The Alex Lopez Xpress
The Alex Lopez Xpress has just released a new album titled "Slow Down". The new collection of songs has a strong meaning and addresses the big problem of drug addiction in America. As Alex states "It is a major issue plaguing our society." Alex reaches down to his roots of classic blues to musically showcase the epidemic in a very convincing way. Having grown up in the urban city of Cleveland, and studying artists like Clapton, Page, Hendrix and Freddie King, Alex has the tools to pull off a great blues concept album. The album was recorded in Atomic Audio studio in Tampa, Florida and with the rich production work, the music is destined to stand the test of time. The Xpress band members feature Alex on guitar, Michael Maxim on drums, Steve Pagano on bass and Kenny Hoye on keyboards. The solid rhythm section enhances the polished sound of the album. I recently discussed the making of the album with Alex Lopez.
R.V.B. - Congratulations on your new CD release "Slow Down". Did you change your musical approach on this collection of songs from your previous releases?
A.L. - Most certainly. The previous albums were written for less instrumentation as a 3 -piece and purposely were produced from a simple, live and raw perspective. With “Slowdown” not only did I add keyboards and horns but sonically I wanted something that stood up with anything out there so great focus was placed on production which demands a more sophisticated musical approach.
R.V.B. - The Title "Slow Down" is something a lot of people need to do. This concept collection of songs not only has a great message but is also a wake up call to a lot of people. Why did you decide to tackle this issue?
A.L. - It really happened organically. I didn’t set out to write an album on the subject but had close friends struggling with addiction issues and subconsciously started writing songs on the subject. One day I woke up and said, “well this must be what I’m supposed to be writing about” and from there it just evolved. It is a major issue plaguing our society…
R.V.B. - How did the songwriting process go? How did the collaboration work?
A.L. - Songwriting is such a mysterious thing for me anyway and there are so many things that inspire it. Some songs like the title track “Slowdown” or the song “Dangerous” started with a guitar riff and others like “Stolen” started with a lyric and a melody. Essentially, I write and record constantly and will refer to these partially completed tunes for the starting point of writing an album. From a collaboration perspective, with this album demos were brought to the band. They infuse their musicianship and personality but the essence of the song is already there.
R.V.B. - Where did you record this and who are some of the people involved with the recording?
A.L. - This is my second album recorded at Atomic Audio in Tampa and I like working there because of the vibe, relaxed approach as well as solid technical knowledge. At Atomic I worked with Frank Calcaterra who is a gifted engineer and really served as a co-producer. Frank worked hard to give me what I want no matter how demanding I was and he pushed me to perform at my best. I also should mention Jeff Lipton at Grammy nominated Peerless mastering studios, he took the sonics to the next level.
R.V.B. - How did you get interested in the blues?
A.L. - I think like anyone, looking up to older kids in the neighborhood who were in this case Led Zeppelin fanatics. Then as I became a guitar player I wanted to find out where did Jimmy Page and Eric Clapton and Jimi Hendrix learned it from and that took me straight to the blues.
R.V.B. - What was Cleveland like growing up and how did you get your musical start?
A.L. - Urban man. I mean it’s a factory worker, steel plant, great docks type of place and I grew up 4 blocks from a US Steel plant. I think I developed a hard edge as a result which is OK. I started like most kids in a garage band but by the time I was 16, I was writing songs and when my band won a local songwriting competition, with a few songs we performed, that I had written, well I knew then this was my calling…
R.V.B. - How would you describe your guitar playing? What are the influences?
A.L. - I think of myself as a blues cross-over player, one who blends traditional blues with rock and I always try to play to serve the song. My influences vary but Jimmy Page, Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, Freddie King and even Scotty Moore are huge guitar influences.
R.V.B. - Any good (or Bad - where something went unexpectedly) gig stories?
A.L. - Well I once had an outdoor gig that was under an enormous roof that leaked and got caught in a rain storm while performing. That probably is not that unusual except that in this case not only did my pedals get fried but the venue lost power. So, we ended up singing acapella to the audience to keep the crowd peaceful. Talk about ad lib!
R.V.B. - Tell me a little bit about how this current band came together? Where did the name Xpress come from?
A.L. - So, the band was initially put together to support my previous albums and I started having auditions. Michael Maxim my drummer came first and responded to an on-line ad. He was exactly what I envisioned, a powerful drummer who could also provide grooves when needed. For a couple years Michael and I were a 3-piece band before we decided to add instrumentation. Gary and Steve also responded to on-line ads. Gary’s resume was outstanding so I knew what he could add and with Steve, as a bass player, it was a matter of clicking with Michael and being the right rhythm section which they did instantly. Once I had assembled the group I knew I had something special which became motivation to record the new album.
The name Xpress has a three-fold meaning. First play expressively with dynamics keeping fans and audiences on the edge. Second have something to say or to express to people – connect with them through our message whether it be tapping deep emotion or creating joy through a moment of escape. And lastly, we want “run people over like a freight train live” with a high energy show - thus Xpress.
R.V.B. - Any plans to support the new album?
A.L. - Absolutely, right now we are booked through the next few months and are putting plans together to do some mini-tours around the US and even Europe.
R.V.B. - Thank you for considering answering these questions.
A.L. - My pleasure - thanks for the opportunity!
Interview conducted by Robert von Bernewitz
This interview may not be reproduced in any part or form without permission from this site.
For more information on Alex Lopez visit his website www.alexlopezmusic.com
Special thanks to Billy James
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