Poor Harvey

COVER STORY
'Poor Harvey: A Mean, Raw Rock and Roll Band'
By: Lana Roberts

“I don’t think we really picked the music. The music picked us,” Patrick Johnson, bassist for Poor Harvey, tries to explain how he and his brother both fell into a career in music. His brother and lead vocalist/guitarist adds, “It was just the force of enjoying music so much that at a certain point in time, you’re like ‘Okay, well, I have to do this. It just feels right.’” Drummer Dan Thompson chimes in, “I had a whole different career planned out for myself [computer graphics] and then all of a sudden, I realized I can’t stare at a computer and feel comfortable and happy.”

Regarding his choice of careers, or rather the career that chose him, Paul goes on to say, “Being a musician is sort of a curse. You’re a slave to it. You live and breathe it. Every conversation is about music. It’s a lifestyle. You get consumed by it. It takes so much of your time. It’s a never-ending thing. You’re always learning. You’re always going to be educated by this thing called music. It’s a career with no boundaries. You cannot reach the top.”

This three-piece ensemble has been rockin AND rollin Baton Rouge and surrounding areas for a year and a half now under the direction of Charles Montaldo of TinCan Productions. As Patrick explains, adding that “AND roll” is very important. His take is this; “Rock and roll has kind of taken a strange turn lately on the national scene. When people say ‘rock’ music, they think of bands that are using that genre right now, like Creed and stuff. I think ‘rock and roll’ is more open-minded. I think you can take anything from jazz to blues to country, and put it all together, and that’s what I think makes it ‘rock and roll.’ You can limit it to just the big, heavy guitars, but that’s almost like a whole other genre.”

Each of the three members adds his own unique flavor to the band, with tastes ranging from Indian music to flamenco and death metal. Favorite artists are as varied as The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, John Coltrane, Ozzy Osbourne, and Miles Davis. Each has played with various other bands and now continues to do solo and collaborative projects with other local artists. Dan says, “Everything we do on our own, we bring back when we come back together as Poor Harvey with new experiences. You learn from other people and other people learn from you. It’s great communication. It’s almost like lovemaking, what goes on between musicians when they play together. There are definitely brain waves being exchanged.”

All these different influences come together in their first EP Innersessions and also in their yet to be released untitled LP, of which I had the unique pleasure of getting a sneak preview. The rest of you will have to wait till the CD release, which will be held at Ichabod’s on Chimes Street, Friday Sep. 27. Regarding the new LP, Paul says, “I’m so in love with it!” Comparing it to their first recording, Patrick says, “It’s a better quality, but it has elements of the Innersessions EP in there. We pretty much wanted to keep what we actually are – we’re a mean, raw rock and roll band.” Be sure to check out “Ribcage,” the second track. It sort of sounds like a mixture of blues and Southern rock. It’s sure to be a hit, with its driving bass rifts and its energetic feel.

And how do these guys turn out such a magnetic, straight up rock and roll song? Dan says, “You think of a melody when you’re at work or something, and you think, ‘Wow! That’s pretty nice!’ and then you go home and work it out on the piano or something, and you get yourself a nice, little melody, and then you just build upon that and create a new song.” Patrick adds, “You start to dream music, and you wake up and try to figure out what was that great song you were playing in your dream. What emotion does the melody make you feel? You’ve got to feel it, so when you play that song, that emotion is going to be radiated from that, as well. Then when you write lyrics to it, whatever that melody makes you feel, the lyrics come to your mind all of a sudden.”

Poor Harvey believes passionately in writing, arranging, and playing all original stuff. Patrick goes so far as to say that, “Cover bands prostitute their talent. They make money playing their instruments, and that’s awesome, because they’re musicians, right? But I mean, for us, it’s just about playing our own music. When I say ‘prostitute their talent,’ I mean the potential real talent to create their own music. I see a lot of great, talented musicians, but they concentrate so much on learning their covers note for note that their original music is in hindrance, because they don’t take enough time to concentrate on that. I feel that bands writing their own stuff, not letting someone write it for them, but guys writing their own music, and their getting paid to do that – that is the antithesis of prostituting themselves.” Dan adds, “We’re trying to make a connection between our soul and our mind when we play. That’s why our own music is how we feel.”

