Blues Society of Western PA - Newsletter

The van had just pulled up in the backstage area at the Heritage Music Fest last August in Wheeling, West Virginia. The door flung open and out burst Deanna Bogart, a smile on her face and a contagious laugh floating in the air. There was Jim Weber with his arms open and waiting for her to walk into his “infamous” hug. Demurely, I whispered to Deanna, “Do you mind if I get a picture with you? I want to remind him that I am the other woman in his life.” Deanna laughed uproariously and graciously agreed. The music festival had suddenly taken on a new life when Deanna burst onto the stage and brought the heat-crazed blues fans to life. She sizzled and the crowd was dancing, clapping and laughing in an enjoyable frenzy. Later that night, Ms. Bogart joined the after jam that included Nick Moss, Kilborn Alley and Deanna…. wow, what a show! It brought a new life and meaning to the “after-jam.” The wonderful voice and musical instrumentation on her CDs belies her tremendous warmth and boundless energy during her stage performance!

Jonnye: Everyone has a story and the Blues Community relishes every story. You started with a 1930’s swing band and then spent two years studying R&B with Root Boy Slim. You combined those experiences with boogie, modern jazz and blended that with rock. You keep “upping the bar” for yourself and have developed new "textures" in your music. Is that ever-evolving “change” the factor that keeps you creative? …Or is it to keep your audience's interest piqued.... or does the combination of both keep you motivated? Where do you think that your changes will take you next?
Deanna: The basic need to create seems to be it’s own driving force for some and many times outweighs the fear that can go along with it. I do not write with an audience in mind- for better or for worse. If I am into it, there is a better chance that they will be too…and for the right reasons. I have no idea where the changes and detours of life will take me next. I seem to have a bit of a love affair with the great unknown. It kind of works for me…stress and all.

J: You have been quoted as having said, "You can not have magic unless you risk the train wrecks." Do you have any advice/stories to share with us about life's lessons?
D: That just means to not be afraid and to let go and fly. If you trust yourself and the people around you, where you can go and the heights you can reach can be pure magic. You can certainly have magic without train wrecks but that just seems to be my own personal portal. I need help.

J: I understand that you were on the 2008 Bluesapalooza tour in December. Did you prepare differently for that tour? Who was on your tour with you? Did the tour, itself, and those audiences differ from the audiences in the states or in Europe. What experiences or impressions did you “take away” from your trip to entertain the troops?
D: I thought that I was prepared. I charted out Shemekia Copeland and Michael Burks’ tunes, brought my Timberlands, extra reeds, adaptors for my “oh-so-important” hair appliances. Duh…I did not have a clue. It turned out that a pocket light, water, power bars, my horn and clean underwear were all that I really needed. All that really mattered was the people and the music. From home, I supported the troops, of course, regardless of political leanings. It’s different when you are there and see what day-to-day life is like in these situations. Those people give way more than I knew for many reasons. Once that I had embraced the “true mission,” (as Steve Simon says), it was both enlightening and purifying.
J: What performers do you listen to in your free time? Who do you try to pattern yourself or your music after? What are your plans for the future?
D: a) Today, I listened to Glenn Gould, Steely Dan, Nina Simone, Sonny Terry & Brownie McGhee, Jimmy Smith, Joe Jackson and Ray Charles. b) None in particular, although I am certainly influenced by the musicians that I find inspiring and moving. c) My plans for the future are to have one. Oh, and write a concerto, take flying lessons, walk the spiral jetty, see they pyramids, raft the Colorado in the Grand Canyon, go to Rome, take Alix to see the Northern Lights, write a book, work out more…
J: Being from Maryland, do you have any recommendations on the best crab joint?
D: I do. Let me know when you are coming down. (Deanna said that she liked my questions!

Jim W. talked with Deanna and commented: It seems like everyone of your CDs is on a new label but you are back on Blind Pig . You were named “Instrumentalist of the Year” at the Music Awards because of your extraordinary talent on piano and sax…and also your writing. I think that sometimes your vocal are overlooked because of your musical talents as in Blue by Night. (Thanks for the hugs at the Billstown Festival)
D: I do not let that worry me. I have enough positives from the Blues.

Look for Deanna’s new CD, “11th hour,” that will be coming out soon on Vista Records. It includes a duet with Tommy Castro on “Love and Attention.”