Following news of Todd Nance's passing, we look back 20 years to this conversation which coincided with the release of .Another Joyous OccasionDB- Let’s jump in and talk about the new album. It features the Dirty Dozen Brass Band. How did that relationship come about?DB- In dealing with the DDBB, to what extent was the music worked out in advance?DB- Did anybody work out charts for them?DB- To some degree I would imagine that the dynamic you described is analogous to your relationship with [percussionist] Sunny Ortiz. I’m curious, to what extent do you work out elements in advance with him?DB- What role do you take in guiding or directing improv?DB- How has your drumming style evolved during your years in the band?DB- Do you have any particular drumming heroes or influences?DB- Speaking of which, you’ve been taking a more active role in the band’s songwriting lately. What led to that?DB- In addition to Steve Earle, who are some of your other influences?DB- What do you write on?DB- How long have you been playing?DB- When did you start playing drums?DB- Let’s go back to the album, how hard was it selecting tunes?DB- Anything in particular that you regret losing?DB- How democratic was the process of selecting tracks for the album?DB- There are a number of cover tunes on the album. I’m curious, who typically introduces those?NRBQDB- How vigorously do you rehearse those before you bring them out at a show?DB- Do you have any particular favorite moment on Another Joyous Occasion?DB- What about the song “Arlene,” which typically can go out pretty far in the live setting. What led you to offer a “dance remix” on the new release?DB- I’ve heard some people say that it really changes the entire mood of the album, which otherwise presents live tracks.DB- Widespread Records, how active is the band in its direction?DB- What was the impetus for creating it?DB- Will you be releasing Athens as complete shows?DB- How many releases a year do you anticipate?DB- Do you anticipate that you’ll put out the music of anyone else?DB- Well that provides a nice segue. Speaking of Barbara Cue, how did that come about?NRBQDB- How has sound of Barbara Cue evolved?DB- Well you did say you like Steve Earle.
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