The band is not only dedicated to their own music, but also to promoting other local original music. They are part of a four-band coalition with Judge Genius, Nail in the Brain, and Tabu under Love Affair Records. Patrick explains, “It’s not a record label. It’s just four bands who are going to try to help the scene by pushing each other and pushing more shows and other bands that play with them.” Paul elaborates, “It’s called Love Affair Records, because it’s a love affair between musicians and their music, and that’s what this kind of coalition is about.” Dan chimes in; “It’s about our brothers, and promoting our local musical brothers that we live around. These aren’t rock stars. This is about being part of a crowd all the time – being part of the audience.” The band is also a big supporter of www.redstickrock.com, a site where you can download mp3s and get info on local bands.

Tune into the Saturated Neighborhood on KLSU Wednesday, Sep. 25 to catch Poor Harvey live. And if you want to get rocked AND rolled, I suggest you get yourself to Ichabod’s Friday, Sep. 27 for the CD release party. For other upcoming shows, be sure to check out their Web site at www.poorharvey.com.



- Lana Roberts

The Reveille, Thursday March 28, 2002

'NOT SO POOR ANYMORE: LOCAL BAND GAINS ATTENTION'
By: Mark F. Bonner

Baton Rouge is home to more than just crooked politicians and an expanding college town; this capitol city also hosts a long overlooked talent in its thriving local music community. Brewing on the stages of local bars and clubs of the area are a group of local musicians that create the infectious grooves of Poor Harvey.
Forming little more than a year ago, brothers Patrick Johnson (bass) and Paul Johnson (guitar, vocals) conceived of Poor Harvey and began the arduous task of serving their brand of rock ‘n’ roll to the masses. After a brief stint with another drummer, the group settled with Dan “Shoeless” Thompson, a seasoned jazz percussionist and made “Innersessions,” their debut EP “over a case of beer.”
“Innersessions” has the sound of smooth jazz and funk elements collided with the soiled diaper screams of Johnson stirred mellow with his eclectic guitar playing. Three tunes from the EP, “Adelline,” “Sippin’ Jen,” and “Bad News” have received airplay on both KLSU and X104.9. Lyrically and conceptually, it seems there is a certain element of torment in the whole of Poor Harvey. There actually is a Harvey and according to Paul Johnson “he is horrible, everything that you don’t want to be.”
The band is quick to point out that they do not glorify this deceased man in any way. On “Adelline” the lyrics parallel the lives of the two characters Molly and Adelline. Molly is on the dangerous path toward meeting the fate of the older Adelline. “Hey Molly/ It’s ending/ Just face it/ Life’s over/ Guess it wasn’t worth it anyway/ I’ve got some news for you/ There are people who care for you/ I think you’re out of your mind,” sings Paul Johnson. The vagueness of these ideas adds to the curiosity in wanting to hear more. <O:P</O:P
Poor Harvey has played several music venues in Baton Rouge and extended areas, including Area 51 in Hammond, The Varsity and Ichabod’s. The group has every intention to tackle New Orleans in the early summer months with Secret Black Society and the Dirty Dynamic Trio with a pending date at Checkpoint Charlie’s on Decatur Street. Currently the band is finishing up on their untitled debut LP that will be available on their own Tin Can Records label. Joel Savoy of The Red Stick Ramblers lent Poor Harvey use of his Studio Savoy Faire in Eunice, La. An early summer release is expected to coincide with their CD release party on May 31st at Ichabod’s. Poor Harvey will play April 19th at an LSU concert on the parade grounds with Kristin Diable, Climate Control, and Fighting for Gravity. The group will also be featured on the local entertainment TV show Planet Buzz where they will debut “Ribcage,” a new song from their upcoming album. The show will air April 8th at 11 p.m. on Cox Channel 4.

