Buffalo Springfield, Poco founder Richie Furay: The Interview
jmcspadden3
Posted On November 12, 2014
The Flame Still Burns: Contrary to the rock and roll narrative, you didn’t die young, you didn’t burn out, and you sure haven’t faded away. In fact, you have a new album out, Hand in Hand.
Richie Furay: What a nice intro; it’s very humbling. I have indeed been blessed – and can only thank my Lord Jesus Christ for that; I have lived my dreams, been given a wonderful, loving supportive family and great church fellowship. Yes, I do have new music to share with my audience. After Heartbeat Of Love I really thought that would be it but songs just started to come after the short-lived Buffalo Springfield reunion and I decided to take advantage of it with this recording.
Both Dan (Dugmore) and Chris (Leuzinger) step up and drive the music.
You seem to really gel with these Nashville cats.
I have done all of my “studio recording” in Nashville since 1996 (5 projects including one I’m still working on for my daughter Jesse); and you are right, the same guys – Dan and Chris along with Michael Rhodes (bass), Pete Wasner (piano & keyboards) and Dennis Holt (drums) have been able to relate to my music in a way that is “on the spot” personal – meaning, they instantly relate to the songs I bring them and it translates into the recording, another blessing.
I think the thing that strikes me about this album would be your perspective. You are able to speak from the point of view of a fully rounded person, not just a performer, one who has not only survived the pitfalls of an industry and lifestyle that has taken some of our brightest stars, but as a man who has come through victorious by keeping your faith, your family and your artistic integrity.
No doubt, without the Lord, I would have lost my way a long time ago.
You have been married 47, 48 years now, right? That’s an accomplishment in itself, but especially for someone from the world of rock and roll.
It will be 48 years in March of next year. Yes, sadly far too many of my friends have not come through the stumbling blocks of “life” as I have. That’s certainly not to say that Nancy and I didn’t have our challenges (especially in the first 7 years of marriage), and we are thankful for these blessings as well as we journey “Hand In Hand” on into our “golden years”.
I would like your comment on something. I have long thought of Poco and The Lovin’ Spoonful in the same breath for a number of reasons. Songwriting excellence on the one hand. Also the fact that both bands are really, at their core, early examples of what could be described as Americana; roots rock bands that melded genres in the process of creating something new and exciting. But specifically what I am referring to is outlook. Both Poco and the Spoonful were positive, “good time” music in a world troubled by Vietnam, political, and social unrest. There is, in the arts, a prevailing notion that dark equals deep, while “up” or positive equals shallow, intellectually.
Well, how nice to be thought of along with the Lovin’ Spoonful. I think there is also “a prevailing notion” that there has to be “dirt” to make a group “interesting.” I believe that’s part of the reason Poco has not been considered by Jann Wenner for the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame. By the way, Poco and myself will be inducted into the Colorado Rock and Roll Hall of Fame this year. Anyway, our music (at least from my perspective) was intended to give folks a little relief from the troubled times we were living in back in the late ‘60s and early ‘70s. The lyrics were not always “happy” but the music very much had an upbeat [feel] about it. Poco was a very entertaining “live band” as well. A friend and producer of some of my recordings once said, “You’re the only guy I know who can write a happy — i.e. good time feeling — sad song.”
I imagine you to have a large record collection. If I could look through your personal music collection, what do you think I would find that would surprise me?
It’s not that big, but maybe a few classical pieces. I remember walking into a book store in New York City one day a long time ago and heard a recording playing that I just had to have. It was Vivaldi – a guitar and mandolin concerto; beautiful. Most of my collection is records that were recorded on Columbia that were given to me … just kidding.
Who are you listening to these days?
Truthfully, I do not listen to a lot of music but if I had to mention a genre it would be “country” music.
With the new record coming out, does making music feel different to you now? I know the industry has changed quite a bit since the early days. Although you might like another hit, is there less pressure in recording now?
Well, you’re very kind as far as “another hit” goes, since I am the only one in any of the bands I’ve been in that has not written a bonafide “hit.” Rusty is even quick to say “Poco never had a ‘hit’ until Richie and Jimmy [Messina] left the band.” I have “familiar” songs that my fans are familiar with, that [some] may think they were hits but… I still try to write songs that are accessible. That is, one that has a memorable melody and thoughtful lyrics. Although I have also been criticized by some reviewers that I only write one kind of song – a love song. On Hand in Hand, I believe they will see another side to my writing although the “love songs” are there as well.
The Springfield reunion, although unfortunately short-lived, brought your name back into the spotlight. In the 70s it seemed that sometimes critics were reviewing your new found faith, instead of the merits of your solo recordings. It was nice to see you spotlighted in a favorable way, with compliments from colleagues like Graham Nash and David Crosby.
