By Rosine Alleva – Rock At Night EU Editor
Josh Hoyer & Soul Colossal, the 6-piece soul/funk band, closed the 2024 edition of the Yecla Jazz Festival in Spain presented by Jose Miguel Lopez, music journalist directing the famous Spanish music radio program Discopolis for many years.
The “Teatro Concha Segura” is a magnificent venue where the American band from Lincoln, Nebraska, put on a breathtaking performance. The power exuded by Josh’s voice on keyboard and the total osmosis between the musicians could only enchant the audience. No wonder the theater was packed to the rafters with a sold out concert! What a pleasure to see them performing again after France in 2017 and Belgium in 2018. The concert ended after two encores and an amazing standing ovation!
Just after the soundcheck, Josh Hoyer took a moment for our interview.
RAN– It was in 2018 during your European Tour Do it now ! How did you live the long Pandemic period?
JH– We lost some good opportunities musically, we were supposed to play some high profile gigs in the United States in the summer and everything shut down in the Spring. At first I was pretty devastated, depressed and sad missing playing music. And then I really embraced it, loved slowing down, gardening, being with my family, writing. Actually I think I liked it better. When we had the chance to tour again, restrictions were lifted, we worked very hard at it, maybe too hard. We’re always looking for opportunities that make financial sense and feel we have earned the opportunity to play high profile shows after 10 years touring and crafting a world class show. Other than that, we prefer to work near home to be with our loved ones.
RAN – Did you get any financial help in the US?
JH– Not really as an artist, no. But for us, as a family, there was some help for how many kids you have. There was an organization called MusiCares that contributed a little bit and that was really nice.
RAN– Tell me about your actual lineup? There are a few new musicians since last time we saw you.
JH– Three of us that were here in 2018, Mike Keeling on bass, Blake DeForest on the trumpet, and myself, Yeah, I’m still here!
Myles Jasnowski, guitarist, started to play with us. During Covid we had some gigs and Benji was nervous to go out with cancer, and didn’t want to catch covid. He didn’t tour, he would play at home but not touring. So Myles is a phenomenal guitarist, great singer. So I would except great things from him in the future. James Cuato on the tenor saxophone, great player, great guy. He actually lived in Spain, lived in Chile, he’s kind of a man of the world! And of course, the excellent drummer, Matt Arbeiter, the latest new member in the band.
RAN– Are you gonna keep touring in Spain or are you thinking of hitting more countries in Europe?
JH– Well, it’s all about the opportunities. We have a good relationship with Pepe Ferrandez with Soul Matters here in Spain, a fair and good communicator. So, if there’s opportunities in other places, we’ll come and play!
RAN– Maybe Portugal? You remember my friend in France, José Oliveira?
JH– Oh yeah, I remember that guy, showing me his photos with James Brown!
RAN– Now let’s talk about music and your discography! You released Natural Born Hustler in 2021 and Green Light is your 6th studio album, released in 2022. How and when did you record it?
JH– We recorded it in Denver in Colorado at Mighty Fine Studios. “Green light” was written during Covid. That was the beautiful thing about slowing down, there was no such a rush. We were able to rehearse a lot, get exactly what we wanted. And add a number of details, art, orchestration, arrangements. It was nice to take time to do it and good to get back together to work on a record. We had a lot of fun getting it right. I’m very proud of that album.
GREEN LIGHT won the 2023 Blues Foundation award for the best produced cd.
RAN– How was this Spanish tour so far? And how is the Spanish audience?
JH– They don’t dance as much as I remember from the first few times. But the people have been wonderful. I love to play to Spanish audiences. It’s our fourth time here. So, good gigs so far, and tonight will be the penultimate concert on this tour.
A few days ago I happened to be in the same town as Julian Maeso. He’s Spaniard, plays organ and sings, he’s phenomenal. He was recording and he needed a vocal. I went in, recorded and had only half an hour! We recorded the song, got out, he came to the show and played with us. I learned he’s born six days before me, the same year! I love this kind of connection!