- Mark F. Bonner

Gypsy Betty, Editor
www.RisingStarsInc.com

INTERVIEW

NAME: Patrick Johnson - bassist for Poor Harvey
LOCATION: Baton Rouge, Louisiana
WEBSITE: www.poorharvey.com
LINK TO MUSIC CLIP(S) / MUSIC PAGE: www.poorharvey.com (just click the "MUSIC" link on the home page)
ARE YOU SIGNED OR UNSIGNED: unsigned
YOUR MANAGEMENT: Meridian Jane Productions, which is on the web at www.meridianjane.com
YOUR RECORD LABEL: Meridian Jane Records

10 Quickies!

Q: What is the one word that would best describe you?
A: Comfortable.

Q: What's one thing about yourself that no one would ever guess?
A: Guess.

Q: What one thing about yourself would you change if you could?
A: I'd like to be attending graduate school at Louisiana State University working towards my Master's of Fine Arts degree. This might become a reality though, because I plan on doing this in the fall of 2004.

Q: What was in your bag the last time you left Wal-Mart?
A: I try not to shop at Wal-Mart. nothing against them really, they provide an excellent service, but I prefer the smaller family-owned businesses. They are so personable and have a lot of character.

Q: What hobbies do you enjoy?
A: Songwriting, Reading, Antique Collecting, Excercising, Drinking, & Sex

Q: What's your favorite restaurant and why?
A: Any Greek & Lebanese restaurant. I love garlic, it's my favorite herb, well...almost.

Q: Favorite movie?
A: That's a tough one. I'm such a huge fan of the cinema. I can tell you that I have some favorite directors though. Basically I love anything by Alfred Hitchcock, Stanley Kubrick, John Carpenter, and of course, Mel Brooks.

Q: Favorite author?
A: Another tough one. Edgar Allen Poe, Samuel Clemens, Mary Shelley, etc., more of the classics. I enjoy the writers from the Romantic period.

Q: Favorite charity?
A: Neil Young's Bridge School for mentally and physically challenged children & adults. Not only does Poor Harvey dig the charity and what it works for, but we'd love to perform at one of their annual shows in support of the organization.

Q: What do you have in your CD player right now?
A: Tom Waits: Nighthawks at the Diner.

THE INTERVIEW
Q: Hi! How are you doing today?
A: Busy Busy. But overall I'm doing well.

Q: Hope your ready to answer 'cause here we go! Why don't you tell everyone when you became interested in music and how you went about breaking in?
A: Music played an important roll in my upbringing. My parents had a nice record collection and would spin tunes from the Beatles to Mario Lanza almost everyday. I learned by ear at first which continued into my early schooling, but I didn't pick up my first instrument until high school. I set it aside, then picked it back up in my late teens and never put it down. Music's greatest appeal to me has been the works of well- accomplished songwriters. And as I versed my self in different styles I started studying jazz and piano in college, and performing around town. One thing just naturally led to another, so music for me has just been an evolution of sorts.

Q: Why did you choose the music industry? Why focus more on music and not law, rocket science or something else? Some people have specific reasons for liking music. What about music attracts you?
A: This is a rhetorical question right? For me personally there is no greater creative freedom than through music. I also can find no stronger sense of personal and professional satisfaction than in music. It is the most healing of art forms for me, and I can't imagine doing anything else with my life. What about music attracts me? Everything. Music I love, but as for the music industry as a whole, well I think we all have different opinions about that.

Q: Do you have any genres you'd like to try besides your current one? Like I dunno... rock, rap, country, etc? What do you consider your current genre and age group to be right now anyway?
A: I don't necessarily like to use genres to desribe Poor Harvey, our music is simply our music, and we don't want any unecessary ideas or expectations placed upon us, however it seems that aside from hearing the music itself, genres are the best way for people to have an idea of who we are, so here goes. My band is pretty versatile. We're a rock & roll band that uses elements from other styles such as jazz, funk, blues, punk, country, reggae, flamenco, you name it. We've been approached from teen-agers to people in their 50's, which isn't old really, so our appeal seems to have a wide range. I guess that about sums it up.

