This week we catch up with keyboardist Charlie Calv.
Charlie, tell us what you've been up to.
Let's see, raising three boys with my wife consumes most of my time, but I think you are looking for musical things. I am working on a fantastic record with my band The Way which features two very good friends and ultra-talented guys: Russell Arcara and Stephen DeAcutis. That will be released on Atenzia Records. Also working on a futuristic concept record called Pleasure Dome with another equally talented team of Ted Poley and Dave Tsien. For most up to date happenings you can go to thecharobgroup.com.
So what is the official status of SHOTGUN SYMPHONY ?
No more. We did our last show to a nice sold out crowd in Bradford, UK in 2002. This was taped and we hope to release it as a live CD/DVD.
We hear you live in New Jersey. So what is the real reason The Statue Of Liberty faces the other way?
That just happens to be the direction of the ocean where everyone entered.
You performed in Melodica with Ted Poley of Danger Danger, so do you have any good stories about Ted?
I have never seen a guy more passionate about his fans. He will stand out in the cold and sign autographs for hours, have fans come by rehearsals, you name it and he will do it for them. Truly amazing.
You are a great keyboard player and songwriter. Tell us about your influences.
Thanks. Mostly influenced by bands and players from the 70's such as Zeppelin, Yes, Jethro Tull, etc... as for songwriting it all depends on the mood that I am in. I do not get involved with the writing of the lyrics just the music and melodies. So it really depends at where I am at that point in life when I sit down and create a piece of music. I like to create what I call painting landscapes with my music. Keyboards are a very interesting instrument in that they can totally shift a piece of music depending on what parts you create and what sounds you use. Therefore changing the entire landscape from either being a drab black and white to a colorful rainbow of emotions.
Tell us about The Pleasure Dome Project. Who is involved?
As I mentioned earlier that is a futuristic concept record that I have been working on with Ted Poley. We also have on board two Shotgun Symphony alumni, Ed Avila and John Hummel as well as guitarist/engineer Dave Tsien who I had worked with on the Skin Tag record.
On the new Liberty n' Justice CD "Soundtrack Of A Soul" you co-wrote three of the songs and played keys as well. How did you get involved in this project and what do you really think of this project?
I originally got involved with the track I had produced with Ted Poley. I though the idea was really great and I had some other songs and great singers in mind that I thought would complement the record, I guess I was right because they are on there as well.
Name the three highest points and three lowest points of your musical career to date.
I can't say there are any real low points. I have been lucky enough to continue to make music and have it heard by people for the better part of my career. High points? There are many great moments that I cherish, from meeting some of my idols to being able to travel around the world. Something many people a lot more known then me can say they have done.
Rumor has it lately you've been doing some gigs with Vic Rivera. What's this all about are you in Adriangale now?
No. I play with Vic in Ted Poley's solo band. We are doing some regional shows (Northeast) and plan on hitting Europe in the fall. I must say that Vic is a great talent and the band that we have is really amazing, doing everything from Ted's career such as all the Danger Danger hits to more obscure songs from Bone Machine, new Pleasure Dome stuff and some really cool covers.
Rank the following keyboard players on a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 being a third-grader playing "Three Blind Mice," and 10 being Mozart.
Jonathan Cain (Journey)
8-fantastic songwriter.
David Bryan (Bon Jovi)
8-just because he was nice enough to buy me a drink.
Jim Peterik (Survivor)
8-great songwriter and very humerous man, especially when he was trying to get in my room at 3:00 a.m. thinking it was his.
Greg Rollie (Journey/ The Storm)
8-great rootsy hammond player.
Kasey Smith (Danger Danger)
8-had some challenging parts for me to learn.
Steve Walsh (Kansas)
10-hey, anyone that can do handstands while playing those riffs is amazing. I can't play those riffs or do handstands.
Charlie Calv
I can never rate myself
All in all they are all really good players for what they do.
Charlie, do you prefer live or studio work more?
Although there is nothing like the feel of a live audience I do prefer the studio. Live you are creating the moment, in the studio you are creating the everlasting moment, good or bad.
So, spiritually what do you believe?
In the one and only creator. All you have to do is look at a blade of grass or for me look at anyone of my three kids and there is no question that this is all about something much greater then we can imagine.
If you could play with anyone (or put together a dream band) who would be in it and what would they play? (By the way, Justin Murr can play a mean triangle)
I probably change my mind everytime I am asked this question so this is how I feel today: John Bonham (drums), Chris Squire (bass), Neal Schon (Guitar), Gregg Giuffria (Keys) and Lou Gramm (vocals).
What does the future hold for the musician Charlie Calv?
More music and always hoping to make a change for the better.
And finally, a Liberty n' Justice 4-ALL word association. We will mention a name or thing, and you give us your thoughts:
Ted Poley (Danger Danger)
Coolest "Rock Star" I ever met.
Stephen Deacutis (Arcara/Intruder)
Most underated all around musician/producer I know.
John Kivel (Kivel Records)
His check didn't bounce, makes him cool with me.
Christina Conti (singer)
Wish we could of done more with her. Great talent.
Justin Murr (Liberty n Justice)
His checks didn't bounce and keeps coming back for more, makes him even cooler than John Kivel (LOL).
Joe Cerisano (Trans-Siberian Orchestra)
Truly one great human being and gifted singer. Joe has been through a lot and still has a wonderful and positive attitude.
Vic Rivera (AdrianGale)
One great guy, treats you like a brother after only knowing him for such a short time.
Russell Arcara (Surgin/Prophet/Arcara)
Born on the same day and share many of the same views. Like brothers.
Lou Gramm (Foreigner)
One of the truly great voices in rock, wonderful phrasing and emotion. One of the few on this list that I have not worked with but would love to be given the opportunity.
Kerry Livgren (Kansas)
Have not really followed his work after Kansas, but with out a doubt a very unique and recognizable style. Really miss him in Kansas.