The Folk Tradition
Sunday, May 4, at 6 p.m.
on 90.5 WKAR
"The Folk Tradition" Features Interview with Jeff Daniels
Jeff Daniels is best known for his long and varied career as a film actor ("Terms of Endearment," "Dumb and Dumber," “The Squid and the Whale"), but over the last few years he has also emerged as a very entertaining singer/songwriter/guitarist with three CDs and 250 concerts to his credit.
Daniels recently talked about his music with 90.5 WKAR's Bob Blackman. On a special edition of The Folk Tradition on May 4, Bob will play excerpts from their conversation, several of Daniels' songs, and also selections from some of the songwriters and guitarists whom Jeff cites as influences.
"Jeff is a very talented writer whose songs span a similar range to his movies," Bob says. "Many are absolutely hilarious, while others are deeply personal and touching. He's also a fine guitarist who is constantly working on his craft."
Daniels had written songs for most of his life, solely for his own enjoyment, but was convinced to do some solo concerts to raise money for the Purple Rose Theatre, which he had founded in his hometown of Chelsea, MI. In the interview, he talks about his terror at doing those first concerts, and how he developed his skills and confidence as a solo singer-songwriter.
"I don't usually do interviews on my show," Bob says, "but I was anxious to talk with Jeff because I'm so intrigued by his story. Here's someone who has worked in scores of films, with many of the top actors and directors in the world, but he loves to do concerts in intimate folk venues and to connect with a live audience."
Bob adds, "Jeff's a very down-to-earth guy who graciously acknowledges the other musicians he admires, from Christine Lavin and bluesman Keb' Mo' to Michigan's own Steppin' In It. He's quite candid about the challenges of overcoming the audience's low expectations for an actor-turned-musician, and giving them a satisfying and entertaining concert. I've seen Jeff onstage, and can testify that he's a fabulous solo performer."
Daniels is also a playwright, and his "Escanaba in Love" (a "prequel" to his very successful "Escanaba in da Moonlight") is running at BoarsHead Theater in Lansing April 30 through May 25.
Bob's interview with Jeff Daniels can be heard on The Folk Tradition on Sunday, May 4, at 6 p.m., on 90.5 WKAR.
published: April 30, 2008
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