Another week, another interview. This week we talk with a singer that we recently announced. This guy has worked with everybody! So here he is … Phil Naro for your reading pleasure.
Phil can you tell us what you've been up to?
A lot. I've been busy promoting the D:Drive CD and performing with the group in select venues in western New York and southern Ontario. I'm also producing a vocalist from Buffalo named Jim Crean, whom I've also begun an artist showcase/production company called Glass Mountain Productions. I've been working with "Scott Miller" of "Adriangale" on a new project called "Tango Down" out of NYC on "Kivel Records". More news to come. Plus I'll be taking part in the "Classic Albums Live" shows in select cities across the continent. I'm squeezing that all in between earning my main bread and butter performing with John Rogers throughout the week under the moniker of The Phil and John Show. You can check out every detail of my adventures so to speak on the following web-sites: http://www.thephilandjohnshow.com/ or http://www.philnaro.com/
You recently were on Don Mancuso CD, "D:DRIVE" which also featured Lou Gramm of Foreigner. What was it like working with Lou? Have any Lou stories for us?
What could I possibly say other than it was a real buzz and a half working with a true legend like Lou Gramm. He's a fabulous person and I had to keep pinching myself while we were in the studio recording D-Drive. I just couldn't believe I was actually collaborating with him.
The last label you were with was Z Records, what happened and why were there so many conflicts with them?
It was a business deal gone dead. Unfortunately that is the music business for you.
In our hearts, you have an uncanny resemblance to John Lennon of Beatle fame. Is this the first you've heard this?
Wow! I've been compared to many great singers in the past, but that's the first time I've ever been compared to John Lennon. Thanks for the compliment!
You recently recorded a song for the new Liberty n' Justice CD "Soundtrack Of A Soul." Rumor has it the song, "Hope and Pray (Ballad Of King David)," was cut in Canada at the studio of Harry Hess of Harem Scarem. What was it like working with Harry and how involved was he with the song?
Harry's a good guy and I've work with him in the past. He's just recorded that song at his studio. The mix was done by my exclusive producer Steve Major at Wellesley Sound Studio here in Toronto, Ontario.
Phil Naro can be considered the first vocalist of Peter Criss's ' "Criss" band. How was it working Peter and do you still have contact with him?
Like Lou Gramm, Peter Criss is also a legend and it was a mind-blowing (not to mention nerve-wracking!) experience working with him also. He's a real task master and a perfectionist to say the least. I've not spoken to Peter in quite some time. I hope he's doing well and I wish him the best.
Can you tell us three of the highest and lowest points so far in your musical career?
Highs? I would have to say working with Lou Gramm, touring, and working with my sons John and James in putting their own rock band together. Lows? Well, let's just say I've had several that makes it difficult to confine to just three.
Who are your musical influences? Any all-time favorite bands? Albums?
The Beatles, Yes, Foreigner, Sting and I love the 60's Motown stuff
You've recorded you fair share of albums: 24k - Pure, Naro - Press Play, Slav Simanic - Let It Go, Von Groove - Test Of Faith, Glass Mountain and many others. Which are you most proud of and why?
I've recorded several albums in my career, but the three I am most proud of are Press Play, Blood Red Flower and D-Drive
So spiritually what do you believe?
Spiritually, I'm a devout Catholic.
Rumor has it you'd like to record a Christian rock CD. With the talent you have, the CD would rock. Is this true? When are you going to start on it?
I would definitely be interested in doing a Christian CD. Most likely I'll be working on lyrics with Justin Murr if it all goes down. It would be a wonderful experience in broadening my songwriting skills, especially if the right offer came along!
The last of Phil Naro...
last song you wrote
"Best People You will Ever Know." It's a new track that will be on the upcoming The Phil & John Show CD "Cover Art."
Last place you performed live at
Water Street in Rochester, New York & Rock and Roll Heaven in Buffalo. I performed there with D-Drive last month. Great venues and great fans. Very well received.
Last CD you bought
"Band On The Run" by Paul McCartney. Ironically I will be performing that album in its entirety note for note, cut for cut, with some of the best musicians here in Toronto.
Last time you prayed
I pray everyday without fail. I find it the most powerful channel of communication.
Last time someone asked for an autograph
The last autograph I sighed was at the House of Guitars in Rochester, New York when I did an in store appearance with the rest of D-Drive.
What does 2005 and beyond hold for the musician Phil Naro?
Touring with D-Drive & working on the next D-Drive release hopefully out out by Jan 2006. Producing Jim Crean's new CD, Classic Albums Live and performing with John Rogers thus far. Working with my kids is also a priority that I love doing and I'm sure that I'll be getting more opportunities to record and write as the years goes on.
And finally, a Liberty n' Justice 4-ALL word association. We will mention a name or thing, and you give us your thoughts:
Don Mancuso (Lou Gramm Band)
A long time friend and a great guitar player/songwirter!
Tony Gross (GFI Music: Rochester,NY)
I've know him for years, very cool and a hard worker!
Mark St. John (KISS)
I did one album with Mark, but he was running around that I never got the chance to really know him.
Tibor Torontali (Guitarist) (Ballad Of King David)
A great musical talent but I wish he was more stable.
Roger Banks
GREAT!
Eddie Kramer (Famous producer Kiss, Led Zepplin, Jim Hendrix etc.)
GENIUS!
Tom Lord-Alge (A Grammy winning producer)
A GENIUS ALSO!
Lou Gramm (Foreigner)
The best-period.
Justin Murr (Liberty n' Justice)
Wonderful guy-especially if he was to sign me.
Andrew McNeice (http://www.melodicrock.com/)
Very supportive. A good man
Billy Sheehan (Mr. Big) http://www.billysheehan.com/
I'm still riding on his coat tails. The worlds greatest bassist!
John Rogers (Guitar/Vocals)
One of my best friends and the longest musical collaborator I've been privileged to work with.
Steve Major "Grumpenstein" (Guitar/Producer/Songwriter)
My exclusive producer and a great friend who's a very good guitarist and a gifted musical talent.