By THIRSTY
Terry
Wollman’s songs have topped the Billboard chart. His song, “Mandela,” that he co-wrote with Keb’ Mo’, reached #1 on Smooth Jazz Top 20 Chart, #4 on the Billboard Chart and spent five months on
Billboard’s Top 20. He has worked with some of today’s greatest musicians and
recording artists. He has recorded six albums and one 25-year retrospective
album. He is known as a guitarist, a performer, a producer, a director, a
composer, a radio host and a highly regarded force in the music business.
Stay Thirsty Magazine enjoyed visiting with Terry Wollman in Los Angeles for this
Conversation about his work and his thoughts on the music business.
Terry Wollman – No Problem
STAY THIRSTY: How important was the invention of the electric guitar
in 1931 to contemporary music?
TERRY WOLLMAN: It was absolutely critical to the development of pop,
jazz, blues, R&B, soul and every style of music in between. Prior to that
game changing invention, guitar playing was (in most cases) limited to rhythmic
accompaniment. Adding a pickup to the instrument created a broad tonal palette
that helped move the guitar to the front of the stage.
STAY THIRSTY: Early proponents of the electric guitar included Les
Paul and T-Bone Walker, to name just two, and Jazz musicians were the first to
adopt it. What drew you to the electric guitar as your instrument of choice and
what made it so important in your career?
TERRY WOLLMAN: My first instrument was an acoustic guitar. It was
physically painful to play because the strings were so high that it was difficult
to press down against the frets. My fingers literally bled from practicing
until I developed callouses. I begged my parents for an
electric guitar which was easier to play, so I would say “pain” is what drew me
to the electric guitar. It has been invaluable in my career because it allows
me unlimited sounds and colors to create music with, both in the studio and on
stage.
STAY THIRSTY: Who made the greatest electric guitars in history and
what made them different from the rest? Is there one specific guitar that you
have played or owned that holds a special place in your heart?
TERRY WOLLMAN: Fender and Gibson originally led the pack in creating
the best sounding electric guitars, inspired by Les Paul and Leo Fender. Now
there are companies like Xotic, Duesenberg and Rick Turner Guitars building
some of the world-class instruments that I play. The Valley Arts Custom shop
made my two personal favorite electric guitars for me in the late 80’s. I also
love my Taylor 912C acoustic guitar which I got for my 1998 Say Yes album, and have traveled the
world with ever since.
STAY THIRSTY: Although you have a degree in arranging from Berklee
College of Music, your career has included roles as a musician, producer,
composer, musical director and arranger. Which of those roles most closely
represents who you are and which one gives you the greatest fulfillment?
TERRY WOLLMAN: You mean who is my favorite child? It truly is
impossible to choose, but I would say that being a Producer/Music Director draws
from all of those skills and inspires me to create music with other gifted
musicians and artists. That fulfills me!
STAY THIRSTY: You have worked with many of the greatest musicians
and artists of our time, including Joan Baez, Michael McDonald, Dionne Warwick,
The 5th Dimension, Eartha Kitt and Melissa Manchester. Of all the
people you have collaborated with, which ones have had the most influence on
your music and on your growth as a composer and producer?
TERRY WOLLMAN: Honestly…all
of them have influenced me with their passion, dedication, musicianship and
focus. Joe Sample, who I worked closely with in my early career, showed me what
it meant to be an artist/composer/musician/arranger/producer. Melissa
Manchester, who I still collaborate with, continues to set the bar high every
time she steps on stage, writes a song or records an album. These artists have
shown me the beauty of giving your all every time you create music.
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| Terry Wollman and Melissa Manchester (Courtesy of Terry Wollman) |
STAY THIRSTY: As a successful recording artist with many Billboard top rankings to your credit,
what are the characteristics that you look for in a song that help to make it a
hit?
TERRY WOLLMAN: Melody, melody and melody. Additionally, a lyric with
clarity, depth and a fresh perspective that invites the listener into the story.
As an artist and a producer, my job is to serve the song and bring it to life.
Once the song’s direction reveals itself to me, I surround myself with greatness…a
community of musically generous musicians and engineers who bring their talent,
experience and “A” game to everything they do.
STAY THIRSTY: If you were to concentrate on just one area in your
wide musical career going forward, what would it be and with whom would you
like to work that you have not?
TERRY WOLLMAN: I would choose producing because it allows me to
express myself musically and collaborate with artists who inspire me every day.
I have had the great pleasure of producing Alan Bergman with Dave Grusin, Dick
Van Dyke, (co-producing) Tony Bennett and Melissa Manchester (with guest
artists Stevie Wonder, Keb’ Mo’, Al Jarreau, Dionne Warwick, Dave Koz and Joe
Sample). I love pop music and would love to work with artists like Justin
Timberlake. I have a deep love and passion for the collaborative process of creating
music. My goal is to keep working with up-and-coming artists as well as
continue producing the great legends of our generation.
STAY THIRSTY: What advice do you have for young musicians who aspire
to influence the direction of contemporary music in the 21st
century?
TERRY WOLLMAN: Look both forward and back to find your inspiration.
Stand on the shoulders of those who came before you to hear where the music
that resonates in you came from. Immerse yourself in art, and in life, to find
your own voice. Be fearless, passionate and uncompromising in the integrity you
bring to everything that you do…and make sure to have fun along the way.
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