Sunday, October 28, 2012
Interview with Clockwork Angels String Ensemble violinist and concert master Joel Derouin
Rob over at the Rush Vault recently caught up with Clockwork Angels String Ensemble concert master and violinist Joel Derouin for an interview before Rush's October 20th show in Newark. Rob talks with Joel about his background, how the string section came together, the string sections on Clockwork Angels, how the tour is going and more. Here's Joel's description of the string arrangements:
They're different. The violins are playing guitar parts, the cellos are playing bass parts. Sometimes we're matching their (Geddy and Alex's) parts. David is such an incredible writer, that the music we're playing kind of infiltrates their music and their sound. I think it's really enhancing. For a three-piece band, Rush sounds huge. They're like an orchestra to begin with. So when you add us to it, with the natural sound of real strings, it really sparkles.
And here are Joel's comments on Rush:
The guys are incredible. They're the nicest human beings I've ever met. They're very, very generous. Being a part of this tour has been one of the best situations I've ever been in in my career. To be sure, the tour has been a sacrifice, especially for my family, but it's Rush, so what can I tell you?
You can read the entire interview at this location. Rob did a good job of keeping spoilers out of the interview so it's a safe read (except for the caption of the accompanying video). Also be sure to check out Rob's profile of each member of the String Ensemble in this post. Below is a short video (*SPOILERS*) of Joel with Audrey Solomon and Adele Stein from an appearance on Kim Mitchell's Q107 radio show when the band played Toronto:
Related Posts:
[Getting to know the Clockwork Angels String Ensemble]
[Rush Clockwork Angels tour setlist update]
[Rush Clockwork Angels tourbook now available online]
[Clockwork Angels tour opening night in Manchester open thread]
[Clockwork Angels tourbook and other merchandise now available at the Rush Backstage Club]
[New Rush Backstage Club contest: Win a Rush meet & greet!]
[Follow the Clockwork Angels tour on Twitter]
[Rush's Clockwork Angels tour to include a string section]
[Official Rush 2012 Clockwork Angels tour announcement and dates!]
Comments
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This is why I hate ignorant DJs: "Wow, what that Lakeside Park or something?"
That violinist from Alaska is a looker. Miss Alaska 2000 and a classical violinist. Top that. X D
I was worried for a number of reasons about the strings, but they are done the best way possible. It just fits.
They could do a tour with the strings with all of the songs. Animate and Nobody's Hero would sound so good. Imagine if they came up with a new instrumental with them. It could be sweet.
The strings are, indeed, a great enhancement both musically and visually. They manage to avoid the twin dangers (which I have witnessed with other bands) of being either cheesy or pretentious and their "rocking" to the music seems 100% natural and neither forced, nor just for show. They really do seem to be having a blast up there.
And you can't argue with two sexy Rush chicks on stage. :)
I hope if there is to be another Rush tour that the band can bring the strings along again.
I can hardly wait for the Vegas show! From all the past reviews and comments, the string section has been a huge hit! Taking my wife for her 2nd RUSH concert and my 8th!
hey Liver! good to hear from you. Hope you and your wife had a great trip. Sucks that the concert dates didn't jive though.
Hello all
My wife and I have just returned from a North America holiday in New York and Toronto. Unfortnuately our dates didn't coincide with any gigs so we have to wait until next May before we get to see the guys and the strings.
From what I've seen on line the strings sound great and really add to the over all production.
Liver.
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