Sal Evans Conversation

What's in your CD player right now?

I'm an old rocker. Scorpions, Whitesnake, Journey.....some favourites! In my CD player right now? My softer, folkier side...Shawn Mullins and Jerry Jeff Walker and the best blues man ever - Gary Moore! Guitar leads that tear into your heart and make you FEEL!!!!!!!

Has music always been a big part of your life? Absolutely! My parents were very musical. My dad was an entertainer, played piano beautifully, sang and played the guitar. He had a dance band in his younger days. Mom was a fun and talented pianist who played for all the parties and sing-alongs while we were growing up! All of my siblings play as well..... Dad taught me to play guitar at age 12 on my Harmony! That guitar was my first real love! I sang and played at coffee houses and festivals in the 60's in and around Kelowna. Even had a manager for a time!
		Dad, 'Tex', Les Evans

I remember the gig at the Totem Inn in Peachland when I was 16....too young to stay in the bar on my breaks! Took some time off from music for some reason when I was married but I'm so glad that in 1986 I moved back home to Kelowna and Meg and I renewed our childhood dream of being on stage together!

If you could play another instrument, what would it be?

I admire anyone that can play any instrument. I would love to play an awesome lead guitar but somehow I think that I'm meant to be a "solid" rhythm player!

Tell us about your band days.

SO MUCH FUN!!! Meg and I played our first paying gig together in "Easy Living" at Duffers in Kelowna! What a rush...to get paid for doing something that we loved to do so much!" Velvet Rodeo" was a wonderful learning experience! Our great friend Wayne (front man and bass player extraordinaire!) took us under his wing and taught us so much. Played with some really good players over the years and touched a lot of people! The dances were the most fun...great energy from the crowd! I love the feel of a band backing me up, especially the live drums .....I miss it so much at times but am so very proud of what Meg and are doing on our own and it's definitely easier with just the two of us. We rehearse on the phone and meet in Beaverdell which is the half way point between Vernon and Grand Forks. If we lived closer to each other, I know we'd have a band again for those special gigs!

What's your favourite song(s) to perform?

I really love to do "Whiter Shade of Pale"...put my guitar down and be able to just SING!!! "House of the Rising Sun", of course. But my favourites are definitely the ones that Meg and I sing together...the folk songs and the ballads.... like Landslide, Sound of Silence and Crying in the Rain....tight harmonies.

Who were/ are your musical inspirations/influences?

Firstly, my dad....he always believed in me and in my talent to entertain an audience, He was a remarkable man and musician and without he and mom's support I may not have had the confidence to do this thing I love to do!.... Steve Earle's sister, Stacey, played rhythm guitar with Steve at a concert I went to and she inspired me to dust off my guitar and work on my calluses again!.....

L'il Sal

Meg and I love to harmonize so I really appreciate the close harmonies of family - Everly Brothers, Sweethearts of the Rodeo, Judds, The Waifs...and any harmony focused acts - Eagles, Simon and Garfunkel, Diamond Rio, CSN & Y and Alabama....

What artist dead or alive would you love to meet/perform with?

Hmmm.... I'm really a big fan of male vocalists so.....Travis Tritt 'cause of those tight black leather pants! Yeah! Oh and Jon Bon Jovi! Love his music and admire his longevity on the scene! I would love to meet Sir Elton and Van Morrison - and if they wanted to do a tune together, I couldn't say no!

Describe a memorable moment on stage!

There have been so many over the years! But I do remember one night when we were playing in Greenwood at the Inn ....a couple requested " Stand By Me" and danced by the bar as we played it.... it was obvious that they were so in love.....not long after she died of cancer. I feel honoured that we were able to give them the music to hold each other close to that night......

How was the studio experience for you?

Exhilarating and exhausting! Thanks to Larry and Betty Anne at Vernon Recording it was an amazing experience...we always talked about doing a project and the dream came true in 2003.. time is always a factor in our lives and music so it took almost a year to complete! (Couldn't have done it without the love and support of Dave and Bud) The musicians that we chose to work with us are the best! Recording weekends were challenging and lots of fun....we learnt so much. I am especially proud of the session when we did "Sound of Silence"....We did it in one take ....my guitar and both of our voices at the same time. Yeah...the studio was very addictive. I loved it!