| Sheryl Crow Fan Forum
"Global Chat" with guest Tim Smith Saturday 16 June 2001 Transcript recorded by Dave (coltrane), edited by Gregg. Dave's comments start us off: Quite a few forum members checked in early on the site which worked perfectly for most, thanks to Gregg and Mike. There was a buzz of excitement at the prospect of Tim turning up to answer questions, and this set the tone for what was to be one of if not the best of these events ever held...no one was to be let down! At the given hour there were around 30 members logged in, and Gregg announced that Tim was due to check in at about ten minutes past, and the tension could be felt by everyone. This is the transcript from the session that followed, as accurately as I could get it because it was buzzing so fast, and people threw in questions out of turn, despite being told not to, that some blurred into each other. I have covered all of the "official" questions as best I could, and some of the others because Tim is a great guy, with a superb sense of humor, and some quick fire answers were really funny, so I have included those. If I missed anything said by anyone, please don't be too mad at me, it was fast and furious, and there's probably something I missed, hopefully not, but just in case ok, I apologize... SC Mod: Tim, we're all glad you're here. Tim: This is a bit overwhelming. SC Mod: It will be OK Tim. SC Moderator asks Stefan for his question after reminding everyone about the rules, giving a running order for questions to be asked, - no response from Stefan so 1st up... Crowaddict: Tim, what can you tell us about the sound of Sheryl's next album? Is it similar to any of her past albums or something totally different? Tim: Well I'd say that we're trying to make more of a rock record, although we've not gone for total classic rock - we've worked with a bunch of different, i.e. modern things, as there's been no hurry, and so far Sheryl is really pleased. Crowhawk: Do you enjoy singing "Is It Like Today?" with Sheryl, and how did the association with the "World Party" song and "Anything But Down" come about ? Tim: Yes, I'd been a "World Party" fan for years. In fact Jeff Trott used to be in World Party, I want to do the whole song at one of our gigs. (Plenty of comments, and side questions interrupted Tim's answer to this question) so SC Moderator had to step in...next question, Coltrane you're up next... Coltrane: Tim, who do/did you prefer to play lead guitar when you're on bass on stage, Todd (Wolfe), Jeff (Trott) or Pete ? Tim: All 3 are really talented guitarists, Todd is pure blues, Jeff is atmospheric, while Pete is classic rock - he knows every lick in the book. Caroline: One day will you be looking at making your own band, or do you prefer being with Sheryl and her band? Also, do you play with other singers between recording & concerts? Thanks. Tim: I've had my own band, the Umajets, we did 2 records in the last 5 years. I started another with Johnny Colt from the Black Crowes but had to give it up to be with Sheryl. Umajets was more like another band I was in - Jellyfish, electric rock with lots of harmonies... I don't think they're still together, Todd has his own deal with a German label. SC Mod: Charlie from Bejing, who was not able to be with us, would like to ask: How did you come to be in the band with Sheryl Crow ? Who initiated it? Tim: Actually my friend Johnny from the Crowes had met Sheryl on the Hoard Tour in 1994, she called asking him to recommend players and he gave her my name. I was surprised and flattered! I spoke with Sheryl and was invited to audition in L.A. Then I was asked to join. It was fun, Jeremy Stacey auditioned with me & Jeff Trott. Bean: Tim, I really love your version of "Is It Like Today?" -- I should have been at the Trinity Sessions but for the life of me I couldn't get tickets! Aside from World Party who are some other influences of yours? Also, what new bands or artists are you really into, have you heard of Kasey Chambers? Tim: I'll have to check her out! I'm into all sorts of stuff, but mostly anything melodic !!! Scout: I've been curious about the choice of venues Tim -- Sheryl is such a big name in rock, why the smelly Beacon Theatre? Will the next tour find all of you in some bigger venues in NYC ? Tim: Yes, that's a tough one about NYC. Unless you play Radio City or The Garden (Madison