Chris Jago in conversation with Tom Osser
For the last two years Chris Jago has been playing drums for Barclay James Harvest featuring Les Holroyd. We called Jago (as he is known to his band mates) up at his home on a sunny December day in Hollywood, California and asked how the collaboration between him and BHJFLH came about, obtain an insight to his musical past and to also ask what lies in the future for Jago and his fellow Barclay’s…….
How did you meet Les and Mel and were you a fan of their music before you joined the band?
Well, of course I was a fan. I had grown up with the name ‘BJH' and I’m obviously aware of how big the band is. I met the guys through a mutual friend, Roy Martin. Roy had worked with the band in about 2001 on Les’s album, Revolution Day’s. They were planning the tour for late summer into winter 2002 and Roy was originally penciled in to play acoustic kit but as it so happened and often does, Roy had already committed to tour again with Patricia Kass so there was a space that needed to be filled in the line up. I went along on Roy’s recommendation to meet the guys and rehearse. From what I remember the day went great, the guys couldn’t have been nicer, I had done my homework on the tracks so things went well musically and obviously that was the first day I met and played with Mel.
How was that, meeting and playing with Mel for the first time?
Great! Mel is a great drummer and a great musician. And it makes perfect sense having two drummers on a gig like this. You only have to listen to the Barclay’s to hear the complexity, size and musicality of the tracks.To be honest it was the first time I had done the double drummer thing in a band but then I hadn’t played in a band like BJH before. Once we got to know each other and more importantly listen what each of us was doing we worked out some great parts together that really did the music justice. Also, you have to remember that playing music like this takes a lot of stamina and I think looking back at the time we had with Mel it was a good decision to bring myself to inject the energy while giving Mel at chance to sit back and add colors and textures to the music, which he could not do before when he was relied upon to do everything.
So there was no tension between yourself and Mel?
Absolutely not! In fact I would say that my induction into the band was helped tremendously by having Mel there. You have to remember that a band isn’t just about great players. Those players have to get on with each other, each person brings an energy and spark to the band that makes the band what it is and in Mel’s case this statement couldn’t be more true. Ask anyone in the band; Mel was one of the funniest guy’s you’ll ever meet. The band wouldn’t have been the same with out him. There’s many an example I could give you but I wouldn’t do him justice. A funny guy and very sadly missed.
And Les, was that day the first time you met Les?
Yes, I was thrown in at the deep end. Les was great and again a really cool guy. We didn’t have much time to rehearse for the first gig, which was Colmar, France, so you have to give Les his due for getting together a great group of guys. Les is all about the songs, he’s a great writer and he knows what he wants as far as the sound of the band goes but like all good bandleaders he lets the players have an identity. You have such good individuals in the band like Mike Byron-Hehir, Ian Wilson, Steve Butler and Colin Browne that a good front man like Les is a must. Also, myself and Les have fun playing together live. There are great instrumental sections in most of the tracks where Les and myself get to lock in and have fun while Mike lets rip on lead guitar.
Speaking of laying it down, what are your favorite BJH tracks to play?
To play it would have to be The Song or That was then...this is now . Love on the line is also a great fun song to play. I’m excited about the upcoming tour as we are playing Victims of Circumstance which is really a challenging drum part and a great song. It’s so hard to pick certain tracks out as I feel like we have a really strong set and the more songs we put in the more we swap out. It keeps it fresh though, which is always a good thing.
You have spoken about the Barclay’s and their music, what music are you influenced by and what is turning you on at the moment?
I started playing drums after I’d watched a Genesis concert on the TV when I was about 12, I was so excited. Just watching Phil Collins and Chester Thompson play together made me say, "That’s want I want to be when I grow up"! I still haven’t grown up, but I am playing drums. I was heavily influenced by my dads tape collection. I would have my drums down at his workshop and after school I would go down there and play along to what he had laying around. I first heard the Police around this time and they still remain one of my favorite bands. Other artists I listened to were John Lennon, Bowie, Supertramp, The Beatles, Steely Dan, Billy Joel and Elton John, all of which had great drummers so I feel like I gave myself a good start. Artists of the moment I’m listening to are, Queens of the Stone Age, Jamie Cullam, Lenny Kravitz, Chilli Peppers, The Hives, John Mayer, Jason Mraz. I’m sure I’m missing some of my favourites out there but it’s such a tough question.
What is your approach to playing this gig?
Well, it has to be from a groove perspective first and foremostly. The songs have a certain feel and sound as soon as you hear them and that has a lot to do with the groove. I try and be as true to the records and what Mel played as far as the groove goes. It’s solid, big, fat open grooves, there’s no need for lots of notes, it’s just not called for. Now that doesn’t mean there isn’t any room for busier, exciting playing. It just means you have to be careful and pick your places. The more I do this gig the more I learn where to back off and lay it down and where to explode and give the excitement and energy needed at that point. Songs like It’s my Life and That was Then are all about laying that groove down and I try and take more of a John Bonham approach on tracks like that. Then songs like The Song, Play to the World’and Ring of Changes, the grooves have a little more going on, I try to incorporate the loop feels and percussion elements. I love playing those tunes as it really tests my feel and ability.
