By Ellen Eldridge
Beth Hart brought her life experiences, both positive and negative, together for her April 2 release, Bang Bang Boom Boom, which was produced by Kevin Shirley (Aerosmith, Led Zeppelin, Joe Bonamassa, Jimmy Page/The Black Crowes, Dream Theater). The Kennedy Center Honors show-stopping performance of Jeff Beck and Beth Hart’s “I’d Rather Go Blind” that paid musical tribute to blues legend Buddy Guy in December, was included on the album. The soul-searing performance elicited a spontaneous standing ovation from the audience that included President and Mrs. Obama as well as honorees Guy, David Letterman, Dustin Hoffman, Led Zeppelin’s Jimmy Page, Robert Plant and John Paul Jones, and ballet dancer Natalia Makarova.
Beth Hart will play to a SOLD OUT crowd tomorrow May 7, at Smith’s Olde Bar. Take a look at how Hart responded to our 5GB questions:
What is the strangest thing a fan has done for you? Or at your show?
Many years ago after a show, the band and I loaded up in the van to make our way back to the hotel. As we turned the corner, there were people bent over, showing their butts. Written on their butt-cheeks was, “We Love Beth Hart.” It was very sweet and kind of gross at the same time. It made me laugh so hard!
What is the funniest moment you have had as an artist/band so far?
There have been so many, however, one that does come to mind was not too long ago, I was doing a live TV show. During sound-check before the taping, everything went perfect. When it was time to do the show I walked over to the piano, (now mind you, this is live, on-air) and the piano wouldn’t turn on. I said, “Oh Fuck!” on-air and all the TV people behind the camera started to laugh, and I did too. Hey, when you can’t get it right, laughter always helps.
Do you have any pre-show rituals?
Tea, a good stretch, write a new set list, play piano backstage and get focused.
If you could describe your music in one word, what would it be?
Americana, I guess. Blues, soul, jazz, gospel and rock.
How do you connect with a crowd?
Tell them stories that are personal. Maybe make them laugh at my weirdness or quirky ways. Get them involved with singing and moving their bodies, and if that doesn’t work I pray for it to be over soon. HA HA!!
What is the best way to write music?
Don’t think or analyze. Just allow your feelings to come all the way up. Stay in quiet with just yourself and be patient. When writing with others, be very, very kind and respectful. You want them to feel safe so their inner child can come out to play, and they in turn will return the favor.
Hopefully you scored your tickets to the show tomorrow, May 7, before it SOLD OUT!
