068: I imagine you will have both classic and new songs for us during your upcoming concert in the Ridgefield Playhouse in March. Has songwriting changed for you over the course of your career, or do you have a perfected formula that you use?
JO: This show is a bit of my personal musical history as well as a snapshot from the early days of American popular music. I get to show a side of me that many people may not be aware of—the roots and blues influences that I started with long before I met Daryl Hall. My songwriting technique has not really changed over the years but always evolves as I’ve grown both in age and experience.
068: You’ve been to our neck of the woods many times now, especially when participating in the Live from Daryl’s House series. Is there anything about this area you look forward to when visiting?
JO: I actually lived in Bridgewater Connecticut during the 1980’s so I’m very familiar with the area and still have many friends living there.
068: In your memoir Change of Seasons, you’ve spoken about how the music scene has changed and how musicians have had to adapt. Even though that was written in 2017, it seems that things have changed quite a bit even since then. What challenges and advantages do musicians face with how fast things are going?
JO: The last few years have been challenging for everyone and especially for musicians who tour. It’s been interesting to try to navigate this new time we’re living in and figuring out ways to stay creative and healthy at the same time.
068: This is a musical town, and I always like to ask on behalf of our young musicians; what advice do you have for those looking at a career in music?
JO: The age-old answer is to listen and absorb as much as you can from the artists that you admire and try to figure out what it is that they do that touches you musically and emotionally. Then keep playing and hone your skills.
068: Is there anything in the works that you are excited about and would like to share with us?
JO: I’m very excited to be performing this new acoustic storytellers show with my good friend and amazing guitarist Guthrie Trapp. [to be performed at the Ridgefield Playhouse on March 20th, 2022]•
