Jack Steven "Song Rider"Dempsey

Q & A with Steve

Q: When and where were you born?

A: August 29th, in Calhoun, GA, I was raised in Gordon County and the Atlanta area.

Q: What's your sign?

A: Virgo

Q: Do you believe in Astrology?

A:  Somewhat....some of it seems to be possible.

Q: When and why did you start playing?

A: My parents were musical, so I grew up around it, singing all my life. I started wriiting lyrics at ten and learning the guitar at 12.

Q: Which instruments do you play?

A: Acoustic guitar and Bass guitar.

Q: What was the first tune(s) you learned?

A: "Big Boss Man", "King Of The Road".

 

 

 Q: Is your family musical?

A: Yes, my Mother and Father. My Father played piano in church. My Mother also played piano . They both were good singers and my Dad was a natural at gospel harmonies.

Q: Which famous musicians do you admire?

A: Wayne "Bear" Sauls: He was one of the guitarists that defined Southern Rock. Warren Haynes: Carried on with Southern Rock. Donnie McCormick: One of those that defined Southern Rock. Eugene "Buddy" Moss: One of those that defined Georgia Piedmont Blues. Allen Woody: Bassist that carried on Southern Rock. Berry Oakley: One that defined Southern Rock Bass. David Allan Coe: one that, along with Waylon Jennings, defined Outlaw Country. Danny Shirley: Carried on Outlaw Country.

 

 Q: Which famous musicians have you learned from?

A: Wayne "Bear" Sauls, Eugene "Buddy" Moss, Donnie McCormick, David Allan Coe

Q: Who was your first teacher? Other teachers?

A: My Father and Buddy Moss

Q: Describe your first instrument and other instruments special to you.

A: A Silvertone in the case with built in amp. Other instruments. My first bass was a Silvertone, made by Danelectro, that I bought at a pawn shop on Auburn Avenue in Atlanta. My preference now is Gibson and Epiphone acoustics and Thunderbird basses.

Q: What are your fondest musical memories? In your house? In your neighborhood or town?

A: Playing New York City with Buddy Moss, Memphis with the Gibson Allstar Blues Band and Jackson Hole Wyoming at the Million Dollar Cowboy with Jace n' Lee.

Q: Were you influenced by old records & tapes?

A: "Drinkin' Man's Friend" by Eric Quincy Tate;  "The Outlaws" by Waylon & Willie; "Idlewild South" by The Allman Brothers and "Red Headed Stranger" by Willie Nelson.

 

 Q: Who's your favorite musician(s)?

A:  Bear Sauls, Warren Haynes, Allen Woody, Donnie McCormick, Berry Oakley, Rickey Medlocke, Bee Spears, Waylon Jennings Groups? The Stones, Eric Quincy Tate, Bad Company, The Allman Brothers, Govt. Mule.

Q: What is your favorite song?....yes, just one!

A: Too many to name.

Q: Do you get nervous before a performance?

A: I don't get nervous. I get psyched, but try to focus on my job as a bassist and vocalist. It's better to stay cool.

Q: How do you handle mistakes during a performance?

A: When I make a mistake I try to smooth it into the bass line.

Q: What advice would you give to beginners who are nervous?

A: Be sure of your music. Confidence makes you fearless.

Q: How often and for how long do you practice? Exercises?

A: I "practice", now, when I'm learning songs. When you play 300 nights a year, it's a way of life, you play everyday and don't think of it as practice.

 

 

Q: How do you balance your music with other obligations - mate, children, job?

A: That's the hard part, especially relationships. Sometimes you wonder where home is.

Q: Who have you played for and/or with?

A: Buddy Moss, Bear Facts, The Gibson Allstar Blues Band, Donnie McCormick.

Q: Why do you love music?

A:  I'm obsessed with it. It's my life.