WST:
You’ve been a part of the When Steel Talks
family for a while now, but for those who may not be aware of
your work, and now being introduced to you - how did you become involved with
the steelpan
instrument?
Boyd:
I was a member of the US Navy Music Program while serving in the
US Armed forces. I auditioned for the music program to find
there were no openings for drummers at the time. So the Navy
offered me a position in the Steel Drum Band. My first reaction
was, “I don’t quite know what that [a steel drum] is.” I was then invited to
sit in on a rehearsal. It was then that I heard the band perform
(Gioachino Rossini) “William Tell Overture”, Lord Kitchener’s
“67” and Beethoven’s “8th Symphony”. I was hooked!
WST:
Tell us about your new video - Rich In A Troubled Time
Boyd:
This is a song I wrote some time ago - and I wrote it to remind
me of all of the family, friends and loved ones that I hold dear
to give me comfort when times aren’t so good. It is also a
social comment on global current events. It was filmed 'guerilla
style’ in Århus, Denmark and in Budapest, Hungary. I wanted to be
subtle about the context and not make too much of an overblown
cinematic idea, but just to suggest what the lyrics are saying,
while keeping the video as positive as possible.
WST:
Are we looking at Grammy considerations here?
Boyd: Wow!
Now that would be a dream come true!
WST:
Can’t think of another steelpan player that actually sings and
plays like you do - how did that come about?
Boyd: I
have always been inspired by artists who play an instrument and
sing. The coordination creates another style of expression. I
have been basically inspired by them, and in turn created my
own style.
WST:
In your music can be heard a lot of that deep southern blues -
(awesome) - is this a conscious focus on your part as it relates
to your music?
Boyd:
Well it is to some degree natural - I am related to Blues Legend
Muddy Waters and my father is a true lover of all music that comes
from a real experience.
WST:
Who were your influences?
Boyd:
That is a good question. It would be too numerous to mention here
because I love so many styles and performers. However, I can say
that I really dig Marvin Gaye, James Brown, Muddy Waters, Paul
Simon, Neil Young, Jimmy Hendricks, Seal, The Neville Brothers,
Roberta Flack and some of the newer performers like Ben Harper.
WST:
You were born in the Midwest and raised for a time
in Detroit, Michigan. After living in New Orleans for many years
you now reside in Denmark. How did you get across there?
Boyd:
Well basically I was performing in a club called Joe’s Cosy
Corner in the Treme area of New Orleans and this woman came into
the club. When I saw her I said to myself “that’s my wife.” So we were married several years later and I moved here to
Denmark to be with her.
WST:
What’s on the horizon for Gregory Boyd?
Boyd:
I am looking to release the
CD “Transformation” that this song is a part of - then after,
continue to spread this pan song around, and know that the best
is yet to come!
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Steel Talks All Rights Reserved.