Lefty Hathaway

originally published October 8, 2008



This time around, Lefty Hathaway wanted complete control. After six years touring and collaborating with the Flagstaff, AZ jam-rock band Ism, Hathaway had a sound, a series of songs, buzzing in his brain that he just had to put to tape. He left Arizona for San Diego, but found little inspiration in the superficial scenes of California, and after an unpleasant year he finally sought refuge in the creative Mecca of Athens in 2006. While finding collaborators was no problem, Hathaway knew his next studio project had to be his own.

"I wanted to be able to translate the things in my head, purely, on to recording," he says. "I've worked in studio sessions and worked with other people for about 10 years. This was an opportunity to do what I thought was my own Inner Visions, Stevie Wonder, or Lenny Kravitz, Let Love Rule, type of thing where I had complete control of the direction."

The resulting project, Fleas Flies and Fodder, brings new meaning to the term solo artist. Hathaway began his project by getting certified in ProTools audio engineering so he could feel confident in the producer's chair. The masterful keyboardist didn't stop there - he went on to tackle the banjo, guitar, bass, mandolin and drums as well - playing any and every instrument necessary to complete the record.

"The title track has banjo on it," Hathaway mentions as an example. "That banjo was in my head for about year, and I had to learn the banjo solely for that part. I guess it's somewhat in the same vein as Frank Zappa, who would sit down with a marimba because he felt like a song didn't need anything but marimba, but then he'd lay that track down and wouldn't touch a marimba again for years."

It took Hathaway about 18 months to finish the project - splitting time between his home-studio here in Athens and working with engineer Ben Easley in Nashville. Easley proved to be an essential asset to the record's production, providing Hathaway with guidance and direction when tackling instruments he was less comfortable with. "It's been really hard, but I think this will be the last time I do it this way," says Hathaway, now that recording is wrapped up. "It's not as logistically productive, but I'm really excited to get it done and see the light at the end of the tunnel."

For Hathaway, this record serves as a sort of "litmus test" for finding what he hopes will be a permanent lineup. He can present this finished project as a testament to his vision to potential bandmates to see if they are passionate enough about his music to work on the next recording project.

No doubt, it won't be long until Hathaway has an eager line of candidates seeking consideration. The blues-drenched rock and roll on Fleas, Flies and Fodder has certainly found its home here in Athens. Hathaway's gruff, soulful howl wails over dazzling keyboards, classic organ and extra funky guitar. Drummer Noel Felty recently said Hathaway "writes funk songs like a bluegrass player" and that seems to be right on the money. There are elements of jumping jazz tied in with rootsy soul throughout the record. It's obvious Hathaway has a deep passion for these melodies. You'd think spending over a year painstakingly layering instrument on top of instrument would come off sounding stale or overworked, but Fleas Flies and Fodder pops with all the energy of a live band.

While Hathaway was stubborn about working alone in the studio, he eagerly seeks collaboration onstage.

"I feel like I've created enough of a backbone for anyone who I am fortunate enough to work with to express their own ideas over a live setting," he says. Hathaway emphasizes that he strives for a collaborative live experience rather than finding musicians to simply back him up. In fact, he is looking forward to seeing how his songs change and grow when performed with others.

"I grew up as a very big fan of live bands; bands that almost had a whole new sound in a live atmosphere than their albums sound," says Hathaway. He names artists like Little Feat, Allman Brothers, Mahavishnu Orchestra, Fela Kuti among others as examples. "So, I'm hoping to bring that to any fan - the opportunity to hear something different and maybe unexpected when they come to see a live show... The songs on the record are a canvas for the live show."

Hathaway has quite an ensemble prepared for his first time headlining at the Georgia Theatre. He'll be joined by veteran drummer Noel Felty (Jupiter Coyote, Allgood), Jason Corrigan on bass and Nashville native Thomas Anderson (percussionist and beat-boxer for Bela Fleck's Futureman). As an added bonus, the Half Dozen Brass Band will lending horns to a a number of songs, which is sure to take these tunes to a new level of fun and funk.

Says Hathaway, "We'll play until they turn the lights on."

MICHELLE GILZENRAT
MUSIC EDITOR
FLAGPOLE MAGAZINE
ATHENS, GA - Flagpole Magazine