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It's New Monsoon Season In The Rockies
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Trip interviews guitarist Jeff Miller
posted by Trip Meadows on 09/21/2007
It’s monsoon season in Colorado, New Monsoon season that is. The 5 piece San Francisco based band will be heading to several Colorado Markets in early October. I recently had a chance to speak with guitarist Jeff Miller for a quick interview.
New Monsoon has been jamming these parts since 2001 and has gained quite a following along the way. Over the years they have generated quite a buzz locally. This recent tour will be in support of their new CD titled “New Monsoon V” the band’s 5th CD. What makes this CD different from previous releases? First and foremost, it displays the band’s music as composed and performed by their current 5 piece line-up. New Monsoon had not produced a CD since 2005 and the band wanted to display their streamlined sound and songwriting approach. Miller explains that they wanted to highlight new songs which displayed non-percussion elements such as vocals and songwriting.
Part of what made this process special for the band was working with John Cutler. “New Monsoon V” was produced/mixed/engineered by Cutler, who is best known for his production work with The Grateful Dead. As it turns out Cutler is Miller’s neighbor and he came out of retirement to work on this project. Miller said that working with Cutler was quite an incredible experience.
“John’s knowledge and experience came into play big time in the studio” states Miller.
The entire CD was sampled in analog as much of Cutler’s experience producing records came in the analog era. Miller attributes the warm organic sound of the CD to the analog sampling methods.
This CD is all about the new music and it does not disappoint. “New Monsoon V” showcases the members’ maturation as songwriters. Their music has definitely progressed over the years.
“Musically, we’ve focused the lens more on songwriting, the instrumentals; the vocal harmonies have all progressed too. We’re all self taught, it’s been a day by day process” explains Miller.
With their new 5 piece line-up, the songs will still be recognizable to their fan base. Each song has its own personality and this is certainly displayed on their new CD. Fans can expect strong vocals and harmonies, electric and acoustic guitars, banjo, mandolin, bass and keyboards, that unify the musical styles of New Monsoon's influences.
“We’re really happy with the results” exclaims Miller.
One of the band’s recent achievements took place in January 2007 when they sold out the legendary Fillmore Auditorium in San Francisco.
This was a “dream come true” exclaims Miller.
The band had performed on co-bills with Spearhead and Hot Buttered Rum, but it was time to headline their own show in their hometown.
“We were a bit nervous” admits Miller, “but everything turned out great”.
Apparently the band was notified during their 1st set that the room was sold out.
“We got word on stage that they were turning people away” says Miller. “After the show we learned that New Monsoon had set a record for walk up sales at The Fillmore”
This achievement is truly a testament to the band’s popularity in their home market.
“There is such a great vibe at the Fillmore, it’s like a temple. It was an amazing experience to be up on stage and see so many familiar faces of people that had supported us over the years”
New Monsoon is obviously a hit in the Bay area, but their popularity is soaring in the Rockies too. When asked why he thinks New Monsoon’s music has been a hit in Colorado, Miller responds with.
“Colorado and San Francisco have a similar fan base, people like to dance and have a good time. Colorado has that country and bluegrass flair which fits nicely with what we do. People support our music and come out to see us because they like what we do”
Indeed, New Monsoon’s sound fits nicely into the Mountain music sound that Colorado is known for. Like it or not this region is typically associated with free spirited organic acoustic music.
When asked what his favorite Colorado venue was, Miller answered without hesitation. “The Gothic Theater, but we had some great times at the old Quixote’s, and performing at Red Rocks was spectacular”.
Indeed we’re lucky to have great venues like these in our own back yard. When asked if the band mixes business with pleasure when touring in Colorado.
Miller responds with “not enough, usually we’re at the venue or the hotel room, we have a few close friends that live in Colorado and if we’re lucky enough to get some free time I sneak away for some hiking”.
That’s a shame as we’ve got some great opportunities for outdoor recreation in this State. Be sure to catch New Monsoon when they take the stage in early October. You won’t be disappointed. Pick up a copy of “New Monsoon V” at the show.
Wednesday, October 3, 2007 at Sherpa and Yeti's in Breckenridge
Thursday, October 4, 2007 at the Sandbar in Vail
Friday, October 5, 2007 at the Oriental Theater in Denver
Saturday, October 6, 2007 at Hodi's Half Note in Ft. Collins
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