Jonathan Cain Live on CompuServe
Complete transcript (edited only for clarity) of Rock Online's conference
with Journey keyboardist Jonathan Cain, held in CompuServe's Convention
Center on October 12, 1995 at 9pm EDT.
Jonathan Cain) hi guys.
JR) Hello!
Brett M. (Mod)) Good evening everyone....
Welcome to Rock Onlines presentation...
of a night with Jonathan Cain.
As I stated earlier, if you are just joining us...
please submit your questions in queue for Jonathan, and we
will get to them in a moment....
Let's welcome Jonathan to Compuserve.
Good evening Jonathan, and thanks for coming.
Jonathan Cain) It's great to be here in cyberspace!!
Brett M. (Mod)) cool...
Jonathan Cain) That it is!
Brett M. (Mod)) I know that everyone is itching to ask questions,
lets' start with a little information about your new album.
It's been quite a while...
tell us what the inspiration was for the new album.
Jonathan Cain) I'd have to say the inspiration was my wife, Elizabeth, and
the beautiful Bay area!
% Question from DUBLIN, OH: [70004,3614] ChrisPV
I LOVE the new album! It reminds me a lot of Vince Guaraldi's jazz work. What
other styles or piano players have influenced your work over the years?
Jonathan Cain) Thanks! Ramsey Lewis, Dave Grusin, Herbie Hancock have
all influenced me over the years.. that's a good start,
anyway ga
% Question from NORFOLK, VA: [102567,2006] Ric
Jonathon, I saw you new album, alot of the songs seemed to have religious
titles..is this significant, or coincidental?
Jonathan Cain) Actually, it is significant... about the time of the
Back to the Innocence album, I became a new father, and that
has brought me closer to God... as everyone knows, babies are
the closest to angels that we'll ever see, so yeah, it is
significant. ga
% Question from MERRILLVILLE, IN: [102001,277] Rob Lowe
Greetings from Chicago...
Glad to hear about your album. Can you tell us about music format, record
label, and guest musicians?
Jonathan Cain) The music format of PIANO WITH A VIEW is sorta soft
jazz...it's on Higher Octave, and the musicians are Mark Russo
on sax.. Tommy Bradford on drums, Chris Camozzi from Michael
Bolton's band on guitar and I play bass... that's about it!
ga
Brett M. (Mod)) Jonathan, you produced Michael Bolton's album 'The Hunger"...
how did you get involved with that project...
and what was it like working with Michael. ga
Jonathan Cain) Michael Bolton came looking for me after Journey...
we had a publisher friend, Donna Young, who put us together,
really... I guess there was mutual respect on both sides.
Michael asked me to produce after writing some songs with him,
so that's what we did! Working with Michael was rewarding in
that we got all of our songs published, all were published
and recorded by various artists from Kenny Rogers to
Conway Twitty. Michael's your typical New York-impatent
kinda guy , but he's a consumate pro and knows what
he wants. His instincts as a singer are pretty powerful!
% Question from DALLAS, TX: [75143,2717] JR
Jonathan, why type of music do you play for relaxation?
Jonathan Cain) now, JR...
right now I listen a lot to Seal, and Sting...
Don Henley, Dave Grusin...Pat Metheny once in awhile..
I don't listen to much alternative ga
% Question from SEATTLE, WA: [70004,2121] Yahya Mirza
Hi Jonathan,
I an a songwriter / Computer programme, Have you considered doing a Software
Albumn for Windows 95 I have seen some interesting ideas comming around
at the cutting edge of technology in the software it would be cool if you
could combine them.
Jonathan Cain) If you mean a CD-ROM, well, I haven't really looked into
it enough yet...certainly if Journey gets back together, I
would be interested in plugging into that! But I don't think
I'm a strong enough computer person to get involved by
myself... it would have to be a group effort. I have some
ideas... I'd like to take some photography that I've done and
combine it with the music... that would be fun... with some
animation. ga
Brett M. (Mod)) Speaking of Journey getting back together....... Any inside
information Jonathan?
Jonathan Cain) Just that we're all talking again for the first time after 6
years.. the possibilities keep getting stronger every day!!
ga
Brett M. (Mod)) Some of the guests were talking earlier about Steve Perry....
is he involved with the talks as well? ga
Jonathan Cain) Yes, he is. ga
% Question from NORFOLK, VA: [102567,2006] Ric
My wife would like to say that she thinks the songs that you wrote for
Journey are her favorites.. Do you ever keep in touch with the other band
members?