Q: Do you write your song lyrics and if so do you write both lyrics and melody to your songs? Can you tell us what inspires you as you write and how you go about it? For instance, some artists start off with a melody in their heads while others, like myself, tend to begin with an idea or title.
A: We write and create every aspect of Poor Harvey. There is no set pattern for our writing. It comes naturally when it comes. Sometimes it's a conceptual idea, sometimes it's a riff or a melody or we just start jamming. We write about our own personal experiences. So what we write about is the truth from our point of view. We do throw in some of the occasional folklore though.

Q: What's your favorite song out of the ones you've written so far? Is there a particular story behind any of the songs you have out now?
A: We have written so many that it would be very difficult for me to choose. The title track from our upcoming album "Antimatter" is a great rockin' tune, so I'll say that. And it's about a girl, imagine that.

Q: What's it like performing on-stage for you? What do you like most about it and can you tell us about any particularly embarrassing or memorable moments?
A: Our drummer once said that when musicians begin to think as one that it's sort of like lovemaking. there certainly are brainwaves being exchanged, and I have to agree totally. It can be a taste of ecstacy when everyone does it right, and nails it that one great time. Every gig has a different feel. They are all memorable, some more than others, and we always embarrass each other in some way.

Q: What about with a fan? Were there any memorable or off the wall moments there?
A: We once had a hot 18 year old college student and her 3 friends offer to take us home after a show to "take care of all our needs." I have a girlfriend and politely declined, but that didn't stop my two counterparts who left with them and had fun rubbing it in the next day.

Q: Who has had the largest influence in your life and your career? How have your family and friends reacted to your career/success so far? And can you tell us some of your musical influences...
A: Easily my brother, who is the guitarist/vocalist for Poor Harvey. He started playing before me and sorta got me interested. Everyone I know has been supportive, and my greatest musical influences are the musicians that I've grown up with and performed with over the years. We are constantly pushing and encouraging each other. Many bands from the Baton Rouge area, like Judge Genius, Secret Black Society, Dr. Cornelieus, etc. These are all friends of ours.

Q: Do you play any instruments? Are there any you'd like to learn?
A: I play the bass primarily, but I also play guitar, piano, and secondary percussion. I'd love to learn how to play the drums. I forgot to mention that I sing. Don't forget that vocals are most definitely an instrument, and often times the most important.

Q: What about production-wise? Would you eventually like to get yourself involved in that aspect of the business as well someday?
A: Absolutely, it seems to be a natural part of the music evolutionary process.

Q: Where do you see yourself in five years? Both professionally and personally. How about ten?
A: Five years? Hopefully in a better space personally and professionally. In ten we'll be ruling the world.

Q: How about favorite albums of all time? Name your... I dunno, let's say Top 5 favorite albums of all time.
A: Favorite I can't give you, but I can give you the top 11 albums that have influenced my songwriting. These are in no particular order.

1. Frank Black: Frank Black
2. John Coltrane: Giant Steps
3. The The: Dusk
4. Pearl Jam: Vs.
5. Tom Waits: Alice
6. The Police: Regatta de Blanc
7. The Doors: The Doors
8. Miles Davis: Kind of Blue
9. Sting: Ten Summoner's Tales
10. Neil Young & Crazy Horse: Live (Arc & Weld)
11. The Beatles: The White Album

Q: Well, it's that time again. We've got to wrap things up. But, before you do, do you have any parting words you'd like to leave for RSI readers and your fans?
A: Yes. Thank you for all of your support. The new album "Antimatter" is due this fall so please visit poorharvey.com for more details. And, we love feedback, and we will answer you, so please leave us a message on our message board or drop us an email at poorharvey@hotmail.com.

- Gypsy Betty

LSU Reveille
September 5, 2003

BAND BRINGS ORIGINAL SOUND TO LOCAL SCENE: Group aims to make unique music

By Kim Moreau

Poor Harvey is a band on a mission - out to prove Baton Rouge deserves some original music that rocks. With a gritty sound running the gambit of musical stylings from jazz, funk and punk, Poor Harvey aims to play rock 'n' roll with no limitations. Poor Harvey is comprised of drummer Dan "Danimal" Thompson and brothers Patrick Johnson (bass and vocals) and Paul Johnson (guitar and vocals). "We don't sound like anybody but ourselves," Patrick said. The band members say as long as they are playing original music they are working toward their goal. Paul said he wants the band to make themselves part of the musical circle already out there. "[We want to tap into] the eternal spiral of never ending rock 'n' roll, the perpetual motion of harmony, rhythm and melody," Paul said.

