Getting into bands like Sabbath, Zeppelin, Grand Funk…that was a big part of my introduction to great music back in the day. First, it was going to the record store, buying albums by them, taking chances on lesser-knowns (who would become Gods to me) like Budgie, Cactus, etc. and going to big live shows at places like The Cap Center and Civic Center. A real turning point, however, was finding a local band that kicked ass right in my “back yard” and getting to see them a couple times a month, in the intimate setting of a club like Essex, Md’s Sea Gull Inn. The band in question was FACE DANCER. Between seeing them a million nights at the Sea Gull and then worshipping every second of their debut platter “This World,” I was a true fan, smitten with the works of this kick ass hard rock band. They constantly amazed me, at first with their ability to cover some of the best stuff of the day (The Who, Zeppelin, Jeff Beck, etc.) to their originals which ranged from pounding heavy rock to Beatle-esque melodies. Standing out above it all for a guy like me was the blazing lead guitar work of one Jeff Adams, the first local player who’s work I really studied and a player who stands among the best of the big shots. Not long ago, and after way too many years of not having done so, I tracked Jeff down and we rolled back the years to bring those great old days back to life. Here’s how it went, as Jeff Adams tells the story of his time in the area’s best hard rock band and how things have developed for him in recent years. (Jeff Adams photo - Teri Murphy)
Ray - One thing I’ve always found that’s a good place to start is the
beginning. Jeff, how early on in your life did you get involved in music?
Do you come from a musical family? What got you into playing guitar?
Jeff - WOW! NOW WE'RE GOIN BACK A WAYS! DID I TELL MY AGE?? WHEN I WAS 11, A BUDDY AND I ON OUR BIKES PULLED UP OUTSIDE OF A REC-CENTER DANCE ONE SATURDAY NIGHT. AS WE WATCHED THROUGH A WINDOW, I WAS INSTANTLY MESMERIZED BY THE BAND AND THE LIVE MUSIC THING. HOWEVER I ZEROED IN ON THE DRUMS. SO I WENT ON A MISSION TO BE A DRUMMER AND STUCK WITH IT INTO MY TEENS. AT AGE 15/16 MY DAD BOUGHT A NEW GUITAR(FOR HIMSELF) AND CLEVERLY HANDED ME HIS OLD ONE, ASKING IF I WANTED TO HANG IT ON THE WALL OR SOMETHING. I SAID SURE. WITHIN A WEEK I HAD FIGURED OUT ALL THE BASIC CHORDS, AS WELL AS 5 PATERNS(COVERING THE OCTAVE)OF BASIC SCALES IN 3 DIFFERENT MODES!
WITHIN A COUPLE OF WEEKS I HAD SOLD MY DRUMS REPLACING THEM WITH GUITARS AND AMPS!
Ray - Who were your early influences as a guitar player? How has that
evolved any? What, if any, current players do you like?
Jeff - AS A YOUNG GUITAR ENTHUSIAST(SAY AROUND 1970), I IMMEDIATELY LATCHED ON TO BECK, PAGE, AND CLAPTON. I SPENT YEARS LEARNING EVERY LICK THEY WERE RECORDING, AND OF COURSE THEN STARTED LISTENING TO ALL THE GREAT PLAYERS OF THE TIME. FROM THE BEGINNING I WAS VERY MUCH INTERESTED IN WRITING MY OWN MUSIC, AND PLAYING MY OWN STYLE OF LEAD GUITAR. FOR EVERY HOUR(OR 5) I WOULD PUT IN COPYING OTHERS, I WOULD PUT IN AN HOUR(OR 5) OF AD-LIBBING TO RHYTHYM TRACKS. THE LATTER QUICKLY BECAME MY FAVORITE THING IN LIFE!
Ray - What were the beginnings of the FACE DANCER story? How did you get
involved, how far along the line was that in the history of the band?
Jeff - FACEDANCER HAD BEEN AROUND FOR A FEW YEARS WITH VARIOUS LINE-UPS BEFORE I MET THEM IN NOVEMBER OF 76. I WAS BUYING A PAIR OF JEANS IN THE WHEATON SHOPPING PLAZA(WHEATON, MD)WHEN THE GIRL AT THE REGISTER WHO I DIDN'T KNOW ASKED ME IF I WAS A GUITAR PLAYER!? SHE SAID HER BOYFRIEND'S BAND WAS LOOKING FOR A LEAD GUITARIST. ANYWAY I SAID YES, GAVE HER MY NUMBER, AND GOT A CALL FROM SCOTT MCGINN THAT AFTERNOON. I WENT OVER TO THE FD BAND HOUSE(RIGHT IN WHEATON)THE NEXT DAY, ACCEPTED THEIR INVITATION TO JOIN, AND DID MY FIRST SHOW WITH THE BAND THE NEXT NIGHT! WOW, WHAT A TRIP THAT WAS FOR ME, I WAS PLAYING IN FRONT OF A SEA OF PEOPLE FOR THE FIRST TIME! I WAS PETRIFIED! I THINK IT TOOK ABOUT 2 MONTHS WITH THE BAND FOR ME TO EVEN LIFT MY HEAD AND LOOK OUT AT THE AUDIENCE!
Ray - What was the line-up of the band when you joined?
Jeff - WHEN I JOINED FACEDANCER IT WAS CAREY KRESS AS LEAD VOCAL FRONTING THE BAND, SCOTT MCGINN ON RYTHYM GUITAR, DJ LONG ON KEYS, BILLY TRAINER ON DRUMS, AND DALE MARKS ON BASS. SHORTLY AFTER, DJ HAD TO LEAVE THE BAND FOR AN OPERATION, AND DALE WAS MOVED OUT TO MAKE ROOM FOR DAVE UTTER(LAZY DAVE, MY BUDDY!). AT THIS POINT SCOTT PLAYED BASS AS WELL AS SOME KEYBOARDS.
Ray - When I first started to go see FACE DANCER, it was at the Sea Gull Inn
in Essex, Md., I’m thinking it was around ’76 or so, but age may have
dimmed my memory (lol). You guys played there a lot right, what was it
maybe every month or every other month? What other places were you
playing then? How many gigs a month were you doing at that point?
Jeff - WELL THAT WAS WHEN I WAS NEW WITH THE BAND, WE PLAYED JR'S INN, THE SEAGULL, THE ACT FOUR, THE BAYOU(IN DC), THE HOLLYWOOD PALACE, I'M SURE I'M FORGETTING A FEW, BUT IT WAS FULL TIME RIGHT FROM THE WEEK I JOINED THE BAND. LIKE MAYBE 3 TO 5 NIGHTS A WEEK.
Ray - What did you think of the Sea Gull, as far as clubs and crowds go? As
I recall (and, my memory may be better on this!), there were a lot of
really good looking women at those shows back then. That had to be pretty
cool, they tended to like lead guitarists, didn’t they, the guitar being a
phallic symbol & all that? (lol)
Jeff - THE SEAGULL INN WAS BY FAR MY FAVORITE! IT HAD A NICE SIZE STAGE(NOT TOO SMALL NOT TOO BIG) WHERE WE COULD LET OUT OUR SOUND AND LIGHTS, THE CROWD WAS NUTS, AND YES, THERE WERE A FEW YOUNG LADIES THAT WOULD COME AROUND ONCE IN A WHILE!(HAHA)
Ray - Those were some of the best nights I had, as a music fan, down there,
especially in the summer, going down there on a hot night, drinking some
beers and watching you guys. I still remember that one night we were
waiting to get in and you came walking up, noticed my homemade FD t-shirt
and were like, “Cool, man.” I went home & played guitar even more after
that. It was great, as a young guy into playing myself, to have a
semi-local guy who I could watch up close. I was into people like Leslie
West, Iommi, Duane Allman, etc. but you were right up there with ‘em in my
opinion and were not just some disembodied rock star a million miles away.
Did you realize you were influencing other guys like me who came &
watched you play?
Jeff - I ALWAYS APPRECIATED SEEING HOMEMADE FD GEAR, IT MEAN'T TO ME THAT MAYBE WE WERE DOING SOMETHING RIGHT! FROM TIME TO TIME I'VE BEEN TOLD THAT MY PLAYING HAD AN INFLUENCE, AND LET ME SAY THERE'S NOTHING IN WORLD MORE REWARDING!! I NEVER CONSIDERED MYSELF A GREAT PLAYER, JUST A GUY DOING WHAT HE LOVES TO DO.
