An interview with Rene Trossman

1.  Describe the early years of your musical roots and how your talent was nurtured.

I started playing on an acoustic guitar when I was about 10 years old. The first thing that I was ever into was Folk music. Then in my teen years, I was copying guys like Jeff Beck, Jimmy Page, Eric Clapton, Alvin Lee, Kim Simmonds, and other rockers of the day.

2.  Were there any events, people or catalysts that were musically influential?

Definitely yes. In high school, I got me an Albert King LP in 1969. A Stax label release called "Live Wire/Blues Power". That was it, no looking back. The playing just hypnotized me immediately. I also realized that my former "heroes" were bastardized copies of the real thing.

3.  How would you describe your sound?

Chicago Blues, 1950s and 1960s. Clean tone, no effects. I am using the reverb on my 1965 Fender Deluxe Reverb amp.

4.  How many CDs have you released as a solo artist?

Two.

5.  What is the name of your latest CD and describe the creative process that went into it?

"Postmarked Illinois" (2007) is a result of a lot of emotional pain that I went through in this past year. The 4 originals reflect that, as well as the songs chosen to cover. This is not to imply that the record is "sad". It is about moving on, survival, and lessons learned. It is also a tribute to my heroes of blues guitar, including, Albert Collins. B.B. King, Albert King, Jimmy Reed, Eddie Taylor,
Pee Wee Crayton, Otis Rush, Earl Hooker, Magic Sam, James Wheeler, and my personal mentor, friend and teacher, the late great Buddy Scott.

6.  Where did you record your latest CD and who was involved in the recording and production of it?

We recorded the CD in Prague, Czech Republic, where we live. The CD was recorded and produced by myself and the keyboard player, Jan Korinek, my producer. I wrote 4 originals for the CD and did the arrangements. Jan Korinek was both the producer and recording engineer and did the mixing and mastering as well.

7.  How involved are you in the recording process of the projects you have worked on?

Completely. I really am after a certain sound, which I have worked hard to finally achieve in my live playing and I really need to be sure that my sound and tone is not going to be altered in the process of recording, mixing and mastering. We actually recorded the CD using a Fostex R8 - 8-track tape recorder, 1/4" tape, 7" reels. With 8 microphones. The band played the songs live, together, and later
certain solos and vocal were added later.

8.  Who are the current members of your band?

The band is a quartet, with myself on guitar, Jan Korinek on piano and organ, Taras Voloschuk on stand-up bass, and Tomas Vokurka on drums. The drummer on the CD is Martin Sulc and saxophone player, Rosta Fras, guested on 2 tracks.

9.  How do you feel about playing to a live audience?  

The greatest thing I know. It is what it is all about to me. I wish I had 7 gigs a week. I really thrive on it. A club full of people who are ready for it, really gets me going too.

10.  What does your live set up consist of?

My set up is a 1965 Fender Deluxe Reverb amp, and I play a Fender Start form the 80's, with .011 Ernie Ball Strings and a Fender Heavy Pic. The keyboard player uses the latest digital emulation of a B-3 from Hammond, the XK-1, I believe is the model. Bass player uses a vintage, stand-up bass, European made. Drummer used TOMA drums, and various cymbals.

11.  Who does your booking? Are you under management?

The band is currently seeking management. Until now, we did all of our own booking.

12.  What are some of your favorite venues to play?

U Maleho Glena Club - Prague, and the Big Hall in the Cultural House in Usti nad Labem. Czech Republic.

13.  Is there a venue that you play regularly at?

For the past 5 years, I have played every Wednesday, at the club, "U MALEHO GLENA" in Prague, Czech Republic. The club is an old Prague cellar club, with great atmosphere. It is at Karmelitska 23, Prague-1 (Mala Strana quarter)

For more info on Rene Trossman visit:

www.renetrossman.com
www.myspace.com/renetrossmanband

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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"Into the street the Piper stept, Smiling first a little smile,

As if he knew what magic slept, In his quiet pipe the while".

Robert Browning

 

 

 

"You must have the score in your head, not your head in the score".

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© 2007 Yonge Music

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