Poor Harvey got its start at Ichabod's, a place they think of as home base. They played some of their first gigs there and think of it as where they cut their teeth. Members of the band say places such as Ichabod's give them pride in the Baton Rouge music scene. They said they have faith in the original bands in Baton Rouge. Patrick said it seems the scene is flooded with cover bands and sometimes it is hard for an original band to get its head above water. "[Baton Rouge] is a good music scene with the potential to be great, if original bands just stick to their guns," said Patrick. The boys love playing for other musicians, and give praises to other local bands. This appreciation of others helped the band land a place on Baton Rouge native Kristin Diable's label Meridian Jane Records. Poor Harvey met Diable when they both played at an LSU show in February. Meridian Jane will distribute the band's upcoming CD "Antimatter" to more markets in Louisiana and make the CD available in New York. The band played the Varsity Theatre Wednesday night with Ingram Hill. "[Live shows are] a lot like sex," Patrick said. "A musical orgasm." The band agrees a good performance involves total communication among all the players. The three must become one, a trait the band seems to have accomplished. Their shows reflect their commitment to making good music.

The band cites acts ranging from Miles Davis to Black Sabbath, Duke Ellington to Black Flag as inspiring their grassroots sound. Thompson's first concert was Metallica, and the last one was he saw was Tom Petty. Thompson seems to be the main source of the band's jazzy style. He solved the problem facing the Johnsons before, when they were playing with a drummer who was leaning toward what Patrick called "death metal." Now Thompson said he feels just like he is another Johnson brother.

Patrick said he admires the early '90s rock band the Pixies. After meeting Pixies leader Francis Black and letting him listen to one of the band's CDs, Black's praises helped him continue the confidence in the band. Their sound reflects the wide spectrum of music they enjoy.

Poor Harvey is at one point reminiscent of the Toadies and Soundgarden. But it moves to sounding more like a mellow jam band and then to sounding like the Clash. The boys wanted to be unique, and their effort pays off.

When asked to choose one song that represented them best, the boys claim it is impossible. Each song is representative, because like their sound each song is different. One listen to their last CD "Sonus" speaks for itself.

Poor Harvey's sound is distinct without being exclusive. They believe in original music, and their music might make fans believe too.


- Kim Moreau

The Riverside Reader
April 5. 2002

ANYTHING GOES
By Hoovaman

…Anyway, I know there’s a slew of 50’s & 60’s doowop, Elvis clunge out there, but that’s nothing too interesting because it’s not very rare. So right now the only straight up retro, retro bands that I can think of are those I mentioned above, but our old school session is not over yet.

If you want to take your band to Retro Island, blend some of the old with some new. See what happens. Blend some old with some other old. See what happens.

Poor Harvey is a good example of old with older. These guys incorporate elements of jazz (which is rooted in the early 20th century) and 60’s woodstock rock. The result is a Pulp Fiction heroin trip poured into a shiny martini glass. It’s very phat , and not as outlandish as I may have made it sound. Their music is actually quite sophisticated, yet still rebellious in undertone. Ichabod’s books these guys on every major holiday. They bring this cool chilled vibe…



- Hoovaman

LSU Legacy
August 26, 2003

10 Local Bands You Should See for the Fall
By Mark Bonner

Poor Harvey

Who: Three ragamuffin garage rock virtuosos compelled to agitate the decayed state of rock & roll.

Noise: Visceral Southern rock straight out of the gutter with strong emphasis on solid songwriting and a propensity toward desolate lyrical subject matter. As a whole the group is retroactive, being torn from a page out of the 60s or 70s, where Led Zeppelin and The Who could sonically build a house, tear it down, build it up again and set it on fire with blistering fervor. Poor Harvey has that vehemence, and like those rock giants they also have the dexterity to pull off slower tunes with just as much authority. “We’re trying to create non-monotones in sound and song,” says guitarist/vocalist Paul Johnson. Whatever, it rocks.

