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Great White has stayed energized with new music and new members.
Power naps have kept Great White energized after 30 years of touring, but a new lead singer and a new album have rejuvenated the band in an exciting direction.
“It’s all about the power nap,” guitarist Mark Kendall said during a phone interview from Canada, where the band had been touring. “When you’re out here, we try to get a space to get a nap in.”
But, creating new material also helps.
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Great White With Slaughter and Lynch Mob WHEN: 7 tonight WHERE: Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, 11000 Broadway SE HOW MUCH: $15-$25 at www.holdmyticket.com |
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“What keeps us going is making new music,” Kendall said. “If we’re just an oldies band and go out and play the ’80s hits, we would not be around this long. But, I think, you know, writing music and recording new stuff keeps it exciting.”
The band’s new release, “Elation,” took the band in a new direction. Kendall said unlike past recordings the entire band was together in the studio, instead of band members going in at different times to record or write.
“We were sitting with acoustic guitars and these ideas started happening,” Kendall said. “We let ourselves be free and go for the moment. … You can hear the energy on the record.”
Kendall credits the positive energy to new singer Terry Ilous, who was added to the band after a lineup change last year. Bassist Scott Snyder also joined the band currently comprised of original members Michael Lardie on guitar and keyboards, Audie Desbrow on drums and Kendall.
“It’s a focused band, but we’re not so serious,” Kendall said. “We have a good time with each other just enjoying the moment. Now, a good moment is every moment and it’s great.”
The additions have only enhanced Great White’s sound and the band has not strayed from its blues-rock roots, particularly in its new song “Lowdown.”
Fans can expect to hear the old with the new during Great White’s live shows.
“We go all the way back to the beginning of the band and bring everyone up to current,” Kendall said. “We play all the hits and we have some extended jams. We like to bring the crowd in to the show. We don’t want to bombard them with new music, we’re doing a couple at a time.”
In addition to playing new music for the fans, the members of Great White also enjoy meeting their fans.
“We enjoy hanging out with our fans and hearing their stories, they’re plentiful,” Kendall said. “… I’m so grateful for all that. I’m a fan myself, and to hear someone say what our music did to create a memory, that’s a blessing.”
Reprint story -- Email the reporter at rmartinez@abqjournal.com. Call the reporter at 505-823-3920
