Sound Analysis: Who are your musical influences?
JD Edwards: I love jazz and groove like Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe, Jamiroquai, and the horn section of Blood Sweat and Tears. I love the vocal and guitar harmonies of southern blues rockers like the Allman Brothers Band and Tedeschi Trucks Band. I can always find inspiration with Bruce Cockburn, and Phish for their long trippy jams. And I always have Darrel Scott and Tim O’Brien’s record, “Real Time” on my phone. It’s great for land, sea and air travel.
Cara Luft: I was brought up in a folk music family so that tradition definitely runs in my veins. I really got into British Isles folk and folk/rock, so groups like Steeleye Span, Pentangle, early Fairport Convention, the Battlefield Band… Then got into guitar players like Bert Jansch, John Renbourn, Davey Graham, Martin Carthy and Dick Gaughan. I’m also a lover of good ol’ rock and roll, and was very influenced by Led Zeppelin (Jimmy Page was influenced by a lot of these same folk guitarists) and loved other artists like Buddy Holly and old U2.
SA: Folk music is often influenced by place. How has Winnipeg (known for some remarkable musical talent) influenced The Small Glories?
SG: Well, for one, Winnipeg is the birthplace of The Small Glories. We were brought together when our community celebrated one of the city’s most renowned music venues, the West End Cultural Centre (WECC) and it’s history as a strong supporter of local music. The musicians and music made in this city has totally gotten under our skin. There is a call to be original, and for artists to speak passionately and honestly about their life experience and environment. There is a ton of life and energy here that I think flows from our two great rivers and how they collide and merge in the heart of the city, at a place we call the Forks. I believe there are strong traditions and codes that the musicians here live by and pass on to new artists and musicians passing through the city. I feel that the musical community in Winnipeg is very supportive and has a healthy competitive spirit that helps drive us all to be better musicians. You could say that we keep one another accountable in a way, always encouraging each other to keep writing and honing our performances.
SA: Last June, you recorded your debut with producer Neil Osborne. What can you tell us about this album?
SG: This album is a wonderful collaboration between the three of us; Neil, Cara and myself along with the the other musicians (Mark Mariash, Gilles Fournier, Jesse Padgett, Ivonne Hernandez, Scott Nygaard) who joined us adding amazing instrumentation to the all the songs. There are new songs Cara and I worked on together, old songs we brought to the project that might not have had proper homes in the past but now have found their place, and covers and traditional tunes that have had ‘The Small Glories’ treatment/arrangement. It’s new and refreshing and we feel our voices compliment each others so well they create a very unique sound coming from this collection of songs.
SA: Your upcoming album contains both original and traditional material. In the studio, is it more difficult to capture traditional songs you know well, or your own compositions?
SG: I think the album captures a very intimate moment in the life of TSG. An introduction and the beginning of a musical journey for Cara and me. I think what we have is a strong selection of awesome tunes that will take listeners on a journey through time and space as we see and know it. The idea of home is a big one — the homes we have, when we are there and when we are away from it — it’s what we were exploring with this music. Neil is amazing to work with, as were all the musicians who joined the party. Capturing the moments was easy; painting the pictures and how we wanted to tell the story was where the challenge lay. The three of us were getting to know each other better as we recorded this record. And I think you can hear that on this album.
SA: The Small Glories are a relatively recent musical union, and you’ve already received intense praise for your live performances. What do each of you bring to this band?
SG: Cara brings many years of experience to the table. Her time with The Wailin’ Jenny’s and as a solo artist has seen her perform all across North America and Europe. She brings a ton of wisdom and patience to the project. She has a plethora of songs in her repertoire to choose from and constantly has gems in her pocket ready to be unleashed to the world. Her songwriting is clever and beautiful and she is no slouch on the guitar either. JD brings passion and a one of a kind tonality and rhythm to the mix. Strong lead and harmony vocals, intriguing stories and tasty harmonica licks add punch to this already full sound. We can hold our own as individuals or combine to create intense, rich-sounding music that will settle your soul or knock you out cold!
SA: What can we expect from your June 27th show at the Waterford Old Town Hall?
SG: You can expect new songs, old songs, funny stories and silly banjo/trombone jokes. Be ready to learn something new and be refreshed of old memories and ideas with re-polished shine on them. Expect to sing along and stamp your feet, and if you feel like getting and moving a little that’s fine too. Expect some joy to spread around.
From: https://soundanalysis.wordpress.com/2015/06/17/interview-the-small-glories/
