Bryan Bassett Interview with Roxane Crutcher

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Bryan Bassett Interview by Roxane Crutcher

Interview with Bryan Bassett
November 1999

Bryan, after reviewing your web site, I was impressed with your musical background. But, for the people reading this interview could you give us a brief overview of your musical background.

BB: I began playing guitar on the club circuit of Western Pennsylvania, mostly in the Pittsburgh area. In 1975 I helped reform the band "Wild Cherry" with Bob Parrissi (lead vocalist and guitarist), which became a very popular local act and eventually recorded 4 albums for Epic records the first of which had the song "Play That Funky Music White Boy" on it. That song went to #1 on the charts and although we charted 4 more songs, that first hit is what people remember about that group. I left "Wild Cherry" looking for a harder rock sound and played with some very good musicians in the Pittsburgh area but we failed to land any kind of recording contract. On a whim I moved to Florida looking for something different to do and ended up becoming a recording engineer at Bob Greenlee's King Snake Studio. I became immersed in the "blues" and the indie record market for most of the '80's all the while playing in various blues bands. As luck would have it, I met "Lonesome" Dave Peverett at one of our gigs and when he asked me to tour with him I began playing guitar and touring on a full time basis again, first with "Lonesome" Dave then 6 years with "Molly Hatchet" and now again with "Foghat".

At what age did you first get involved in music and how did you get started?

BB: I became interested in the guitar when I was about 10 years old, I remember being quite excited about the British invasion bands, The Beatles, Stones, The Kinks and just about anyone who played on the Ed Sullivan show. My parents bought me a guitar for Christmas, a Harmony Rocket 1, a lovely red hollow body electric with big white knobs, and I began to take lessons off of an elderly Italian gentleman named Jerry Conderato. The songs he taught me were nowhere near Rock and Roll but the technique he taught me still serves me to this day. I was more interested in football through most of High School but when I heard records by what I call the BIG FOUR, Hendrix, Clapton, Beck and Page that was it for me I started to play in local rock bands and have maintained a rather singular course for 25 years.

When would you say that you got your first big break and what was it?

BB: Well, I consider my career to be in two parts; my first big break was when an Epic executive walked into the studio in Cleveland while we were recording "Play That Funky Music" and signed us; the second is when "Lonesome" Dave got me back on the national touring circuit.

What was the biggest thrill for you in your music career thus far?

BB: The biggest thrill has to be being nominated and performing on the "Grammy Awards" followed closely by selling out the "Civic Arena" in Pittsburgh with my parents in attendance.

Was the "Hurricane! Florida Blues Guitars" CD made for a cause or what?

BB: That CD is one of our "Crown Series" compilations. King Snake has a catalog of about 75 albums and has started putting out theme oriented CD's of our various artists. This CD wasn't produced for a charity but it is included in the benefit auction King Snake is sponsoring right now to help one of our artist's, "Sonny Rhodes" and his band, whose van was destroyed in a fire with all their belongings while on tour. Anyone interested in helping out should go to King Snake's website.

You have done a vast amount of musical projects, is there one that really sticks out as your favorite to do as a musician, engineer and/or producer?

BB: I really enjoyed recording in Hamburg Germany with "Hatchet". At the end of a hard day of work...hey you’re in Germany...a built in vacation! I really enjoyed recording "Lucky Peterson" the best natural musician I've ever seen, Rufus Thomas...he's was so cool and the sessions I did with James Taylor for his brother's album were very exciting. Producing is much like directing a movie where you get to draw great performances from people. It’s very fulfilling to see an artists face when something turns out better than they expected or their music is recorded just how they envisioned it.

Who were your greatest musical influences?

BB: I learned to play by copying licks from records; it's mostly the blues/rock guitarists that influenced me most, those mentioned above plus Peter Green, Duane Allman, Johnny Winter and many others.

If you had the chance to do any style of music, what style would it be and why? Would it be a solo project or would you team with someone?

BB: I would like to do an instrumental blues rock/ funk record, two styles I feel comfortable with. It would be a solo project with collaborations with other artists. I find it easier to write when bouncing ideas of off someone.

What were the factors for you to become part of Foghat (both times)?

BB: My love of "Foghat" music and the friendship that has developed between myself and Dave, Roger and Tony.

I know you were with Foghat when they toured Germany. Could you tell us about touring in Germany?

BB: Touring in Germany is interesting on many levels. German audiences are very serious listeners and they appreciate good performances. If you get a good response there you earned it. The production values (meaning the lights, sound and crew personnel) are of a very high caliber. Whether you're in the large concert venues or the rock clubs they are geared to professional touring bands. The US venues vary wildly in this respect making it a constant challenge to put on a proper show. Though "Foghat" hasn't toured Europe often we received a great response and there is a definite fan base there.

Could you tell us about the band members in Lonesome's Dave Foghat?

BB: Riff West was the bassist, coincidentally also a member of "Molly Hatchet" though not at the same time as I. Eddie Zyne was the drummer and had worked with "Hall & Oates", "The Monkees" and numerous other national acts. Two great guys whom unfortunately I don't get to see very often these days.

Is there a difference in touring with Foghat and touring with the other bands you have toured with?

BB: The difference for me is the challenge being the lead guitarist in a four-piece band. I have a lot of room to express myself and I'm really enjoying playing slide again. Rod wrote some wonderful parts and learning them is like a master class in slide. I'm getting back to what I feel is my core style, "blues rock" and enjoying the improvisational nature of the music I'm playing now. Plus, Dave and I get to write more while we travel. There's something about being stuck in a hotel just gets those creative juices flowing.

What was/is the highlight of touring with Foghat for you?

BB: The highlight IS touring with "Foghat". When you're in a band with people you like and respect and you're fulfilled in the music that you’re making that's as good as it gets.

Are you involved in any other projects at present?

BB: The outside projects and sessions I'm involved with while off the road generally revolve around "King Snake Studio". I've mixed a couple of albums soon to be released, I just engineered a song for Paul Chapman of "UFO" fame for inclusion on a new compilation he's putting together and I hope to produce a new "Smokehouse" album this winter.

What is on the agenda for the future?

BB: The year 2000 should be quite a busy one for "Foghat". There are some recording sessions being organized and tour dates are being scheduled. Make sure to check the Foghat site for all the official news.

Thanks Bryan for taking the time to answer these questions.

BB: Anytime Rox! Best wishes. Bryan