Suzanne Vega Setlists

How did it happen that you joined the Suzanne Vega band?

Photo by Dave Hammar

Originally her producer, Rupert Hine, called and asked if I would come and play on a few tracks for the "Song's In Red And Gray" album. Rupert heard me in another situation and I was grateful he remembered me. I had been playing with Suzanne's long time bass player Mike Visceglia as well as Gerry Leonard in many other projects and it seemed as though all of these elements came together in the right way at the right time. I was then asked to tour with Suzanne and I am proud to say I've been doing that ever since.

What, according to you, did your way of playing bring to the live performance of Suzanne's songs?

When I play live with Suzanne I am very conscious of the dynamics on stage. It's important to begin with her feeling comfortable sonically and to then blend together as a collective sound around her, always keeping in mind that the audience is there to see her, hear her voice and feel her lyrics. For me it's about serving the music. I like to stay focused and aware of Suzanne in order to maintain a flow within the show and provide a certain consistency night to night. The fact that I love her music and respect her as a person means much more than just playing the right notes. Feeling that way about someone you work with makes me grateful and that translates directly through my playing.

What are the characteristics of Suzanne's music that attract you the most, both as a musician and as a listener?

As a musician Suzanne's music has so many levels that make it great to be a part of. There's the shape of the songs and melodies which have a very natural flow to them and she is a master at illustrating emotion. She truly understands the craft of writing great songs and has always done that without fail. I have always loved the sound of her voice and been so taken by her lyrics. She's regarded as one of the best and having the chance to work with her really gave me a sense of depth to her music and talent. Her music allows me to draw on so many textures and dynamics. That's so important to a musician because it keeps you from playing parts and puts the focus on listening.

What are your main music influences, and musicians you look up to?

My main musical influences are constantly growing but i tend to love music that has a lot of soul and feel. I grew up listening to The Beatles, Joni Mitchell, Stevie Wonder, James Taylor, Chet Baker and so on. I come from a large musical family who were all into different kinds of music and that helped me to have a large perspective. The musicians that have had a direct impact on me have been Peter Erskine, Duncan Sheik, Mike Visceglia, Gerry Leonard, David Lasley to name a few. Indirectly Steve Gadd, Steve Jordan, Bill Evans, Marvin Gaye, The Meters, (there are so many it would fill pages) Suffice to say, my musical mentors tend to be people who's instrument is a vehicle to the inner core of their spirit.

Apart from playing with Suzanne, which are the other projects, you have been participating in, that you're more proud of?

I work a lot with Duncan Sheik and that includes not only his records but other artists that he produces, movie soundtracks, musicals etc. I have done many albums that I am proud of and there is a listing of selected discography on my website (www.dougyowell.com). I am really excited about Duncan's new record which is due out in the Spring or Summer. He has also written music to a musical called "Spring Awakening" and we will be performing that at Lincoln Center in NYC on Feb. 2, '05. Duncan is constantly evolving as a musician and I have learned so much from being around him. He has a great sense of song structure and is very in touch with what it takes to bring his vision to it's fruition.

What are the projects you will be involved with in the near future?

I am currently working on two interesting projects. The first involving software development for M-Audio that will be out in the late spring. Without going into detail, it has opened up my whole world to computers, technology and the organic way in which I am integrating them. It's been a year in the making and it will involve some pretty amazing people and concepts. The second is a collection of old reel to reel tapes that my dad recorded in his apartment (New York City) in the early 1950's of Charlie Parker, Zoot Simms and Gerry Mulligan. This was fascinating because of the historical value as well as the learning process in preserving the original tapes. I am currently working with Blue Note Records as we speak to put this series out and I am excited to see my dad become a part of jazz history.