Luca Cerardi Interview with Nick Douglas

What does playing bass mean to you? What do you feel?

It's a voice and a way of expression without using verbal words. It's my first love, a very good friend, and a choice that I'm glad I made. When I was young, I was a shy kid, and the bass allowed me to speak (rather loudly I’d say). It has a beautiful sound too.

When did you realize that playing bass was going to be a big part of your life? And when was it that you thought you could actually be a professional musician?

I am still trying to figure that out! Well, I think it was a slow realization. I understood that I could make a living by being a musician, but I have always been aware that this is a career that can disappear in any moment. It is humbling. When I was a teenager, I didn't realize all the consequences of that choice. At that young age I was not weighing myself down with doubts and "what ifs". I was determined to start playing and recording to reach success, but I didn't know exactly how. When I was 20, I recorded my first record, and I felt a great sense of accomplishment. I just wanted to keep the momentum going.

If you hadn’t succeeded as a professional musician, what would you have done? In other words, what other passions do you have in addition to music?

Well, I was going to Architecture school, so that might have been my future. I also like Astronomy and Meteorology. When I'm at home, I also love to cook. Nothing too extravagant. Simple, healthy food.

That's tough to answer, as there have been so many people along the way. In the early days, my first teacher was very inspiring. I wanted to be like him. Also my brother John. So many band mates and the parents of band mates that supported us. Other musicians and bands like Steve Harris, Jaco Pastorius, Pink Floyd, Paul McCartney and Judas Priest and many more. Of course Doro is a huge inspiration and great teacher to me, thank you Doro! Also, the legendary Phil Chen who played bass for Jeff Beck and Rod Stewart, and now plays for Robby Krieger of The Doors.

What about turning points in your career or a specific person that changed your life?

Do you remember your first gig?

Yes! Well, it wasn't really a gig, but it was my first time playing on a stage. It was an audition for a talent show, which was over an hour drive from where we used to live. We had something like a 3-minute time limit, but our songs were typically much longer than that. So we just started playing, and of course went over the time limit. One of the judges ended up having to run toward the front of the stage, waving his hands at us so that we would stop. I think we kept going a little longer, then finally stopped. Needless to say, we were disqualified from the talent show. But, hey, at least we got to play as much as we wanted!

Have you always had the support of your famil y over the course of the years?

Well, not so much in the beginning. When it became evident that my interest was more with music than with architecture (I still liked architecture, though), it was met with some resistance. But I kept going with it. And one day, I went home holding a record that had my face on the back cover. I showed it to my mom, and I think that’s when she realized that I was really determined to do this.

Who inspired you the most along your career?

Once again I would say being with Doro and the band. I've also been going to church often, and that has given me peace.

I suppose you met a lot of people over the years. Who deserves a big thanks for the mu sician and man you have become?

It would be hard to pin down just one person, but I will say Doro, since I learned so much from her.

Day 1 of your career and today: how have you changed over the course of your career?

I used to look at my life as fun and I did not feel like I had big responsibilities. But along the way, I realized two things. First, music is a business after all, and it requires a good strategy to stay in it. Second, so many people are affected by music, in a good way, and I started feeling honored to have such a role for them. I understood I definitely had some responsibilities. I feel like I’m a happy servant. That’s what it is all about.

You always played rock music. What was it that drove you towards this musical genre?

It was probably due to the influence of my older brother and friends when I was growing up. They were into heavy metal and hard rock. Also, there is a lot of energy coming out of rock/metal, I really felt it inside me. Nowadays, I listen to all music genres, softer and more intense , and tend not to classify music as much. Maybe that comes from my experience in songwriting, and from knowing how personal a song can be. able to start over, and not giving up. It’s about moving to a better understanding of life. I feel like the songs came to me like gifts, little opportunities to explain something. And I was able to capture them and record them. I started writing "You Break" in 2001, and "Come Alive" was written in the Summer and Autumn of 2016, just before delivering the album to the record label. So it happened in the span of about 15 years. I would write and record any time I had the chance, ability and/or inspiration. There were times when I didn't know if I'd ever have enough songs to complete an album, but I kept going, and I'm glad I did.