Jonathan Cain) Thanks!! Yes, I do (as I just mentioned )
ga
% Question from SANTURCE, PR: [74722,1601] ROR
In the song When the Spirit Comes, can you elaborate on what it's about?
Jonathan Cain) Well, it was a combination of things...
if anybody asked me what it was like to be in Journey,
playing in front of 1000's of people every year, I would put
on that song! I had the opportunity of playing at Bill
Graham's tribute with Neal Schon & Steve Perry.. after that I
was so moved, I went home, and that song came out. A postcard
to my fans, as it was. ga
Brett M. (Mod)) In reading about your wife's inspiration for some of
your... music, you sound like you had mixed emotions about
the road. Can you elaborate on those feelings. ga
Jonathan Cain) Yeah, basically the road's a double-edged sword...
opportunities to see new places & new faces, but there's
also the danger of losing yourself in "outer space"..
travelling so fast and leaving your family and friends behind.
Sometimes you can lose touch with reality. It's lonely
sometimes... you deal with the positive aspects of it, but
also with the negative... I tried to spend time in gyms and
exercising to keep my sanity.. and to keep out of bars. ga
% Question from RICHMOND, VA: [102633,2663] steve94car
your music in Journey was awesome!!!
What do you think of the "Open Arms" cover by Mariah Carey?
Jonathan Cain) Thanks! I think it's a very soulful rendering..
I especially like the background vocals & chorus...
I think it's a hit!
> ga
% Question from FLINT, MI: [102663,407] Heather
Welcome back...:) I just wanted to say..I have listened to the combined
lyrics of you and Steve Perry since I was 11 years old...I just want to say
thank you for impacting my life with yours and Journeys music...It has meant
a great deal to me! Glad to see you back...
Jonathan Cain) Awww, wow! Thanks for the kind words! I'm honored! ga
% Question from NORFOLK, VA: [102567,2006] Ric
Jonathon, May I say it sounds alot like my life on a US Navy ship. Many of
the things you mentioned I've had to deal with. Except the tempation of
thousands of screaming women. I don't know how you dealt with that.
Jonathan Cain) Heheheh ...Well, when the lights go down and the show is
over, you go home alone.. it's an illusion that a lot of
people forget... has nothing to do with reality. It's the
excitement of the event that drives all that stuff... in
reality, there's another city and another gig. ga
Brett M. (Mod)) You certainly seem to put in a strong dose of reality in you
songwriting. ga
Jonathan Cain) Yes, I try to... life is real! Life is real & your music
should reflect that
% Question from ORLEANS, ON: [75243,3614] Robert Rennert
Hi Jonathan.. big Journey fan up here in Canada.
We don't recieve MTV up here, and I must say that I
really never got to see much in the way of Journey
on video. Is there any way of getting hold of a video
compilation? Was Sony planning to release anything
along side the Time Cubed Box Set?
Jonathan Cain) Robert... there has been no compilation of videos put
together.. we do have a couple of documentaries that were done
over the years... one done for Frontiers & Beyond that was a
sorta road documentary... we may have to get that organized a
little better with this newcoming album. ga
% Question from DUBLIN, OH: [70004,3614] ChrisPV
Hi Jonathan! I've seen you live with the Babys, Journey AND Bad English...any
plans for a solo tour behind your work? A co-tour with Neal would be AWESOME!
Jonathan Cain) Actually right now, I'm in the middle of another project, so
I'll prolly wait until my next record and we'll try to do
something! ga
% Question from NEW YORK, NY: [74757,2766] Lori Babson
Who would you like to collaborate with in the future?
Jonathan Cain) Hmmm... I'd say Don Henley, maybe Celine Dion...
I don't know, it's hard to say..
I'd like to write a song with J.D. Souther. ga
% Question from FAIRFAX, VA: [74472,3102] Patricia Carreon
Hi Jonathan, I've been a fan of your music since The Babys. While you were in
Journey, you used to play a big, red piano affectionately known as "The
Whale". I was wondering where the Whale is now.
Jonathan Cain) The Whale is in my studio that I built about 3 years ago,
and it can be heard on BACK TO THE INNOCENCE and on PIANO
WITH A VIEW! ga
Brett M. (Mod)) Great plug there!!!
Jonathan Cain) hehe
% Question from MERRILLVILLE, IN: [102001,277] Rob Lowe
Jonathan,
Who is the "we" and the "newcoming album" you referred to in your comment
about Journey video compilation?
Also, do you have any vocals on your new album? Can you comment on how you
came to do the vocals on "All That Really Matters"?
