Tag: Becky Stark

TEN QUESTIONS FOR… John Reilly & Friends

Posted on by Editor

John with his friends Becky and Tom

When most people think of John C Reilly‘s musical talents, various things spring to mind:  his soft-shoeing spin as Amos in Chicago, duetting with Will Ferrell in Step Brothers, and of course in the epic musical bio-pic farce Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story (though, to be honest, I’m quite partial to his turn as one of the singing cowboys in Robert Altman’s film version of A Prairie Home Companion).  

But here in LA, Reilly’s musical talents reach well beyond the movie screen.  Tuesday night features John and pals Becky Stark (Lavender Diamond) and singer-songwriter Tom Brosseau (among several other very special guests) at the Bootleg Theatre for a night of roots music and tight harmonies.

BGLA has the scoop from John regarding this week’s performance, his introduction to roots music, and a love of fish tacos that can only be satiated in Los Angeles…

How did the John C Reilly & Friends show come about?

John:  I’ve known Becky[Stark] for a long time through different things for a long time, but a little while ago we did a Dolly Parton/Porter Wagner duet at a benefit in Topanga, and that’s what started it.  I have always been a big fan of close harmony and the first time I saw Tom Brosseau playin Los Feliz I realized a voice like his is such a rare instrument.  I reached out to him and it turned out to be a great combination.  The reason I call it John Reilly and friends is that’s exactly what it is.  So many amazing and talented people from various parts of my life coming together for this music.  The whole thing is just about keeping the candle burning for the songs – we do all covers and it’s just a labor of love.

What are your musical roots?

John:  I grew up with a pretty musical family and did a lot of musical theatre growing up.  I have really eclectic tastes.  Like anything in life, you get in to certain phases. I had a blues band for many years, and through that, realized I was really drawn to the oldest of blues songs which in turn introduced me to roots music.  I am drawn to things that have an eternal quality, and the songs that we sing have something eternal about them.  We make it as much about the community surrounding the music as it is about the music itself.

What are your favorite musical venues in Los Angeles?

John:  The mothership is Largo.  Their attention to the quality of the experience is off the charts.  I’m a big fan too of the Troubadour.  And the Bootleg –they’ve really turned it in to this incredible place.  Talk about community – I’ve been so impressed by what happens there.  LA is such a transient place – I prefer locations with a soul.  All those places have that.

What are your biggest musical influences?

John: The first time I recognized close harmony was The Beatles.  Then you start scratching the surface and discover the Everly Brothers, and if you like the Everly Brothers, you’re going to like the Delmore Brothers and the Blue Sky Boys, etc, etc. Harmony is one of the few magical things human beings can do:  bringing two voices together to create a third special and totally unique thing.

If you could go back to any decade, when would it be?

John:  I would have loved to be alive in the 1920s, but I’m sure I’d be bummed about a lot of things that were going on then too. I’m just trying to make the best of the time I live in I guess.

What is your drink of choice?

John:  Drink of choice is a nice black tea.  Loose leaf.  I’m a bit of a tea snob.

What would be your last meal in Los Angeles?

John:  I am a really big fan of the fish tacos on Sunset Blvd – El Siete Mares I think it’s called?  There is something about fish tacos in LA that is unlike anywhere else.

Do you plan on doing any recording with your friends?

John:  We have two 45s on the Third Man record label [produced by Jack White] and we’re talking about doing an LP prettysoon, it’s just a matter of everyone finding the time.  In the meantime you can hear us on the 45s.

Anything else you’d like to add ahead of the show?

John:  Just know this:  “It is better to light one tiny candle than to curse the darkness.”

John Reilly & Friends is happening this Tuesday, February 28, at the Bootleg Theatre in Echo Park at 8pm.  Tickets are available via The Fold website.  You should be there.

SHOW REVIEW: John Reilly & Friends

Posted on by Editor

On March 28th, John Reilly & Friends, a collective of artists featuring actor-comedian-musician John C. Reilly, performed a heartfelt set for a packed crowd at Largo in Los Angeles.  Reilly served as emcee, performing most of the songs, making witty comments and introducing his fellow musicians as they took the stage. It was a remarkable evening of music that paired Reilly with singer-songwriter Tom Brosseau, Becky Stark (of My Lavender Diamond), Willie Watson (formerly of Old Crow Medicine Show), Dan Bern (who wrote songs for Reilly’s film Walk Hard) and bassist Sebastian Steinberg.  As the musicians stood on the simple stage, lit by dangling Edison bulbs, and sang into one lone microphone, it was clear that this was the way folk music was meant to be performed – by a group friends playing tunes they love.

In contrast to his comedic persona, Reilly was the musical straight man of the night, allowing the other musicians to color the songs with their own personal style. That’s not to say his own chops weren’t impressive; his pure baritone and acoustic strumming were sterling. Still, his steady vocals and accompaniment provided a core for the other musicians to embellish with their own sound. Reilly and Brosseau’s haunting rendition of “Sinking in the Lonesome Sea” was imbued with the dissonance and melancholy found in Brosseau’s solo work. Stark’s duet with Reilly on the Dolly Parton number “My Blue Tears” showcased her pixie-like personality and lush, emotive voice. Watson’s folk banjo and wailing tenor lent a rollicking old-time feel to his tunes, which got the audience clapping right along.

Reilly’s banter between songs (and occasional jab at his musical costars) was a highlight of the evening. “He’s got a voice like a banjo, don’t he?” he noted about Watson’s signature singing. Later, he teased Brosseau about his hair: “Tom’s going for the full superman curl tonight.” Other times he’d turn his jokes on the setting: “honesty is like a beverage in Los Angeles – it’s a delicious one, but the real stuff’s hard to find.”

Reilly’s comedic candor in this context with the other musicians served another more important role: it made clear that the word “friends” in the group’s title is not just a marketing gimmick. Their camaraderie added a sweetness and honesty to the show, especially in the numbers that saw all six performers gathered together. These group songs, from the slow Celtic traditional “The Auld Triangle” to a raucous interpretation of Woody Guthrie’s “I Ain’t Got No Home In This World Anymore,” featured soulful, tight harmonies in the chorus. Then on each verse a different vocalist would step forward and sing, giving them an opportunity to present their own unique timbre and phrasing. It was a treat to get a feel for the distinct musical styles that merge in this diverse, but unified, community of musicians.

“We’re keeping the old songs alive,” said Reilly early in the show. “That’s the mission of the band.” John Reilly and Friends are doing a hell of a job of reaching that goal. “These songs are your songs as much as they are ours,” said Reilly, “so thank you for sharing them with us.” The pleasure was all ours.