The lead singer and guitarist of Nine Below Zero has teamed up with his harmonica player MARK FELTHAM to create a duo album. It’s called ‘Duo’ and you can find it on Zed Records or try www.ninebelowzero.com. Here we pitch a set of Pete’s (customised) questions to Dennis and he kindly gave us these responses….
How many years in total have you and harpist Mark worked together?
38 years
It must have been difficult honing down the songs eventually featured on the new record, given the wealth of material available…? How did you do it ?
We choose those songs that had a big influence on us as kids first listening to the blues we also tried to link together leadbelly, sonny terry brownie ,mchgee, hank williams willie de ville American folk music
I saw Sonny Terry and Brownie McGhee at the Toby Jug in Tolworth when I was very young but I remember being impressed with their dignity and politeness – did you see them or have you seen any footage of them ?
Mark saw them at the 100 club and with youtube we are able to watch them all the time and learn from the masters
Randy Newman – the version of ‘Sail Away’ is moving. My favourite song of his is ‘Baltimore’. Have you played this song ever ?
Never but i’ll give it a listen
What guitars did you use on this album ? any particular reasons?
Baby taylor and big baby taylor
‘Cherry Pink’ is great – must be a chromatic harp used in that ?
No – in fact it’s a diatonic, played in first postion
‘Egg On my Face’ – can you tell us about this song please ?
We used to have egg and flower fights with our crew driving around europe as you do. What a bunch of yobs ! We got caught by the belgium police in brussels trashing the streets. We were all covered in egg and the police said was that you throwing eggs and we said no? Sounds stupid but we were young and full of energy to burn. We found drink and drugs much later. It’s about embarrasing situations.
Which Tamla Motown recording is your favourite and why ?
Probably love a go go – on a stevie wonder album
Nine Below Zero have always had a punchy live sound, especially the guitars – any stage tips for newer players ?
You must practise practise practise !
You do play ‘On The Road Again’, by Canned Heat – but any chance you might do their ‘Time Was’ ? I think you could make that burn, unusual tempo and all…
Thanks for that, pete – i’ll give that a listen
What is your favourite live album and who by ? any particular reasons?
I love ‘live at mr kellys’ by muddy waters. Blues in a small club is about as good as it gets
Do you have a favourite venue ? where is it or was it and why ?
The marquee club wardour street.some of the best days of my life spent in there.
Of the original blues artists you may have seen in your travels, which one(s) left the deepest impression upon you ? I was amazed by George Smith, who toured with young cats called Bacon Fat
Albert collins, muddy waters, hubert sumlin
What song, if it came on the radio, would you cross the room to turn off ? For me it’s ‘Bread & Butter’ by the NewBeats !!
Anything by the pet shop boys
Can you dance? do you dance ?
Yes i can and i do
What novel would you like to musically score, if a film was made ?
‘Revolt into style’
I understand the liner notes about playing ‘Amazing Grace’ in the wake of losing a friend. Our fourth guest member was the late great Gypie Mayo ..what memories do you have of Gyp ?
I loved gypie what a player we used always see him in the early eighties and hang with him and the feelgoods
Have you ever recorded or would you like to record a duet with a female ? and if so, who ?
I have indeed… with alannah myles
Name an instrumental by any artist any era that you find relaxing
Hideaway Freddie King, Albatross Fleetwood Mac
Will you be promoting the ‘Duo’ set with any live dates ?
Yes we are out at the moment and going out in the autmn again for another tour as a duo
Pete Sargeant
