Eli Paperboy Reed - My Way Home (2016). Entrevista a Eli Paperboy Reed

Explicar a estas alturas lo que Eli Paperboy Reed significa en el soul sería hasta redundante,  pero es indiscutible que este bostoniano es, sin lugar a dudas, un grande de este género. Perteneciente a la nueva ola de jóvenes blancos dotados con una increible "voz afroamericana", ha ido conquistando a público y crítica con sus discos. Y agarrándanos a esa frase tan castiza que dice que "no hay quinto malo" nos topamos con "My Way Home", su nuevo disco de estudio que verá la luz a primeros de junio.

ELI PAPERBOY REED

My Way Home (2016)

La magnífica voz de Eli Paperboy Reed vuelve a España con un único concierto, el 31 de mayo en la Sala El Sol de Madrid, en el que disfrutaremos de este nuevo trabajo.

'Hold out', 'Tomorrow's not promised', 'The strangest thing', o 'Cut ya down' son algunos de los temas que componen el nuevo disco de este talentoso músico de soul que ahora deslumbra también en el gospel

Apodado el 'rey del rhythm & soul' por la prestigiosa revista Mojo, el cantante de Boston pretende emocionar con este nuevo álbum gospel, lleno de canciones intensas que nos embaucan con el sonido enérgico y cautivador procedente de una potente guitarra, un elegante órgano y los ritmos funky que respaldan la espectacular voz de predicador de Reed.

Una oportunidad única, la del 31 de mayo, de volver a disfrutar de este gentleman.

THE INTERVIEW

The songs of Eli ‘Paperboy’ Reed sound like Intesive and elegant Soul, Funk & Rock from the 70s, Psicodelia from the 60s. A great mix of styles that results on the fantastic sound of your music. But, what really are your musical influences?

Recently, more than anything I’ve been listening to Gospel music, particular Gospel quartets. In my opinion, quartet singers are the best in the world and there’s really no beating them. People like Johnny Jones of the Swanee Quintet, Joe Ligon of the Mighty Clouds of Joy and Robert Blair of the Violinaires are my all time favorites.

Last year marked 10 years since you edited his first album “Sings "Walkin' and Talkin' for My Baby". What is the difference between the music of Eli today and your music 10 years ago?

When I made that record I hadn’t really even begun to establish myself as a songwriter so I think the biggest difference is that now I’m completely committed to making original music. There’s only a couple of original songs on that first album and they’re fairly derivative, but I feel that I’ve come in to my own and you can identify my songs as mine when you hear them.

Your new album is "My Way Home", released this year. What are your expectations with this record?

I honestly don’t really have any! I made this record because I really wasn’t sure what to do next, so every step of the way it’s just been a process of discovery. I wasn’t sure that people would like it or even know what to make of it. So far the response has been better than I ever expected so right now I’m just taking it as it comes.

What do we will see and enjoy in your live concerts for next tour around Spain?

Well, I’m looking forward to playing the songs from the new album live in Spain. The band is really sounding great and I think it’s gonna be fun to come back to Spain and play for the great Spanish crowds!

What are your plans for this year 2016 and next 2017? We assume that you will touring around clubs and festivals. Can you advance anything to us? Any important event?

I want to keep touring as much as time will allow and see where this record takes me! I’m hoping to do some recording this year with a good friend and mentor of mine, Roscoe Robinson who’s had a lot of influence on my singing.

Do you think the digital world will end with music as we know it today? What do you think is the future of music?

I think as long as there are people out there, there’ll be music some kind of way.  I’m not worried about the future of music.

What is your best memory about music?

I’ve been fortunate enough to make music with many of my idols and people whose records I grew up listening to. I think probably singing with the late, great Otis Clay is one of my favorite moments of all time.

ELI PAPERBOY REED

Hold Out (2016)

MISCELLANY

Could you tell us about...

... A book?:

I recently got an awesome book of photos by the photographer and artist William Christenberry.  He takes photographs of the same location over the course of years or even decades. It’s really amazing and worth checking out.

... A movie?:

Recently I watched the movie Theeb which was made by a Jordanian director. Really incredible performances and striking cinematography.

... A song?:

Too many songs to mention! As I’m doing this interview I’m listening to a new album by an Australian artist named C.W. Stoneking that is really blowing my mind. It’s called Gon’ Boogaloo.

... An album?:

Another recent purchase is the reissue of all of Carl Hall’s recordings from the late 60s and early 70s. One of the greatest voices in history.

... A group or soloist?:

The Dixie Nightingales. Every record they made is good.

... A hobby?

I love to cook! Planning to make some roasted vegetables for my wife this evening.