Whilst wandering on Youtube I bumped into a song I loved very much and it reignited the old flame that made me fall for the band in the first place.
I went for the first time to a Norah Jones concert in France, and to hear her voice live was precisely like I imagined, a lullaby to the ears. However what struck me the most was the opening act of her concert : a beautiful duo of singers, whose voices were in such perfect harmony it was almost surreal, and I must say they managed to grab my attention as equally as Norah Jones. I was delighted to approach them at the end of the concert and they were as just the reflection of their songs on stage, gracious and humble, and with great enthusiasm and kindness they accepted to answer my questions merely a few days later.
Months later but with the flame vividly back, let’s stare at Cory Chisel and The Wandering Sons.
INTERVIEW
Would you give us a brief story about the band, from past members to the partnership with Adriel?
Well Adriel is the core of the band… my most consistent collaborator over the past six years. We were both in other bands and played at a memorial of sorts for a friend who passed away. From the moment I heard her sing I knew I had to find a way to join forces. The rest of the Wandering Sons are solo artists, carpenters, dear friends, herbal gardeners, bee keepers, and drag racers… And a few of them are quite successful at more than I listed….
Given your religious upbringing, did your beliefs contribute to this album, thus the “Old Believers” album title?
The title isn’t religious to me … but it does mess with or expand a somewhat religious sounding phrase. I’m using it as a way to draw the type of people I would hope to hear our record. In my mind the record is for Old Believers. Its open for anyone to decide what I mean exactly… its more interesting that way.
Three years after your album “Death Won’t Send A Letter” how didthe songwriting and recording process of “Old Believers” differ from the previous material?
I think this record was more focussed both in the writing and playing… its also topically more about rebuilding than loss.
On the album cover one sees woods, nature. Is there a symbolism to understand behind it?
Not so much symbolism as impressionism …. they are images that help to form a landscape for the listener … my favorite album covers always help transport you before you even drop the needle.
One can note diverse genres on the album, country-rock, pop, folk, blues and dare I say a bit of gospel touch. What are your biggest influences, whether musical or personal?
You listed most of my influences above… but add to that some painters I love like Kris Lewis … I also borrow a lot from emotions projected in certain types of paintings.
The track Getting By from Little Bird featured in the 2007 film Cleaner (starring Samuel L. Jackson). Are you eventually interested in other collaboratives areas, say cinema, fashion?
I have always wanted to work and collaborate with film makers… and will as often as the opportunity arises and fits…. It’s been a life long dream of mine to have a walk on role in a western movie as well. Hopefully that will happen some day.
How did the extraodinary Norah Jones encounter and adventure happened?
We met almost five years ago at a small club on the lower east side of New York. We’ve caught up at several places around the country since then and we were/ are thrilled to get the chance to play with her and hear her and her band perform each night.
What about your future projects? Do you guys plan eventually a tour of your own soon?
Plans for the future are often hard to make… I really can only promise that we will do our best to keep pushing forward creativily and keep it interesting for those who follow our little place in the world. But in truth … there will be more projects…. more tours, and more making merry if it’s the last thing we do.
Finally, what do you love to stare at?
There are only a few things I’m willing to admit staring at in print… if someone where to have a few bottles of wine with us … that’s when we spill the rest but for now lets say: bonfires and thunder snow (yeah thats a real thing … and it’s awesome)
You can find Cory Chisel tour updates and buy their New Album on their website http://corychisel.com/
