Since the breakup of Acoustic Junction in 2000, Reed Foehl has recorded four solo albums and was also a founding member of the country/bluegrass band Great American Taxi.
Foehl’s sound continues to evolve but the constant is that the Boston native loves what he does. “I am happy to keep on making records, music and songs,” Foehl said, “that I can continue to play it and have people hear it. “I am happy making music, so I guess that makes me happy with my career.”
Jambands.com caught up with Foehl following a trip to Vancouver to begin work on his 2012 solo-release entitled Color Me In.
Jamming Junction
Do you still keep in touch with the guys from Acoustic Junction? What are Curtis, Tim and Matt up to these days?
Not so much. I see Tim a bit as he has been a part of my parents’ bluegrass band for the last 10 years. Curtis is in California, haven’t seen him in a long while. Matt, I bumped into him on the street in Boulder a few years back, but that’s been it.
When you look back at those years, what do you remember most?
The innocent fun, crazy parties and the painted lines on the highway.
What song was your favorite from that run?
So many, but I really liked “Guide My Boat,” from our last record we made together.
What did you like about that 8-minute song, is there sentimental value or a deep meaning behind that particular song?
I just liked how it takes you on a musical journey. I liked how it’s made up of many different parts that connect as a whole.
Do you feel AJ made an imprint on the jamband scene?
Oh, I don’t know. That’s up to you all. I think we made a mark on our fans and each other. I do believe we had an influence on some younger bands at the time coming up the ranks.
What bands did you feel you influenced and in what way?
It’s hard to really say — you’d have to ask them. I think we just paved the way and inspired other bands to work hard and tour and then see the positive results.
I never understood why the band changed its name to Fools Progress and then back to Acoustic Junction. Can you clear up the confusion.
We signed a record deal. They wanted us to change our name, thought “acoustic” was limiting. Obviously was not a wise decision, so we changed it back.
Why wasn’t it a wise decision?
Because we had built up a fan base touring for nine years under the moniker Acoustic Junction and then tossed that away. It’s like a restaurant that has the same food but changes its name; even though the food is the same, nobody gets it.
How do you compare the jamband scene to what it was then and what it is now?
I don’t think much has changed, it’s all about noodling and having a good time. I wish there was more moving content in the songs, that’s what made the Grateful Dead so special and sets them apart from all the others.
What ultimately led AJ to disband?
Ten years on the road together in a van.
It’s been 12 years since you guys have played together, has there ever been talk of a string of reunion shows in Colorado?
It’s been mentioned but it has never come to fruition.
Does that disappoint you ?
No, I am content with that ride. Now I am on another.
A Short Taxi Ride
How did you become a member of Great American Taxi?
Vince asked me to be a part of it for a benefit concert.
What was it like working with Vince Herman?
I love Vince dearly. He is the pied piper.
As a fan I love Vince too, but can you explain that sentiment from the perspective of a fellow musician?
It’s much like a friendship and mutual respect for each other that has developed over the years. I just think he is a kind, true, giving soul and I am proud to know him and be his friend.
You ended up leaving the band shortly after its formation, how come?
Originally, it was just supposed to be an all-star band for a benefit. It became something else, but it was never my intention to join a band. I was concentrating on my solo stuff.
Traveling Alone
You’ve just announced eight opening dates with Todd Snider. Can you tell us about that, how does that feel, where does the tour go?
I am very excited to be playing a batch of shows with Todd. I am a big fan of his work and I am honored to have been asked to open. The tour starts in Portland, Oregon and then heads up to Seattle for two nights, Boise, Salt Lake and ends up in Colorado. It’s always a pleasure and a treat to share your music with new fans and a challenge to win them over. And I’m also heading out after that and doing some northeast shows: Boston, New York City, and Vermont.
You recently recorded some tracks for a new album. How did that go?
I just got back from two weeks in Afterlife Studios in Vancouver and we recorded all of it live with a full band: producer/drummer John Raham, guitarist Jefferson Hamer, bassist Darren Parris and keyboardist Tyson Naylor. So far we have five tracks with strong foundations which we will build upon. The songs and production have an old school feel like Neil Young, Pink Floyd, and Bob Dylan. I’m trying to keep it real — not much overdubbing and over producing. Everything is heard and holds its own space. Everything has been recorded onto tape, as a result it has a nice warm sound to it. I am planning on putting it out on vinyl, so recording it to tape should bode well.
I also understand you have done a re-release of your 2009 solo album Once an Ocean. Why did you decide to do that?
Once an Ocean, never got radio or the proper publicity to give it a chance, so we had the means and thought it would be a good idea to throw it out there and build some momentum for the upcoming record. Radio stations are accepting and playing various songs from it, so I think it is working.
How would you describe your sound for fans that are not familiar with your work?
I would say roots music, indie folk with a country flair.
And here do you draw your inspiration as a singer songwriter?
All your typical places — love, sorrow, life experiences, and a lot of it is inexplicable.
And finally a line from one of your classic AJ songs, “...Now I wonder who can tell me what the nineties will bring, a band with no pickers and music without strings.” What are your feelings on the current state of music?
Oh I think pop music is the same as it always will be. I think with the Internet and YouTube there is a lot more room for all kinds of music and bands to have a shot at a career. I still listen to records. The old stuff still rings true to me. Listening to Townes Van Zandt on vinyl right now and having a nice cup of coffee, doesn’t get much better than that.
