Post by maddogfagin on Jul 25, 2013 13:03:15 GMT
I had the chance recently to ask Dan Crisp a few questions on behalf of the Jethro Tull Forum. Hope you enjoy reading it.
MD: Speaking of Martin Barre, when did you first meet him and get to know him ?
Dan Crisp: I met Martin around 2005 socially rather than professionally. I was playing in a couple of bands and he was touring all the time, so any meet ups were usually social. He had talked about wanting to play not just more of his own material, but Tull songs which the band didn't play any more. Together with bassist Alan Bray (who stepped in for John Noyce at the recent Tulliano's convention) we rehearsed some stuff acoustically, the plan being to do some shows between the big Tull tours. We only did a couple of acoustic shows, and planned to do band performances when "Tull took a break" but they never did! Not until 2008 when there was there a window in the winter. After that we both got busy and didn't do much together until very early 2012, following Martin's departure from Tull.
MD. What is it like to front his band and perform some of the outstanding songs from the pen of Ian Anderson and, of course, the music of Martin Barre ?
DC: I feel like I'll never truly appreciate what it is to perform songs written by someone else. It was their song. I'll never capture what it meant to them, but I do take pride in being a part of what it means to others. When I hear someone performing a song I love, I'm encouraged by the fact that it means as much to them as it does myself. So when I perform a song written by someone else, it must embody the spirit of the song, rather than be just a carbon copy. Doesn't hurt to throw in a few nods and winks though!
MD: From the youtubes on the JT Forum and the messages posted from fans who went to this years Tullianos Convention in Gava, you looked as though you were having a great time. Martin's held in high regard by JT fans worldwide isn't he.
DC: Martin loves what he does and it's clear to everyone. You know that he's dedicated to the craft, which is inspiring whatever the craft. The Tullianos Convention is great, good for the soul. A celebration where there is only good. It's important to treat yourself once in a while, but there I felt completely spoiled!
MD: Your own music is finally getting the recognition it deserves - when did you start performing and what were your early influences ?
DC: Definitely a lot of classic rock albums my dad bought. For whatever reason I've been drawn to what I think is the more interesting progressive end of music, regardless of genre. I could list too many influences, but imagine a classic rock tape from a service station, that's what my dad used to buy!
MD: Apart from your current activities with Martin Barre, what is your music of choice at the present time and what are your muiscal plans for the future ?
DC: I have been distracted from my own projects recently with preparing material with Martin, but I've been using any down time to consider production. I love a song which can be played with just an acoustic guitar, but I would like to indulge in a more electronic production while recording. Perhaps a fusion of a solid guitar based song, laced with weird and wonderful progressive electronica.
MD: Finally, thanks for taking the time to speak to the JT Forum membership who I'm sure will be interested to know of your activities in the future and we'll certainly be more than happy to pass on any information to the members.
DC: Thanks very much for your patience, and the photos!
The photos Dan mentions are some of the ones posted on the Forum from the recent Tullianos Convention which I emailed to him.
MD: Speaking of Martin Barre, when did you first meet him and get to know him ?
Dan Crisp: I met Martin around 2005 socially rather than professionally. I was playing in a couple of bands and he was touring all the time, so any meet ups were usually social. He had talked about wanting to play not just more of his own material, but Tull songs which the band didn't play any more. Together with bassist Alan Bray (who stepped in for John Noyce at the recent Tulliano's convention) we rehearsed some stuff acoustically, the plan being to do some shows between the big Tull tours. We only did a couple of acoustic shows, and planned to do band performances when "Tull took a break" but they never did! Not until 2008 when there was there a window in the winter. After that we both got busy and didn't do much together until very early 2012, following Martin's departure from Tull.
MD. What is it like to front his band and perform some of the outstanding songs from the pen of Ian Anderson and, of course, the music of Martin Barre ?
DC: I feel like I'll never truly appreciate what it is to perform songs written by someone else. It was their song. I'll never capture what it meant to them, but I do take pride in being a part of what it means to others. When I hear someone performing a song I love, I'm encouraged by the fact that it means as much to them as it does myself. So when I perform a song written by someone else, it must embody the spirit of the song, rather than be just a carbon copy. Doesn't hurt to throw in a few nods and winks though!
MD: From the youtubes on the JT Forum and the messages posted from fans who went to this years Tullianos Convention in Gava, you looked as though you were having a great time. Martin's held in high regard by JT fans worldwide isn't he.
DC: Martin loves what he does and it's clear to everyone. You know that he's dedicated to the craft, which is inspiring whatever the craft. The Tullianos Convention is great, good for the soul. A celebration where there is only good. It's important to treat yourself once in a while, but there I felt completely spoiled!
MD: Your own music is finally getting the recognition it deserves - when did you start performing and what were your early influences ?
DC: Definitely a lot of classic rock albums my dad bought. For whatever reason I've been drawn to what I think is the more interesting progressive end of music, regardless of genre. I could list too many influences, but imagine a classic rock tape from a service station, that's what my dad used to buy!
MD: Apart from your current activities with Martin Barre, what is your music of choice at the present time and what are your muiscal plans for the future ?
DC: I have been distracted from my own projects recently with preparing material with Martin, but I've been using any down time to consider production. I love a song which can be played with just an acoustic guitar, but I would like to indulge in a more electronic production while recording. Perhaps a fusion of a solid guitar based song, laced with weird and wonderful progressive electronica.
MD: Finally, thanks for taking the time to speak to the JT Forum membership who I'm sure will be interested to know of your activities in the future and we'll certainly be more than happy to pass on any information to the members.
DC: Thanks very much for your patience, and the photos!
The photos Dan mentions are some of the ones posted on the Forum from the recent Tullianos Convention which I emailed to him.