“Blossoms at Big Spring”

(An interview published in the Valley Planet on Oct. 19, 2006)

©2006 Jeanie Kezo

(800 Words)

After hours of research, I thought I was ready, but my sweating palms and the perception that I had swallowed a ball bearing suggested otherwise. How do you prepare to meet a rock group? I didn’t have long to find out. 6:40, Sunday, September 24, 2006, a scant hour before the Gin Blossoms’ performance at Big Spring Jam in Huntsville: Rock journalist/photographer Tony Ferrari whisked me backstage where Blossoms’ lead singer, Robin Wilson, introduced himself and led us to their tour bus.

A lasso-shaped ring of lights lit the interior, revealing two comfortable sofas, a microwave, home entertainment system, and a small table. Wilson acted as spokesman while the rest of the group listened, attentively. Upon mentioning my Wisconsin roots, Bassist Bill Leen remembered visiting Marinette.

The initial questions seemed to surprise Wilson, his answers sometimes hesitant, sometimes abrupt. We seemed to be verbally feeling each other out—perhaps, like the group, itself, had struggled to find its identity during formative years. Further conversation showed me what nice guys they really are.

When Gin Blossoms’ original members Jesse Valenzuela, Doug Hopkins, and Bill Leen debuted on December 25, 1987, Robin Wilson was in the audience. Wilson recalled, “I got off work at the record store…and the whole staff ran down to the Mason Jar—which is a cool, very storied night club in Phoenix—real grungy, dirty place.” Wilson had heard about the Gin Blossoms’ “somewhat well-known” reputation, so he wanted to hear what they sounded like. “Being in the audience, I was very impressed. About three months later, I became the lead singer,” he said.

The Gin Blossoms hail from Tempe, Arizona, and bios describe them as an “alternative pop/rock band.” According to Wilson, however, “We’re just a simple, classic rock band with roots in the ‘80’s.” They have recorded several CD’s and toured, extensively, earning many accolades for their achievements.

The Gin Blossom sound has simmered into a delicious, musical stew with influences such as The Byrds, Tom Petty, and the Replacements, “These bands were great songwriters and had a big impact on us in our formative years,” Wilson said. He currently admires a Finnish group called Him because of their consistent songwriting. “Every song is just as solid as the next.”

During its history, the Gin Blossoms struggled with various issues, eventually disbanding in 1997 because “we all wanted different things.” Tentative reunion concerts in 2000, however, made them realize that the group still generated the same spark when playing together. “We make a noise that we can’t make, otherwise,” Wilson said. “Gin Blossoms have certain lyrical themes and chord progressions that tend to work well and sound real natural.”

Although the band has experienced some notable personnel changes, the three original members and two new members still produce music with the same heart and sound as the group that produced “New Miserable Experience” in 1992. Despite “a few false starts” when recording “Major Lodge Victory,” Wilson recalled, “By the time we got to Memphis to actually record this record, we were pretty focused and ready to do it.” The band had been recording demos in the studio. Jesse Valenzuela penned all the new tracks, and “Learning the Hard Way” is receiving current airplay.

Rock icons come and go, but few maintain their popularity after a recording hiatus of ten years. The Gin Blossoms have done just that, considering their well-attended performance at the Jam. Fans showered love on the band as it jangled through old favorites like “Hey, Jealousy” and also introduced new material from “Major Lodge Victory,” their first CD with new tracks, since “Congratulations… I’m Sorry” was released in 1996.

Robin Wilson’s melodic vocals and stage presence inspired cheers, waving arms, and dancing in the squelching mud. Working the stage, he accepted cell phones from fans for photos and, at one point, announced drummer Scott Kuzmirek’s birthday. Jesse Valenzuela and Scott Johnson provided their signature guitar artistry, with Bill Leen anchoring the group on bass.

Time will tell if “Major Lodge Victory” surpasses the success of “Congratulations… I’m Sorry,” which sold 1,500,000 copies, but Wilson expressed a modest and humorous attitude toward their future. “We just hope to keep our jobs,” he quipped. “Seriously, though, we’re grateful to have a band that can go out and do shows and that someone will loan us money to go out and do records. We’re fortunate to have a shot at getting our songs on the radio and we’re willing to work hard for our fans and each other.” He’s glad that they have new songs to enjoy and play at their shows.

I’m glad, too, and I treasure my autographed CD. So, what’s it like to meet a rock group? Wilson’s arm on my shoulder and my smile as we posed for pictures says it all.