Sunday, June 01, 2008
Quick, Q&A
Shining a light on Chuck Leavell
A Quick Q&A
Courtesy of Michelle Roche Media
Chuck Leavell
“SHINE A LIGHT”
Directed by Martin Scorsese
Rated PG-13
7:30 p.m.
Thursday, June 5
$7
Fox Theatre
404-817-8700
www.foxtheatre.org
The Coca-Cola Summer Film Festival kicks off at the Fox Theatre this week with the Rolling Stones documentary “Shine A Light.” Prior to the film, Georgia resident and conservationist Chuck Leavell, who’s played keyboards with the Stones for more than a quarter century, will perform a couple of numbers and chat with the evening’s host, DAVE-FM personality Mara Davis. We caught up with Leavell, who’s played with everyone from Eric Clapton to Aretha Franklin to the Black Crowes, about the making of the film and his new solo live album.—Kevin Forest Moreau
Q Did the filming of “Shine A Light” present any particular problems for you specifically, in terms of cameras getting in your face and the like?
A All of those issues are going to be there anytime you do something of this stature. [Director Martin] Scorsese brought in 17 cameras, so of course they’re going to be in your face, there’s going to be lights when you don’t want to see them. But we all realized that going into the game. The bottom line is they were very respectful of us, the camera people, they were a joy to work with.
What’s your role in the group these days?
At this point in time, I’m looked to in terms of helping during the rehearsal phases, because I keep a lot of records of past rehearsals, horn charts, notes concerning changes we may have made in any particular arrangement, background vocals—all of those things. … As it pertains to this film, [Mick Jagger] told me who the special guests would be [including Christina Aguilera, Jack White], and I made suggestions for what the songs would be—except for Buddy Guy; that was Mick’s idea to do “Champagne & Reefer.” … We decided how long it should be and what was appropriate and that’s how it all came together.
Your new album, “Live in Germany,” mixes your own compositions with covers from acts you’ve been associated with.
Let’s face it; I’m known in large part for my work with these various artists, whether it’s the Stones, the Allman Brothers, or my old band Sea Level. So that’s I think the best way to present myself, to mix it up, to have some fun. … I usually don’t do a whole lot of solo work because I’m fortunate enough to do this work with all these other performers. So this was a rare opportunity that came together very, very well. …I’m just so fortunate that it turned out so well. It was just one of those magical nights. The stars lined up and everything worked in my favor. SP