What kind of music is most appealing to you nowadays?

You have been playing with Doro for such a long time. What does this band mean to you?

In a word, family. We have seen and been through a lot together. Just like family.

How would you describe the “Queen of Metal”? One word to define your experience with the band?

The Queen of Metal is the legend that carries the torch of heavy metal, and is so deservedly respected. One word to describe my experience with the Doro band: adventure. Also, I never stop learning with them, which is great.

You just released your second solo album: “Regenerations”. Introspective music, softer sounds, cool arrangements. Can you describe the project, its origins and its meaning? How long did it take you from the beginning to completion (release date)?

It's autobiographical and represents the changes I went through during making it. It allows me to express things that I would not have been able to express in any other way. The title "Regenerations" refers to the concept of being

I'm really into lyrics and storytelling. It doesn't really matter what genre it is. As long as the words and sounds are compelling, I'll like it. Songs can cure the soul, when you hear them at the right moment.

Many years playing, long tours… How have you been keeping up with the rock-star lifestyle from a physical perspective?

When we first started touring I was younger, I could handle heavy traveling, and not getting a lot of sleep. As time went on, my body started to give small signs of physical tiredness, and I had to adapt. I try to eat healthier, and rest as much as possible. The priority is my performance on stage, I want to have as much energy as I can for that.

Live or studio?

Both give some kind of satisfaction that the other doesn't. But I will say that, since I have a home studio, I really enjoy spending time writing, recording and mixing.

What’s your relationship with the past? Do you like to talk about your memories and experiences, or do you prefer to stay focused on the present and keep looking forward?

I usually prefer to look forward and not look back. I'm not too sentimental. I like to think of what I can do next.

Best memory on the road and/or more in general during your musical career?

I have one of each. For the general one, when I met my half-sister for the first time in 1994. Coincidentally, she lives in Germany, and I happen to be in Germany often, playing for Doro. Martina is her name, she is so cool, nice, and a great friend. As for the memory on the road, when Klaus Meine and Rudolf Schenker came onstage during Doro's 25th Anniversary show in Düsseldorf. I got to play "Big City Nights" and "Rock You Like A Hurricane" alongside Rudolf!

What’s the status of the music business in your opinion?

It changed a lot over the years, but not in every aspect. I think bands/artists and their audiences have a closer connection to each other compared to 26 years ago. And although record sales are not what they used to be, technology has been helping incredibly in expanding recording possibilities. It's an exciting time to make music. One thing that instead always feels the same is the experience of watching a live performance. That just doesn't seem upgradeable.

Social media and technology. A lot has changed from the day rock music started. How do you feel about them? Have th ey helped or damaged musicians?

It depends, both I guess. When I was growing up, bands seemed to be larger-than-life, untouchable entities. This made me want to get to know more about them, and I kept buying their records. Surely there were less ways to access a band. For example, we had to wait until the next monthly issue of a music magazine to see if the band we liked was written about. Today, I feel like social media cuts down the mystery of a band. But that’s not necessarily a bad thing. It depends on how you look at it. As far as technology goes, like

I said before, I think it's an exciting time to make music. There is so much we can do because of all the technological advancements that have happened recently.

You explored the world touring with Doro. What is the one thing you miss every time you go back home?

Pancakes, ha ha! I like pancakes at American diners.

If you had the chance, whom else would you like to play music with?

Well, I enjoy the guys I play with now, but let's see...I'd like to write, jam or record with Alice Cooper or Chris Rea.

How do you see yourself 10 years fro m now? Dreams, hopes, projects?

Hopefully, still doing what I am doing now. Writing songs, playing bass, just being happy, and making others happy. And having a house that I can build a little studio in.

Album Review by The Grouch

(from Sweden, now in The Rockies)

Hej America!