Ray - You used to do a cover of the Stevie Wonder song (which had been
redone by Jeff Beck) called “Cause We’ve Ended As Lovers.” That has a
tremendously emotional melody, which then both you and Beck extrapolated
on so well in your versions. This is the kind of thing I loved so much
about guitar players from the ‘70’s. There seemed to be so much more of a
lyrical, conversational sort of playing ability among you guys compared to
a lot of the note-per-second shred-type stuff nowadays. Any commentary
from Mr. Adams on this?
Jeff - YES! GREAT POINT! NOTES-PER-SECOND AND COMPETITION BETWEEN GUITAR PLAYERS NEVER MADE SENSE TO ME. FIRST OF ALL, PLAYING A GUITAR SOLO IS LIKE PAINTING A MASTERPIECE. IT'S A PERSONAL THING. IT CAN'T BE COMPARED TO THAT OF ANOTHER ARTIST(UNLESS SOMEONE IS COPYING), IT'S A CREATION THAT SHOULD COME FROM THE HEART AND SOUL. AND WHEN IT DOES, IT'S ALWAYS GREAT. 'CAUSE WE'VE ENDED AS LOVERS' IS A PERFECT EXAMPLE. TOO MANY NOTES TOO FAST USUALLY JUST TAKES AWAY FROM THE FLAVOR.
Ray - I remember you guys during that period doing originals like “Cry Baby”
and “Change” as well as covers like “Dancing Days” & “Won’t Get Fooled
Again.” Again, not trying to rely on my faulty memory (except for the hot
women quotient!), what percentage originals & covers were you playing
then?
Jeff - WHEN I JOINED FD WE WERE DOING ROUGHLY 50/50 COVERS TO ORIGINALS. OVER MAYBE 6OR 8 MONTHS THE ORIGINALS GRADUALLY REACHED 80%(OR MORE) OF THE SHOW.
Ray - You guys used to set off a big flash pot right at the “scream” part
in “Won’t Get Fooled Again.” I used to make sure I was up at the front
for that and it would feel like I was going to get my fucking face blown
off for a second! Ah, the joys of youth! Great theatrical moment, how
come bands don’t do stuff like that anymore? Maybe afraid they’ll kill
somebody? Ever get hurt onstage? Stories, please!
Jeff - WOW! FLASH POTS! OUCH! I KNOW THEY LOOKED GOOD AND THE AUDIENCES LOVED THEM, BUT I HATED THEM, I COULDN'T BREATH AFTER THEY WENT OFF! AT THAT TIME THEY DIDN'T MAKE 'SAFE TO BREATH' FLASH POWDER, IT SUCKED! AS FAR AS INJURY, I NEVER GOT CAUGHT BY ONE, BUT CAREY KRESS DID! HE RAN TO THE WRONG SPOT ON STAGE AT THE WRONG TIME ONE NIGHT AND TOOK A DIRECT HIT! HE WASEN'T SERIOUSLY HURT, BUT BADLY SHAKEN UP!
Ray - In a related thought, Carey really had a theatrical way about
himself as a front man. Even on a relatively small stage like at The Sea
Gull, he had a way of making the whole thing feel like it was a much
bigger production. He’d come on and instantly have the crowd in the palm
of his hand. What was it like, working with that kind of singer?
Jeff - YES! CAREY HAD AN AMAZING PRESENCE! HAVING SUCH A GREAT TALENT
FRONTING THE BAND CERTAINLY MADE IT EASIER FOR THE REST OF US! I ALWAYS DESCRIBED THE MAGIC THAT WAS FACEDANCER AS FIVE MEDIOCRE SINGERS AND PLAYERS WITH AN INCREDIBLE ELECTRICITY THING THAT YOU JUST COULDN'T DEFINE.
Ray - When did you guys get the deal with Capitol Records. I know that “This
World” came out in 1979, but when did the process start with them. Tell
me about that, from when you signed up through the recording of the album
and it’s release. Be as wordy and long-winded as you’d like, you’ve got
my rapt attention.
Jeff - AT THE TIME I JOINED FD IN LATE 76, WE ALL SAT DOWN AND CLEARLY OUTLINED THE BAND'S GOALS. WE WOULD EITHER LAND A MAJOR RECORD DEAL WITHIN A YEAR AND A HALF, OR DISBAND. WE PRETTY MUCH MET THAT TIME LINE GOAL WITH THE CAPITOL DEAL. I BELIEVE IT WAS EARLY 78 WHEN WE ACCEPTED CAPITOL'S OFFER, AND BEGAN THE SEARCH FOR THE RIGHT PRODUCER. AFTER DECIDING ON RICHIE WISE, WE WENT INTO PRE-PRODUCTION THAT SUMMER. THE LOGISTICS WERE WORKED OUT FOR RECORDING TO BEGIN IN DECEMBER IN LOS ANGELES.
Ray - How much were you all involved with the production, mixing, etc. of
“This World?”
Jeff - ACTUALLY VERY LITTLE. WE PRETTY MUCH ALLOWED THOSE INVOLVED SUCH AS OUR PRODUCER, THE PROJECT MANAGER FROM CAPITOL, AND OUR MANAGEMENT, TO TAKE FULL ADVANTAGE OF US THE NAIVE YOUNG MUSICIANS. RICHIE WISE MIXED THE ALBUM ON HIS OWN, IT WAS DECIDED THAT THE BUDGET DIDN'T ALLOW FOR THE BAND TO BE THERE. WE HAD TO LEAVE L.A. AND GET BACK TO WORK!
Ray - Don’t get me wrong, “This World” is one of my favorite hard rock
albums of all time. All the same, though, after having seen you guys live
so many times, the recording quality was kinda thin. Did you think it
gave a real indication of what your live show was like?
Jeff - YOU GOT IT RIGHT THERE, THE ALBUM SOUNDED TERRIBLE IN MY OPINION. WAY TOO THIN. I SURE DO LIKE THE ROCK CANDY RE-RELEASE(2008), THEY RE-MASTERED THE ALBUM GIVING IT THE BALLS IT WAS LACKING, WHICH IS CERTAINLY MORE LIKE THE WAY THE BAND SOUNDED LIVE.
Ray - One of my favorite things about “This World,” and FACE DANCER’s
original music in general is the diversity of the material. On one hand,
you’ve got something with a real catchy, poppy vibe like “Can’t Stand
Still” and then things much heavier like “The Sphinx” and “Cry Baby.”
Seems like bands back in that decade were more likely to be able to flow
between different styles and make it work, more so than now. Any
comments?
Jeff - RIGHT AGAIN, RAY! IN MY VIEW THAT WAS A KEY ELEMENT TO THE GREATNESS OF FD LIVE AND ON RECORD. GOTTA HAND IT TO SCOTT, HIS WRITING WAS VERY DYNAMIC. WE WOULD TAKE THE AUDIENCE ALL OVER THE PLACE WHICH LAYED THE GROUND WORK FOR A VERY ENTERTAINING VISUAL SHOW.
Ray - “Change” is an interesting song. It starts out with a section that’s
almost like a Beatles thing from “Sgt. Pepper’s…” or the white album and
then erupts into this runaway train metal kinda ending. Has to be fun
playing stuff like that, eh?
Jeff - AN ABSOLUTE BLAST! 'CHANGE' WAS ALLWAYS A FAVE OF MINE TO PERFORM! ANYTIME YOU CAN JOLT PEOPLE LIKE THAT, IT'S A LOT OF FUN. NOT JUST MUSICALLY BUT WE LAID IT ON THICK VISUALLY AS WELL.
Ray - “Cry Baby” was your sort of traditional closer, it just seemed like it
went on, just escalating and escalating, with this huge lead guitar
climax. That’s gotta be a blast to play, right, knowing you’re going to
get to go off like that at the end, I would think?
Jeff - 'GO OFF'? HAHA, YEA, THATS A GOOD WAY TO PUT IT! A BUNCH OF OUR MATERIAL GAVE ME THE PLATFORM TO 'GO OFF', BUT CRY BABY WAS ALWAYS A HIGHLIGHT. SOME HOW OVER TIME WE WORKED OUT THAT LENGTHY BUILDING THING THAT CERTAINLY DID WORK WELL LIVE!
Ray - Following “This World,” did Capitol set you up with any kind of
touring, supporting a bigger act, etc. to promote the album?
