We've long promised Russian fans that some day an interview will be done exclusively for this very site. Joe's tight touring and recording schedule does not leave a whole lot of time for interviews, but still Joe was generous enough to finally devote some of his time to answer everything we'd come up with here at Dream Chaser and beyond.
Let me on behalf of all the fans express enormous gratitude for providing us with this unique opportunity to Lisa Walker. Thanks Lisa!!
So read on.
Enjoy :)
1.Fandango is quite popular among your Russian fans, so we've prepared several questions regarding it:
(we = Dream Chaser Fan Site crew,)
Who came up with the band's name, Fandango? (I assume it was definitely your idea about Ezra, but with Fandango, it's not so evident)
JLT: Danny La Rue our keyboard player. Whispering smith was another choice.
Fandango were part of NY club scene then - were you an underground band by choice? Did you feel rebellious?
JLT: We actually had a major record deal so while we did play some clubs we were not at all an “underground band.” We released several albums on RCA Records. The tracks from these albums received airplay on AOR radio stations in the USA.
Did the punk movement from UK ever have its effect upon NY musicians at the time? Or were you all into melodic rock grands like Foreigner and Boston then?
JLT: With no disrespect to the UK---we had The Ramones! I listened to punk but was past that musical influence in my life when I was with Fandango and Rainbow. I had moved on to appreciating other genres.
What are your fondest recollections about your stay in Fandango? How did you feel then? Were there any episodes in particular you would like to share?
JLT: Fandango represented my first record deal and it was exciting going to LA, USA to do showcases…it was like a new love. But it was an extremely sobering reality…our equipment was stolen and eventually the record label dropped us. So in that sense it was a bitter taste of the reality in the music business. But as for the playing and writing I have too many fond memories to reveal! It was a great time and the band members were incredible people and musicians.
Did you ever feel a notion to reform Fandango, or did you feel it would have been improper due to passing of your friend and mentor Rick Blakemore?
JLT: Yeah it was over after he died. There was too much emotional baggage physically and emotionally.
Is there a chance that all the Fandango albums will be reissued on CD?
JLT: You can get “The Best of Fandango” online at several of the stores that carry imports. Several of my fans have bought it. I wish it was more widely available but if you search the Internet you can find it.
2.About the 'Can't Let You Go' video - whose idea was it, to base it on the legendary horror movie 'The Cabinet of Dr Caligari'? Was it fun for you to take part in it? Do you recall any funny episodes during the shooting? (DC crew)
JLT: It was Ritchie’s idea… he loved that whole zombie thing. It was my first“acting” love scene and it was really fun
3.Your part in 'Can't Let You Go' video was excellently executed. In the 80s you played a part in a TV film as well. Why didn't you pursue a career in acting? (DC crew)
JLT: Because the acting world is even worse than music biz as far as being chewed up and spitten out as we say in an American slang expression. I hope you get what I mean ;-). It is very mercenary. It’s a “sharkfest.”
4.What is your favourite Rainbow video? If you can choose, what are your favourite Rainbow songs and albums? (Kate "Black Samvi")
JLT: I am sorry I cannot answer this specifically. They are like children. They are all great in some way. Although I did write most of the treatment for the“Death Alley Driver” video.
5.If Ritchie ever decides to reform Rainbow, who do you think he'd choose for lead vocals and who else's opinion he might consider? (Xenia "Swift")
JLT: Ritchie is too hard to predict. Of course, if he decided to reform Rainbow I would love to be the lead singer.
6.When and how did you first meet Glenn Hughes? When was it that you first decided to collaborate? (Kate "Black Samvi")
JLT: I believe we met in Stolkholm Sweden in the mid 80s when he was working with John Norum. I do not remember the exact date we started to collaborate but Glenn is brilliant and working with him has been one of the highlights of my career.
7.Why is it that rock lyrics are much more interesting and somewhat deeper, than those in pop music? Why is it that rock ballads are much more beautiful? Maybe, people who write rock music and lyrics are of a special kind, or what? How would you explain? (Elena Tonkova)
JLT: Pop is more superficial and candy coated. It is not as deep. I think now there are some themes in some of the newer pop here in the USA that is more meaningful.
(hmm, I guess this newer pop does not get exported to the rest of the world... - DC crew)
8.Whose idea was it, to identify band members by their football positions in the Slaves & Masters booklet? (Dmitri Zykov, Deep Purple Russian Pages editor, www.deep-purple.ru)
JLT: I am sure it was Ritchie’s. He is still am major soccer freak and we had a pretty good team.
