Joe Lynn Turner and HTP's Glenn Hughes featured in New Jersey Newspapers
Journalist Mark Voger has always been known for the variety of artists he writes about. He was captivated by the latest offerings by Glenn, HTP and Joe. Recently, a feature with photo appeared in the entertainment section of some widely distributed New Jersey newspapers. In it, Mark spoke to Glenn and Joe about everything from unique studio modifications to whether or not Hughes and Turner get competitive when it comes to vocals.
Second Act for rockers Glenn Hughes and Joe Lynn Turner
If you're fishing for a bassist, you don't just invite a rock legend the stature of singer-bassist Glenn Hughes to join your band.
That is, unless you're Joe Lynn Turner.
Turner had been in Japan setting up the tour for his 2002 solo album "Holy Man" when
he realized he had a hole in his lineup.
Recalls Turner: "We were saying, 'Well, who's going to play bass?' And, 'I need
somebody to sing.' "
Someone jokingly suggested Hughes who, like Turner, is a former member of Deep Purple
(though neither musician was in that powerhouse of a band at the same time).
Continues Turner: "I said, 'Hey, that's a good idea!' They said, 'Aw, no way. You're
not going to get Glenn Hughes.' I said, 'Whaddaya mean? I'm a friend of Glenn's.
We've known each other for 20 years. We've been through it all.' "
Turner made the call; Hughes accepted.
On the tour, Turner gave Hughes a spot to play some of his old Purple and Black
Sabbath songs. "The place just went crazy," Turner says.
At the end of the tour, Turner's manager suggested a joint venture, and the Hughes
Turner Project was born.
The union has proved a happy one. "Hughes Turner Project 2" -- the followup to HTP's
eponymously titled debut CD of 2003 -- is now in stores. Busy Hughes and Turner also
have new solo CDs out: "Songs in the Key of Rock" and "JLT" respectively. All are on
Shrapnel Records.
For Hughes, "Songs" and "HTP 2" represent a greater focus on the genre that made him
famous.
"As you know," the British rocker tells PAGE X, "I really like all flavors of music,
whether it be R&B, funk, soul, rock. You know, I like all of it.
"After I made (the 2001 solo CD) 'Building the Machine,' I had a good feeling that if
I'm going to continue to make records -- I have such a fan base all over the world now
that probably wants to hear more rock.
"So I decided to get into a rock frame of mind, hence the look, the vibe, the way I
was writing my music. I equipped my studio out with analog equipment and made it look
sort of psychedelic. I just got into that frame of mind.
"For 'Songs in the Key of Rock,' that's what I was in the middle of. I wanted to make
more of a vintage record than a modern-rock or a bluesy record. For me, it's probably
the most focused album I've done in 10 years."
Upon finishing "Songs in the Key of Rock," Hughes immediately began writing songs for
"HTP 2."
"Which is a little different," Hughes says. "It's sort of geared toward a more
melodic audience, which is also very good for me, because I like the melodic part of
writing. I wanted to make 'Songs in the Key of Rock' and 'HTP 2' different, and I think
I did that. I'm really proud of the songs I came up with and Joe's performances on 'HTP
2.' "
Things can get heated on "HTP 2," as Hughes and Turner both let loose with their
respective vocal gifts. Do the two ever get competitive in the studio?
"If there's any competition," Turner tells PAGE X, "it's a healthy one. It's really
what's best for the project.
"Glenn is a prolific, prolific writer, and he's got some really great ideas that he
doesn't get to use on his solo records."
"On this album, we took a little bit more time on figuring out who should sing what,"
Hughes adds. "When I think of Joe Lynn Turner, I think of a great modern-rock singer who
has this specific voice, a specific classic-rock voice. I wanted to have him sound as
good as Joe is, because Joe's an incredible singer, one of my favorites.
"When I write a lot of this stuff, I can actually hear where Joe should
sing."