Jeff - NO, THEY OFFERED NO TOUR SUPPORT OR PROMOTIONAL BUDGET. AT THAT TIME CAPITOL WAS POURING ALL OF IT'S RECOURSES INTO THE KNACK. REMEMBER 'MY SHARONA'? THAT PIECE OF GARBAGE (IN MY OPINION) WAS THE DOWNFALL OF FACEDANCER AND OTHERS ON THE LABEL. THERE WAS LITTLE DOUBT THAT FD'S SUCCESS IN THE MARYLAND, DC AREA COULD HAVE BEEN DUPLICATED AROUND THE COUNTRY, LET'S JUST SAY IT WAS BAD TIMING FOR FD ON CAPITOL RECORDS. EVEN MCCARTNEY WAS AFFECTED BY THE KNACK PROJECT AND LEFT THE LABEL AT THAT TIME. FINALLY EMI, CAPITOL'S PARENT COMPANY, CAME IN AND CLEANED HOUSE AS THE KNACK PROJECT HAD PROVED TO BE A HUGE BLUNDER FOR THE LABEL. WE DID HOWEVER MANAGE TO HOLD ON TO OUR 2ND ALBUM DEAL, SO WE FELT WE STILL HAD A SHOT.
Ray - The next recorded work was “About Face.” What can you tell me about
the thoughts behind the writing and the making of that album. It was a
drastic change, a lot more keyboards and a lot more radio-accessible type
stuff. To be honest, as a fan, I didn’t like it nearly as much as it’s
predecessor. What are your thoughts on it now?
Jeff - YOU'RE RIGHT THAT WE WENT INTO A LIGHTER VEIN WITH MORE KEYBOARDS, BUT THAT ONLY HAPPENED BECAUSE OF THE TERRIBLE PERSONNEL CHANGE WE WENT THROUGH. AFTER 'THIS WORLD' CAME OUT, WE WERE, OF COURSE, WORKING TOWARDS THE NEXT ALBUM, AND STARTED HAVING ISSUES WITH CAREY'S VOCALS ON NEW SONG DEMOS. I DON'T KNOW IF HE WAS JUST PARTYING A BIT TOO MUCH OR WHAT, BUT HE WASN'T
SOUNDING GREAT, AND OUR PROJECT MANAGER FROM CAPITOL (MITCHELL SCHOENBOUM) WAS FREAKING OUT. WE WERE ALL CONCERNED. OUR SECOND ALBUM DEAL WAS AN OPTION FOR CAPITOL THAT WAS BEGINNING TO APPEAR FRAGILE AT BEST. ANYWAY, WITH TOTALLY DIFFERENT ISSUES GOING ON CONCERNING DAVE UTTER, WE MADE THE PAINFUL DECISION TO LET BOTH OF THEM GO! IT REALLY SUCKED! CAREY WAS SUCH A GREAT GUY AND GOOD FRIEND, AND THE SAME GOES FOR DAVE, MAN IT JUST SUCKED! AT THIS POINT WE STARTED THINKING ABOUT A MORE CONTEMPORARY EDGE TO OUR SOUND, MAYBE SOMETHING MORE ACCESSIBLE, AND DECIDED TO BRING IN ONLY ONE NEW MEMBER, A KEYBOARD PLAYER WITH STRONG VOCALS. ENTER MICHAEL
MILSAP.
Ray - What can you tell me about the time period following the release of
“About Face” and your eventual decision to leave the band. What
transpired with all that?
Jeff - AT THE TIME WE STARTED DIVING INTO 'ABOUT FACE', I WAS LOSING MORE AND MORE INTEREST IN THE BAND ALL THE TIME. THE BAND'S MANAGEMENT, BOB AISS, WAS,,,,, LET'S JUST SAY HE WAS DISTRACTED WITH HIS PERSONAL AGENDAS TO THE POINT WHERE I JUST COULDN'T STAND IT. I WAS A YOUNG GUY, NOT WELL EQUIPPED TO HANDLE STRESS, AND I WAS NOT HANDLING IT. IN FACT IT GOT SO BAD FOR ME THAT I BROKE OUT IN HIVES(CAUSED BY STRESS) WHILE IN LONDON RECORDING THE ALBUM. MAN I WAS MISERABLE! AT THE SAME TIME I WAS NOT GOING TO DEPRIVE MYSELF OF WHAT I THOUGHT WAS AT LEAST A CHANCE TO HAVE A SUCCESSFUL ALBUM UNDER MY BELT TO MOVE ON WITH, SO I HUNG IN THERE UNTIL IT WAS CLEAR THAT CAPITOL WAS NOT GOING TO PROMOTE THE ALBUM, AND THE ALBUM WAS GOING NOWHERE. AT THAT POINT I SAID THANKS, IT'S BEEN ONE HELL OF A RIDE, BUT I'M OUT.
Ray - I know that you moved to Florida at some point and I believe, got
involved in working with real estate. How has that worked out for you,
pretty well? I guess the economy has played havoc with that of recent
years, like most things, eh?
Jeff - NEVER DABBLED IN REAL ESTATE(WHERE THE HELL DID YOU GET THAT?), BUT IN '97 I DID FIND MYSELF DOING THE SINGLE PARENT THING WITH TWO OF MY DAUGHTERS. TRYING TO FIGURE OUT HOW TO KEEP THE ROOF OVERHEAD, I GOT INTO INSURANCE SUBROGATION(DON'T ASK WHAT THAT IS, IT WOULD TAKE AN HOUR TO TELL YOU!). I BECAME QUITE GOOD AT IT($$$), AND STUCK WITH IT THROUGH '05. JEFF IN THE FULL TIME CORPORATE WORLD WAS DEFINITELY THE OLD SQUARE PEG IN THE ROUND HOLE, I'VE BEEN SELF EMPLOYED EVER SINCE(YES, I'M STILL A POOL PLAYER)!
Ray - During the time since you’ve been in Florida, I understand that you’ve
released several solo CD’s. How many have there been, what styles have
they involved and are there any copies available? (I really need to hear
this stuff!!!)
Jeff - ACTUALLY I'VE ONLY DONE TWO STUDIO ALBUMS SINCE FD, THE JEFF ADAMS BAND(1998) AND STARKEY DRIVE(2006). THE OTHER 3 OR 4 ALBUMS ARE REALLY JUST COLLECTIONS OF JEFF 'SONG DEMOS' RECORDED ON HOME STUDIO GEAR OVER SEVERAL YEARS, PLAYING ALL THE PARTS MYSELF. I SAY 'SONG DEMOS' BECAUSE THE PRODUCTIONS ARE DEFINITELY NOT WORTHY OF REPLICATION. ALTHOUGH I HAVE PACKAGED A FEW MYSELF AND SOLD THEM AT GIGS FROM TIME TO TIME, AND IF YOU TWIST MY ARM HARD ENOUGH I MIGHT SEND YOU SOMETHING. THE JEFF ADAMS BAND CD IS ONLY AVAILABLE THROUGH ME, IF ANYONE IS INTERESTED IN IT OR THE STARKEY DRIVE ALBUM JUST FIRE AN E-MAIL AT ME> jeffsongs@tbi.net.
Ray – I’d read about the STARKEY DRIVE disc on the internet. I’ve since
obtained the disc thru CD Baby and really dug the melodic, Americana-type
style. What led you in this direction? What’s the status of that band?
Is it still going on? I think you played with that band at Ram’s Head
Tavern in Annapolis a few years ago. Any plans on a return there of any
kind?
