds together over the years in one form or another.
What are the differences between Double Your Pleasure and the first album, Exotic Dancer Blues?
David T. Chastain: Exotic was a little more straightforward and authentic. Double Your Pleasure is a more jamming, heavy recording. If you are more into the songs Exotic might be best but if you want more and louder guitar then Double is the way to go. Of course we hope you go for both!! They certainly have a common thread that runs in both Cds.
In Southern Gentlemen you are exploring more your voice. How have been, for you, this new experience?
David T. Chastain: I was kind of nervous upon the release of Exotic but the response was very positive so that helped my confidence. I say, I am not the greatest vocalist in the world but I certainly am not the worst. Originally we planned to have a lead vocalist in the band but none of the "name" singers had the same feel for the music as I did. With that said, the reviews gave the vocals some very complimentary comparisons that I was astonished to read!
You work in Southern Gentlemen, Chastain, Zanister, Cincinnati, Improvisational Group, CJSS and you have a solo career and others projects too. How do you do to keep all this "jobs"?
David T. Chastain: Actually the only bands for me now are SOUTHERN GENTLEMEN and CHASTAIN. There are no plans for any more CJSS and Cincinnati Improv group Cds. There may be another Zanister Cd at some point. I already have another instrumental Cd recorded but I am not sure when it will come out. It is pretty easy for me to come up with material for any of the above styles. Leviathan Records has our own recording studio so it is pretty easy to record around my busy schedule.
Don't you feel prejudicate, in your career, working in a lot of places?
David T. Chastain: Not really. I would be happy for any of the bands and fellow musicians to be very successful. I really don't make music to get "rich and famous." My mantra is "More music is more important than more money."
How do you compose for all this bands?
David T. Chastain: When I sit down to practice guitar everyday. In reality I am not practicing scales I am just jamming around. New song ideas ALWAYS come out of these sessions. I put them down on cassette and I have this enormous backlog of material waiting to be put together and recorded. Unfortunately I will never have the time for all of this material to be released.
You have done already some solos in your career. What is the difference between work alone and work like a band?
David T. Chastain: There really is not a whole lot of difference in the writing part just the recording part. The more I have close control of the project the quicker it will get done. Of course I enjoy working with others as they always bring fresh and divergent things to the songs that I would not necessarily have done.
What are your future's projects? Can you say some date to new albums?
David T. Chastain: I have a new Chastain recorded for release in 2004. There may be another SOUTHERN GENTLEMEN in late 2004. Plus there maybe a few other surprises. Also before I forget we are also planning some re-releases of some of the older titles. Remastered and repackaged.
When will you came to Brazil?
David T. Chastain: I will be on a plane tomorrow if the band is given the opportunity. I look forward to the time we can play before the Brazilian fans.
We are actually looking for a Brazilian beauty for the next SOUTHERN GENTLEMEN cover. So send us your pictures as soon as possible.
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