Clint Black was letting his voice rest before his show at Fox Tucson Theatre on Saturday, April 30, so we agreed to chat with him via email last week about his show and his new indie album "On Purpose."
You're coming off a long hiatus from recording. Why did you wait so long between records?
"I’ve been busy writing and recording, touring and acting. I was waiting to finish a new album while going through 'courtships' with major labels. I let them waste several years, successively, until I realized they really only wanted the brand and the voice. Essentially, three people at the top of the company would 'find' me 'hit' songs and 'get them produced' the way THEY liked.
"They were somewhat deceptive about it, saying they wanted the singer/songwriter, but it was clear in the end, they trusted on their own A&R process and wouldn’t let any of that be done by the artist.
"So I finally went with an indie label. My aim has always been to be a singer/songwriter and to remain authentic. These big companies, for whatever reason, do not like artists controlling their own art. Their prerogative, of course, and mine was to say, 'No'.
What was your goal with "On Purpose"? What did you set out to do?
"It was the usual approach to some degree; I want people to hear a band playing music. I’m not interested in trending or creating a contemporary record as much as I want to write meaningful songs and record them with a band that would appeal to any generation. Of course, I didn’t record as a band in the literal sense, but when you hear it, you’ll hear a band, not production. I love music and musicians and want my listener to discover, over time, all the great things the musicians are doing for the songs. So much talent, and there’s a danger in commercial music to cover that over in favor of something that sounds trendy."
The album includes a duet with your wife, Lisa Hartman Black, a first for the two of you in 14 years. What is it like to perform with your wife after all these years? Do you still get that first-time feeling when you guys go in the studio?
"It’s wonderful to work with Lisa. Her voice is beautiful and I know the person behind the voice, which makes it more special for me. Because there’s so much time between duets, it does feel fresh each time. On stage, it’s always new to her because it’s rare, and I can sense that and it gives me a feeling almost of mischief. I’m always tempted to mess with her a little, but I do the wise thing and try to make her feel at home on my stage. I know how strange it is to join someone else on 'their stage' and I work to make her feel comfortable.
Will Lisa be with you at this show? Can we expect you to do the duet(s) with her?
"Sadly, I can’t talk Lisa into to touring with me! Our daughter is in high school and managing that life is Lisa’s full time job. She will join me at CMA Fest in Nashville in June. Can’t wait!"
Tell me what we can expect from this show. Do you go deep into your career, hit all the high notes, or are you focused solely on "On Purpose" and more recent repertoire?
"The show is focused mainly on the hits. I’m no fool! I know how I would feel if I went to see an artist and they did only a little of the songs that made them famous. I do some of the new stuff and a few songs that were album cuts that get a great reaction in the show. I also share some funny tidbits behind several of the songs. The show is about the songs, but we have some good laughs, too. And I give the musicians including myself a chance to stretch out on our instruments.
"I play a lot more lead guitar than in past tours. I’ve been woodshedding a lot over this past decade and played almost all of the electric guitars on the new CD. But I play more harmonica in this show, too. We have a new member of the band who plays fiddle, dobro, guitar, banjo … and the rest of the band are masters at their craft. Everyone over 40 knows, we get better if we try and the guys (hsve) plied their crafts with tremendous skill from years of training. It’s fun to watch every night."
What song or two of yours is an absolute-I-have-to-play-it-or-I'll-be-run-off-the-stage for every show?
"Well, 'A Better Man' and 'Killin’ Time' would be No.s 1 and 2. From there, it’s a crap shoot. I’m lucky enough to have had 31 Top 10 hits and I can’t play them all. Someone will miss something."
Congrats on the 25th anniversary of "Killin' Time." Did you ever think when you were in the studio recording that album that you would still be doing this and doing it at this level 25 years down the road?
"Thanks. I planned to still be doing this. In fact, I told my band back then that we would work to stay together so that we could, 'look around 30 years from now and still see the same faces on stage.' It didn’t work out for everyone, but half the band on stage with me now was there playing on the first album and they’re playing even better today. We are a family and grateful to be a band."
