The Baker's Dozen #7 Phil Poole (Doomsday Outlaw).
For the latest in our Baker's Dozen feature, RGM caught up with Phil Poole vocalist for Doomsday Outlaw the UK bluesy hard rock act who'll be releasing their new album 'Hard Times' via Frontiers on May 11th. The band will also be supporting the release with their own shows and dates with Jizzy Pearl of Love/Hate fame. So please join us for Phil's thoughts on Elton John, Chris Cornell, 'The Devil Wears Prada' and his reason for being.
1. What is your earliest musical memory?
Dancing around the living room with my brother and sister to Star Trekkin’ (A No.1 hit back in 1987 by The Firm…Ed).
2. Do you remember the name of your first band?
The Jimis. We were 14 years old. We were a Hendrix cover band.
3. Which current artist do you hear and just go Wow?
John Grant; lyrically and musically a genius.
4. Do you sit down to write songs or do you wait until your mojo comes to get you?
I use the voice recorder on my phone, wherever I am and whenever the mood strikes.
5. Big venue or small venue – what’s your favourite to play?
It’s more about the place being full, whether it’s big or small. A packed house always brings out the best in me.
6. Who is the one artist you wish you could share a stage with (past or present)?
Steve Marriott. His voice is still probably the best ever. And the party after would be legendary!
7. Bowie, Prince, Sinatra, Elvis which departed great means the most to you?
Without doubt it’s Chris Cornell. He’s such a big influence of mine. One of the best voices of all time.
8. Is a saxophone solo ever ok?
Of course a sax is ok – there’s nothing sexier when it’s done right. The problem with it is it was overdone in the 80s and became cheesy.
9. Should music be free?
No, music shouldn’t be free. But then it also has to be worth paying for. There’s an oversaturation and that makes it difficult. But you hope if it’s good enough people will be willing to part with their hard-earned moolah.
10. Can you remember the first record you bought and what have you bought recently?
The first album I bought was ‘Sleeping with the Past’ by Elton John. I still love it; 'Sacrifice' gets me going. Recently, I’m into Nathaniel Rateliff and the Night Sweats. Great voice and songwriter. ‘S.O.B.’ in particular is an amazing tune.
11. What was the last song that made you cry actual tears?
‘Mayfly’ by Terry Reid. One of my favourite singers of all time - every time I hear it I get goosebumps and shed a tear, It has the same effect on my dad as well. More people should know who he is because he’s as good as it gets.
12. Do you binge watch Netflix / Amazon / DVD box sets (any recommendations)? Do you have a guilty pleasure in Film or TV you’ll admit to watching and loving?
I love TV and film and binge watch constantly. I’d recommend “F is for Family” or “Rick and Morty” on Netflix. Both animations and by far the funniest things out there right now! And as for guilty pleasures, I don’t have any because I don’t feel guilt for anything that brings me pleasure or joy. If people don’t like it, I don’t care. I love “The Devil Wears Prada”. It’s great, end of!
13. What is the most important thing to you that you can see from where you are right now?
My son – he’s my reason for being. The reason I exist! It’s all for him. He makes me the man I am and the man I hope to be.
Nashville based guitarist/singer JD Simo is in the UK (March 2019) playing a run of shows with fellow guitarist Tommy Emmanuel CGP. JD recently released ‘Off At 11’ an album that finds him blending straight ahead blues with much more expansive material than incorporates a range of jazz/blues and jam band influences. The album is a fine introduction to JD Simo and well worth tracking down. We caught up with JD for the RGM Baker’s Dozen feature where he explains how guitar great Steve Cropper proved influential in his early days and a more recent love for Bojack Horseman.