David Nolte interview, April 2002
L.A. musician David Nolte first played in a band with
his brothers called The Last. Since then he worked with people like David Gray,
Dave Davies, Ann Magnuson, Rufus Wainwright, Wednesday Week, Wendy Ip,
Candypants, Lucky etc. He's also the bass player of L.A. based band The
Jigsaw Seen.
| How long have you worked with Kristian and how did it start? I first played with Kristian on his recording of Green Circle by the Small Faces. His regular bass player couldn't make it so I got to do it. That was in 1996 I think. What projects have you worked with him on? I played with him around the time of his second solo record. At the same time I played with him in Ann Magnuson's band and shortly thereafter we played together in Rufus Wainwright's band. We also did a few benefit shows together where I played in the band backing him and other singers. And we play together in Dave Davies' band. What did Kristian do for Zenith? He played piano on some tracks but I wasn't there when it happened. What bands have you been in together? Dave Davies, Rufus Wainwright, Ann Magnuson, and Kristian Hoffman's Do you have a favourite Kristian song? I have different favorites from different albums. His latest album is by far his best. I have a couple of favorites from that one. Get It Right This Time and God, if any, Only Knows are two current favs. If you had to cover a Kristian song with The Jigsaw Seen which one would it be? Morose Colored Glasses If you had to cover a song together with Kristian which one would it be and why? Probably a Turtles song or a Left Banke song because his voice and style are perfectly suited for that stuff. What was the best touring experience you had in a band together? Kristian keeps journals of everything and the best time I had with him on tour was listening to him read from his journal about the events of the past couple days...he's got the funniest take on things and can turn some awful moments into something funny. What was the worst touring experience you've had together? There are a couple...one time I was in the bunk above him and he kept tossing and turning and his knees would hit the bottom of my bunk...I thought he was kicking my bunk and I kept hissing at him "Kristian...quit it!" and he didn't let up. I changed bunks the next day. Then there was the time he berated me for letting my kids watch Disney movies and I took it very personal and it was a day and a half long fight. Horrible! What is KH like in the studio? Does he whip things off in one take, or does he work on something over and over until it's perfect? From what I've been around for he's very quick. He's always prepared and pretty acurate. I think with his own stuff he's a perfectionist so he'll spend a lot of time obsessing over parts and mixes but who doesn't? What do you think is Kristian’s greatest musical skill? His greatest strength is as a songwriter. He's also a very good singer and piano player. Describe Kristian the artist in three words. This is tricky...hmmmm....precious, tormented comedian! How's that? |