Yes, that was very touching and nice of both David and Graham to make positive remarks about my contribution to the reunion. In a way, it was important for me to reassure myself and the fans in [the] Buffalo Springfield world that I did play a major part in Buffalo Springfield. Certainly Stephen and Neil have “proven” themselves, but for me to have an opportunity to step on stage with them and “hold my own” was reassuring to me. As far as reviewers taking a “shot” at my faith rather than my music in the ‘70’s – that’s just the way it goes. I still believe “I’ve Got A Reason,” “Dance a Little Light,” and “I Still have Dreams” stand up and hold up today. The politics within the recording industry at the time was not an easy one to unite with the underlying aspect of my faith. People did not know how to deal with it and yet, if the music would have been given a chance to be heard, I think people might have viewed it differently.
Was the Springfield reunion filmed?
Yes. [It’s] all in Neil’s hands now.
Speaking of Buffalo Springfield, have you and Stephen Stills thought of doing a project together? At this point in your career, is there anyone you would like to work with?
No, I’m very content with my RFB [Richie Furay Band] – great musicians who relate to my music. Certainly, if the opportunity presented itself, it would be something to consider. But I want to focus on my band right now.
I can only agree and hope it remains so.
I would like to ask you about some of your songs. The Poco song “What Am I Gonna Do?” sounds like it could have been written for George Jones.
This song was solicited to George Jones just before he passed away. What an honor that would have been to have had him record it.
I think in whatever way it is considered an “epic country-rock classic,” [it] has to be credited to Jack Richardson and Bob Ezrin, who did the orchestration. I just had a little folk song and the next thing I knew – wow, it was a whole production that stayed true to the original intent of the song.
There are some really strong songs on your solo albums that have been missing from your set lists. I am thinking of “I’ve Got a Reason,” “We’ll See,” “Gettin’ Through,” “Mighty Maker,” “Someone Who Cares,” and “Stand Your Guard.” Any chance of those seeing the light of day in future tours?
You never know. Now that RFB has another “instrumentalist” in the band — Jack Jeckot — I would love to see “Stand Your Guard” given a chance. It was amazing to “see” that “Crazy Eyes” could be performed with Scott [Sellen] playing so many instruments: guitar, piano, banjo and lap steel. [It was] really a demonstration of talent!
Your current configuration of the Richie Furay Band really showcases your body of work and gives you the chance to perform with your daughter Jesse Furay Lynch. That must be quite rewarding.
Truthfully, if Jesse wasn’t along for this part of the ride I doubt that I would have the desire or interest that I do. For RFB to perform at the level that I have to have and, to travel the way we do — we don’t get on a private jet after the show and wind down at 30,000 feet … it is very hard at my age, but I enjoy the music. And, as long as we have an audience and the band is willing to make the effort we’ll continue on.
Scott Sellen’s guitar work on the double live disc is stellar. He really captures the guitar tone and sensibilities of the time in which the recordings were originally made.
Scott is an amazing instrumentalist!
The recurrent theme of ecstatic love in your songwriting outs you as the romantic you are. This new album has the first vaguely political song you have written in as far back as I can remember. It is really about love of country in a very non-partisan way. There are no connections to any political party or movement at all. And yet, I have noticed on Facebook one or two comments that seemed to disapprove of the tone of the song (although they were clearly a minority voice). Audiences often want to keep a performer in a comfortable box. Lyrically you express your concern over the divided nature of America in 2014.
You’ve summed this up accurately. Love is the foundation from which I write, whether it is for love for my wife, my Lord, or my country. I do have many liberal, left-leaning friends whom I respect even though our political views may differ. (Yes, I am a conservative. When I was younger, I embraced the liberal ideology, but over time I came around to the right.) I only can hope they respect my views as well. For whatever reason, a few of the songs on Hand in Hand do express my love and concern for this great nation called the United States of America. It has caused some “friends” of mine on Facebook to drop off, but if that’s the way they “feel” – “my way or the highway” — then that’s their decision. I too have an outlook and opinion. I can only hope the things that divide us can be set aside as we look for and seek unity in our midst. We live in troubled times. As a pastor, I have a hope and an outlook that I know: the bottom line is Jesus Christ, the Prince of peace … that He is the only One who can restore unity to the divisiveness in this world. Years ago the rally cry was “give peace a chance.” My cry is give the Prince of peace, Jesus Christ, a chance!
Notes:
Richie and his family live in Colorado where he pastors a church, Calvary Chapel of Broomfield, Co. which he started in 1983, the website is www.calvarychapel.org. His personal website is www.RichieFuray.com/ and he can be found on Facebook as well. His new album Hand in Hand is slated for release this February.