The other day the good people at Bongo Boy asked me to give a listen to, and share my thoughts regarding a new album from Sheba The Mississippi Queen. In total honesty, I could not remember if I had ever heard of Sheba The Mississippi Queen, but I have heard (It was one of the first songs I learned to play on the drums) the song Mississippi Queen by Mountain. If Sheba rocks with anything close to the intensity of Leslie West and his band, I am sure I will dig this album immensely. The title of the album is: A Real Good Woman and the release date is November 1, 2017.

Song titles:

1. Oh So Good 3:12 – YES! I love this stuff. This, folks, is the fire that spread to Chicago and burnt down the city. It wasn’t Mrs. O’Leary’s cow that started the fire; it was the Mississippi blues that migrated north. I am in musical heaven – what a voice!! What lightning from the band. They are blistering really. Fantastic work.

2. Pourin’ Rain 4:08 – So heavy, so gritty, so thundering, I LOVE IT. The horns remind me of Motown, and having been raised in the Motor City I cannot help but to be influenced by the magic Berry Gordy was making on West Grand. This song has a huge Motown vibe that leads straight back to Mississippi.

3. Big Man 4:03 – Man, track three and my mind is already blown. If the hypnotic groove doesn’t infect you, then the vocals surely will. Man, you can just feel the power of the notes. Good God, Sheba has a killer voice. I want to party with the Queen.

4. Real Good Woman 6:22 – This is a traditional story telling blues jam that can easily be extended indefinitely. Sheba tells us that she is armed and dangerous and that her problem is she just cannot find a good man. I am enjoying listening to the qualities she considers necessary to be classified as a good man. Of course, as nice as the vocals are, it is also nice to hear that Sheba has a collection of Monsters who all have her back. This band is comprised of monster players and they do not turn the intensity down for a moment. Oh, the volume may fluctuate, but the intensity is at a constant 11.

5. Ms. Good-n-Plenty 3:32 – Sheba is rather proudly sharing some very intimate details of her relationship with her domestic partner. (Trying to keep the description clean as I do not know exactly where this review will end up, but it could be noted that Sheba has an exceptional level of stamina is rather adventurous.) Oh yeah, and the music was really good too ����

6. Butter on My Rolls 3:47 – I just love this stuff. It is so grinding and primal. The blues is such an emotional powerhouse. Sheba is considering obtaining the services of a Witch Doctor because her rolls are not receiving enough butter from her current cohabitant.

7. Tell Me Why 5:44 – Ahhh yes, funky bass with a groovy drummer set the tone while the guitar blasts in and out and the keys make a statement off to the side. I love this song. Sheba’s voice belts out stunningly powerful notes and the band continues to jam. The drummer is getting a work-out. I hear some very nice, thundering fills. The piano is mesmerizing. He just pops in and out from the side and instantly has my attention. I must see this band live!

8. Dance Jump Shout 3:17 – Fast tempo with horns and guitars all making statements while the rhythm section lays down a very quick, very intense rhythm. The guitar can’t take it anymore and busts out into a massive jam. Sheba comes back in with some commanding vocals and the guitar is right there at the end of each phrase, ready to shoot a bolt of lightn ing. WOW!

9. Good Good Lovin 6:01 – Sheba is back, talking about Rocking and Rolling and Riding a Pony…as the title suggests Sheba wants some good good lovin’. Musically, all the elements of classic blues are here. The jamming band, complete with horns and keys, a guitar player that can throw lightning bolts whenever he wants to, and a rhythm section than is totally locked in. Listen to these lyrics! It just hit me Sheba is a black female David Lee Roth.

10. Hey Girlfriend 5:02 – I like the beat the drummer lays down in the beginning of the song and how everyone else comes in and picks up the groove. This is a very intense song, in many ways. On one level, Sheba is telling a woman that she has been spending time with the other woman’s man. Musically, the song is incredibly intense. Each member is in full-on jam mode. The drummer is filling while the bass player is running a funky pattern and the keys jam and the guitar gets funky which accentuates the horns. Overall, this song is a massive BLAST of energy.

