Questlove x Elvis Costello x Don Was Talk Wise Up Ghost
Blue Note Records chief Don Was curated an intimate discussion with Questlove and Elvis Costello at the Electric Church (Electric Lady Studios) covering the recording process for their dynamic collaboration LP Wise Up Ghost, released through the supervision of Don Was on his label. Speaking on the process from conception to completion, the trio talked about how The Roots' drummer and the famed songwriter met, as well as the conscious decision not to merely remix Costello's older recordings, opting instead to do an album of originals out of fear of Costello's followers lashing out for ruining his older recordings. The two continue on drawing parallels between their origins stories, as they both grew up in families that were heavily involved in the industry; Costello's father being a pioneer of BBC Radio and Questlove's being the band leader of the doo-wop group Lee Andrews & The Hearts.
The trio of industry luminaries discussed the implementation of restraint as a musician and songwriter, as well as how they tapped into the world of famed string arranger Clare Fischer by employing his son Brent to compose strings for the record and the impossibility of something being "too funky." Don likened the record to a film score, as the compositions took on a deeply narrative quality through deep and dark string compositions. The discussion concluded with how the two came to have a session with contemporary bass-god Pino Palladino and how he influenced the record, not to mention the struggle of figuring out how one is to end a record of this caliber and how the passing of Costello's father influenced the final tracks. Released on the heels of what was certainly the most awkward interview the duo has ever given, the titans of industry gave fans an in depth portrayal of what its like to blend the best of their respective worlds into one formidable sound. To hear the discussion in full, click on the link below and enjoy this incredibly insightful display of musician and industry banter from Questlove and Elvis Costello.
