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Ohio has always been a breeding ground for influencial musicians and groups. One group that many in the business always cite has to be the Raspberries from Cleveland. Although it's taken more than a couple decades, bassist Dave Smalley from that legendary act has finally released "Internal Monologue," his first ever solo disc. OhioOnline music correspondent Peanuts finally tracked Smalley down for a mutual exchange regarding the 11 song disc and some Ohio rock history.
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| OO: |
What first got you interested in music? |
| DS: |
"I came from a very musical family. My mother played piano and my dad was a violinist. They also sang in a church choir together. I would have to say, though, that The Beatles were actually responsible for me wanting to play an instrument." |
| OO: |
Who first gave you the itch to start playing music? |
| DS: |
"My family first, then radio. Grandma 'Bessie' played piano, Uncle 'Bill' played guitar, Mom was a singer/dancer and my Dad was a big Hank Williams fan. At the age of 4, I was singing on Pennsylvania bar tops." |
| OO: |
When did you wind up in Ohio? |
| DS: |
"I moved to Mentor when I was 13 and went to the Mentor schools. I still have some family there, but now split my time between Arizona, Florida and Northeast Ohio." |
| OO: |
You were also in some name bands before The Raspberries. |
| DS: |
"I was in local bands like The Mods, The Choir and then the Raspberries. The Choir had a top 40 hit, 'It's Cold Outside', which I sang lead on." |
| OO: |
What national artists have influenced your song writing? |
| DS: |
"I listen to many types of music: Jackson Browne, Roy Orbison, Marshall Crenshaw, The Eagles and the Beatles are from the past. As for modern, I enjoy Rascal Flatts, Keith Urban, Nickel Creek and David Gray." |
| OO: |
That's a pretty wide list. With that in mind, how would you describe your music? |
| DS: |
"Words that connect, harmonies that blend well. While I've enjoyed singing all my life, song writing is my passion. This disc includes acoustic, rock, country and a little lite jazz. 'Blue-eyed' soul has been mentioned, but songs from the heart is what I'd say." |
| OO: |
Are you playing mostly bass or guitar at the moment? |
| DS: |
"When working with a band, my main instrument is bass guitar. A 1978 Fender Precision Special is my Cadillac, but I've played many over the years. When I write, I use a Washburn Acoustic and a Fender Strat." |
| OO: |
What national band would you match up with in concert? |
| DS: |
"Probably a classic rock band like The Eagles, which I did share a stage with once. Or a good country harmony band like Restless Heart. I always enjoyed the smaller, more intimate clubs, though, and would love to work with Michael McDonald in that kind of venue." |
| OO: |
With that in mind, favorite Ohio venue? |
| DS: |
"I've played almost every club in Ohio over the years. I always loved the old Agora on E. 24th St. and the Pirates Cove in the Flats, both in Cleveland. One place I'd love to play and never have is Blossom Music Center in Cuyahoga Falls." |
| OO: |
Where was the disc cut? |
| DS: |
"The disc was cut at Legend Star Studios in Los Altimitas, California. I had recorded on an earlier project there and like the sounds and vibe at the studio, so decided to cut my solo cd there. It should be called Big Fish Studios, though, as there's a mounted 8-foot marlin on the premises! (laughs) |
| OO: |
What artists have influenced your songwriting? |
| DS: |
"That's impossible to answer. I can think of a million influences and most probably wouldn't even be songwriters per se." |
| OO: |
Finally, what's the long term for Dave Smalley? |
| DS: |
"I'm writing for the next disc. Over the winter, I'll be promoting this release and that'll include some live dates." |
