Talisman and 7
On the verge to release its 7th album, Talisman appears to be a fascinating band: all the members have different active projects, but they always find the time to concentrate on Talisman. Let’s discover their secrets with Marcel Jacob, compelling with humour!
01. - Let’s start with the hottest news: Talisman was expected on tour in Europe, but you had to cancel because Jeff Scott Soto accepted to do the tour with Journey. Has Steve Augeri recovered? Is Jeff Scott Soto definitely back with Talisman ?
Marcel Jacob : When did Jeff leave (LOL)? I can't comment on the situation with Journey, you will have to wait until they give out official statements. However, I would be quite surprised to see Steve Augeri come back into health in the near future, his problems were of a serious nature.
02.- Three years after the successful opus “Cats And Dogs”, Talisman will present its 7th album, simply named “7”. Which were your influences on this album ?
Marcel Jacob : I wrote, recorded, and produced it!!!! But, in case you were asking about musical influences (LOL): not much. “Troubled waters” was of course influenced by the Police which I've always loved. “Rhyme or reason” was inspired by Crazy and the Snap and “Succumb to my desire” was coming out of my desire to do something which sounded a little like James Brown on speed.
Marcel Jacob : I have no idea. We agreed with Serafino (Frontiers headmaster) that this album should have less of the “heavy” style - apparently Cats&dogs were too heavy for him (LOL)! But I don't see a way of working around the fact that it's impossible to pander to “the fans”, they're such a heterogeneous group, and trying to write music according to just a perception of “typical Talisman fans” will only lead to a musical cul de sac.
I only go by my trust in the ability the guys and I have of performing music, and take from there.
04.- Marcel has held all guitars – except leads – and keyboards too: does it bring a new sound or a different style that may imply that this album is better than the previous ?
Marcel Jacob : I think all albums ever recorded in history would have been greatly improved by me doing the rhythm guitars (LOL)!!! As to whether in this particular example “7” it has turned out “better” than anything else is not for me to decide...
05.- This forthcoming opus has brought together the same “old” guys: JSS, Marcel, Freddie and Jamie. How did you manage to meet and concentrate on this album knowing that you all are very busy with other projects (Ndlr: “Winter In Paradise”, the 3rd Last Autumn’s Dream’s album, was released earlier this year. LAD is Marcel’s Swedish/German band) ?
Marcel Jacob : We just didn't (LOL)! I barely spent time tracking Jamie’s drums, and Jeff was on his own like always...Freddie tracked his leads in my living room...physical proximity is no longer necessary in this digital world, where e-mails etc helps you with communications.
06.- With Jeff, you have collaborated in Human Clay and Humanimal: what’s the reason for those projects, since you are both Talisman leaders ?
Marcel Jacob : Human Clay was something we did in the interval between doing Talisman, a break that was due to Talisman being signed to labels we didn't want to work with - we just waited out contract expiration dates.
HC was also for fun only, doing “history book metal” in homage to our childhood idols. Humanimal was a project headed by me and Pontus Norgren, Jeff just came in as a studio artist.
07.- As long-time musician, would you support young Hard Rock bands ?
Marcel Jacob : If I can I will. I have given support to Eclipse and other bands, giving recommendations to labels etc. At this time I suppose I should mention that I've found a Spanish band called The Unfinished Sympathy I really like, they have an album called “Rock For Food”, I believe (Ndlr : released on 2004).
It's pretty good, cool songs & production, the bass sound is killer...
08.- And beside the Hard Rock style, what kind of music do you listen to ?
Marcel Jacob : I love silence (LOL). Wind in the trees, ocean waves on the seafront, sounds of nature...that's music to my ears.
10.- Is there any French band that you would like to open for TALISMAN, on your French tour?