Square Garden) it seems to be slim pickings. I think Sheryl likes more intimate settings though. Scout: Doesn't Sheryl think she could fill such theaters ? Tim: Mmm, don't know if we could in NYC. BetAllTellAllHank: What can you tell us about Sheryl that maybe none of us would know or expect of her? Tim: You mean like "do the curtains match the carpet"? (which causes much amusement and comments from everyone) BetAllTellAllHank: If you want to go there YES !!! Tim: Well I'd never tell that, be more specific. BetAllTellAllHank: Something about her personality, whatever you're willing to divulge More impromptu followed... Bean: Is she a good cook ? Tim: Not at all, when she has us all over I usually handle the food! Tigster: Hello Tim, what was the 1st song you ever learned to play, how old were you and can you still play it now ? Tim: "Still the One" by Orleans, I was 10, followed closely by anything by Kiss. @dam: What is the general atmosphere between you guys when on tour, before and during a show? Is there a "leader", a "joker" etc.? Thanx! Tim: The main thing with Sheryl touring is everyone is really easy going, we all sort of feel as if we're at the same level with mostly similar tastes, and Sheryl really sticks with us, and can hang through long Ping Pong tourneys ! (from a lot of members: who's the best? who wins ? Is Sheryl good at Ping Pong ?) SC MOD: (Bringing Order) next question !!! Rocksheryl Rocksheryl: Which artist would you love to tour with, I mean not including Sheryl, is there anyone you've dreamt of playing a gig or tour with? (sorry for my English, - I'm French!) Tim: Should I say "Air" then? You know, the French band Air? I'm seeing them Monday night! Bean: Sorry guys I'm leaving, I have a friend coming etc. Tim: Don't go Bean! (prompts more comments !!) Tim: ok thanks for coming-(Bean exits chat) that bean is a looker Amandine: I wanted to know if you remember playing a small gig in Luxembourg ? if yes, any comment ? (OMG I can't believe I just asked that!) Tim: I remember cuz it was around Father's Day for that gig, and I used our tour managers cell phone to call my Dad, what an expense!! Great little gig if I remember! Although I remember someone in Canada thought I was drunk on the forum. (LOTS of comments about the reference to the Forum... "we're being read" OMG! etc.), plus a comment/ Q about Argentina...this all went mixed up due to frenzied comments & questions) SC Mod: Incognito would have been next, her question Tim: Who came up with the "open B" tuning idea for TGS ? She loves it, she plays guitar too! Tim: Well Sheryl & Jeff are both hip to all kinds of tunings but for "It Don't Hurt" we were on tour in Canada, recording on days off, and I started messing around with the 12 string and left it in that tuning. Viking1962: Tim, what is your favorite part of your bus rides while on tour? Tim: Sleeping in a cold bunk with a bottle of wine!! SCDrifter: I was wondering if you guys have any Canadian dates planned? All us Canadians miss you! (Many comments about other countries on the tour, UK etc.) Tim: Well all focus is on the record, at the moment we're only playing a handful of summer shows to try and keep the band together... Rome123:What do you remember most about doing the recent Shine Gigs, and will you be back ? Also, any tunes you did there at those shows be appearing on a future album ? Tim: Well as much as I would like to see Tie Your Mother Down on a Sheryl record, I doubt it. I remember the night Keith & Stevie came, - all those movie stars too! and MY DAD was there sitting in the middle of them in the V.I.P. area, his eyes were so BIG!! JohnyR: Did Sheryl basically start over on this album after being dissatisfied with her first attempt? Tim: Which record, the current one ? JohnyR: Well yeah. T.Smith: I think she's been under no pressure to put something out quickly, and she's tried a few different things in the process. It's easier to do when you have a studio in your home like she does. (Bean comes back) Tim: And I said what a looker that Bean is (oops!!!!) (Obvious frenzy ensued!!!) Kamala27: I was just going to ask about any future Shine dates, do you know of any? Someone told me you guys would be there Monday but we heard it may have been cancelled, I think the small gigs are so great, bring back memories of early 1994 and such. I was also wondering if you