The Tano Jones
Revelry
I think I was 10 years old when one day I looked at my dad and said, “I think Mr Jackson miscounted.”
He looked at me wondering where this was going….
I continued,
“ There should be 6 , I should’ve been in that group— The Jackson Five. ” He smiled.
I had my first band at 16, and I have never stopped.
Who are your musical inspirations and why?
Prince.
He was `passionate , fearless, intelligent and unique.
These are qualities that inspire me on multiple levels.
The Doobie Brothers.
My older brothers were always playing their stuff or jamming to them when I was a very young kid. As time passed a bit, I came to fully understand and appreciate the production, rhythms, melodies, harmonies and songwriting —- their vibe has stuck with me in these ways.
Al Green.
I have always loved his soulful approach.
His music is a constant reminder to me that “feel” is so important in the creation and delivery of everything.
Annie Lennox.
Her sexy bravado is motivating to me.
She has this really unique combination of rhythm, melody, soul, sensuality and fearless confidence. Her ability to mix things up in this way reminds me about the sensual power and potential of music.
Jim Croce. Paul Simon. Kenny Loggins.
Dudes with 6 strings, hundreds of great stories.
In three or four minutes these guys could place you in a location and situation with their melodies, lyrics and arrangements.
They remind me that the best melodies and stories can start with 6 simple strings.
Can you tell me 3 things about yourself that people might not already know?
Well at some point in my life I became tired of tying my shoes.
As a kid, I would slip into gym shoes
not designed to be slipped into, and I would destroy the back section of the shoes. Turned into a regular thing. So I am from Detroit area and the weather near the lakes is very quirky, such that slip on dress shoes is not a good option due to snow, rain, and the unpredictability of weather.
So I ended up with clogs being my go to. Man I got a bunch of flak from my friends rolling in with clogs, but now I just love them for comfort, great for banging out a metronome with my heal and indestructible in all weather terrain.
I am a Goobers guy. No butter. Large Frozen Coke.
Love Baseball.
Something about baseball outdoors, warmth, smell of hot dogs, a different type of tempo and gathering. Gals at games, jeans, t-shirts, relaxed, kids scampering, grandparents on dates, humanity presented in a different way all together in a chill fun way. I dig the pathos and mirth unleashed at Minor League baseball games. These little underdog teams in the lovable smaller American cities…terrific stuff I am a Crash Davis disciple.
What song of yours best describes you and why?
Of my current album Spinning North, I would have to pick What About Me. This song encapsulates so much of my belief that we are much more similar than we are different. I believe that we all want wellness and we all want love. Subsequently we all get up each day and work hard to provide for those that we love. We are searching and striving to craft a better reality, for our kids, or spouse or boyfriend or girlfriend, mother, father or grandparent. I feel there is a great nobility and honor in this commitment to provide for others. We are all searching for “greener grass and a bluer sky” — we all are Spinning North. What About Me captures the essence of this spirit. The title of the tune is a bit sly and a misnomer, as the subtext of the tune is actually What about WE? I was raised by two parents who were hard workers — tough,
optimistic and energized. They took great pride in our country and felt a responsibility to look after others. This song is a reminder, delivered in the “D” section of the song, that others before us faced unbelievable difficulties and they came together to work through challenges and create solutions. Also this sections speaks to the responsibility our generation has to “tend to our garden.” I believe that as an American I have a responsibility to look after the land that so many before me sacrificed to preserve. So its fair to say that this tune captures much of my essence as it relates to the themes of love, compassion, responsibility, teamwork , patriotism and creativity.
What has been the best gig you have done to date and why?
Andy Patalan is the co producer of my album Spinning North. He is also the guitarist of the iconic Detroit band SPONGE. Vinnie Dobrowski the band’s creator and leader as well as Tim Patalan the band’s killer bass player, made guest appearances on three tunes on Spinning North.They are just super guys, wicked talented and mentors to so many musicians in Detroit and across the country. The fellas invited our band to play an intimate gig with them in California at the famed, Pappy and Harriets. Located high in the mountains of the Yucca Valley area, on the edge of Joshua Tree National Park — it was a bucket list night that I will never forget.
If you could perform a gig at any venue what would it be?
I would like to go back in time and perform on a bill with The Beatles and Elvis, at the Olympia Stadium in Detroit , where I was born and raised.
What has been your best achievement to date and what would you like to achieve in the future?
Raising my three sons.