RAN– So, you keep doing solo side projects?
JH– Yeah I do a lot actually. Solo gigs, collaborated on vocals with the Macy Sounds in 2019, released a 3 song EP “The End of The Night” in 2018…
RAN– Do you still organize charity or fundraising events? You donated 50% of merch sales at live shows to the American Indian College Fund.
JH– We stopped doing this when we stopped touring but we did for a couple years when touring in the US. Right now I focus on my own family. I’m helping the LSE Choir Boosters, at my daughter’s highschool, looking to put together a fundraiser show for next year.
RAN– The first title of Green Light is called Evolution. Is it related to the evolution of the band, your music?
JH– No, during Covid I thought there was a time for everybody to slow down and look at the world for what it was, and realize how connected we are. It didn’t take long for the entire globe to shut down. Maybe realize it all and change for something positive. All the songs on the album are about the deep thinking I had when I had time to just slow down, be with my family, garden. And it just went back to business as usual, sadly. Have we reached our pinnacle of human existence or are we going to evolve into something more sophisticated based in love…
RAN– How did the band, the music evolve since the last few years?
JH– Well, we’re now touring with two horns, which is nice! We toured with just one for a long time. It’s sounds really nice, the compositions, the orchestrations, you can hear that everything is more powerful. The harmonies are beautiful. I guess we all continue to grow as musicians. I have changed a lot, I used to be wild and angry. Now I’m just really thankful to be playing and wanna see the connection we’re able to achieve. I’m not concerned about climbing the ladder to success as before. Having some gigs, enjoy the moment. When you have a close friend who died, that’s what happens I believe… you realize how sweet every moment is.
RAN– Yes, I was devastated when I learned Benjamin Kushner had passed away early this year. He was so much appreciated, loved by all…
JH– We’ve been talking about Benji on this trip, all the stories…it’s just like he’s still very much alive with all of us.
RAN– The Zoo Bar hung banners with Benjamin Kushner and Sean Benjamin with the dates 4,5,6 July 2024. Was it a celebration to honor them? Who was this other guitarist Sean Benjamin?
JH– It was a beautiful tribute. But it was for the Zoo Festival at the Zoo Bar. Sean Benjamin was known as one of the best guitar players in the MidWest. He passed away in 2014. There were other banners with many artists who played at the Zoo Bar over the years. There was some music played for two days just after Benji passed away but nothing official. You know there still was the funeral. I was actually away and didn’t get to go, so sad…
Benjamin Kushner, Josh Hoyer & Soul Colossal great guitarist for many years, passed away early this year. I remember our beautiful interview from 2018.
“You all enjoy yourselves to the multitudes…and I will just watch”
✨Benji – 11 March 2024✨
Such a beautiful soul, full of love for life and music, Rosine*
Huge thanks to Josh for this privileged moment, to Soul Matters, Dolores and Cesar for organizing this interview and to Arturo!
Many thanks as well to José for his help and kindness and to the Teatro Concha Segura’s team for their warm welcome (Thomas, Federico…)
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From Belgian and Italian parents, I grew up with music, dance and big fun! I love singing since I'm a little girl, I still am, haha. When I was 14, I saw my first concert: T-Rex. Later it was FrankZappa, Miles Davis, Chick Corea, Fela, Canned Heat, Little Feat, Bonnie Raitt, Earth, Wind and Fire ....
I dreamed to have a chat with each of them 😀 Before interviewing bands, I used to sing (and still do) and met lots of great musicians. I had the chance to be the support band to Joe Cocker in 2007. I love to communicate and meet people (Italian blood).
Working for magazine, a few years ago, l met José Oliveira! We were working at the same festival in Colmar. 2 people from the South with the same passion just recognized each other...and we stayed in contact since then. Here I am! Enjoying concerts, covering interviews and articles with José for Rock at Night!!
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