Rock Legend Graham Nash Coming To RI, Talks To GoLocal
Ken Abrams, GoLocalProv Music Critic
Rock Legend Graham Nash Coming To RI, Talks To GoLocal
Nash is one of a small group of artists to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice, first as a member of Crosby, Stills, and Nash, and later as a member of The Hollies, (although his time in The Hollies preceded his tenure in CSN.) GoLocalProv spoke to Nash last week while he was preparing for a charity show in Maui.
Graham Nash Up Close
In a wide ranging conversation, Nash shared his thoughts on a number of issues. He feels "very lucky" to have the opportunity to play with CSN (and occasionally CSNY), but also looks forward to performing with his own band. "Each band is completely different," explained Nash, "and I have the great fortune of being able to play with both.”
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTAt the Park show, “fans can expect to hear their favorites and 4 or 5 new songs which I'm really excited about," Nash noted. His band includes guitarist Shane Fontayne and keyboardist James Raymond, both veteran musicians in the CSN touring band. “It’s not the audience listening to the band, it’s us experiencing the audience for a nice night of music,” added Nash.
Social Action
Nash is 1960’s survivor who still adamantly believes in political action. You may hear his 1971 anti- war classic “Chicago,” where he wrote, “We can change the world, rearrange the world …its dying to get better.” The man who also penned “Teach Your Children,” continues to support social and environmental causes on a number of fronts.
He is steadfast about the need to protect the oceans, emphasizing his concern regarding recent studies of high mercury levels in fish. In a message sure to resonate here in the Ocean State, Nash points out that "we have polluted the hell out of the oceans... Humanity depends on healthy oceans for food and sustenance."
In addition, Nash is still active in the anti-nuclear movement, many years after he helped organize the memorable 1979 “No Nukes” concerts. CSN recently joined Jackson Browne, Bonnie Raitt, Tom Morello and others at an anti-nuke benefit in Mountain View, CA. The 2011 event was organized in response to the nuclear disaster in Fukushima, Japan.
Wild Tales
Nash is a busy man. He’s got a new book, Wild Tales: A Rock and Roll Life, coming out on September 17th. It’s already getting rave reviews and is expected to be a best seller. He wrote it “with an eye to the future,” mentioning that he became a grandfather last year. “We don’t know how long we have on this planet, so I felt now was a good time to write it,” remarked the songwriter.
He's also been working on a Jimi Hendrix tribute project, an album that will feature “unplugged” Hendrix tunes. Along with pal David Crosby, he joined Jason Mraz on the Hendrix classic “Angel.” Look for the album to be released early next year.
What strikes one most when talking with Nash is his genuine humility. You sense the 71 year old has never forgotten his working class roots in Lancashire, UK, where he grew up playing skiffle and listening to Buddy Holly, Elvis Presley and later Dylan and The Beatles. He’s a brilliant songwriter, a ground-breaking photographer, and the glue that holds CSN together.
Next Thursday is a rare chance to see and hear a rock music legend in a small, intimate venue. You can be a part of "An Evening with Graham Nash" on September 12 at 7:30 PM at the Park Theatre in Cranston. Tickets start at $46 with a portion of sales going to the Guacamole Fund, a CSN charity. For more information and tickets go to www.parktheatreri.com.
Ken Abrams reviews Roots, Rock and Blues for GoLocalProv. He can be reached at [email protected].