Jonathan Cain) We=Journey, the Escape lineup
BACK TO THE INNOCENCE, on Innersong records, has my vocals on
all the songs
"All That Really Matters"...it was a song that I had written
that the band liked to play... Neal worked with me & we had
some fun... it was basically an in the right place at the
right time thing. ga
PIANO WITH A VIEW is strictly instrumental, BTW
% Question from RICHMOND, VA: [102633,2663] steve94car
Wish i could play your songs on piano i have the tablature book of journey ,
thanks for the great music again Johnathan Cain! I'll keep practicing it on
keyboard.
Jonathan Cain) Right on!
% Question from NORFOLK, VA: [102567,2006] Ric
What do you think of Faith Hill's rendition of "Faithfully"?
Jonathan Cain) Oh, I haven't heard it!
I'll have to listen to it, I'd love to hear it! ga
% Question from ORLEANS, ON: [75243,3614] Robert Rennert
Hi again Jonathan. During the 80s I remember nagging people in record stores:
"When's the Journey album coming out!" So my question is might you be able to
let us know when to begin looking for something? Otherwise..What kind of
shedule for a reunion has been set?
Jonathan Cain) You'll know when it hits the stores . It all depends
on the negotiations that are presently going on... could be
next year, could be the following year, we don't know yet.
ga
% Question from FLINT, MI: [102663,407] Heather
What is your view on today's "rock"? Am I correct in thinking that you and
the rest of Journey are currently working on a new album....if so...will the
format be more like today's rock or will it be the original sound of Journey
that we have all come to love so well!!??
Brett M. (Mod)) I think Jonathan has answered the question about the
reunion...
but the comment on today's rock is great!
Jonathan Cain) The new rock? It's bland & monotone, for the most part.
When we reunite, we'll be doing the classic Journey sound,
I think. ga
% Question from NORFOLK, VA: [102567,2006] Ric
I went to the Rock'n'Roll Hall of Fame for it's opening, But I didn't make it
inside because of the reserve spot crowds...Is Journey in the Hall of Fame?
Jonathan Cain) Not at the present time, we're not old enough...
Brett M. (Mod)) hehehe
Jonathan Cain) I think the band has to be 20 or 25 years old, and we've
not reached that yet.
We have a ways to go ga
% Question from DUBLIN, OH: [70004,3614] ChrisPV
Speaking of Back to the Innocence, both the US and european releases were
really good. You've done some really intense songs over the years -- any
plans to something else in the vein of "innocence"?
Jonathan Cain) Oh yes! I have a follow-up album that will be coming
out in a year or so... thanks! ga
Brett M. (Mod)) is that the project you are working on right now?
Jonathan Cain) No, it's not. That's something else . ga
Brett M. (Mod)) can you elaborate on the current project?
Jonathan Cain) Sorry, I plead the fifth
Brett M. (Mod)) baaaahhhhhh.
Jonathan Cain) Sorry!
Jonathan Cain) ga
% Question from NEW YORK, NY: [74757,2766] Lori Babson
I want to say that I think you have written some of the most beautiful music
I've heard. Have you done any film scores recentlY?
Jonathan Cain) No, no one's asked me yet. That's a completely different
sort of world and you have to immerse yourself in it. So I
haven't yet, but someday I will! ga
% Question from NORFOLK, VA: [102567,2006] Ric
I'm from Merced California, my family and myself absolutley love San
Fransisco, what are some of your favorite spots?
Jonathan Cain) Umm... Union Square, Coit Tower, Top of the Mark Hopkins
hotel... Pier 39.. ga
% Question from NORTH HOLLYWOOD, CA: [72652,122] Elvis
Do you plan on doing anything with John Waite again? Some of those old Babys
songs are great.
Brett M. (Mod)) Elvis has entered the building.
Jonathan Cain) Definitely no.
ga
Thanks, anyway! Ga
% Question from CZA: [75237,2033] Dwayne
Who would you say are some of your major influences?
Jonathan Cain) Elton John, Bernie Taupin, Brian Wilson, the Beatles...
all the early Motown acts..
Steely Dan, and of course the jazz pianists I mentioned
earlier. ga
Brett M. (Mod)) Jonathan, with all the questions, interviews, etc.. that
you have been involved with...
is there a question that no one has ever asked...
that you always wished someone would have...
or a story that you always wished you had told?
ga
Jonathan Cain) Hehehe... that's a good one!
Umm.... no, I guess not. Most of the stories have been
told, really... the ones that matter, anyway.
