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Back from a hiatus, Brookpark keyboardist Rich Spina is now getting some time to promote his new compact disc titled SOMETIMES, WHEN I'M ALONE. Spina has a long history in Ohio of playing with some notable bands and even did a stint with the national touring act Gary Lewis & The Playboys. He recently traded some observations with OhioOnline music correspondent Peanuts on Spina's recording adventures to date. |
| OO: |
I can almost guess where the "influence on your music" question is going to go. |
| RS: |
"I remember seeing The Beatles first performance on the Ed Sullivan show. From that moment on, I was hooked." |
| OO: |
Bingo. You've been pretty much been based in Cleveland this whole time? |
| RS: |
"Yes and graduated from Midpark High in Middleburg Heights. For the first ten years, I was lead singer/front man for Love Affair. We had a hit titled 'Mama Sez' in 1980, which I co-wrote. We had two album releases and then broke up in 1984. At that point, I formed Richard & The Heartbeats and had a regional hit with 'Somebody Loves You.' In 1988, I became keyboardist/musical director for Gary Lewis & The Playboys and toured all over the world. I left in October 2004 and am now freelancing with numerous artists." |
| OO: |
What artists have influenced your writing? |
| RS: |
"The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Queen and Eric Carmen for four examples. My new stuff I'd probably describe as adult contemporary pop." |
| OO: |
You'd match up with what national act in concert? |
| RS: |
"When I was with Love Affair, we toured with Pat Benatar, AC/DC, Eddie Money and Cheap Trick. But, with the kind of music I'm doing now, who knows. I really haven't performed live yet with my new material, so I really can't say at this time." |
| OO: |
While on the subject, what is your favorite Ohio venue to play? |
| RS: |
"Blossom Music Center down by Akron." |
| OO: |
What number is SOMETIMES, WHEN I'M ALONE in the release chain? |
| RS: |
"It is number four in the release sequence." |
| OO: |
Where was it cut at? |
| RS: |
"In my home studio, RBS Recording." |
| OO: |
Are you still playing just keyboards on the disc? |
| RS: |
"Mainly keyboards now, but I also play guitar, bass, sax and clarinet. Actually,
keyboards was the last instrument I learned. I began playing the clarinet in elementary
school and guitar by junior high. I didn't start playing piano until the end of high
school because it was easier to write songs on the piano. So, it's kind of funny that keyboards has been my main instrument for the last twenty years." |
| OO: |
Long term plans? |
| RS: |
"To keep recording new material and continue touring. I'm still producing discs for
other artists and am in the middle of recording three projects right now. Plus, in the spring of 2006, we're going to have a Love Affair reunion with details to be announced." |
| OO: |
Any final thoughts? |
| RS: |
"Life is good right now." |