What is a typical gig day like for you guys?
We usually get to the town were we are playing in the afternoon and head straight for the sound check. It’s always nice to get a good sound check, it makes you feel at ease with the venue and after a long drive in the bus it’s great to just play. I tell you, being on that bus for sometimes 10 hours can do strange things to your head! You get off that bus after a long drive a very different person. Ninety nine percent of the time it’s fine but it’s that one percent that really messes with your head. Normally one of the band (and I include myself on this one) will have said something, done something, acted strange (and we know who don't we!) or left something on the bus that the others have not agreed with! It’s usually something highly hilarious and disgusting but it’s so much fun. It wouldn’t be a tour with out it, band humour; it’s the best. After the sound check we’ll go off and relax and get a meal, maybe have a drink, not too much of course as we don’t want to spoil the gig. Then back to the venue and get ready to go on stage. I’ll try and warm up before I go on, a few rudiments. The day is all preparation for the gig really, nothing else matters and nothing should, it’s all about playing drums and good music. After the show we’ll usually have a few drinks, hang out with the other bands and locals at the gig and get ready to move to the next town or crash back at the hotel.
About playing drums, who are your favourite drummers?
Steve Gadd, Vinnie Colaiuta, John Bonham, Ringo Starr, Stewart Copeland, Andy Newmark, Chad Smith. I love the guy from the current Bowie band, Sterling Campbell he’s great. I saw him at Madison Square garden last year on the Bowie tour. The gig was like going to church for me, amazing. I met him not long after that gig at Manni’s Music store in New York. He’s a cool guy too. I also love drummers like Prince, Kravtiz and Stevie Wonder. All fantastic musicians who play drums on their own albums. Some of the best song drumming is done by non-drummers, just shows you! Such a tough question though as there are so many guys out there who are great. I think the guy who is changing everything in the drumming world at the moment is Thomas Lang. He's unbelievable!
Well here’s an easy one for you. For all the drummers out there, what equipment are you using with BJH?
Argh! A good drum bore question. Well that’s nice and easy. I’m using a 1979 American made Rogers XP8 series Drum Kit. 24” x 14” Kick, 12” x 8” rack ,16” x 16” and 18” x 16” floor Toms ...I’ve always used Ludwig snare’s, of which I have a few and I’m fortunate that I’m an endorsee of Zildjian Cymbals. Jim McGathee over here in the states really looks after me and keeps me up to date with what’s new and great at Zildjain. I am mainly using Dark K’s and the new Constantinople ride.
You are now based in the US. What are you up to and why do you now live there?
I’ve got some cool things going on at the moment. I am working on a new rock version of Jekyll & Hyde the Broadway musical. It’s basically a stripped down version of the show with a 5-piece rock band instead of an orchestra, which is the way it had originally been written. It’s very challenging as it’s the first time it’s been done and the first time there’s been a drummer on the show, so for me it’s a mixture of written parts and blank spaces where the composer’s will say, "Jago, do something there will you". It’s great but it really puts you on the spot, tests your creativity you know. I also do a lot of gigs out of New York. After I finished with Boy George last year doing the Taboo show on Broadway I started playing with quite a few singer/songwriters out there. Evan Morton, Michael Cerveris, Kevin Cahoon, Denise Summerford. They are all connected with various Broadway shows and have their own material that I help out with and play on, gigs, recording, all kinds of stuff. My fun gig out in the States is over in Las Vegas. I’m Musical Director and drummer on a burlesque strip show. We basically play rock’n’roll while the girls take their clothes off. It’s a tough gig but someone has to do it………!!
Well that’s interesting! That Vegas gig sounds like hell! So you still haven’t told us how you ended up out there.
Sorry, I got carried away there with the strippers. I moved out here because of a girl. Yes, it’s the old classic but that’s why I’m here. I met my wife just over 3 years ago in Scotland doing a show Hedwig and the Angry Inch. We started dating and before you know it I’m planning a move to the States. I actually moved just after the first tour I did with BJHFLH back in the winter of 2002.
So what’s in store for you in the near future?
2005 looks like it’s going to be a great year and we are getting off to a good start with this tour. It looks like BJHFLH will be keeping me busy throughout the year, which makes me very happy. It’s always a riot with the guy’s as far as I’m concerned ...bring it on ...and my sky miles are through the roof!
(Since this interview Chris now no longer has a life as he is married, spends all his time painting rooms red and is soon to be a dad!! See you soon lad! ..BJHFLH)