DATE:  20/11/06

NAME: Gareth Rowan

INSTRUMENT(s): Voice/Guitar/Harmonica/Ukulele/Didjeridu/Mandolin

CURRENT
RELEASE: ‘Too Country – Made In Austin’

WEBSITE: www.toocountry.co.uk

1. Biggest Influence(s)?
Ray Price, George Jones, Lefty Frizzell, Willie Nelson, Roger Miller, Louis Jordan, BB King, Little Walter, Chuck Berry

2. Favourite records/tracks old or new?
Crazy Arms – Ray Price
Our Little Town – Blaze Foley
Lord Deliver Us – Alton Ellis
Apartment No. 9 – Tammy Wynette
Don’t – Elvis
Loving Her Was Easier – Willie Nelson
Burning A Hole In My Mind – Connie Smith
Willie and Laura Mae Jones – Tony Joe White
The Door – George Jones

3. What would you be if not a musician?
I guess I’d be a chef.

4. Career high point so far?
Anytime I’m guesting with the Cornell Hurd Band at Jovitas in Austin, I just feel like it can’t get any better. MC-ing a show at the London Palladium and hearing my kid shouting “THAT’S MY DADDY!!!!!” from the upper circle was pretty damn good too.
Oh and the Royal Variety show…lining up to take a bow with Tony Bennett, Shirley Bassey and Lulu. Hearing the Honky Tonkin’ Sunday crowd singing along to my songs….I love my job!!!

5. Perfect night off?   
Cookin’ up a mess o’ Gumbo for my family and friends.

6. Most recent CD in your CD player?  
Billy Dee - When The Vow Breaks

7. Favourite book/film?
Book: Fiesta – The Sun Also Rises by Ernest Hemmingway
Film: Delicatessen

8. Whiskey - Jack or Jim?
Jack. If there’s no Jose….