Condensed History: Coming together in the spring of 2001, brothers Patrick and Paul Johnson; bass and guitar, respectively - conceived of Poor Harvey and began the grueling task of serving their brand of rock & roll to the masses. After a brief stint with another drummer, the group settled with Dan “Shoeless” Thompson, a seasoned jazz percussionist and made “Innersessions,” their debut EP over a case of beer. In November 2001 the band went to Studio Savoy Faire in Eunice, La. to record their full-length LP, “Sonus,” which was released last year. The group has been featured on local entertainment TV show “Planet Buzz,” where the group performed live on air. Last year, Poor Harvey was also chosen as one of six local bands to perform at a showcase for Warner Bros./ Reprise Records at the Varsity Theatre.

- Mark Bonner

Town Favorites Magazine
February 2002

IMPROVISING IN BATON ROUGE
By Amos Dennard

In a time when true original rock and roll has waned to near extinction, Poor Harvey bends our perception of the musical timeline by bestowing the listener with the essence of what rock and roll once was. Not grinding two or three chords and yelling but playing music with integrity, intelligence, and just some good old’ ear candy. This trio is comprised of Paul Johnson on guitar and lead vocals, Patrick Johnson on bass singing back-up vocals, and drummer “Shoeless” Dan Thompson holding down the groove. These guys play with a lot of energy and may remind you of performers from The Who, Black Sabbath, Tortoise, Smashing Pumpkins, Miles…..or anywhere in between. One might say they have a classic feel with a modern sound or a modern feel with a classic sound. The glass is half-empty half-full, whatever, you decide.

Poor Harvey is pretty active on the Baton Rouge scene playing shows at Ichabod's, The Varsity, The Bayou, Rotolo’s, Thirsty Tiger, not to mention Area 51 in Hammond. Radio listeners may have already heard “Adelline”, one of three original songs playing on KLSU 91.1FM and WUXN 104.9FM. They are currently recording a CD at Studio Savoy Faire in Eunice, La. courtesy of Joel Savoy of The Red Stick Ramblers. Expect an early summer release for latest recordings. For more information on their CD or pre-release six song EP “Innersessions”, you can log-on at www.tincanproductions.com. Ichabod’s will be hosting this rock trio on Sat. Feb. 23 where you may have a chance to receive one of ten free copies of “Innersessions” given out at each show. For booking info contact Charles Montaldo of Tincan Productions at 751-7964 or Patrick Johnson at 281-1828. For a refreshing rock and roll experience, definitely keep your eyes open for these guys.



- Amos Dennard

Rhythm City Magazine
December 2001

POOR HARVEY
By Joel Hoover

These Crackas got soul!! A lot of it, and plenty to go around. The jazzy, funk/rock grooves fill the room with ambiance and mood, while the intensity of the music is never offensive or displeasing to the ears. There are times when you can cut a big fat rug to it, and there are times when you can just kick back and drink to it. An even flow of tempo and rhythm if you will. Gotta be the jazz roots. Gotta be.

The key elements were put into place back in the day when drummer Dan Thompson was working at Rotolo’s one night and a band onstage caught his eye. “I was tripped out because these guys were on stage jammin’ to some jazzy stuff, but the drummer was just bangin’ away like he was in Pantera. I said, no, this isn’t right. I’ve been playing jazz drums for too long. Let me go and talk to these guys.” So he did, and now Poor Harvey is the band that you will see at Rotolo’s (coincidentally) on Saturday December 22nd with Secret Annexe.

When asked if past employment would be an interfering factor for the band to play at Rotolo’s again, Mr. Thompson laughed and said, “Maybe, but I really don’t care!” Good sport. Egos get you nowhere. Besides, Poor Harvey has already hit up the Bayou, Ichabod’s, and Area 51 in Hammond. They made a guest appearance during Tuesday Night open-mic at M’s Café in the past two months, so why cut themselves short? Go for the gold, guys, it’s yours. Poor Harvey doesn’t have a website at this particular point in time, but you can check out pics and video clips of this trio in action on that KillerLlama.com that seems to be everywhere these days.


- Joel Hoover