"Blues Funk" Danny Draher Interview
www.ScottSpray.com
Interview by Roger Zee (08/31/21)
Roger Zee: Who inspired you to sing and play guitar?
Danny Draher: Ray Charles, Elvis Presley, The Beatles, and The Rolling Stones.
RZ: Tell me about the musicians and groups you've gigged and recorded with.
DD: Dr. John, Paul Butterfield, Etta James, Allen Toussaint, Charles Brown, Buddy Guy, Otis Rush, and Wilson Pickett.
RZ: What guitars/string/amps do you currently use?
DD: I mostly play a Fender Telecaster. But also a Stratocaster, Gibson L5, and an ES-345 on Jazz stuff. For small amps, I usually use a Fender Deluxe Reverb, Princeton, and VibroLuxe. For bigger stuff, I like a Twin and Super Reverb. But I will use other amps. I string my guitars with GHS gauges 10, 13, 17, 28, 36, 50. Thanks GHS for giving me an endorsement!
RZ: Talk about what and how you practice.
DD: Some days I practice a lot. And other times I don’t pick up the guitar for a week. When I do, I go over songs, scales, solos, sounds, and explore styles while playing from the heart. I also play along with CD's, write, and try to get better!
RZ: Do you teach music privately?
DD: I teach only if someone wants to learn the things that I know.
RZ: How has the Pandemic affected you? What's on the horizon?
DD: The plague slowed everything down. I was playing in St Croix when it came. I had no work in the States so I stuck it out there until my regular gigs on the island came back -- mostly solo and some trio jobs. I’m in the States now doing a mini tour till October.
RZ: Describe your most special and/or unusual gig.
DD: My favorite? I played Carnegie Hall with my band that included Dr. John, Bob Babbit, and George Recille. We backed up Etta James for her show as part of the Newport Jazz Festival in NYC.
Then I put a band together, thanks to Jimmy Vivino, for a Tiny Tim gig sponsored by Toyota. Tiny was a very interesting man. He knew all about the hits of the day back in 1910. The writers/publishers/singers, etc.
And then there's a Tuesdays, women only, night show out in Ft. Wayne, Indiana where we played behind male strippers. You had to be there. I laughed sooo hard!
RZ: How do you see the future of the music business?
DD: The big labels are going down and the independents are rising. It’s easy for some to get famous. Yet now there's more people out there trying to make it. So in my opinion, it's way more competitive than ever before!
RZ: What advice do you give up-and-coming musicians?
DD: I only give positive feedback to new players. These days, you can get real good real quick with all the knowledge that's available online. More now than ever before! I see so many amazing young musicians. I tell them to play from the heart. It’s good to play music even if you're not planning on becoming a pro. Some people are naturals. I wasn't, but I always loved the music and it’s magic.
Then there’s the part of a person's personality where you need to hear a lot more no’s and fewer yes’s! If you’re a sensitive person, you will have to face this challenge. I sometimes feel discouraged and yet I still wanna play.
Go out and get your feet wet and see where it takes you!
RZ: Do you live with any animals?
DD: I love animals and always had pets. I took them on the road once but found it difficult. So I got them a safe home. No pets now because I travel for work. But I could love your animal!
RZ: Anything else you want to add?
DD: Thanks for this opportunity. I love the Arts and support 'em! I love the music and played with some of the baddest players in the business. Last month I did a session with Herbie Hancock’s Head Hunters. No Herbie, just Head Hunters with Mike Clark drums, Donald Harrison Sax, Will Lee bass, Jerry Z B3, keys, and Kevin Harris vocals.
YouTube - My Desire - Danny Draher Band
YouTube - Things Ain't What They Used to Be - Gov't Mule ft Danny Draher
©2021 Roger Zee