Jeff - IT'S HARD TO SAY WHAT LED ME IN THIS DIRECTION, EXCEPT TO SAY I WAS NEVER REALLY A HEAVY ROCK GUY AT HEART. I'VE ALWAYS HAD A WIDE RANGE OF MUSICAL INTEREST, THE STARKEY DRIVE ALBUM IS MORE LIKE THE REAL JEFF, WHERE WITH FACEDANCER IT WAS JEFF PLAYING LEAD GUITAR TO SOMEONE ELSE'S MUSIC. STARKEY DRIVE WAS A DREAM COME TRUE FOR ME. SOMEHOW I HAD MANAGED TO GET TOGETHER 4 OF THE BEST MUSICIANS I HAVE EVER WORKED WITH, AND THEY WANTED TO PLAY MY STUFF! WOW, WHAT A DEAL! CONCEIVED IN '04, MY LONG TIME BUDDY STEVE BEHRENDT(DRUMS) AND I PUT THE ALBUM TOGETHER BEFORE WE EVEN HAD THE BAND'S LINE UP COMPLETE. WE ENDED UP WITH MAURICE BRULE'ON KEYS, JERRY MARTINEZ DOING LEAD VOCALS AND GUITAR, AND LOREN KRAFT ON BASS. WITH JERRY AND MAURICE COMMUTING IN TO MARYLAND FROM BOSTON, AND ME FROM FLORIDA, IT EVENTUALLY PROVED TO BE MORE THAN WE COULD HANDLE. WE RECORDED DRUMS, SOME OVERDUBS, AND MIXED THE ALBUM IN OUR PRODUCER'S(RUDY GUESS) STUDIO IN L.A., BUT DID MOST OF THE OVERDUBS IN STEVE'S HOME STUDIO IN MARYLAND. DURING THE 3 YEAR LIFE SPAN OF THE BAND WE ONLY DID 3 SHOWS. YES, THE RAMSHEAD TAVERN ANNAPOLIS, AND TWICE AT JAMMIN JAVA IN N.VIRGINIA. ANYWAY, WE HAD A
TOTAL BLAST, AND I WOULDN'T TRADE A MINUTE OF IT!
Ray - You became involved at a point with doing FACE DANCER reunion shows,
the latest of which I witnessed at Ram’s Head Live in Baltimore (which was
smokin’, by the way!). How does it feel to get up there now and unleash
the old beasts? Brings back a lot of memories, I guess. I know it must
have been a very difficult thing for you guys with Carey’s passing, but
I’m sure he’d have been smiling from somewhere seeing what I did at Ram’s
Head several weeks ago!
Jeff - IT FEELS GREAT! YES, IT BRINGS BACK MEMORIES FROM A BIG PART OF MY LIFE. FOR ME IT'S NOT JUST THE REUNION OF FD BAND MATES, BUT THE REUNION OF FD FANS WHO ARE STILL MOTIVATED TO COME SEE US. IT'S JUST AN INCREDIBLE DEAL TO REUNITE WITH FACES FROM THE FD HAY DAY. AND YES, IT IS A TON OF FUN TO CRANK THE MARSHALL AND BEND SOME STRINGS! I DON'T GET THE CHANCE TO DO THAT VERY OFTEN THESE DAYS. LOSING CAREY WAS A TERRIBLE BLOW TO ALL OF US, AND YOU BET HE IS BEING HONORED EVERY TIME FD GETS TOGETHER!
Ray - What’s in store for Jeff Adams in the future? What musical cards do
you have up your sleeve that fans of your guitar playing can look forward
to?
Jeff - THE COOL THING ABOUT MUSICAL CARDS UP THE SLEEVE IS THAT NO ONE KNOWS WHAT THEY ARE, INCLUDING ME. ALL I CAN TELL YOU IS THAT CURRENTLY I'M PLAYING ACOUSTIC GUITAR MOST ALL THE TIME. IN FACT, MY WONDERFULLY TALENTED WIFE, KERRY AND I ARE WORKING ON AN ALBUM RIGHT NOW. WE'RE THINKING OF CALLING IT "NO BASS, NO DRUMS, NO WORRIES". IT'S A FUN COLLECTION OF CUTE STUFF, SOME SILLY STUFF, AND MAYBE A COUPLE OF LOVE SONGS. FD FANS THAT MIGHT HEAR THIS WILL DEFINITELY BE SCRATCHING THEIR HEADS SAYING "THIS IS THE JEFF ADAMS THAT I KNOW??" HAHA! AND WHO KNOWS MAYBE NEXT YEAR I'LL BE RECORDING WITH A ROCK BAND, WE'LL SEE!!
Ray - What do you think of the Guitar Hero video games? Do you have a
differing opinion on these from the standpoint of a guitarist or "layman"
or am I completely delusional about anyone even having an opinion on this? lol
Jeff - WELL YES, YOU ARE COMPLETELY DELUSIONAL, BUT THATS BESIDE THE POINT. I DON'T KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT THESE GAMES, HOWEVER MY GUESS IS THEY ARE IN NO WAY 'MUSICAL'. I WOULD THOUGH RECOMMEND THEM OVER SOAP OPERAS!
Jeff - In the old Sea Gull days I remember you using a Les Paul almost exclusively. From what I saw at Ram's Head and in pictures from recent years, you seem to favor a STRAT now. What made you go this route?
Jeff - I GREW UP PLAYING GIBSONS AND ALLWAYS LOVED THE LES PAUL'S TONE THE BEST, BUT IN RECENT YEARS I'VE LEARNED TO LOVE THE LIGHT WEIGHT, EASY BALANCE, AND POSITION OF THE KNOBS ON THE STRAT. IT ALSO HAS A SMOOTHER CLEAN SOUND WHICH I SEEM TO USE MORE AND MORE THESE DAYS(HAHA). I DO USE HUMBUCKING PIC-UPS THAT DO SLIGHTLY SIMULATE THE LES PAUL SOUND.
Ray - In relation to the previous question, I found that (at the Ram's Head
show), regardless of what, you sound like Jeff Adams, which translates to
killer in my opinion. Even though it's 2010 you still somehow channel that
mid-late '70's hard rock guitar sound that's so lacking these days. With
that in mind, do you think your sound is something that comes more from
equipment or from your hands. Reason I say this is that I remember
hanging out years ago with this huge dude who (maybe not so coincidentally, considering
his size!) played with a sound very much like Leslie West, and he typically
used a Les Paul Jr. thru Marshalls. I don't have to tell you, he was a
lot better than me, but we were jamming one time and he picked up my Fender
Tele that I was playing thru a completely shitty Sears amp. Instantly, the
whole thing sounded like him again, complete LW tone and everything. I
mean, it wasn't exact, but it was close enough. Does that back up the
"player's hands" mean more theory? Comments?
Jeff - WELL THANKS FOR THE KIND WORDS! I DON'T KNOW ABOUT OTHER PLAYERS, BUT I'M A 'WING IT' TYPE OF PLAYER. IF THAT FAT SUSTAINING SOUND ISN'T THERE, THEN I KINDA SHIFT INTO ANOTHER STYLE. IN FACT, I LOVE AND PLAY LOTS OF DIFFERENT STYLES, ABOUT EVERYTHING BUT RAP AND HEAVY METAL. AS FAR AS THE PLAYERS HANDS, YES, I BELIEVE THE INDIVIDUAL STYLE WILL ALLWAYS CARRY THROUGH.
Ray - Here’s one that’s always fun… In the time that you were in FACE
DANCER, those glory years back in the ‘70’s…regale us with a story of the
weirdest, craziest, most unusual or just plain dumb thing that happened in
the daily life of the band…could be in the studio, onstage, on the road,
etc. Use your imagination and be comfortable with the fact that very
little can offend, repulse or otherwise miff any of it’s readers!
Jeff - WELL, THERE WAS THIS GIRL THAT WOULD COME AROUND THAT THE ROAD CREW HAD NICK-NAMED "BOTTLE ROCKETS",,,, NEVER MIND, WE'LL FORGET THAT ONE..... HERE'S ONE I LIKE(I'M GOING TO KEEP THIS LIGHT!),, WE FLY OVER TO LONDON TO RECORD THE 2ND ALBUM, WHEN WE ENTER CUSTOMS AT HEATHROW AIRPORT, THE CUSTOMS GUY SINGLES ME OUT FOR A FULL STRIP SEARCH. MICHAEL MILSAP LAUGHS AT ME, THE CUSTOMS GUY THEN PASSES ME RIGHT THROUGH AND TAKES MICHAEL FOR THE STRIP SEARCH! HAHA! NOW ON THE WAY BACK WE FLY INTO DULLES. THE BAND IS GIGGLING AND MAKING FUN ONCE AGAIN ABOUT THE HEATHROW SEARCH EPISODE, THE CUSTOMS GUY ORDERS EVERYONE BUT ME IN FOR A STRIP SEARCH! MAN I LAUGHED MY ASS OFF AFTER THAT ONE!
Ray - Any final comments?
Jeff - YES! FACEDANCER MIGHT DO A GIZILLION MORE REUNIONS, OR IT MAY NEVER DO ANOTHER. IN ANY EVENT I WOULD LIKE TO SAY TO ANY OF YOU FD FANS WHO MIGHT BE READING THIS, THANKS! THANKS FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART! THE 5 YEARS I SPENT WITH FACEDANCER WERE 5 OF THE BEST YEARS OF MY LIFE, AND YOU GUYS MADE IT ALL COME TOGETHER!
