With “Basie Boy” out now, we took some time to hear from Mighty Joe Belson. Read below to learn more about Mighty Joe Belson, the story behind “Basie Boy,” and what’s to come.
Hi Mighty Joe Belson! Let’s start with how did you get your artist name?
I started playing jazz in 2013, busking on the streets of San Francisco with a band leader named Tender Tim. He liked to give everyone nicknames, so ‘Mighty Joe Belson’ is the one that he gave me. I kind of liked it – being a fan of the movie ‘Mighty Joe Young’ – so I decided to keep it.
What city are you from and where are you based now?
I grew up outside of New York City, but moved to California in 2002. I’ve been in the Bay Area ever since, and currently am living in Berkeley. It’s a good vibe.
At what point in your life did you decide to pursue a career in music? How did you get started?
When I was about ten, I saw the Freddie Mercury tribute concert at Wembley Stadium broadcast on TV. It was just so epic, I told myself that I wanted to be a rock star right there, haha. I picked up a bass guitar a year later and have been going at it ever since – with a few detours of course.
Has your upbringing played a role in shaping who you are and defining your sound today? If so, how?
Like a lot of kids, I just wanted to stick it to the man and get drunk. I only mellowed out and got into jazz later in life. Before that, it was all rock n roll, metal, and punk attitude. So there is still a bit of that underlying everything I do, even the jazz. I take my music seriously, but there’s room for play and fun too.
How would you describe your sound to readers who may not be familiar with you?
The Doodle Cats sound is classic, straight-ahead jazz, very much in the vein of post-bebop artists like Horace Silver, Cannonball Adderly, and Art Blakey. But there is also a nostalgic warmth and penchant for melody that comes from influences like Duke Ellington and of course Louis Armstrong.
What do Jazz and Rock ‘n’ Roll have in common?
The blues. It’s American music, and it’s what I do.
Do you have any hobbies outside of music? What do you do to stay creative?
It’s fair to say that music is my life, but I also like reading classic books, watching the Simpsons (even the new ones), and just getting in the car for a drive. California is a wonderful place with so much to explore. I tend to find inspiration in dreams – that’s where the songs come from.
Who are some of your main musical influences?
I’ve already mentioned the jazz influences, but for beauty and emotion there’s artists like Pink Floyd/David Gilmour and Arvo Part, for humor there’s bands like GWAR and SOD. I’m not a big lyric guy, but Tom Petty always had something to say that resonated with me.
What’s one of the proudest moments of your music career so far?
I’ve played CBGB’s, The Van’s Warped Tour, even cruise ships and things. But putting out this next record will be my proudest moment so far.
What would you say are the greatest lessons that you’ve learned so far?
Always keep learning and evolving. Be in charge of your own career. It’s never too late to try something new.
Now onto your release, ‘Basie Boy.’ What inspired this song?
As the title suggests, it was inspired by big band jazz like Count Basie. Swingin’ and bluesy.
What is a Doodle Cat?
A doodle cat is basically a cat with a bow tie. Bow tie + cat = Doodle Cat. But it’s more than that – it’s someone who loves playing jazz for all the right reasons: self-expression, collaboration, and good times. When you take a solo, you’re just doodlin’ – no need to overthink it, man, just have fun!
What was the creative process like when making ‘Basie Boy?’
I wrote the melody on trumpet, which was my first instrument. It reminded me of a kid imitating his favorite jazz artists, thus the name. When it came time to record some Doodle Cats music, I arranged the song for trombone and sax – though I’d love to actually make a big band version one day.
How long did it take to complete ‘Basie Boy?’
After I made the charts, we recorded it all live, doing 3-4 takes in the studio. It only took about 30-45 minutes.
What do you hope fans take away from ‘Basie Boy’ and your music in general?
I hope fans get a smile on their face and a spring in their step, as well as a love for classic jazz and a hunger for more.
What’s next for you? Are you working on any upcoming projects, or do you have any upcoming shows that we should be on the lookout for?
‘Basie Boy’ is the first single off of the upcoming album, Reinventing The Wheel. The next single should come out in September and the album itself will drop on October 24th.
Where can we follow you on social media?
https://www.instagram.com/mightyjoe.b
https://www.facebook.com/mightyjoebelson
https://www.youtube.com/@mightyjoebelson
https://necessaryvice.net
Thank you for the great interview; wish you much continued success!