planned any smaller shows over the summer or in the future at all? Tim: No Shine date Monday, we're all in different places now, the expense would be prohibitive. We may try one in L.A. soon, though none at the moment, I think the idea is for the little shows to continue when we hit the road on a proper tour, sort of unannounced gigs on days off, so look out everyone!!!! Michelle: What is your favorite acoustic guitar and what do you think of Crafter guitars, and what was your impression of Rock In Rio, and does Bogios have a girlfriend? (Lots of messages, including a comment from coltrane "Tim you are one of the best acoustic players I've ever seen whatever guitar! Tim: My bleeding fingers thank you! SC Mod. (bringing order back): Tim did you get Michelle's question about guitars and whether Jim Bogios has a girlfriend ? Tim: I've not heard of those guitars, I'm a Gibson man, although I like an old Martin on occasion but they are too expensive for me. Rock In Rio was just amazing - the biggest gig I've ever done. We ate lunch the next day and someone slid me several of those sugar cane drinks - then everything went black!!! Austria3: Tim, who is the best Ping Pong player in the band and how did it start? Tim: Well, Jim is the front runner, he's mister athletic - although Mike and I could take him pretty often! Matt was a dark horse, and for some odd reason, Sheryl never lost a game!!! (LOTS of impromptu Q's and jokes...) Tim: We are all serious players, with our own PADDLES - thank you!!! SC Mod: My turn now. Tim what instrument did you play in your high school band? Tim: I started on trumpet in 3rd grade, moved on to French horn, then joined the jazz band to play guitar in high school. Enigma29: The French Horns in my band always emptied their spit valves!!!! (yuk!) Tim: That's why I quit the French Horn! SC Mod: OK, anyone else who hasn't asked a question have one for Tim? Rocksheryl: This is a silly question but do you mean there is a Ping Pong table on the tour bus? Tim: No, we carry it on our trucks with the other equipment and it gets unloaded everyday. Crowhawk: You should put pics up on the Fan Site! Tim: We will, next tour! AmongtheMultitude: Do you have a fave Sheryl song to hear and play? Tim: Um, I like It Don't Hurt probably the most, but Maybe That's Something is always fun too! SC Mod: Tim, do you have a question you want to ask us? Tim: OK let me think, what do you all think of The Who track? Scout: love the vocals Crowhawk: Haven't heard it yet, the UK is slow with these things Amandine: Woooooow lol Scaro: Couldn't listen to it yet Melanie C: I just got it, I really like it Cliodhna: Still waiting to hear it guitarbabe: Haven't got it yet tigster: Love it Tim, mucho dancing around my office when your guitar kicks in ! Kenner: Not released here @dam: I agree with you Enigma: I'm on the slow side Rockgrl: I love it! And I haven't even gotten it yet!! Rocksheryl: This song ROX! Austria3: Couldn't get it here in Austria amongthemultitude: I think it's great but someone said her voice disappears in the middle Bean: I love the original, haven't heard Sheryl's version yet (missed the name): I heard there were several takes Tim: We did 2 versions although only one is on the release, I think I have a copy somewhere Rome123: It's great! Standingontheoutside: Do you know if Sheryl ever visits the fan forum on her site? Tim: I honestly don't know, we gave her a new lap top for Xmas but I think she just doesn't have a lot of time to get on-line, we all keep her informed of what your saying though, so look out! Tim: I'm probably going to have to wind this down, I have to get my son to the pool. SC Moderator: OK, that's fine Tim - Tim needs to go everyone, say bye! Everyone says goodbyes and thanks Tim for coming, giving plenty of well earned compliments and Father's Day wishes!!! Tim: Gregg, can we do this again, maybe with other band members at the same time ? SC Moderator: Yeah it would be fun. We can sort this out later! Tim: And if anyone wants me to answer other questions, you can send them to Gregg, he'll forward them to me, I promise to be more detailed when my typing is not under the gun! SC Moderator: I'll do that! Tim: BYE EVERYONE!! More goodbyes, then Tim leaves. Everyone reflects on an amazing experience... We all owe Gregg & Mike for setting this up. Cheers Guys - Dave (coltrane) |