Child birth is an unbelievable experience that really effected me in a profound way. The gravity of welcoming these new souls into this world and having to provide and guide them has never left me. Mentoring them and helping them negotiate all the challenges of life, including the Covid Chaos, has been a real feat that fills me.
From a songwriting perspective, the gravity of bringing three new souls into the world and doing life with them as they continue to blossom, has opened up my thinking and heart in creative ways I never could have imagined.
The future holds more filmed storytelling for Spinning North, live dates and I am also currently working on my next album in the studio.
Tell me a story from backstage or after a gig?
So I used to have this talented slender guitar play named Rocky in my band. At the time we were doing a college tour of gigs from South Carolina up to Chicago and many towns in between of course. I am not sure exactly when, but the rest of the band came to learn that Rocky LOVED to eat. Again a little slender dude, but he could put away anything in front of him. Invariably he would always want to pull over off the freeway and eat. We would all look at him in the van and he would deliver his standard reply, “Hey Man GOTTA EAT!!” We would laugh and eat again, hungry or not.
Well one night we were up in East Lansing, MI at MSU playing a boisterous basement bar gig at a place called the Landshark. Well one thing led to another and the stage opened up early and we had to sort of rush onstage as the place was packed, hot sweaty and chaotic. So the drummer starts thumping the kick drum, percussion player Kenny is tapping 1/8 notes on the Tambo, the bass starts pumping a familiar rhythm, the B3 slides in with a riff and I start singing the beginning of Grand Funk’s, Some Kind of Wonderful…”Come on everybody, we’re gonna have a good time yeahhh…”
And then I look to my right and I suddenly realize there is no guitar player?! Where’s Rock? I am missing Rocky!!!…So I signal to the Drummer Mike Bayoff to keep the music groovin’ and I walk off side stage and look behind the stage. And there is Rocky. Sitting on a road case, right hand clutching his Strat, and a Gyro sandwich in his left, oozing white Tzatziki sauce dribbling down his palms, forearms, and dripping from his elbow. I gave him that “WTF look”, and with a mouth full of Lamb, tomatoes and onions he shouts. “Hey man GOTTA EAT !!!”
We laughed at that one the rest of tour….
What do you like best about being a musician and why?
I love that as a songwriter I like that I am forced to be receptive and open to each day. This is a tremendous opportunity and responsibility too. Each day unfolds and I think that its my job to figure out, what is unique about these 24 hrs? What is interesting or valuable about this setting, situation or set of circumstances?. It is a real thrill to seek to accept each day as it presents itself, knowing you are sifting through kernels of life that have meaning, interest or value. This may seems like an odd thing to mention, but I like that as a musician that I am able to utilize all of my senses in observing and chronicling various aspects of daily life.
The song, is born from the mash up of months and years of being tapped into my surroundings.
I am enthralled by the process of observation, ideation and creation.
If you were not in the job you are now what would you be doing?
I would be working for a minor league baseball team in a classic American small town.
What has been the best gig you have been too as a fan and can you tell us about it?
As a young man, I will never forget the raw power, sweat, volume and passion blasting from the stage as a teen, when I arrived mid set at my first Journey concert. It was at Joe Louis Arena in Detroit in July, sticky humid, 20,000 people dripping, and the band thundered that old concrete bunker of a building. The place was was shaking. The exhilaration I felt after that show, gave me insight into the honesty of what a well crafted live rock experience could unleash.
12.What would your ideal festival line up be and why?
It would be a line up of great singer songwriters like:
Chris Stapleton, Marc Cohn, Gavin Degraw, Billy Joel, Elton John and Ed Sheeran
What would you say is the best piece of advice you have ever been given?
Trust your instincts.
14.What things make you happy and what things annoy you?
I am happy when I witness people helping other people.
I am annoyed when I witness people who seek division.
What things do you like to do when you are away from music?
I enjoy attending sporting events, spending time with my family, cleaning my yard including leaves with an old school rake…my son hates not using a leaf blower… something calming about the rake for me…
Do you think social media and the internet are a good thing in the music industry?
Yes I do. The creation of cell phone communication many years ago in the music, television and film industries has changed the world dramatically. Further traditional radio stations have been minimized as places to discover new music. Social media as an outlet for musical artists I think is terrific because artists can communicate directly to fans. I do think that the temptation to be outlandish or “not honest” for the purposes of gaining fans is problematic on social media. As for the internet— this is the way in which music digitally travels, so it is very valuable as Apple, Spotify, Pandora etc will attest.