Wow, what a great time I had getting in touch with Jeff and going over all the old FACE DANCER days as well as seeing what this killer guitarist has been up to since then. If you’ve never heard FD’s “This World,” then the only thing I can tell you is that, as a fan of hard rock, your collection is woefully incomplete. Order it now from
http://www.rockcandyrecords.co.uk/Also, anyone into absolutely stellar Amerciana-type rock needs to go to Jeff directly and get the STARKEY DRIVE CD. It is great!!! jeffsongs@tbi.net
Ray - One thing I’ve always found that’s a good place to start is the
beginning. Jeff, how early on in your life did you get involved in music?
Do you come from a musical family? What got you into playing guitar?
Jeff - WOW! NOW WE'RE GOIN BACK A WAYS! DID I TELL MY AGE?? WHEN I WAS 11, A BUDDY AND I ON OUR BIKES PULLED UP OUTSIDE OF A REC-CENTER DANCE ONE SATURDAY NIGHT. AS WE WATCHED THROUGH A WINDOW, I WAS INSTANTLY MESMERIZED BY THE BAND AND THE LIVE MUSIC THING. HOWEVER I ZEROED IN ON THE DRUMS. SO I WENT ON A MISSION TO BE A DRUMMER AND STUCK WITH IT INTO MY TEENS. AT AGE 15/16 MY DAD BOUGHT A NEW GUITAR(FOR HIMSELF) AND CLEVERLY HANDED ME HIS OLD ONE, ASKING IF I WANTED TO HANG IT ON THE WALL OR SOMETHING. I SAID SURE. WITHIN A WEEK I HAD FIGURED OUT ALL THE BASIC CHORDS, AS WELL AS 5 PATERNS(COVERING THE OCTAVE)OF BASIC SCALES IN 3 DIFFERENT MODES!
WITHIN A COUPLE OF WEEKS I HAD SOLD MY DRUMS REPLACING THEM WITH GUITARS AND AMPS!
Ray - Who were your early influences as a guitar player? How has that
evolved any? What, if any, current players do you like?
Jeff - AS A YOUNG GUITAR ENTHUSIAST(SAY AROUND 1970), I IMMEDIATELY LATCHED ON TO BECK, PAGE, AND CLAPTON. I SPENT YEARS LEARNING EVERY LICK THEY WERE RECORDING, AND OF COURSE THEN STARTED LISTENING TO ALL THE GREAT PLAYERS OF THE TIME. FROM THE BEGINNING I WAS VERY MUCH INTERESTED IN WRITING MY OWN MUSIC, AND PLAYING MY OWN STYLE OF LEAD GUITAR. FOR EVERY HOUR(OR 5) I WOULD PUT IN COPYING OTHERS, I WOULD PUT IN AN HOUR(OR 5) OF AD-LIBBING TO RHYTHYM TRACKS. THE LATTER QUICKLY BECAME MY FAVORITE THING IN LIFE!
Ray - What were the beginnings of the FACE DANCER story? How did you get
involved, how far along the line was that in the history of the band?
Jeff - FACEDANCER HAD BEEN AROUND FOR A FEW YEARS WITH VARIOUS LINE-UPS BEFORE I MET THEM IN NOVEMBER OF 76. I WAS BUYING A PAIR OF JEANS IN THE WHEATON SHOPPING PLAZA(WHEATON, MD)WHEN THE GIRL AT THE REGISTER WHO I DIDN'T KNOW ASKED ME IF I WAS A GUITAR PLAYER!? SHE SAID HER BOYFRIEND'S BAND WAS LOOKING FOR A LEAD GUITARIST. ANYWAY I SAID YES, GAVE HER MY NUMBER, AND GOT A CALL FROM SCOTT MCGINN THAT AFTERNOON. I WENT OVER TO THE FD BAND HOUSE(RIGHT IN WHEATON)THE NEXT DAY, ACCEPTED THEIR INVITATION TO JOIN, AND DID MY FIRST SHOW WITH THE BAND THE NEXT NIGHT! WOW, WHAT A TRIP THAT WAS FOR ME, I WAS PLAYING IN FRONT OF A SEA OF PEOPLE FOR THE FIRST TIME! I WAS PETRIFIED! I THINK IT TOOK ABOUT 2 MONTHS WITH THE BAND FOR ME TO EVEN LIFT MY HEAD AND LOOK OUT AT THE AUDIENCE!
Ray - What was the line-up of the band when you joined?
Jeff - WHEN I JOINED FACEDANCER IT WAS CAREY KRESS AS LEAD VOCAL FRONTING THE BAND, SCOTT MCGINN ON RYTHYM GUITAR, DJ LONG ON KEYS, BILLY TRAINER ON DRUMS, AND DALE MARKS ON BASS. SHORTLY AFTER, DJ HAD TO LEAVE THE BAND FOR AN OPERATION, AND DALE WAS MOVED OUT TO MAKE ROOM FOR DAVE UTTER(LAZY DAVE, MY BUDDY!). AT THIS POINT SCOTT PLAYED BASS AS WELL AS SOME KEYBOARDS.
Ray - When I first started to go see FACE DANCER, it was at the Sea Gull Inn
in Essex, Md., I’m thinking it was around ’76 or so, but age may have
dimmed my memory (lol). You guys played there a lot right, what was it
maybe every month or every other month? What other places were you
playing then? How many gigs a month were you doing at that point?
Jeff - WELL THAT WAS WHEN I WAS NEW WITH THE BAND, WE PLAYED JR'S INN, THE SEAGULL, THE ACT FOUR, THE BAYOU(IN DC), THE HOLLYWOOD PALACE, I'M SURE I'M FORGETTING A FEW, BUT IT WAS FULL TIME RIGHT FROM THE WEEK I JOINED THE BAND. LIKE MAYBE 3 TO 5 NIGHTS A WEEK.
Ray - What did you think of the Sea Gull, as far as clubs and crowds go? As
I recall (and, my memory may be better on this!), there were a lot of
really good looking women at those shows back then. That had to be pretty
cool, they tended to like lead guitarists, didn’t they, the guitar being a
phallic symbol & all that? (lol)
Jeff - THE SEAGULL INN WAS BY FAR MY FAVORITE! IT HAD A NICE SIZE STAGE(NOT TOO SMALL NOT TOO BIG) WHERE WE COULD LET OUT OUR SOUND AND LIGHTS, THE CROWD WAS NUTS, AND YES, THERE WERE A FEW YOUNG LADIES THAT WOULD COME AROUND ONCE IN A WHILE!(HAHA)
Ray - Those were some of the best nights I had, as a music fan, down there,
especially in the summer, going down there on a hot night, drinking some
beers and watching you guys. I still remember that one night we were
waiting to get in and you came walking up, noticed my homemade FD t-shirt
and were like, “Cool, man.” I went home & played guitar even more after
that. It was great, as a young guy into playing myself, to have a
semi-local guy who I could watch up close. I was into people like Leslie
West, Iommi, Duane Allman, etc. but you were right up there with ‘em in my
opinion and were not just some disembodied rock star a million miles away.
Did you realize you were influencing other guys like me who came &
watched you play?
Jeff - I ALWAYS APPRECIATED SEEING HOMEMADE FD GEAR, IT MEAN'T TO ME THAT MAYBE WE WERE DOING SOMETHING RIGHT! FROM TIME TO TIME I'VE BEEN TOLD THAT MY PLAYING HAD AN INFLUENCE, AND LET ME SAY THERE'S NOTHING IN WORLD MORE REWARDING!! I NEVER CONSIDERED MYSELF A GREAT PLAYER, JUST A GUY DOING WHAT HE LOVES TO DO.
Ray - You used to do a cover of the Stevie Wonder song (which had been
redone by Jeff Beck) called “Cause We’ve Ended As Lovers.” That has a
tremendously emotional melody, which then both you and Beck extrapolated
on so well in your versions. This is the kind of thing I loved so much
about guitar players from the ‘70’s. There seemed to be so much more of a
lyrical, conversational sort of playing ability among you guys compared to
a lot of the note-per-second shred-type stuff nowadays. Any commentary
from Mr. Adams on this?