11. Blues of My Soul 7:05 – This is Sheba’s coming out of Mississippi track. She heard some very nice slide work after she left Mississippi and was instantly emotionally brought back to life on the Delta. She spent a lot of time picking cotton, which is an incredibly physically devastating activity. The one respite was listening to Mr. John playing his slide guitar off on the porch. The refrain becomes that “My Grandma would say (the bus is) goin’ my way, but it ain’t my day.” One night, Sheba’s mother made her escape. Eventually, her mother did return for her and the family headed for Florida.

12. Don't Say Goodbye 5:54 – This is simply a beautiful song. Sheba is singing about someone she loves going away. Sheba has the ability to vocally express sadness extremely well. I am enjoying the music, I mean they are all playing well, and it grooves, b ut Sheba’s vocals and her sadness have me. This is perhaps the most powerful song on the album.

13. Can't Help Lovin’ My Man 6:14 – In this song it seems that Sheba has indeed found a man to love and love him she does. Musically this song is on par with the last track. What I thought was a successful conclusion to an emotion-filled body of work, is in fact only a partially happy ending. You see, Sheba is in love with a fellow, but he goes away, and she is not really sure that he loves her. She spends her time at home sitting by the phone waiting for him to call. She knows that he loves her, but if he does not, she does not care. She cannot help loving her man.

So, what is the bottom line: The bottom line is this. Sheba has had an arduous life. She also has an incredible voice which she uses to sing about events and emotions she has felt at different points of her life. Fortunately, she has found a group of musicians with whom she blends. Each of the players on this album is very good. This comes across as a very cohesive unit of highly talented people who make very powerful music. This album is more than worth the purchase price.

I give Sheba’s album A Real Good Woman 5 out of 5 scowls on the Grouch scale. - The Grouch

Available at Bongo Bo y Records: https://bongoboyrecords.com/sheba/

Also available starting this November at cdbaby, iTunes, Amazon, Walmart and other online retailers and retail outlets Worldwide

Hej America!

The other day the folks at Bongo Boy asked me to give a listen and share my thoughts about an upcoming album called LOVE IS Volume One. This is a bit of a new area for me, as love songs usually are not really my thing, unless you would consider Alice Cooper’s Only Women Bleed a love song. If you have not heard that song for a while, take a listen and think about the words. Alice Cooper was singing about domestic violence and how terrible it is. I find it interesting that one of the most shocking “scary” acts would perform a song that was, in actuality, very sensitive and forward thinking for the time. Just for good measure, and to assure no one would think he was too sensitive the B-side of this single was Cold Ethel, but I digress. The album which is the subject of this review has some of my favorite Bongo Boy artists on it, so it should be good.

1. Mandy Brooks - Have I Told You

Lately 4:09 – First up is Mandy Brooks whose music I really like. She has such an old-school Country groove going on. I admire the guitar player’s (as well as the other strings I hear) ability. I am a huge sucker for a slide guitar and when I hear those notes bending I have to smile. Lest anyone think the only part of the song I like is the strings, I have to say that Mandy has an awesome voice. I mean, really, her voice is beautiful. I first heard Mandy a few albums ago. I really liked her then and I still do.

2. Big Bone Daddy - All My Time 5:10 – Big Bone Daddy is one of my favorite Bongo Boy artists. There is no question that Dad can jam, and I cannot think of anyone more qualified to play this. The vocals are intense, and the groove is hypnotic. For some reason, I pick up a Procol Harum vibe from this song. What I do know is that I have listen ed to this track about five times in a row simply because it is so powerful! Man, I really want to see these guys live. They must blow the roof off.

