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Call it Americana, call it roots rock, just don't call them late for their fried Twinkies. Whatever you want to dub their style of music, Cleveland's the Jack Fords are picking up quite a buzz of late, due to their first disc release, "Bent Outta Shape." Lakewood bassist Billy Crompton traded thoughts not long ago with OhioOnline's music correspondent Peanuts on the band's steady rise in the state's musical food chain. |
| OO: |
What was your inspiration to go into music? |
| BC: |
"Both my parents can take credit for that. When I was growing up, music was always being played around the house. My Dad was into classic rock and good country music like George Jones, Willie Nelson and Conrad Twitty. Mom was into the James Taylor/Carole King/Judy Collins-style singer/songwriters." |
| OO: |
Are you an Ohio native? |
| BC: |
"I was born in Cleveland, raised in Lakewood and graduated from Avon High." |
| OO: |
Have any national acts inspired the band? |
| BC: |
"Our rhythm guitarist Brent Kirby is the major songwriter in the band and I'd say Bruce Springsteen and Gram Parsons would be the main influences." |
| OO: |
In that case, describe the band's music. |
| BC: |
"The first thing that comes to mind is powerful. We get a lot of interesting comparisons like Bob Dylan fronting the Rolling Stones or the Black Crowes." |
| OO: |
And the act you really want to share the stage with is? |
| BC: |
"I think we'd give the Black Crowes a run for their money. We haven't played with them yet." |
| OO: |
Anyone from Ohio you'd like to play with? |
| BC: |
"We just played Blossom Music Center in Akron on the side stage for the James Gang, if that counts. Others would be Chris Allen, My Sky Tomorrow, Red Wanting Blue and Brian Lisik. We'd play with any of those guys again." |
| OO: |
Any bands on the wish list to split a bill? |
| BC: |
"I think we'd give the Black Crowes a run for their money. We haven't played with them yet." |
| OO: |
As for the disc, where was it cut? |
| BC: |
"It was recorded live at a place called the Town Fryer in downtown Cleveland." |
| OO: |
Why a live disc for a first release? |
| BC: |
"We wanted to record the material live, with all our friends and family there, so we just threw a party and hit the 'record' button. It was great." |
| OO: |
Favorite Ohio venue to play? |
| BC: |
"The Beachland Tavern in the Collinwood area of Cleveland." |
| OO: |
How did the band get its name? |
| BC: |
"Our lead guitarist Bobby Latina had a dream that he was in a band and it was called the Jack Fords. That's it. Most people think that we named it after the former mayor of Toledo, but that's not true." |
| OO: |
He should have dreamt he won the lottery. Long term plans? |
| BC: |
"We would like a long, productive career in music that allows us to play together on a full time basis. For as long as possible." |
| OO: |
Final thoughts we didn't cover. |
| BC: |
"Sure. Please support your local music scene, wherever you are. There are a lot of great bands out there, right in your back yard. All the bigger acts are charging an arm and a leg these days. Why not risk a couple bucks on checking out a local band? Who knows, you might catch the 'next big thing' on the way up. And, don't forget to vote."
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