How important do you think your look and image is when it comes to being in the music industry?
I think the image is secondary to the music.
I also think image takes a backseat to work ethic and creativity.
Can you tell us about any tattoos you have and the significance of them to you?
No tattoos currently, but if I meet the right gal, ya just never do really know….
If you run the country for a day what would you change about it and why?
I would house all of our citizens who are homeless.
I believe that the hearts of all Americans bleed when we witness and allow our fellow citizens to be homeless. I believe that we have a moral responsibility to look after each other.
Our great grand parents, grand parents, parents, and brothers and sisters sacrificed their lives so that we can live in this glorious chunk of land we inhabit between two majestic oceans. It is this generations responsibility to “Tend Our Garden”. — That is to look after each other and the land we were left by those who sacrificed for us. This is a major responsibility. I believe it starts with insisting on a high standard of wellness for all.
A major part of taking care of each other and “Tending Our Garden” , is to make sure we love/assist our fellow citizens who happen to be homeless.
If you could say one thing to your fans what would it be and why?
I Love You…because those three words communicate respect, passion and gratitude.
How would you answer the question Who are The Tano Jones Revelry and what are the differences between you as a music artist and you away from music ?
The Tano Jones Revelry is — rhythm. life. melodies. tales. harmony. love.
I decided many moons ago that I would write songs that were honest. The album Spinning North amalgamates my belief that we are all much more similar than we are different. I believe that we all want wellness and we all want love. We get up each day and work hard, do the best we can, with the idea that we can provide a better reality
for ourselves and those that we love. I believe there is honor in this work. We are all striving, in search of an improved and better reality. These are concepts I believe in as an artist and personally.
There is not much difference between my life at TJR and my personal life philosophically because I write, record and perform my original tunes—-my musical work is deeply intertwined with my personal essence.
What was the first record or song you purchased and why?
I think my first record was Bob Seger’s Live Bullet which was recorded at Cobo Arena in Detroit. My older brothers introduced me to him when I was a young kid, and being from Detroit, he along with Aretha Franklin were like the air—-they permeated everything in the city.
What would say to someone thinking about becoming a musician and getting into the music industry?
First I would say do lots of research, and then set your objectives and goals. Music is magical, and regardless of the path one chooses, everybody has something to share. However being wise about your path is very important as it relates to lifestyle, finances and results.
As for the music industry, similarly research is very important. If you are in high school or college go online and research the positions available in your state. From broadcasters, to venues, to booking, to clubs and beyond there are many ways to make a living in muisc—-but research, gain knowledge so you can chart a wise path for yourself.
If you could collaborate with any other band/singer or musician who would you choose and why?
I am very intrigued by Lady Gaga. I love her creativity, lack of constraints and wide range she takes in crafting and delivering song and experience. I think the exploration of crafting a new melded tune with her would be way cool.
If you could have written one song from history which would it have been and why?
There is something about American Pie. This tune has been with me through my entire life’s journey. This cacophony of American experience, inspired from tragedy and delivered in such an interesting way, with phrases and images tumbling around a rapid fire melody and delivery…. Its wild because there is a old school pop, rock sensibility to
the production and creation of this tune, but its so honest and representative of the symbols, jargon, history, aspirations and coming of age of a generation that grew up with music. The song still has a unique relevance for other generations because it contemplates life, death and faith with the back drop of music, rock and roll and America as key elements. This tune stays with me for a few days every time I hear it— on multiple levels. As a writer and artist I think that creating compositions that permeate the heart, mind and body and have a meaningful lasting effect for the listener, is nirvana.
What things make you uncomfortable?
Itchy sheets, tiny rooms with poor air circulation and weak leaders of nations.
If you wrote a book about yourself what would it have in it?
It would contain themes relating to humor, inspiration, leadership, grit, faith, gratitude and love
What has the rest of the year got in store for you?
More promotion of Spinning North which has just been released digitally on the DSP’s — Spotify, Apple, Pandora, You Tube, amazon Music, etc
Release of our super bad ass Spinning North Vinyl in two versions ‘delic Maroon and Black Splatter, and audiophile worthy All-Black disk.
Release of our next single Daisy, a morning piece of lovable spring summer Seize the Day mojo
Blended with love making it a fun Summer Anthem.
Live dates
Recording my next album.
Meeting more fans on social media.
More time working out and
Spreading the Love.