Published: July 1, 2007 8:10 AM EST
By: Isaac Joseph Davis Junior (Juniorscave.com)
Music Spotlight: John Kline
His music has a unique flavor of melodies, textures, and moods, peppered with blazing guitar work.
Music Now is very excited about the introduction of this new artist to our audience. John Kline has a way of making music that can entertain and inspire. One cool fact about this musician is that during his spare time, Dr. John Kline, is a psychology professor as well as he publishes scientific articles on the neurobiology of emotion and consciousness (johnnykline.com). Check out this Q & A that we recently did with Dr. John Kline as he brings us "a blend of Rock, Jazz, Ambient, and Celtic influences" (johnnykline.com).
Q. What aspect of making music excites you the most right now?
A. Jamming with my band, BiPolar Express. Right now, I am having a blast working out live arrangements of the Instrumental Conditioning tracks with drummer, Ken Sylvia and bassist, Tommy Thompson. They are talented musicians and unbelievably great guys.
Q. What aspect of making music gets you the most discouraged?
A. That's a tough question. For me, music represents solace and hope in the face of the really discouraging things in life. So although my fingers might occasionally defy my musical direction, or the limits of my production and engineering techniques might preclude a desired effect, I guess what gets me the most discouraged these days is not having more time to play!
Q. What are you up to right now, music-wise? (Current or upcoming
recordings, tours, extravaganzas, experiments, top-secret projects,
etc).
A. We are preparing to play more venues in the greater Mobile area, and
promoting Instrumental Conditioning. A new CD in the works will include
some vocal pieces as well as some new instrumentals.
Q. What's the most unusual place you've ever played a show or made a
recording? How did the qualities of that place affect the
show/recording?
A. I think that the strangest gig that I played was a monster truck show in
Live Oak, FL.. We set up on the back of a flatbed truck and played to an
audience that was separated from us by at least 50 yards of mud. I also
record often in my little home studio and occasionally realize afterward
that my dog has gotten in on the act. (He's actually quite talented,
if he does say so himself.)
Q. In what ways does the place where you live (or places where you have
lived), affect the music you create, or your taste in music?
A. Every place I've lived (and there've been way too many) and particularly
every decade that I've lived through, has left its mark on my music!
Over time I have been influenced by so many remarkable artists, evolving
sounds and techniques. Like many musicians, I am sort of a sponge ... it's
natural to be influenced by the others in my midst ... and a great way to
stay fluid and flexible. Mobile has its own share of great players, and
every community seems to have its own shared aesthetic.
Q. When was the last time you wrote a song? What can you tell us
about it?
A. The last time I wrote a song with lyrics it was for an incredible woman
who saved my life. The last time I wrote an instrumental piece it was
for the same woman. Her birthday is coming up so there should be
something new right around the corner. Sometimes gratitude is the mother of invention.
Q. As you create more music, do you find yourself getting more or
less interested in seeking out and listening to new music made by other
people...and why do you think that is?
A. This goes in phases, but there is a balance. As I am being creative, I
tend to focus more inward, and once the project is done, I gravitate
toward other people's music.... I appreciate a lot of different music and a
lot of different styles.
Q. Lately what musical periods or styles do you find yourself most
drawn to as a listener? (Old or new music? Music like yours or different
from yours?)
A. With few exceptions, I enjoy and listen to all kinds of music. What
ends up in my CD or MP3 player really depends on my mood that day. Growing up,
I was always drawn to such artists as The Dixie Dregs, Steve Vai, Steve Morse,
Eric Johnson, Pat Metheny, and so many others for their musical
prowess and technique. But when I toured with bands years ago, we usually did
classic and current rock and pop, which factored heavily into my musical
tastes as well. Dabbled in country rock, no disco. (Although I certainly give
props to the very talented singers and bands who thrived during that era!)
Never really tried rap ... don't think I could pull it off convincingly
enough as a short white geeky kid from Montana.
Q. Name a band or musician, past or present, who you flat-out LOVE
and think more people should be listening to. What's one of your all-time
favorite recordings by this band/musician?
A. I could give you a long, long list. Right off the top of my head ...
Eric Johnson. "Trademark." Fantastic piece... of course, he has many
fantastic pieces.
Q. What's the saddest song you've ever heard?
A. "Tears in Heaven" by Eric Clapton
