Sari Schorr – Back On Our Shores

With the soul blues whirlwind returning to the UK for live dates with her excellent band, we were glad of the chance to supplement the original interview piece with some fresh questions. Enjoy Sari’s responses and check whether she is performing anywhere near your hometown: 

You’ve done quite a few dates in the UK now and have more due. Are there any differences between say an audience in Manchester and one in Chicago?

Music is the great equalizer. It flows far beyond the geographic borders that create the illusion that we are separate from one another. When you travel around the world, it becomes clear that we have so much more in common than the superficial differences reflected by our varied cultures. So, my simple answer is, no. We are all the same in the world of music.

The live performance seems to be your forte – how do you look after your voice?

It’s really more about taking a holistic view of my body. I often feel it is unfortunate that I carry my instrument with me at all times. It means, I have to be more careful about eating right and getting enough exercise and sleep, which is always a challenge on the road.

Could you tell us about the song Demolition Man? There are a few songs with that title.

The phrase, “Demolition Man” hit me right away when I came up with the melody line. I needed a five syllable phrase at the end of the last line of the chorus. It was the first lyric of the song. I wrote the rest of the lyrics around that line about the virtues of male prostitution.

Sputnik Studios in Seville really does seem to capture your voice very well, as an artist what appeals about that studio (obviously Mike Vernon rates it)?

It’s not hard to love working in Spain when it is the dead of winter in New York. Mike Vernon had done several sessions there and was impressed with the studio and its owner/engineer Jordi Gil. The studio is well equipped with great mics and vintage outboard gear. But, for me, the vibe is so cool and relaxed, I knew I could work comfortably there.

I am a big fan of Ann Peebles and investigated as soon as I realised she used Al Green’s band! Are you a fan? Any favourite tracks?

I am a big Ann Peebles fan! I used to cover “You’re Gonna Make Me Cry” when I was with Joe Louis Walker. Aw, I loved singing that song. I also used to do “I Can’t Stand The Rain.” I remember singing it for the first time in front of about a thousand people in Germany. I was so nervous I’d mess it up. Ann is not only a wonderfully soulful singer, she’s also a good songwriter. I wonder what it was like for her to be the seventh of eleven children and how that might have informed her songwriting.

The Borderline Club in London is being refurbished – is it an honour to be playing there as it reopens? I have great memories of interviewing Tony Joe White there….

It is most definitely an honor to be opening the room. The Borderline is an institution. And, I love that it is intimate enough to feel close to the audience. I also always enjoy spending time in London.

Your songs always have the key spot on and you don’t seem to strain for notes. I get there by keying the chorus comfortably first but what do you do?

I actually write the melody around a comfortable vocal range. I’m very aware that the songs will be performed night after night so I make sure I write songs that are going to work well for the live show.

Honest answer required – would you recommend to a female, young or otherwise life on the road with a bunch of blokes?

Absolutely. But, I’m imagining my band and they have become like brothers to me. I think the best answer is – ladies, surround yourself with people who bring out the best in you. Male, female, or otherwise.

Would you rather sing a duet with Gary Clark Jnr, Boz Scaggs or Gregory Porter? Any reason for your choice?

That’s a tough one. Gary is so innovative, it would be inspiring to work with him because his heavy improvisational style suits me. With the great Boz, I’d delve into my love of psychedelia. Gregory and I are both from Brooklyn and I do love jazz. I’ll start with Boz.

Do you have a favourite recording by Janis Joplin?

I love Billie Holiday and Janis’ version of “Summertime” was undoubtedly inspired by Billie.

Here’s a personal one – I love performing with my great friend Rietta Austin – any printable tales about your times together?

Rietta and I always have incredible fun together. We met in a cramped bathroom in a downtown New York City venue over a Mac lipstick. A blond and brunette sharing the mirror to smear our lips with the same shade, but Rietta had the lipliner I was missing and generously offered to share. We were soul sisters from that moment on. We also shared the stage that night. Rietta is an extraordinary talent, a beautiful person and I adore her so! Her vocals are featured on A Force of Nature.

To what extent does following the news influence your lyric writing?

Quite a lot. There are several songs on the new album that are about the current political climate in America.

What should a girl avoid wearing on stage? And why?

If you sit while you play, wear underwear or increase your fee.

Thanks for the great questions and your support. It was a pleasure to answer them for you!

Sari x

Pete Sargeant

(Thanks Sari)