BM: I want to thank you for your time answering these questions. I know the readers will enjoy the interview and I know we are all looking forward to the show in Big Sky next month!

How old were you when you first started playing Music? Did you take Lessons?

GG: Wow, I think I started taking piano lessons when I was about 7.  I switched to upright bass in 5th grade, and got my first electric bass (a red Fender Squier P-Bass) soon after.  I did take lessons, mostly from Chicago area jazz bassists- there is a great tradition of bass playing/teaching in that city, there has always been a respect for the traditional ways of learning the instrument, and I’m glad I got to get in on that.

BM: What was (were) your first band(s) named, and what kind of music did they play?

GG: My first band was called Teazin’, and we played all of the glam rock hits from the early 90’s!!  Poison, Skid Row, Motley Crue, G and R, even some Warrant.  They wanted me to get hair extensions, and that was the end of that.

BM: If you could only have one instrument to play for the rest of your life, what one would it be? 

Please Be Specific.

GG: I would love to have an old 1920’s or 30’s Martin O series guitar.
BM: After Taking a 8 year hiatus, how has Leftover Salmon changed, and what has not changed?
How do the fans react to the band after 8 years off?

GG: I think we all have a better understanding of the elements each member brings to the band, and how important we all are to the success of the whole thing.  The energy that was there before the hiatus is still there, which is always surprising.  Our older fans, especially the ones in markets we don’t hit very often, are really appreciative and excited to hear us play.  We still manage to somehow add a younger generation of fans- folks who never got to see us prior to 2004- and they seem to be just as excited and motivated to hear us do whatever it is that we do.

BM: I see that Bill Payne is playing some shows with you this winter, like the shows at Whiskey Jacks in Big Sky for example. What is it like to record and play with a musician like Bill Payne from Little Feat?

GG: Bill is a consummate musician- incredible pianist, huge ears, spiritual advisor of sorts, producer, songwriter, singer, etc.  We love to have him around- on stage, he allows us, especially, the rhythm section, to explore some more open-ended territory that we don’t always seem to get to with the 5 piece unit.

BM: Leftover Salmon is a great band. If you could do a show with another musical legend, and hang out for a day and jam with them, who would it be, And why this person or band?

GG: John Hartford without a doubt.

BM: And in turn, You have had the opportunity share the stage with some amazing musicians. Is there anyone, possibly up and coming that you would like the opportunity to play with or mentor on their journey?

GG: I don’t think we should be mentoring anyone.

BM: I’m interested in your take on popular music.... Do you think its harder for uniquely talented musicians to “make it” in todays market, since popular music seems so homogenized.
How do you feel social marketing plays into this equation?

GG: It’s harder in the sense that there is so much music, so much information being sent out at all times.  Invitations, events, campaigns, blah blah blah.  But great musicians always seem to make an impact in one way or another.  And I think people are starting to learn how to ignore the constant stream of “check this out!!” and focus in on what they really love and appreciate.

BM: If you were not a professional musician(s), what might you be instead?

GG: Well, I teach music courses at 2 universities in Denver- UC Denver, and MSU Denver, so I’m already doing it!

BM: What are some of your favorite hobbies outside of music?

GG:  Hiking, skiing, hanging with my kids.

BM: “Bridges to Bert” - Where is Bert?

GG: Depends on where the bridge is.

BM: Do you have any other surprises for the tour and shows in Big Sky besides Bill Payne playing?What should people expect from these shows?

GG: People should expect at the very least some free ice cream.

BM: Thanks again for helping with this. We look forward to the shows in Big Sky and seeing the band back after what seems like a long time!     

Leftover Salmon will be performing at The Knotty Pine in Victor, ID on March 14. The Band then travels to Whiskey Jacks in Big Sky, MT for a pair of shows on
March 15 and 16. Monday March 17 finds Leftover Salmon at the Top Hat in Missoula. For more information including ticket info and complete tour dates please visit: www.LeftoverSalmon.com     

Be sure to tune in to LiveSalmon.com for LIVE-streams of all shows (provided there is access to an Internet connection) and downloads of live performances within a few days of the show.