Jeff - YES! GREAT POINT! NOTES-PER-SECOND AND COMPETITION BETWEEN GUITAR PLAYERS NEVER MADE SENSE TO ME. FIRST OF ALL, PLAYING A GUITAR SOLO IS LIKE PAINTING A MASTERPIECE. IT'S A PERSONAL THING. IT CAN'T BE COMPARED TO THAT OF ANOTHER ARTIST(UNLESS SOMEONE IS COPYING), IT'S A CREATION THAT SHOULD COME FROM THE HEART AND SOUL. AND WHEN IT DOES, IT'S ALWAYS GREAT. 'CAUSE WE'VE ENDED AS LOVERS' IS A PERFECT EXAMPLE. TOO MANY NOTES TOO FAST USUALLY JUST TAKES AWAY FROM THE FLAVOR.
Ray - I remember you guys during that period doing originals like “Cry Baby”
and “Change” as well as covers like “Dancing Days” & “Won’t Get Fooled
Again.” Again, not trying to rely on my faulty memory (except for the hot
women quotient!), what percentage originals & covers were you playing
then?
Jeff - WHEN I JOINED FD WE WERE DOING ROUGHLY 50/50 COVERS TO ORIGINALS. OVER MAYBE 6OR 8 MONTHS THE ORIGINALS GRADUALLY REACHED 80%(OR MORE) OF THE SHOW.
Ray - You guys used to set off a big flash pot right at the “scream” part
in “Won’t Get Fooled Again.” I used to make sure I was up at the front
for that and it would feel like I was going to get my fucking face blown
off for a second! Ah, the joys of youth! Great theatrical moment, how
come bands don’t do stuff like that anymore? Maybe afraid they’ll kill
somebody? Ever get hurt onstage? Stories, please!
Jeff - WOW! FLASH POTS! OUCH! I KNOW THEY LOOKED GOOD AND THE AUDIENCES LOVED THEM, BUT I HATED THEM, I COULDN'T BREATH AFTER THEY WENT OFF! AT THAT TIME THEY DIDN'T MAKE 'SAFE TO BREATH' FLASH POWDER, IT SUCKED! AS FAR AS INJURY, I NEVER GOT CAUGHT BY ONE, BUT CAREY KRESS DID! HE RAN TO THE WRONG SPOT ON STAGE AT THE WRONG TIME ONE NIGHT AND TOOK A DIRECT HIT! HE WASEN'T SERIOUSLY HURT, BUT BADLY SHAKEN UP!
Ray - In a related thought, Carey really had a theatrical way about
himself as a front man. Even on a relatively small stage like at The Sea
Gull, he had a way of making the whole thing feel like it was a much
bigger production. He’d come on and instantly have the crowd in the palm
of his hand. What was it like, working with that kind of singer?
Jeff - YES! CAREY HAD AN AMAZING PRESENCE! HAVING SUCH A GREAT TALENT
FRONTING THE BAND CERTAINLY MADE IT EASIER FOR THE REST OF US! I ALWAYS DESCRIBED THE MAGIC THAT WAS FACEDANCER AS FIVE MEDIOCRE SINGERS AND PLAYERS WITH AN INCREDIBLE ELECTRICITY THING THAT YOU JUST COULDN'T DEFINE.
Ray - When did you guys get the deal with Capitol Records. I know that “This
World” came out in 1979, but when did the process start with them. Tell
me about that, from when you signed up through the recording of the album
and it’s release. Be as wordy and long-winded as you’d like, you’ve got
my rapt attention.
Jeff - AT THE TIME I JOINED FD IN LATE 76, WE ALL SAT DOWN AND CLEARLY OUTLINED THE BAND'S GOALS. WE WOULD EITHER LAND A MAJOR RECORD DEAL WITHIN A YEAR AND A HALF, OR DISBAND. WE PRETTY MUCH MET THAT TIME LINE GOAL WITH THE CAPITOL DEAL. I BELIEVE IT WAS EARLY 78 WHEN WE ACCEPTED CAPITOL'S OFFER, AND BEGAN THE SEARCH FOR THE RIGHT PRODUCER. AFTER DECIDING ON RICHIE WISE, WE WENT INTO PRE-PRODUCTION THAT SUMMER. THE LOGISTICS WERE WORKED OUT FOR RECORDING TO BEGIN IN DECEMBER IN LOS ANGELES.
Ray - How much were you all involved with the production, mixing, etc. of
“This World?”
Jeff - ACTUALLY VERY LITTLE. WE PRETTY MUCH ALLOWED THOSE INVOLVED SUCH AS OUR PRODUCER, THE PROJECT MANAGER FROM CAPITOL, AND OUR MANAGEMENT, TO TAKE FULL ADVANTAGE OF US THE NAIVE YOUNG MUSICIANS. RICHIE WISE MIXED THE ALBUM ON HIS OWN, IT WAS DECIDED THAT THE BUDGET DIDN'T ALLOW FOR THE BAND TO BE THERE. WE HAD TO LEAVE L.A. AND GET BACK TO WORK!
Ray - Don’t get me wrong, “This World” is one of my favorite hard rock
albums of all time. All the same, though, after having seen you guys live
so many times, the recording quality was kinda thin. Did you think it
gave a real indication of what your live show was like?
Jeff - YOU GOT IT RIGHT THERE, THE ALBUM SOUNDED TERRIBLE IN MY OPINION. WAY TOO THIN. I SURE DO LIKE THE ROCK CANDY RE-RELEASE(2008), THEY RE-MASTERED THE ALBUM GIVING IT THE BALLS IT WAS LACKING, WHICH IS CERTAINLY MORE LIKE THE WAY THE BAND SOUNDED LIVE.
Ray - One of my favorite things about “This World,” and FACE DANCER’s
original music in general is the diversity of the material. On one hand,
you’ve got something with a real catchy, poppy vibe like “Can’t Stand
Still” and then things much heavier like “The Sphinx” and “Cry Baby.”
Seems like bands back in that decade were more likely to be able to flow
between different styles and make it work, more so than now. Any
comments?
Jeff - RIGHT AGAIN, RAY! IN MY VIEW THAT WAS A KEY ELEMENT TO THE GREATNESS OF FD LIVE AND ON RECORD. GOTTA HAND IT TO SCOTT, HIS WRITING WAS VERY DYNAMIC. WE WOULD TAKE THE AUDIENCE ALL OVER THE PLACE WHICH LAYED THE GROUND WORK FOR A VERY ENTERTAINING VISUAL SHOW.
Ray - “Change” is an interesting song. It starts out with a section that’s
almost like a Beatles thing from “Sgt. Pepper’s…” or the white album and
then erupts into this runaway train metal kinda ending. Has to be fun
playing stuff like that, eh?
Jeff - AN ABSOLUTE BLAST! 'CHANGE' WAS ALLWAYS A FAVE OF MINE TO PERFORM! ANYTIME YOU CAN JOLT PEOPLE LIKE THAT, IT'S A LOT OF FUN. NOT JUST MUSICALLY BUT WE LAID IT ON THICK VISUALLY AS WELL.
Ray - “Cry Baby” was your sort of traditional closer, it just seemed like it
went on, just escalating and escalating, with this huge lead guitar
climax. That’s gotta be a blast to play, right, knowing you’re going to
get to go off like that at the end, I would think?
Jeff - 'GO OFF'? HAHA, YEA, THATS A GOOD WAY TO PUT IT! A BUNCH OF OUR MATERIAL GAVE ME THE PLATFORM TO 'GO OFF', BUT CRY BABY WAS ALWAYS A HIGHLIGHT. SOME HOW OVER TIME WE WORKED OUT THAT LENGTHY BUILDING THING THAT CERTAINLY DID WORK WELL LIVE!
Ray - Following “This World,” did Capitol set you up with any kind of
touring, supporting a bigger act, etc. to promote the album?
Jeff - NO, THEY OFFERED NO TOUR SUPPORT OR PROMOTIONAL BUDGET. AT THAT TIME CAPITOL WAS POURING ALL OF IT'S RECOURSES INTO THE KNACK. REMEMBER 'MY SHARONA'? THAT PIECE OF GARBAGE (IN MY OPINION) WAS THE DOWNFALL OF FACEDANCER AND OTHERS ON THE LABEL. THERE WAS LITTLE DOUBT THAT FD'S SUCCESS IN THE MARYLAND, DC AREA COULD HAVE BEEN DUPLICATED AROUND THE COUNTRY, LET'S JUST SAY IT WAS BAD TIMING FOR FD ON CAPITOL RECORDS. EVEN MCCARTNEY WAS AFFECTED BY THE KNACK PROJECT AND LEFT THE LABEL AT THAT TIME. FINALLY EMI, CAPITOL'S PARENT COMPANY, CAME IN AND CLEANED HOUSE AS THE KNACK PROJECT HAD PROVED TO BE A HUGE BLUNDER FOR THE LABEL. WE DID HOWEVER MANAGE TO HOLD ON TO OUR 2ND ALBUM DEAL, SO WE FELT WE STILL HAD A SHOT.
