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Ohio rock is in its fifth decade at this point, so there shouldn't be any eyebrows raised that more than one generation is out there rocking. Lakewood harpist Colin Dussault is one example of the family that plays together, stays together as the band Spirit use to say. Now out touring to promote his latest disc, "Watch This!," he kicked some ideas back and forth with OhioOnline music correspondent Peanuts about his love for the blues that mushroomed into various kinds of music. |
| OO: |
It appears your family was influential when it came to you playing music. |
| CD: |
"My love of music was instilled by my father Art, who was a bass player in Audi-Badoo back in the 1960's. I grew up on his records and was surrounded by great music. My great, great uncle on my mother's side was a Scottish character actor/singer/songwriter. Also, my great grandmother, Sarah Dussault, was a published poet. That set me on a course that I have pursued since my 19th birthday." |
| OO: |
Any bands of note before this?? |
| CD: |
"I was in a band in high school with classmates. I jammed with a local band, the Hitmen, and later the Delgados. I formed my band May 13, 1989, Colin Dussault's Blues Project. The only original member from day one is guitarist Jim Feeney. He's been with me all of the 17 years." |
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What national act would you match up with? |
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"We do sound like the Animals or Van Morrison live. We already have shared the stage with Junior Wells, Buddy Guy, Bo Diddley and Blue Oyster Cult, among others." |
| OO: |
Any Ohio acts included in that list? |
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"Walkin' Cane, Chris Allen and Tom Prebish, Becky Boyd, Hillbilly Idol, the Whiskeyhounds and Mary Brigid Davies." |
| OO: |
How would you describe the band's sound? |
| CD: |
"Harmonica-driven, blues-based roots rock. We play everything from country to reggae. We even have a 'crap' tune aka country rap." |
| OO: |
What number is WATCH THIS! in the Colin Dussault history book? |
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"This is our eighth cd on my own label, Erica Records. We also have a 'Best Of' out at the moment from the previous six releases." |
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Where was the new disc recorded? |
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"Suma Recording in Painesville. Paul Haman is a genius and a legend out there. We finished it at Magnetic North Studios in Cleveland. Chris Keffer there is an incredible engineer and producer. These sessions were the most fulfilling and enjoyable of any I have taken part in." |
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Favorite Ohio venue? |
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"Too many. The now-defunct Brothers Lounge in Cleveland. The Savannah in Westlake. The Main Street Cafe in Medina. The Red Clay in Vermilion. The Northside in Akron." |
| OO: |
Why did you name the band after yourself? |
| CD: |
"For the simple fact that I was running things and I knew what I wanted to do. I would hate to have built something up only to have someone quit or leave and tear down all that we built. Many have come and gone, but the band still continues on." |
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Long term plans? |
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"Pay the bills, make music and have a good time all the time! We are very blessed and lucky to be able to do what we love and make a living at it. I am happy doing what I love nearly 300 nights a year. Not many 'local' artists can say that." |
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Final thoughts? |
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"I think it is important to stress to any young readers who are trying to make it in music, there is so much more to it than just picking up an axe and playing. You have to have some business sense, you need to be able to communicate both verbally and in writing. You have to be prepared to work two and even three times harder for yourself than you would if you were punching a clock for an employer." |
