How did you get into music?
My mother started me in folk guitar lessons at 8 years old. From there I learned to play every Beatles song written. Until I stumbled upon John Hammond’s record country blues and that put me on the journey to create my own music, the hip hop blues.
Who inspired you?
John Hammond, Bob Dylan, The Velvet Underground, and a lot of hip hop. Eric B and Rakim, a tribe called quest, De La Sol, and many others.
Toughest challenge on the road?
Being away from family, my dogs, my garden and our home on Cape Cod. Also not quite sure if I ever get any sleep on the tour bus or not.
Favorite road story?
Back in the 1990’s, I running through Dulles airport and literally physically bumped into Bo Diddly as a rounded a corner in the terminal. This was before I used Calton Cases and so I wouldn’t check my guitar. I was carrying my 1939 Dobro which I asked Bo Diddly to sign. Which he did. And then I ran to make my connection. I always thought it was funny that he didn’t say anything about my Dobro, which is a spectacular looking guitar.
Who are you listening to now?
Been listening to rock the bells radio on sirius XM radio a lot on my after gig drives. Staying awake with some old school hip hop. And getting inspiration to make my new record, Philadelphia, Mississippi.
How are you utilizing your “Stay at Home” time?
We’ve totally become a mom and pops business doing social distance shows all around the country with our Bose PA. Traveling with my wife, children and dogs. When we are home, gardening and enjoying the togetherness that’s come with being off the toad and normal grind of tour front which I’ve been doing for the last 30 years non stop.
What are your top 3 go to guitars?
My Gibson j-45, my Gibson Les Paul, and Gretsch white falcon 12 string and my signature series 59 3pu airline black and blue from Eastwood guitars
Why Calton?
Calton cases have been protecting my guitars for close to 20 years now. It was john Hammond which recommended to invest in them. And it was great advice. I use Calton cases on all my guitars and it gives me a piece of Mind my guitars will make it to the next gig ready to go.
What I am not asking and what’s the answer to that question?
If you want to get in touch with me, you can find my on Instagram @phillyglove Twitter: @glove . If you are interested in booking a private social distances show you can contact gloveshows@gmail.com
Congrats on the grammy nomination. Can you tell us the story on the inspiration for the Grammy nominated album, “The Juice”?
The juice was all about me going into Keb’mo’ school of music and taking a master class in the blues. We wrote the record from the ground up. Every lyric, note and performance was written and played with passion and purpose. The songs on record reflect my love for my family as well as a lot of social connotation as to where our society was during the years of when I wrote it.
Can you tell us about any pivotal moments in your career that became significant for where you are at today?
Signing with Okeh records in 1993. Performing at many of the great records around the world, including Woodstock 99’ Glastonbury, Bonaroo and Coachella. Then signing with Brushfire records in the early 2000’s and of course most recently our Grammy nomination G. Love the Juice which is our first record on our own imprint, Philadelphonic records.
Are there any causes you are super passionate about?
The environment, trying to end single use plastic. Trying to even playing field of our country for black, Latino, Asian, and the lgbtq communities. And trying to make voting accessible and easy for people of all races, and financial means.
How did you deal with the challenges of 2020?
We brought it all back home. My wife has been a true rockstar helping us navigate our return to mom and pops style touring. With the support of our fans we’ve been able to continue to make music safely.
What’s next for you?
I begin work on my next G. Love record titled Philadelphia, Mississippi which will be a collaboration of Philly hip hop blues from legendary philly drummer Chuck Treece and myself. Joined by some of the most exciting delta and hill country blues artists of our time.