Welcome to the DMC World Peven.
So, a new album coming out ‘Party of The Year’ – great name for a record by the way. Out on July 6th on Trippin’ Records – talk us through the album, what are your favourite tracks on it?
“Somehow the compilation is now being called an album but I’m glad it’s put together well enough to feel good. Unbelievable really. Choosing a favourite from the lot would be like choosing one child over another. A piece of my heart is in every song.”
You had a very musical upbringing, what sort of musicians did you listen to growing up, who are your musical inspirations, where was home…?
“Well I grew up in Harvey, Illinois. The music I was grooving to was many artists, Gospel, Jazz, Soul and African artists which greatly shaped my musical style. I’m still growing up if you will. However, I do think growing is an infinite state, a human duty so to speak.”
I believe you come from a very musical family?
“Music was always around. I have very fond memories because of my family’s willingness to embrace music – all singers.”
What’s the phone book and piano story all about when you were young?
“Ha! I used phone books piled up to sit on when I first started piano so I could reach the keys. Another fond memory. Probably more nostalgic for me now.”
You started playing the drums at a very early age – four years old. What were the first songs you ever belted out on the cow hide?
“The Theme from the TV show Taxi, the theme song from Hillstreet Blues and Grover Washington’s Mr Magic’. They were all out at the same time and I loved they were all special to me.”
By the age of ten, you had learnt to play the drums, guitar, bass, flute, piano, trombone and trumpet, who were your mentors back then?
“Well, my music teacher John Weber at school was a huge inspiration and Betty Carter at New York’s Carnegie Hall where I studied after moving from the Chicago area. I love to express myself with many different types of music and the way I do it – it changes all the time. It’s all about communicating with the people that love my music.”
You famously worked with Roy Davis Jr. – what was that experience like?
“Interesting to say the least. Roy was inspired to get into the music world by Lil’ Louis, the ‘French Kiss’ master. It was in the late 90s and we recorded the single ‘ Gabriel’. We got huge amounts of airplay and DJs played it all around the world. It sold over 250,000 copies and has appeared on dozens of compilation records including ‘Desert Island Mix’ by Gilles Peterson. I love Roy, his Phuture group was seminal.”
Your first album – ‘Studio Confessions’ through Californian based ABB Soul Records – a very intimate record that showed us an insight into your personal life – what were the main parts of your life that you wanted to share with the world?
“You know Dan, ‘Studio Confessions’ was all about the love I have for my family and friends. It’s all about singing from the heart.”
How do you feel about being described as a modern day Donnie Hathaway, Marvin Gaye and Curtis Mayfield?
“Wow. How do you think I feel? I couldn’t be happier. I respect those people and others so much. A true inspiration to every musician.”
What is the most important lesson, life has taught you?
“People are people. We all stray off the line one time or another but also bring happiness into people’s lives every day – just be respectful.”
What is the best album ever made by one your heroes?
“‘I Want You’ by Marvin Gaye.”
Which dead or alive three people would you like to have around for a dinner party?
“Jimi Hendrix, Bob Marley and James Brown.”
You have some big fans out there, Q-Tip, Giles Peterson, Norman Jay, Jazzie B and Dez Parkes to name but a few bigging up your label – who is the biggest person that loves your music that you are proudest of?
“Dez is family to me. Some people say he is a walking encyclopedia on music. His father was a record collector covering all aspects of black music and Dez himself ventured into this intriguing world in his early teens. He started dancing in the underground clubs with groups and became something of a fixture at the infamous Crackers, Birds Nest and the Whisky A Go Go (today known as The Wag), to name but a few, where under the tag Unknown Kwantity he became responsible for getting the party going. He brought out the ‘Rare’ albums, ‘Motown Rate Grooves’, worked with the likes of The Brand New Heavies, then onto the Mastercuts series and the Classical Rare Groove series – a phenomenal man.”