But if you want one... we could go on and on..
My favorite question was "how does it feel to be
something after being no-one for so long!!" or
"don't you feel guilty for making all that money
with Journey?"
% Question from DUBLIN, OH: [70004,3614] ChrisPV
For the song "Family Hand Me Downs" ...what inspired that song? It really
hits hard...Your songs have been a real high to listen to!!
Jonathan Cain) FAmily Hand Me Downs... I'm touched, thanks! Actually,
it's funny how generations seem to pass their problems
down to their young, as well as their virtues and their
strengths and I didn't want to be cynical at all, but
I thought it was one of those serendipity things in
life... that's just the way it is. I find a lot of truth
in writing about my family experiences, and it's a strong
subject to write about, not a lot of people do. It was a
powerful song for me and I'm proud of it. Thanks!
ga
% Question from NEW YORK, NY: [74757,2766] Lori Babson
Ok. Frivolous Question... Do you still hang out in Hawaii?
Jonathan Cain) Ah... actually, yes!
My wife and I visited Maui last summer...
we stayed in the lovely villiage of Paiia, and had a wonderful
time.. we rented a house. My daughter Madison LOVES Hawaiian
beaches... she had a blast! ga
Brett M. (Mod)) ahhhhh, beautiful Maui!!!!
Brett M. (Mod)) btw Jonathan, how old is Madison?
Jonathan Cain) She's 2! She turned 2 October 4.
Brett M. (Mod)) What kind of influence has she been on your songwriting?
Jonathan Cain) And my wife Liz is expecting twins at the end of April!
Madison? Oh .. Little River, on BACK TO THE INNOCENCE is
about her...but I have less time to write because of her
She brings a sweetness and maturity to me..
it sneaks in in subtle ways, I'm sure. ga
% Question from TOMS RIVER, NJ: [76745,1626] Brent DuBois
Jonathan, I would just like to say that the music of Journey has been very
inspiring for me as a young songwriter for some time and I hope you and the
rest of the band never change your style.
Jonathan Cain) Thanks! Nope, we don't plan on changing the style at all!
ga
% Question from ALBUQUERQUE, NM: [103121,2757] LCoyle
I want to thank you for the autographed stuff from you and Neal. Linda L.
sent them to me, also how did you like your letter and gifts and many roses
I sent to Neals listening party?'EXIT'
Jonathan Cain) It was a stunning, thoughtful presentation that we'll always
remember and cherish, and we wish you the best!
We'll try to keep the romance in our music alive and well!
ga
Brett M. (Mod)) We have time for one or two more questions.
% Question from NORTH HOLLYWOOD, CA: [72652,122] Elvis
Raised on Radio in my opinion had two of the greatest Journey songs of all
time: Girl Can't Help It, and I'll Be Alright Without You. What was the
inspiration behind these songs?
Jonathan Cain) Interesting...
I have to say Motown was the inspiration... it was kind of a
tribute to growing up with Motown all those years...I think
we found we had quite a bit of that style in our band, and
we discovered it...we had a lot of fun exploring in that
music...of course, there were things and people we said
goodbye to, so that inspired some as well. ga
Brett M. (Mod)) Time for one final question...
% Question from FLINT, MI: [102663,407] Heather
I would like to ask...where can we send fan mail? Anyone ever answer it?
Sure appreciate the fine talent you and everyone give to us!! Thanks
again..can't wait for a tour.
Jonathan Cain) You can send it to Innersound Intl. in Roswell, GA, and
we'll get it. Buy my album, it's printed there! ga
Brett M. (Mod)) Jonathan, thanks a million for coming and being the Rock
Online guest tonite. Once again, the name of the new album
is?
Jonathan Cain) PIANO WITH A VIEW is the album... yes, everyone go get it!
Brett M. (Mod)) Thanks again Jonathan, it's been great fun.
Jonathan Cain) I want to thank all of my fans for their interest and
support... for all my projects over the last few years. I'm
looking forward to a new era of great music to come!
Thanks for having me tonight, it's been great fun!!
Brett M. (Mod)) keep writing the tunes, and we'll keep buying them.
Jonathan Cain) hehe
% The floor is now OPEN
Glenn) Thanks Jonathan!
Jonathan Cain) I've got to run now, good night everyone!
ChrisPV) thanks, Jonathan!
michaelj) so long jonathan.thnathanks
Glenn) clap clap
Lori Babson) Thanks so much!!!
ROR) thanks, Jonathan!
Patricia Carreon) Bye Jon, Hope to see you on the road soon!