3. One Supernova - Wide Awake 5:02 – The first thing that hits the listener is a really great voice that oozes soul. Then the band kicks in and all I can do is smile. I dig the percussion. It sounds like he is having a lot of fun. The guitar is just right with enough grit to make a 70s kid head bang while not being so heavy that the melodic groove is lost. Overall this is a fantastic song that I am sure will be enjoyed by listeners the world over.

4. Deborah Henriksson - Only You

3:40 – I dig Deborah’s music or I could say ”Jag gillar verkligen Deborahs musik.” Deborah, like myself, is an American raised Swede. All pseudonationalistic nonsense aside, Deborah does have an absolutely wonderful voice and I cannot wait to see her live the next time I am in Sweden. Honestly folks, if we could get Mandy and Deborah on the same bill, it would be one spellbinding evening as both of these women have great voices that I could listen to all day long. You will enjoy this track as much as I do, I am sure.

5. Blind Lemon Pledge - Language of Love 4:33 – I first heard Blind Lemon Pledge on a Blues compilation album Bongo Boy put out a while back. I remember being blown away then and every time I have heard him since. This song is no exception. I dig the up -tempo laid down by the percussion as BLP comes in with some vocals that fit well with the music. I really like it when I can tell the band is having fun and there is no doubt in my mind that everyone is having a good time playing this track.

6. Studeo - Our Perfect Place to Be 4:04 – This is an interesting track with a real jazz feel. I can see this being performed in a smoke-filled club in the wee hours of the morning. Are those brushes I hear on the drums? The groove is just so old-school cool, rat pack cool, that the listener cannot help but nod in approval. Then there are the vocals, this woman has soul. I have th e same big goofy grin I get whenever I hear something that really moves me. WOW!

7. Les Fradkin - Black Gypsy 2:50 – Les is a monster player that I first heard a couple of years ago. His music made an impression on me. This song reminds me why I was impressed. There is one word that describes this track – hypnotic. Hypnotic, bordering on psychedelic. Les has the perfect British Invasion voice and the music reminds me of something that would have come over in about 66. Well done Les, you have, once again, written a song that really keeps my attention – there is just so much going on that even my easily distracted mind is not tempted to succumb to other stimuli.

8. Mark Baxter - Love Is 3:47 – An interesting, classical inspired opening starts off the song, but less than 30 seconds in we hear that Mark is, basically, a bluesman, as the keys slide into a solidly funky run. When Mark shouts out “Now listen!” the listener cannot do anything other than listen up. What follows is a masterful, emotion laden jam with Mark’s killer vocals playing off the band and the keys answering back with just the right amount of soulful swagger that the listener is left with no other option than to applaud.

9. Blind Dawg Ben Miller - Ain't Nobody Loved Me 6:11 – The Dawg is back! I dig Ben Miller’s music. Good God I love that guitar that hits the listener square in the face right out of the box. As if fighting to not be outdone, the bass answers the guitar with a groovy (yes that is the right word) bottom jam that doesn’t even let up when the guitar takes the spotlight. Then as if sensing the bass player’s full on attitude, we hear Ben say “Play some bass Tommy!”. Tommy then proceeds to lay down a hammering bassline that is just too cool to describe. Ben comes in with some soothing vocals and it seems the guitar and bass have come to a truce as they both lock in and swing. All the while the drummer is back there just pounding out a hypnotic rhythm that eventually leads into a classic blues ending. Excellent work guys!

10. Susan SurfTone - Out of My Dreams 3:10 – Susan is another one of my favorite artists. She blew my mind when I first heard her, and I have liked everything I have heard from her since. Susan does such a fantastic job with the surf guitar, no one can touch her on that stuff. This track has a bit of a Surf-Punk feel. It appears the drummer is putting down a slowed down classic Punk beat. I have a feeling that if the Ramones had done Surf, it would sound something like this track. Just to be clear, the Ramones are one of my all-time favorite groups and that is a complement.

