A Conversation with Michael Rhodes (continued)

PM: There've been instances, I think more in recent years, where you're also playing Artist now, not just playing session man, side man, accompanist. You're an artist now in several acts.

MR: Yeah, well, I play around town a lot. And my first real foray into that was a band with Rodney Crowell, Steuart Smith, and Vinnie Santoro. Remember?

PM: That's right, The Cicadas.

MR: The Cicadas. And I figured out pretty quick, from being a sideman all these years, it's like, "Show me the money." And then to be on the other side of it...it's always an education when the roles are reversed. So the good news and the bad news is, that record didn't take off. It's a great record, though. I highly recommend that record to anyone who hasn't heard it. It was on Warner Bros. And I think it may still be in limited print. And if it's not, somebody may re-release it shortly.

But to get back to what we're talking about: I've played with a lot of people, and lot of the best music I've ever played on is probably never going to get heard. You know how it is. I mean, I played on your record.

PM: Right.

MR: And I'm not saying that it's never going to get heard, but...

PM: It's not going to get heard much.

MR: And that's how it is with most of the stuff that's really special. There was a Delbert McClinton record, I'm With You, that we did in two and a half days. And it was the down and dirtiest, guerilla, sniper bullets overhead, and we had so little time to do this record. And we just knuckled down and did it. And it's a great record, for that, you know. It's so in your face, it's so first take. And Terry Radigan's last record, on Vanguard.

PM: That was the very first record I ever reviewed in Puremusic.

MR: Uh-huh, yeah. I thought that was a wonderful record.

PM: That's a wicked record. [see our review]

MR: Not to mention Jill Sobule.

PM: Whom I recently interviewed.

MR: Really?

PM: If you search your name in Puremusic, you'll see all the places where you show up in interviews and reviews.

MR: Oh, yeah... So there's all that, you know. Now I play in a band called Fortunate Sons. I had a band around here for the longest time, back in the '80s, called The Nerve.

PM: I just missed The Nerve. And everybody says that was a fantastic band.

MR: Yeah, that was a good band. Ricky Rector and Danny Rhodes. No relation.

PM: Now, where is Danny Rhodes?

MR: He's in Arizona.

PM: And how does he spell his name?

MR: The same way. Yeah, great songwriter. And anyway, that was a lot of fun. But over the years, you know, I've always played live. I've got to play live. So I'm always looking for outlet to do that. And now I've got several bands I play with. The Fortunate Sons is one of that stable of bands.

PM: I know how important live playing is to you, because you know how many times I've come to see you play live. I mean, I love to see you play live.

MR: And it's always a pleasure to see you there. You're always part of the equation. When I see you, it's like, "Okay, now we've got some synergy going. I know somebody's listening."

PM: And what I've said about you in print before is that the thing about Michael Rhodes is, that when he's on the stage, you know that everybody else better get it up.

MR: [laughs]

PM: Because it's like, "Yeah, Micky's here, and hope you came to play, because he did." [laughs]

MR: Well, what's the point, otherwise, right?

PM: Yeah.

MR: I'd stay home if it wasn't a chance to look for the sweet spot. You know, you get out on the court and hope you get in the zone.

PM: Right. [laughs] "I'm under the hoop. Get the ball here."

MR: That's right. "I'm clear, man." So there's that. And another great record that I want to give you tonight is Randall Bramlett's last record.

PM: Are you on that record?

MR: Oh, it's a wonderful record, and yes. And there again, I have very fond memories because I know what went into doing the record. It was so immediate, and there was a lot of stuff that just came out, and it was just there. It was in the room, you know? I just really enjoy those sorts of situations.

PM: Who's drumming on that?

MR: Joe Bonadio. He's the guy that plays with Martin Sexton.

PM: Oh, I love Martin Sexton.

MR: Yeah, well, that's the guy, Joe Bonadio. He's a New York guy. Really good.

PM: How about other great records you've played on that more people should hear?

MR: I wish more people would listen to Ashley Cleveland.

PM: Hmmm, fantastic artist. I think when she gravitated into the Christian sector, she may have sacrificed the bigger audience she's always deserved. I mean, she's one of the best singers that any of us know.

MR: Yeah. But she's very principled in her beliefs, and so...

PM: And there you have it.

MR: You have to respect that. But she's due. Other really good records that I've played on? There are so many I can't recall.

PM: With a discography like yours, it's no wonder.  continue

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