Chicagoist Interview: JD McPherson
By Jessica Mlinaric in Arts & Entertainment on Oct 22, 2012 4:10PM
Another baseball season has come and gone in Chicago, but chances are your toes are still tapping to this year’s unofficial Cubs anthem, JD McPherson’s “North Side Gal.” The Oklahoma native’s infectious blend of early 1950’s R&B and rock ‘n’ roll has captivated listeners with his raucous update to an old school sound. Since the re-release of his debut album Signs and Signifiers this spring, the former schoolteacher’s sound has exploded, wining the praise of fans like Tom Waits and Nick Lowe. We caught up with JD McPherson after his recent show at Metro to discuss the Cubs, recording in Chicago, and meeting his heroes.
Chicagoist: Although you've said "North Side Gal" is not written specifically about Chicago or any city, Chicagoans have adopted the song. What was it like to perform it at the Cubs Opening Day?
JD McPherson: I'm glad that Chicago has adopted the song, because I've sort of adopted Chicago as a second home. I grew up a Texas Rangers fan (Nolan Ryan-era), but I absolutely would not want that song to be used by any ball team but the Cubs. "North Side Gal" belongs to the Cubs, and to Cubs fans. The Cubbies are the coolest ball club in the world. It's perfect!
Performing on Opening Day was surreal. All the Cubs fans being there, debonair in their team colors, crowding into Wrigleyville so early in the morning, hearing the Regular Guy give his prayer for the upcoming season, everyone knowing it might be a difficult one... it was incredible. It's obvious that there's a lot of tradition there, which is something I respond to.
C: You've described the "spiritual sense of influence" Chicago's blues tradition has had on your music, specifically Vee-Jay and Chess Records. How do you feel about your music connecting new listeners to that legacy and do you have any recommendations for anyone newly exploring Chicago blues?
JD McP: To me, the sound of Chicago blues is "electricity"—amplified harmonicas and electric guitars. Every American should own Chess recordings of Muddy Waters with Little Walter, then move over to Vee-Jay records for John Lee Hooker. There’s nothing on those first records of his but a voice, a guitar, and a foot tapping, but there is so much groove there. Also, I would recommend checking out Howling Wolf, Billy Boy Arnold, Memphis Minnie, and Sonny Boy Williamson. Chicago's offering to rock ‘n’ roll is also hugely important, with the advent of Bo Diddley and Chuck Berry. These are entry-level artists that you'll find on any Chicago Blues compilation, but they're folks I listen to on a regular basis.
C: Signs & Signifiers was recorded in producer and bassist Jimmy Sutton’s Hi-Style studio in Chicago on all-analog equipment. How important was the vintage quality of that environment to the recording process?
JD McP: The vintage equipment sounds incredible, but I think more important is the philosophy of recording a live performance in the studio. It can produce such a dynamic and exciting recording. It's great recording at Hi-Style, because the equipment, the musicians, the room, even the decor of the studio inspires you.
How exciting is it to be playing at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s “Roll Over Beethoven” Chuck Berry tribute concert this week? Any idea of what you’re going to say to Chuck?
JD McP: I'm honored and overjoyed to have been asked to join this event. I'm not sure I'll get to meet Chuck, but I can tell you that a Chicago artist and friend Scott Ligon told me that his preferred greeting to his heroes is just, "I think you're great." Short and sweet. I'm also excited at the prospect of meeting a lot of the other artists on that bill. It'll be quite an experience.
You guys have been touring all year. What are you most excited about next?
JD McP: We've got some great shows and festivals coming up, and we're looking forward to some late night TV action as well. Mainly, I think we're most excited about getting back into the studio. We're going in to record in just a few days, and then we'll head back in around February. Recording and creating is the primary interest for me, performing is the icing on the cake.