Ray - The next recorded work was “About Face.” What can you tell me about
the thoughts behind the writing and the making of that album. It was a
drastic change, a lot more keyboards and a lot more radio-accessible type
stuff. To be honest, as a fan, I didn’t like it nearly as much as it’s
predecessor. What are your thoughts on it now?
Jeff - YOU'RE RIGHT THAT WE WENT INTO A LIGHTER VEIN WITH MORE KEYBOARDS, BUT THAT ONLY HAPPENED BECAUSE OF THE TERRIBLE PERSONNEL CHANGE WE WENT THROUGH. AFTER 'THIS WORLD' CAME OUT, WE WERE, OF COURSE, WORKING TOWARDS THE NEXT ALBUM, AND STARTED HAVING ISSUES WITH CAREY'S VOCALS ON NEW SONG DEMOS. I DON'T KNOW IF HE WAS JUST PARTYING A BIT TOO MUCH OR WHAT, BUT HE WASN'T
SOUNDING GREAT, AND OUR PROJECT MANAGER FROM CAPITOL (MITCHELL SCHOENBOUM) WAS FREAKING OUT. WE WERE ALL CONCERNED. OUR SECOND ALBUM DEAL WAS AN OPTION FOR CAPITOL THAT WAS BEGINNING TO APPEAR FRAGILE AT BEST. ANYWAY, WITH TOTALLY DIFFERENT ISSUES GOING ON CONCERNING DAVE UTTER, WE MADE THE PAINFUL DECISION TO LET BOTH OF THEM GO! IT REALLY SUCKED! CAREY WAS SUCH A GREAT GUY AND GOOD FRIEND, AND THE SAME GOES FOR DAVE, MAN IT JUST SUCKED! AT THIS POINT WE STARTED THINKING ABOUT A MORE CONTEMPORARY EDGE TO OUR SOUND, MAYBE SOMETHING MORE ACCESSIBLE, AND DECIDED TO BRING IN ONLY ONE NEW MEMBER, A KEYBOARD PLAYER WITH STRONG VOCALS. ENTER MICHAEL
MILSAP.
Ray - What can you tell me about the time period following the release of
“About Face” and your eventual decision to leave the band. What
transpired with all that?
Jeff - AT THE TIME WE STARTED DIVING INTO 'ABOUT FACE', I WAS LOSING MORE AND MORE INTEREST IN THE BAND ALL THE TIME. THE BAND'S MANAGEMENT, BOB AISS, WAS,,,,, LET'S JUST SAY HE WAS DISTRACTED WITH HIS PERSONAL AGENDAS TO THE POINT WHERE I JUST COULDN'T STAND IT. I WAS A YOUNG GUY, NOT WELL EQUIPPED TO HANDLE STRESS, AND I WAS NOT HANDLING IT. IN FACT IT GOT SO BAD FOR ME THAT I BROKE OUT IN HIVES(CAUSED BY STRESS) WHILE IN LONDON RECORDING THE ALBUM. MAN I WAS MISERABLE! AT THE SAME TIME I WAS NOT GOING TO DEPRIVE MYSELF OF WHAT I THOUGHT WAS AT LEAST A CHANCE TO HAVE A SUCCESSFUL ALBUM UNDER MY BELT TO MOVE ON WITH, SO I HUNG IN THERE UNTIL IT WAS CLEAR THAT CAPITOL WAS NOT GOING TO PROMOTE THE ALBUM, AND THE ALBUM WAS GOING NOWHERE. AT THAT POINT I SAID THANKS, IT'S BEEN ONE HELL OF A RIDE, BUT I'M OUT.
Ray - I know that you moved to Florida at some point and I believe, got
involved in working with real estate. How has that worked out for you,
pretty well? I guess the economy has played havoc with that of recent
years, like most things, eh?
Jeff - NEVER DABBLED IN REAL ESTATE(WHERE THE HELL DID YOU GET THAT?), BUT IN '97 I DID FIND MYSELF DOING THE SINGLE PARENT THING WITH TWO OF MY DAUGHTERS. TRYING TO FIGURE OUT HOW TO KEEP THE ROOF OVERHEAD, I GOT INTO INSURANCE SUBROGATION(DON'T ASK WHAT THAT IS, IT WOULD TAKE AN HOUR TO TELL YOU!). I BECAME QUITE GOOD AT IT($$$), AND STUCK WITH IT THROUGH '05. JEFF IN THE FULL TIME CORPORATE WORLD WAS DEFINITELY THE OLD SQUARE PEG IN THE ROUND HOLE, I'VE BEEN SELF EMPLOYED EVER SINCE(YES, I'M STILL A POOL PLAYER)!
Ray - During the time since you’ve been in Florida, I understand that you’ve
released several solo CD’s. How many have there been, what styles have
they involved and are there any copies available? (I really need to hear
this stuff!!!)
Jeff - ACTUALLY I'VE ONLY DONE TWO STUDIO ALBUMS SINCE FD, THE JEFF ADAMS BAND(1998) AND STARKEY DRIVE(2006). THE OTHER 3 OR 4 ALBUMS ARE REALLY JUST COLLECTIONS OF JEFF 'SONG DEMOS' RECORDED ON HOME STUDIO GEAR OVER SEVERAL YEARS, PLAYING ALL THE PARTS MYSELF. I SAY 'SONG DEMOS' BECAUSE THE PRODUCTIONS ARE DEFINITELY NOT WORTHY OF REPLICATION. ALTHOUGH I HAVE PACKAGED A FEW MYSELF AND SOLD THEM AT GIGS FROM TIME TO TIME, AND IF YOU TWIST MY ARM HARD ENOUGH I MIGHT SEND YOU SOMETHING. THE JEFF ADAMS BAND CD IS ONLY AVAILABLE THROUGH ME, IF ANYONE IS INTERESTED IN IT OR THE STARKEY DRIVE ALBUM JUST FIRE AN E-MAIL AT ME> jeffsongs@tbi.net.
Ray – I’d read about the STARKEY DRIVE disc on the internet. I’ve since
obtained the disc thru CD Baby and really dug the melodic, Americana-type
style. What led you in this direction? What’s the status of that band?
Is it still going on? I think you played with that band at Ram’s Head
Tavern in Annapolis a few years ago. Any plans on a return there of any
kind?
Jeff - IT'S HARD TO SAY WHAT LED ME IN THIS DIRECTION, EXCEPT TO SAY I WAS NEVER REALLY A HEAVY ROCK GUY AT HEART. I'VE ALWAYS HAD A WIDE RANGE OF MUSICAL INTEREST, THE STARKEY DRIVE ALBUM IS MORE LIKE THE REAL JEFF, WHERE WITH FACEDANCER IT WAS JEFF PLAYING LEAD GUITAR TO SOMEONE ELSE'S MUSIC. STARKEY DRIVE WAS A DREAM COME TRUE FOR ME. SOMEHOW I HAD MANAGED TO GET TOGETHER 4 OF THE BEST MUSICIANS I HAVE EVER WORKED WITH, AND THEY WANTED TO PLAY MY STUFF! WOW, WHAT A DEAL! CONCEIVED IN '04, MY LONG TIME BUDDY STEVE BEHRENDT(DRUMS) AND I PUT THE ALBUM TOGETHER BEFORE WE EVEN HAD THE BAND'S LINE UP COMPLETE. WE ENDED UP WITH MAURICE BRULE'ON KEYS, JERRY MARTINEZ DOING LEAD VOCALS AND GUITAR, AND LOREN KRAFT ON BASS. WITH JERRY AND MAURICE COMMUTING IN TO MARYLAND FROM BOSTON, AND ME FROM FLORIDA, IT EVENTUALLY PROVED TO BE MORE THAN WE COULD HANDLE. WE RECORDED DRUMS, SOME OVERDUBS, AND MIXED THE ALBUM IN OUR PRODUCER'S(RUDY GUESS) STUDIO IN L.A., BUT DID MOST OF THE OVERDUBS IN STEVE'S HOME STUDIO IN MARYLAND. DURING THE 3 YEAR LIFE SPAN OF THE BAND WE ONLY DID 3 SHOWS. YES, THE RAMSHEAD TAVERN ANNAPOLIS, AND TWICE AT JAMMIN JAVA IN N.VIRGINIA. ANYWAY, WE HAD A
TOTAL BLAST, AND I WOULDN'T TRADE A MINUTE OF IT!
