Welcome George
We’re joined on the Starline by a guitarist, singer / songwriter who has sung with “The Lonely Heartstring Band” & “The Clements Brothers”. His latest labor of love is “The Simon & Garfunkel Story” playing Paul Simon on tour right now. We welcome George Clements.
George, let’s go Beyond the Mic. You studied at Berklee College of Music where you were a part of the American Roots Music program. What is American Roots music to you?
What influence has roots had on your career?
You’re on tour with the unenviable task of portraying a one half of a duo with more than 100 million albums sales since 1965. How has Paul Simon’s music changed you?
Have you ever seen him live and ever met him?
You’ve travelled the world hitting music camps, festivals, concerts, and your own tour. When spawned your love affair with music?
I’m going to ask you to pick your favorite child. Which Simon & Garfunkel song is your favorite?
The Rockin’ 8:
It’s time for the Rockin’ 8, 8 random questions; answer with the first thing that comes to your mind. There is no Pressure.
1. Who gave you your first guitar and do you still have it?
2. When did you take your first ride on a motorcycle and where did you go?
3. Who was the first concert you saw and what’s your favorite song from them?
4. What was the one extravagance you had to get with your first paycheck?
5. If you weren’t a musician, what occupation would you have done?
6. Least favorite course at Berklee?
7. Last time you went camping?
8. Best and worst thing about Maine?
The Back Half:
You’ve been inspired performing Simon & Garfunkel’s material around the world. Where do you see the future of your own work?
How does your creative process begin? Is it playing Bach when you really need to be writing? Do you start with lyrics, music or just a phrase that stirs your creativity?
Do you procrastinate?
You are doing what you love. Part of a national tour. How are you challenged and pushed now?
Everyone has a memorable moment from the road, do you have a funny or serious story you haven’t shared before?
Best food you had when on the road was what and where?
Who are the three best guitarists of all time?
Top three albums of all time that aren’t from Simon and Garfunkel?
What’s your emotional support item on the road?
So when you get home, what’s the first thing you do?
How has your life been given purpose through your art?
The one regret I have is that I haven’t been able to find the soundtrack to a film about a flying chicken. What’s one regret you have?
How did the pandemic change your pursuit of music?
Two Big Questions:
Do you believe you are living your life to its fullest and what one change would you make for your own happiness?
If you could have 5 more minutes with your father, how would you spend those 5 minutes?
The Wrap:
He loves singing “America”, good seafood and would love to be a nature guide. George Clements is Paul Simon in “The Simon & Garfunkel Story”. George thanks for taking the time to talk with us today!
And that my friends is Beyond the Mic.
Listen to other Beyond the Mic conversations with artists here.
Listen to other Beyond the Mic conversations with musicians here.
Check out George Clements website here.
