Randell Maez A little Q&A with guitarist, singer songwriter Randell Maez. Leicester Bangs: Tell us a little about yourself, and your band. Randell: I was born in 1965 in a small mountain town of Leadville, Colorado, which is mainly a miners town. My mother and grand parents raised me and I have been interested in music since the beginning - falling asleep with the radio on, lip syncing to my mom's old vinyl records, like the Supremes and Bobby Vinton and Buddy Holly. My band is a four piece and I do all of the original writing in our group, but without the guys - Alan Webster on Keys, Jeff Truesdale on bass and John Lewis on drums - I could not have produced this latest album. One of my favorite attributes of this band are the vocal harmonies by Jeff and Alan, and I really enjoy the keyboards and what they can add to a song. More can be read about the band on my website, under the band page (link below). LB: How did you start out making music? Randell: I started on an acoustic guitar but was inspired by my little brother who fell victim to abnormal psychological problems with voices and paranoia. After I saw what he could do on guitar it just made me want to learn to make music because I thought it was really special. At that point I fell in love with the blues and the guitar. LB: Who did you grow up listening to and how do they influence what you’re doing now? Randell: When I started playing music I was inspired by the Allman Brothers band and the recording of their Live at the Filmore album. When I listen to my playing style, I would have to say that I sound like I have been influenced by Santana for sure. LB: Tell us about your latest release. Randell: "Feel My Dead Hands Come to Life" is my latest work and it really is my best work thus far as a writer and a guitar player. I believe that my bridges have been different and creative. The progressions are not straightforward, and the beginnings and endings are much better now that I have been playing for a while. LB: Do you get out and play your music live, and if so, what can an audience expect at one of your shows? Randell: I do play with the band out live and I always manage to throw in a couple of original tunes with the covers. I do enjoy playing my favorite covers and I try to make it upbeat most of the time. I pride myself on good solid grooves and I make sure the sound is mixed well and people are tapping their feet. I like to make people laugh and so I try to find time to talk a little between songs. LB: What aspects of playing and recording music do you most enjoy? Randell: I love it when I can take the time to play my solos to my satisfaction and I tend to learn a lot when I have the opportunity to listen over and over until I can get what I want. LB: Where can people find (and buy) your music? Randell: CD Baby, or my website (links below). www.cdbaby.com/cd/randymaez www.randymaezlive.com