A couple months ago I wrote about The Eli Young Band, a left-of-center country band that doesn't sound out of place at a typical rock venue, such as the Outland Ballroom. The John D. Hale Band falls in the same category. Originating from Jackson, Mo., the JDH Band built a strong Springfield following thanks to regular appearances at the old Snorty Horse Saloon. Now they're back in town to promote "Lost", their second CD. "Lost" is traditional in the same way The Cropdusters' "Howdy" is -- straightforward instrumentation and a healthy nod to the past -- but a little more country (in a good way). And like The Cropdusters, their live show is reportedly epic...and much cheaper than the Three Doors Down show at the Shrine Mosque.
About the show:
John D. Hale Band
Where: The Outland Ballroom
When: March 27, 9 p.m.
Price: $10
Interview with John D. Hale:
I read that you grew up on an exotic animal ranch in Southeast Missouri. What was that like?
John D. Hale: Well, I guess as I was growing up, I really didnt think much about it. It was just my day in day out life as a kid. Hell, I thought that every kid had camels, giraffes and zebras in their back yard. But, as I got a little older I realized how much different my upbringing was than the other kids my age and I really embraced it. I feel really lucky to have been raised around all this crazy stuff and plan on raising my three children the same.
Do you still have a pet chimp?
JH: No, sadly enough he died when he was around 15, but he was damn sure my best friend for the first 15 years of my life.
Since your band sets up shop on the family ranch, do you guys do ranch work when you're not playing music?
JH: Yeah, we still try and help out as much as we can. But as we get busier with the band, the majority of the work is pushed off on other family members.
Would you ever consider moving to Nashville or do you prefer Jackson?
JH: Nashville? Probably not. Austin, maybe. I'm just not that excited about raising my kids in a big metro area like that, so Jackson suits me just fine.
Where are some of your favorite places to play shows in Missouri?
JH: Well since the good ol' Snorty Horse is gone I'll just stick to cities in Missouri. My faves are probably Springfield, Columbia and just about anywhere in Southeast Missouri.
Are there any underrated songwriters or bands you would recommend?
JH: Since we have a handful of buddies that play in your area, everyone needs to go check out Matt Stell and the Crashers and the Cropdusters. I'm also a huge fan of songwriters and bands like Robert Earl Keen, Chris Knight, Fred J. Eaglesmith, Chris Wall, Drive-by Truckers, Kings Of Leon, Steve Earle, etc.
Read any good books seen any good movies lately?
JH: I just started reading a biography about Gram Parsons and don't really watch much TV besides cartoons with the kiddos, but it's pretty hard to beat any of the Scooby Doo movies.