Ray - You became involved at a point with doing FACE DANCER reunion shows,
the latest of which I witnessed at Ram’s Head Live in Baltimore (which was
smokin’, by the way!). How does it feel to get up there now and unleash
the old beasts? Brings back a lot of memories, I guess. I know it must
have been a very difficult thing for you guys with Carey’s passing, but
I’m sure he’d have been smiling from somewhere seeing what I did at Ram’s
Head several weeks ago!
Jeff - IT FEELS GREAT! YES, IT BRINGS BACK MEMORIES FROM A BIG PART OF MY LIFE. FOR ME IT'S NOT JUST THE REUNION OF FD BAND MATES, BUT THE REUNION OF FD FANS WHO ARE STILL MOTIVATED TO COME SEE US. IT'S JUST AN INCREDIBLE DEAL TO REUNITE WITH FACES FROM THE FD HAY DAY. AND YES, IT IS A TON OF FUN TO CRANK THE MARSHALL AND BEND SOME STRINGS! I DON'T GET THE CHANCE TO DO THAT VERY OFTEN THESE DAYS. LOSING CAREY WAS A TERRIBLE BLOW TO ALL OF US, AND YOU BET HE IS BEING HONORED EVERY TIME FD GETS TOGETHER!
Ray - What’s in store for Jeff Adams in the future? What musical cards do
you have up your sleeve that fans of your guitar playing can look forward
to?
Jeff - THE COOL THING ABOUT MUSICAL CARDS UP THE SLEEVE IS THAT NO ONE KNOWS WHAT THEY ARE, INCLUDING ME. ALL I CAN TELL YOU IS THAT CURRENTLY I'M PLAYING ACOUSTIC GUITAR MOST ALL THE TIME. IN FACT, MY WONDERFULLY TALENTED WIFE, KERRY AND I ARE WORKING ON AN ALBUM RIGHT NOW. WE'RE THINKING OF CALLING IT "NO BASS, NO DRUMS, NO WORRIES". IT'S A FUN COLLECTION OF CUTE STUFF, SOME SILLY STUFF, AND MAYBE A COUPLE OF LOVE SONGS. FD FANS THAT MIGHT HEAR THIS WILL DEFINITELY BE SCRATCHING THEIR HEADS SAYING "THIS IS THE JEFF ADAMS THAT I KNOW??" HAHA! AND WHO KNOWS MAYBE NEXT YEAR I'LL BE RECORDING WITH A ROCK BAND, WE'LL SEE!!
Ray - What do you think of the Guitar Hero video games? Do you have a
differing opinion on these from the standpoint of a guitarist or "layman"
or am I completely delusional about anyone even having an opinion on this? lol
Jeff - WELL YES, YOU ARE COMPLETELY DELUSIONAL, BUT THATS BESIDE THE POINT. I DON'T KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT THESE GAMES, HOWEVER MY GUESS IS THEY ARE IN NO WAY 'MUSICAL'. I WOULD THOUGH RECOMMEND THEM OVER SOAP OPERAS!
Jeff - In the old Sea Gull days I remember you using a Les Paul almost exclusively. From what I saw at Ram's Head and in pictures from recent years, you seem to favor a STRAT now. What made you go this route?
Jeff - I GREW UP PLAYING GIBSONS AND ALLWAYS LOVED THE LES PAUL'S TONE THE BEST, BUT IN RECENT YEARS I'VE LEARNED TO LOVE THE LIGHT WEIGHT, EASY BALANCE, AND POSITION OF THE KNOBS ON THE STRAT. IT ALSO HAS A SMOOTHER CLEAN SOUND WHICH I SEEM TO USE MORE AND MORE THESE DAYS(HAHA). I DO USE HUMBUCKING PIC-UPS THAT DO SLIGHTLY SIMULATE THE LES PAUL SOUND.
Ray - In relation to the previous question, I found that (at the Ram's Head
show), regardless of what, you sound like Jeff Adams, which translates to
killer in my opinion. Even though it's 2010 you still somehow channel that
mid-late '70's hard rock guitar sound that's so lacking these days. With
that in mind, do you think your sound is something that comes more from
equipment or from your hands. Reason I say this is that I remember
hanging out years ago with this huge dude who (maybe not so coincidentally, considering
his size!) played with a sound very much like Leslie West, and he typically
used a Les Paul Jr. thru Marshalls. I don't have to tell you, he was a
lot better than me, but we were jamming one time and he picked up my Fender
Tele that I was playing thru a completely shitty Sears amp. Instantly, the
whole thing sounded like him again, complete LW tone and everything. I
mean, it wasn't exact, but it was close enough. Does that back up the
"player's hands" mean more theory? Comments?
Jeff - WELL THANKS FOR THE KIND WORDS! I DON'T KNOW ABOUT OTHER PLAYERS, BUT I'M A 'WING IT' TYPE OF PLAYER. IF THAT FAT SUSTAINING SOUND ISN'T THERE, THEN I KINDA SHIFT INTO ANOTHER STYLE. IN FACT, I LOVE AND PLAY LOTS OF DIFFERENT STYLES, ABOUT EVERYTHING BUT RAP AND HEAVY METAL. AS FAR AS THE PLAYERS HANDS, YES, I BELIEVE THE INDIVIDUAL STYLE WILL ALLWAYS CARRY THROUGH.
Ray - Here’s one that’s always fun… In the time that you were in FACE
DANCER, those glory years back in the ‘70’s…regale us with a story of the
weirdest, craziest, most unusual or just plain dumb thing that happened in
the daily life of the band…could be in the studio, onstage, on the road,
etc. Use your imagination and be comfortable with the fact that very
little can offend, repulse or otherwise miff any of it’s readers!
Jeff - WELL, THERE WAS THIS GIRL THAT WOULD COME AROUND THAT THE ROAD CREW HAD NICK-NAMED "BOTTLE ROCKETS",,,, NEVER MIND, WE'LL FORGET THAT ONE..... HERE'S ONE I LIKE(I'M GOING TO KEEP THIS LIGHT!),, WE FLY OVER TO LONDON TO RECORD THE 2ND ALBUM, WHEN WE ENTER CUSTOMS AT HEATHROW AIRPORT, THE CUSTOMS GUY SINGLES ME OUT FOR A FULL STRIP SEARCH. MICHAEL MILSAP LAUGHS AT ME, THE CUSTOMS GUY THEN PASSES ME RIGHT THROUGH AND TAKES MICHAEL FOR THE STRIP SEARCH! HAHA! NOW ON THE WAY BACK WE FLY INTO DULLES. THE BAND IS GIGGLING AND MAKING FUN ONCE AGAIN ABOUT THE HEATHROW SEARCH EPISODE, THE CUSTOMS GUY ORDERS EVERYONE BUT ME IN FOR A STRIP SEARCH! MAN I LAUGHED MY ASS OFF AFTER THAT ONE!
Ray - Any final comments?
Jeff - YES! FACEDANCER MIGHT DO A GIZILLION MORE REUNIONS, OR IT MAY NEVER DO ANOTHER. IN ANY EVENT I WOULD LIKE TO SAY TO ANY OF YOU FD FANS WHO MIGHT BE READING THIS, THANKS! THANKS FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART! THE 5 YEARS I SPENT WITH FACEDANCER WERE 5 OF THE BEST YEARS OF MY LIFE, AND YOU GUYS MADE IT ALL COME TOGETHER!
Wow, what a great time I had getting in touch with Jeff and going over all the old FACE DANCER days as well as seeing what this killer guitarist has been up to since then. If you’ve never heard FD’s “This World,” then the only thing I can tell you is that, as a fan of hard rock, your collection is woefully incomplete. Order it now from
http://www.rockcandyrecords.co.uk/Also, anyone into absolutely stellar Amerciana-type rock needs to go to Jeff directly and get the STARKEY DRIVE CD. It is great!!! jeffsongs@tbi.net
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