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Over the years, we've touched on all kinds of Ohio music, be it jazz, blues, rock & roll or any variations thereof. Yet, no matter how much music you actually hear, there is always an underground of sorts, bands you don't usually hear about all the time. Today's case in point would be Cleveland's Uva Ursi, which is why OhioOnline music music correspondent Peanuts recently questioned the band's Parma drummer, Rich Ellis, regarding their Matter" EP and the act's development thus far.
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| OO: |
What got you interested in playing music? |
| RE: |
"Honesty....honestly. Was there any doubt that Paul wanted to hold her hand? That Mick couldn't get any satisfaction? Or that James Brown was black and proud? I've always had something rhythmic going on inside, since I can't remember when, and music is such a natural and necessary way of expressing things that are difficult for me anyhow, to present." |
| OO: |
Are you a Cleveland native? |
| RE: |
"Born in Columbus because my dad was stationed there in the Air Force. We moved to Cleveland when I was a toddler and it's been home ever since. I'm a Lincoln-West High graduate and Hiram College dropout" |
| OO: |
Were you in any bands of note before this one? |
| RE: |
"No Michael Stanley already had a drummer. Seriously, I had been in a band with our vocalist, Avril McInally, before called Cats On Holiday." |
| OO: |
What national acts have influenced the band? |
| RE: |
"Richard and Linda Thompson, right off the bat. Also, I'm sure that our guitarist Tim Gilbride played along to more than a couple Television songs and that Avril has a soft spot for Dionne Warwick. Bassist Joe Milan and I could break into impromptu Ohio Players song at any time." |
| OO: |
Who would the band match up with in concert? |
| RE: |
"We're like bacon, we go with everything" |
| OO: |
Any bands from around the state you've matched up with? |
| RE: |
"We did a couple of shows, one here and one in Columbus, where several bands scored music for silent films. The Volta Sound did an amazing job with their music to a Buster Keaton flick and we've gone on to play with them. We also fit well with a band called Pale Blue Sky." |
| OO: |
How about some background on "Matter"? |
| RE: |
"It's the first release of Tim and Avril's collaborations. It's not so new, it was finished a year ago. We've got about nine rhythm tracks currently in the can for the next one." |
| OO: |
Favorite Ohio venue? |
| RE: |
"I think we all like to play at Pat's in the Flats in Cleveland, but any place with cold beer and a decent p.a. is ok with me." |
| OO: |
And how did the band get its name? |
| RE: |
"Uva Ursi is the name of a herbal remedy for urinary tract infections. Tim came up with it, he liked the way it sounded. Aren't you glad you asked." |
| OO: |
Highlight of my day. Final thoughts? |
| RE: |
"Hmm. I'm probably as guilty as most other folks my age, 46, but if you appreciate music, make it a point to go out and see it performed, even if it's once a month. There are a lot of talented people in Ohio, not to mention the venues, who could use the support." |
