Wednesday, November 6, 2024

Crystal Bowersox plays TSA benefit

Casting Crystal Bowersox to play Patsy Cline in the upcoming Broadway production Always…Patsy Cline was a brilliant choice. Bowersox shares the fiery convictions, rugged times, kind disposition, and, of course, a firehorse of a voice with the late 1950s country icon. But, before takes the stage in NYC, Bowersox is stopping by the Seagate Center on Sunday, March 3 for a performance to benefit her alma mater, the Toledo School for the Arts (TSA). TCP caught up with Bowersox to talk about her new album, All That For This (out March 26), recording with Jakob Dylan and what she admires most about Patsy Cline.

You're about ready to release your sophomore album: How have you seen yourself grow or change as a songwriter since releasing Farmer's Daughter in 2010?
I think I went through it this time with a better attitude. With my first album, things were a little more hectic, with [American Idol] and everything. This time it was more relaxed. I recorded it in what is now my hometown (Portland, OR). I could wake up in my own bed, take my boy to pre-school and then go to the studio. It was very normal, natural and comfortable.

Jakob Dylan (of The Wallflowers) appears on your new album. How did you meet him and what's the story behind doing some work together?
Jakob and I met through a mutual friend. We were introduced via email, actually. We shared some stories. And I sent him a song called "Stitches" that my husband and I wrote for our son, after he got stitches. Jakob's [son] — he has four boys — had to get a crazy amount of stitches on his hand and so we bonded over that. He said he liked the song and I asked if he wanted to do it on my record and he was like, 'Oh, sure.' And so he flew up to Portland and he was just a breeze and a pleasure to work with.

Prior to that were you a fan of The Wallflowers and his solo stuff?
I'm a … I wouldn't say a victim of the '90s, but I'm a product of the '90s music scene. I've always loved the Wallflowers. I remember being on my mom's farm growing up during tough times listening to Bringing Down The Horse. Those songs, they're just classics to me.

The album is produced by the legendary and innovative Steve Berlin of Los Lobos. What was it like working with him and what did he bring to the album?
Steve is amazing. He's a sweetheart to work with. He cares about every project he works on. The love he showed my music is beyond me. He comes up with these rhythms, ideas and two-bar phrases. He brought things I would have never thought of. It was wonderful to work with him and I love Los Lobos — they're great.

Your Toledo concert will raise money for the TSA. As a former student, how did the school help you turn a passion into a career?
I was kind of a messed up kid and with Toledo School for the Arts I finally found a place were I didn't feel like a misfit. Everyone was artistic and everyone was expressing themselves, whether it was through music or visual art or dance. It was beautiful. And I was there early. We were the guinea pigs; the first kids to go to the school. What it has grown into and become makes me so proud to say that I went to the Toledo School for the Arts.

After the tour, you're going to play 1950s country star Patsy Cline in a Broadway Production. What do you admire most about her?
Now that I'm learning so much more about her than I ever have before, it seems like, to me, that she had a unique wit and a charm for her time. She was very different. She was a strong, independent lady and it didn't seem like she took much crap from anybody. I admire that. And she had the vocal talent to prove herself beyond any of that personal business. She is one of the most iconic voices of the century.

Crystal Bowersox plays at the Seagate Center, 401 Jefferson Ave. on Sunday, March 3. 7:30pm. $37, proceeds benefit TSA. 1-800-745-3000. www.ticketmaster.com.
 

Casting Crystal Bowersox to play Patsy Cline in the upcoming Broadway production Always…Patsy Cline was a brilliant choice. Bowersox shares the fiery convictions, rugged times, kind disposition, and, of course, a firehorse of a voice with the late 1950s country icon. But, before takes the stage in NYC, Bowersox is stopping by the Seagate Center on Sunday, March 3 for a performance to benefit her alma mater, the Toledo School for the Arts (TSA). TCP caught up with Bowersox to talk about her new album, All That For This (out March 26), recording with Jakob Dylan and what she admires most about Patsy Cline.

You're about ready to release your sophomore album: How have you seen yourself grow or change as a songwriter since releasing Farmer's Daughter in 2010?
I think I went through it this time with a better attitude. With my first album, things were a little more hectic, with [American Idol] and everything. This time it was more relaxed. I recorded it in what is now my hometown (Portland, OR). I could wake up in my own bed, take my boy to pre-school and then go to the studio. It was very normal, natural and comfortable.

Jakob Dylan (of The Wallflowers) appears on your new album. How did you meet him and what's the story behind doing some work together?
Jakob and I met through a mutual friend. We were introduced via email, actually. We shared some stories. And I sent him a song called "Stitches" that my husband and I wrote for our son, after he got stitches. Jakob's [son] — he has four boys — had to get a crazy amount of stitches on his hand and so we bonded over that. He said he liked the song and I asked if he wanted to do it on my record and he was like, 'Oh, sure.' And so he flew up to Portland and he was just a breeze and a pleasure to work with.

Prior to that were you a fan of The Wallflowers and his solo stuff?
I'm a … I wouldn't say a victim of the '90s, but I'm a product of the '90s music scene. I've always loved the Wallflowers. I remember being on my mom's farm growing up during tough times listening to Bringing Down The Horse. Those songs, they're just classics to me.

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The album is produced by the legendary and innovative Steve Berlin of Los Lobos. What was it like working with him and what did he bring to the album?
Steve is amazing. He's a sweetheart to work with. He cares about every project he works on. The love he showed my music is beyond me. He comes up with these rhythms, ideas and two-bar phrases. He brought things I would have never thought of. It was wonderful to work with him and I love Los Lobos — they're great.

Your Toledo concert will raise money for the TSA. As a former student, how did the school help you turn a passion into a career?
I was kind of a messed up kid and with Toledo School for the Arts I finally found a place were I didn't feel like a misfit. Everyone was artistic and everyone was expressing themselves, whether it was through music or visual art or dance. It was beautiful. And I was there early. We were the guinea pigs; the first kids to go to the school. What it has grown into and become makes me so proud to say that I went to the Toledo School for the Arts.

After the tour, you're going to play 1950s country star Patsy Cline in a Broadway Production. What do you admire most about her?
Now that I'm learning so much more about her than I ever have before, it seems like, to me, that she had a unique wit and a charm for her time. She was very different. She was a strong, independent lady and it didn't seem like she took much crap from anybody. I admire that. And she had the vocal talent to prove herself beyond any of that personal business. She is one of the most iconic voices of the century.

Crystal Bowersox plays at the Seagate Center, 401 Jefferson Ave. on Sunday, March 3. 7:30pm. $37, proceeds benefit TSA. 1-800-745-3000. www.ticketmaster.com.
 

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