11. Udo Hoelscher - Before We Fall 3:12 – This is a good song. The music is not complicated, nor does it need to be. The music is basically a backdrop for Udo’s haunting vocals. In the middle of the track the guitar does put down a nice solo, but to my ears anyway, the main force of this song is Udo’s voice. I am impressed and would very much like to see Udo live.

12. Gar Francis - More Then I Asked For 2:51 – I dig Gar’s music. I have really liked everything I have heard from this guy including this song. Gar’s Dylanesque voice sounds so raunchy, yet at the same time clean. (Unlike Dylan, or Springsteen for that matter, I can understand all of the words in this song.) The orchestral strings in the background contrast so sharply with Gar’s voice that his voice becomes even more intense. Give this track a listen and I am sure you too will become a fan.

13. Marie Chabot - Last Night 3:52 – I like the intro with the soft guitar and the slightly bent notes. Marie has a beautiful voice. This song could easily be played at the Grand Ole Opry. Yes, it is that good. Marie has a great voice that fits easily into the Country genre. Ver y well done Marie, very well done!

14. Trevor Aaron Carlesi - I'm Gonna Win My Spurs 2:17 – Up next another Country track. This is a bit of a Billy jam and I dig it. Trevor has a good voice and his band rocks. The lead guitar has some lightning and their keyboard player has some chops. I have that big goofy grin again. It is obvious that the band is having fun and they pack a tremendous punch into 2:17. Excellent work Trevor!

15. Studeo - Sunset in Corfu 4:19 – Some truly wicked guitar starts off this track. Then that fantastic voice comes in and the band falls back into a supporting role. They are not totally gone; however, they are still throwing down some nice licks and the drummer is making his presence felt with some nice fills and various percussive devices, but most of my attention is held by that magical voice. Towards the end of the song, the guitar speaks up with a very Santanaesque solo. The ending of the song, with the guitar belting out licks and the singer’s voice singing the refrain, is close to perfection.

So, folks what is the bottom line? The bottom line is this: I think Bongo Boy, with the help of some very talented musicians has redefined the meaning of the words Love Song. I was a bit concerned, when Bongo Boy told me the name of the album, that I might have to listen a bunch of songs with a similar cheese factor of Silly Love Songs. I felt better when I read the actual track list and recognized many of the names. These bands have all contributed great tracks that range from Country, to Surf, to Rat Pack Cool, to haunting vocals by a man named Udo. (Whenever I hear that name I think of one of the best albums I own Udo Lindenberg Live Sonderzug nach Pankow.) This album LOVE IS Volume One is a very good album that should be in any serious collector’s collection. - The Grouch

Album Web Page: https://bongoboyrecords.com/loveisvolumeone/

Bongo Boy Records eMail: info@bongoboyrecords.com www.bongoboyrecords.com

The Mississippi Queen Releases An Intense Blues

Album “A Real Good Woman”

A 13-Track Blues Album CD on Bongo Boy Records

WO R L D W I D E

"A Real Good Woman" is the story told by Blues singer and songwriter Sheba The Mississippi Queen. Born in 1953, her life began in the cotton fields of Mississippi; this 13-track album takes the listeners on a journey from there and then to her current life as a performing and recording artist and spiritual teacher.

Sheba's rich story telling lyrics covers black history and culture in the South, her life onstage and in the studio singing the blues, and her time in Atlanta and New York City as a "working girl."

“'A Real Good Woman,' the story of the birth of the blues in the heart and soul of a real good woman." Rev. Prentiss John Davis, Unity of Ocala

"Raw, honest, heart-breaking. Here is an open and honest account of the struggles of an AfricanAmerican woman and what she went through to escape the cotton f ields of Sunflower, Mississippi in the ’60s to become the spiritual woman she is today.”

Shirley Long, Unity of Ocala, Administrative Assistant to Senior Minister

Available at Bongo Boy Records: https://bongoboyrecords.com/sheba/ Also available starting this November at cdbaby, iTunes, Amazon, Walmart and other online retailers and retail outlets Worldwide. eMail: info@bongoboyrecords.com