9.Could you tell us some DP 'Spinal Tap'-type stories, as we've already heard some fascinating ones from your Rainbow days? (Dmitri Zykov, Deep Purple Russian Pages ed)
JLT: I may write a book someday and for now I am saving most of these stories for that book. Thank you for asking though!
10.What was it like, teaching? Was it a valuable experience? Could you recall any interesting episodes from your teaching career? (DC crew)
JLT: Yes it was! I have a great admiration for teachers. In the USA they are generally underpaid they deserve more recognition. In the Usa there have been many government cuts in funding for education in subjects such as music. I disagree with this.
You're lucky not to know the shameful situation that teachers as a part and education as a whole are in in Russia, especially as far as funding and recognition goes... - DC crew
11.Once I heard Paul McCartney being asked about his rock'n'roll 'dream team' of the 20th century; I can't exactly recall what he said, something like Eric Clapton on the guitar, Elton John -keyboards, and so on. How would you answer the same question? ("Deep Purple" won't do - you should at least specify the lineup, as there were too many! :)) (Kate "Black Samvi")
JLT: I really cannot answer that question. There are too many musicians I admire and it would be hard to narrow it down to a few. Thank for being creative with your question ;-).
12. Judging by your lyrics, in your younger days you have had a lot of romantic relationships that all ended very sadly. Now you're older and wiser, how could you comment on this? (Zoey 'Rainbow Eyes')
JLT: I do not know if I am wiser ;-) Older…well I definitely am older ;-). Love is ageless. It is more of a preoccupation when you are younger. When you get older and settle into one person.
13.HTP 2 album as compared to the first HTP release seems not so rich in melodies and styles, however it has a lot of interesting musical ideas which surely might be developed in the albums to come. Have you and Glenn already made plans to record the next album by Hughes Turner Project? Have you planned some brand new experimental ideas to be worked out? (DC crew)
JLT: Glenn and I had a great time touring and promoting HTP 1 and 2. We are both working on solo projects now so as of the date of this email interview it is too early to forecast what lies ahead for HTP! Keep checking the websites!
14.Did you ever feel that the press paid too much attention to your appearance as compared to your musical abilities? Or are you of a kind that uses every God given talent, including good looks, to one's own advantage, so you did not mind their speculations? (DC crew)
JLT: I think the press did and you have to be take attraction into it (success) to a certain point. I thought the press overtly went after that angle for awhile when I was in Rainbow, Yngwie and Deep Purple. I think a good appearance can help success to some degree but as you mention it can also become an obsession with some journalists to where they are less focused on the music. It is the music that really matters.
(This is wisely said and hopefully will be remembered by anyone who reads this interview! - DC crew)
15.How many languages do you speak? (DC crew)
JLT: I speak bits and pieces of 5 languages. I try and learn something from every country and I feel this shows respect. I had to take Latin in school for 10 years and that is the basis for many languages. It helps a person to know some foreign language to be a great communicator.
16.You've been working in Japan (particularly) for a long time. Did Japanese culture influence you and/or your musical ideas? (DC crew)
JLT: Totally no matter where you go in life it is all a big influence. I have written some songs specifically for Japan. Deep Purple wrote about “My Woman from Tokyo.” I have been inspired by people from Russia and Spain and many other countries.
17.Are you familiar with any contemporary blues/rock musicians from Eastern Europe? (DC crew)
JLT: Like who?
Like them!
18.What's your take on Tatu's success? :) (DC crew)
(Tatu is an (in)famous Russian female pop duo)
JLT: I have heard of them but I do not know enough to comment.
19.Now that you have visited Russia with HTP - 15 years since your initial visit with Yngve Malmsteen - what did you expect originally? How do you think the country has changed? Do you plan a new Russian tour (within HTP or solo)? (DC crew)
JLT: I feel the country has changed for the better. I was hoping and the fans are still there and they are! I find the changes in Russia refreshing the enthusiasm is still evident. As far as a tour I would love to play more dates in Russia…the fans are passionate and care a lot about music.
We surely will not be against you touring Russia again, Joe! The only thing we have to do is find a right promoter :)
Now with several of JLT's albums being reissued by Art Music Group specifically for Russian market, let's hope that the popularity of our favourite artist will only grow!
June 2004