BuzzCity chatted with up and coming Regina, Saskatchewan Funk / Rock / Soul band Fur Eel, on February 21, 2011, who recently released their debut album 'Elepant Summer' at McNally's Tavern, February 17, 2011.
Every year, back in the 60’s, the Arcade Music School held a recital, usually at Dark Hall or Sheldon Williams Collegiate auditorium. The Arcade had a lot of students, so, regardless of venue, the place was always packed. Guitar was really big back then too, which meant the school had six, or more, guitar teachers. Some of us played similar styles, so we’d rehearse as a group and play a couple of tunes over the course of the recital evening to provide some talent relief.
When I was among them, the ensemble was lead by George Harvey and included Greg Healy (hot classical guitarist), Dave Mahood (hot flamenco/ classical/ folksy guitarist) and Jack Semple (adept at just about anything). All nylon string players; Bob Evans was into steel strings and Chet Atkins, so he had to play by himself.
George Harvey, from whom we all took lessons, picked the music: something ‘cante chico’ that sounds good with a number of guitars, like a Sevillanas, and one of us (guess who) would get to play blistering two finger runs a la ‘Paco de Lucia’ that were ‘en compass’ but that no mortal could follow. So, almost every time, at every practice, on every tune, someone would be heard to say: “Jack, slow it down!”
Even then, the guy was smokin’. Yes folks, Paganini didn’t die – he just moved to Regina and switched instruments. He even got electric. Today, Jack Semple is a recognized master of either electric or acoustic guitar. He’s performing all over the place, composing, and lately, producing, too. He’s even got another cd in the works; this time, electric. Check the video interview.
