By Danny Coleman
originally published: 08/06/2015
Anton Fig spent spent more than two decades sitting behind his famed drum kit as a member of the "Late Show With David Letterman" band and over that time period the magnitude of it all never eluded him. "Phenomenal, a life changing job; I mean that, literally a life changing job," says the now veteran time keeper. "Twenty nine years, fifty four hundred shows, I got to play with a lot of incredible musicians who either sat in with the band or we backed up and I got to hear Dave every night who was a genius at what he does; he was smart and just great. People think we were this great well rehearsed band. Truth is, I'd go to work every day and everything was very off the cuff. We never rehearsed the show, we'd rehearse little pieces and then we did the show; we never knew what Dave was going to do. I was very lucky to have a job like that for such a long period of time. While I was doing Letterman I could play with other people, other bands and I had the stability of the job as a constant which afforded me a steady home, a mortgage, as a musician to have that, almost like a regular job where you work days; I was very fortunate."
With Letterman behind him, Fig is keeping as busy as ever; an upcoming tour with Joe Bonamassa and the release of a new disc titled "Figments" have him occupied rather nicely. "Right now, I'm in Nashville rehearsing with Bonamassa for the upcoming "3 Kings Tour" where we'll be paying tribute to Albert, Freddie and B.B. King and that runs pretty much through the end of the year and then we will be doing Joe's material when we head over to Europe before coming back to the U.S. It's not as if it's new to me; I've played on Joe's last seven or eight albums and I've played with him at Royal Albert Hall and another concert. When he heard Letterman was ending he asked if I would join; it seemed like it'd be a fun thing to do. They are a great band and it's going to be great fun. The "3 Kings Tour" ends up at the Greek Theater where we'll be filming a DVD. I wanted to to keep working after Letterman and this seemed like it would be a good gig as I wanted to stay active right away and keep playing; I'm Very Lucky."
"Figments," is a disc that has been crafted over time and showcases some of the most recognizable talent that the music industry has to offer. Aaron Neville's son Ivan, Ace Frehley, Brian Wilson, Sebastian Bach, Donald Duck Dunn and Richie Havens are just a sampling of the artists who lent a hand to Fig's production. Well,it took me a couple of years," explained Fig as he recounted the process of putting together such an ensemble of contributors. "I did all of the writing first, then I recorded it. I did it all, worked on it myself. When you're the musician, the producer, the engineer, it gets tough and you do it as you can and with so many great people on this record and working with their schedules; it was hard to get together.This is kind of a re-release, I released it a bit ago but only to a small audience; some people heard it and suggested, they wanted me to get it out there. One particular song, "Head On My Shoulder," I collaborated with Blondie Chaplin who sang with the Beach Boys and I have Brian Wilson doing background vocals; it's one of my favorite songs on the album. There are so many moments on this record, Richie Havens, his voice is so beautiful and I consider myself lucky to have played with him."
Fig also counts meeting Miles Davis, Stevie Wonder and performing with James Brown among the highlights of his career on the "Late Show With David Letterman." Meeting and performing along side so many talented people had a direct impact on the new record but also makes it difficult to do much beyond its release. The logistics of assembling all of those guests and touring is daunting but did make for each song having its own unique twist and flavor. "There were a lot of different people on this record and each song has a different kind of scene; which was a result of me playing with so many different people. I had performed a lot of different kinds of music so I decided to put together a record that reflected all sides; well that and my playing all of these different styles as well as my producing. I don't think I can tour with it because it's too varied; there are too many different people involved. I'm busy now getting ready to tour with Joe Bonamassa but if a song or some cut from the record got some notoriety; perhaps it would be worth maybe looking into putting something together and giving it a try. The songs on this record are beautiful musical moments, it's a great record to listen to; well, at least I think so anyway (laughs)."
Fig also feels that he's now taken on a different role; that of a mentor of sorts to younger musicians who seek his advice. "I love playing good music with anybody," he said with a sense of conviction when asked about musicians of today. "It's great, it really comes down to the music. To see some of these good young musicians and give them encouragement is very rewarding to me. A lot of people kind of helped me and I was always kind of like the youngest person in the room until very recently. A lot of people come to me, so I try to drop in the right information that's gonna have some legs and give them support. I hope to offer something to refer to, something to pass on, some constructive criticisms if possible. I'm not saying that I'm the be all to end all but I like to feel like I'm helping or have helped someone."
"Figments" is due to hit the markets on August 21 and to find an outlet for purchase or to find out more about Anton Fig; please go to www.AntonFig.com .
That's it for this week! Please continue to support live and original music and until next week....ROCK ON!
THIS WEEKS CALENDAR LISTINGS
29 Church St. Windsor
(609) 448-7144
Fri. 8 p.m. Larry D
Advertise with New Jersey Stage for $50-$100 per month, click here for info
Sat. 8 p.m. Meg Hanson Band feat. Billy Hill
Blend Bar & Bistro
911 Highway 33, Hamilton
(609) 245-8887
Tues. 8 p.m. Triviajam
The Backstage at Championship Bar
931 Chambers St. Trenton
Thurs. 5 p.m. Exotype, Kingdom Of Giants, Brightwell, Like Vultures, War Among Us, The Second Phase, Sovereign Kings, K.O.B.A. All ages, $13/$15
Fri. 6 p.m. Johnny B. Morbid, The Zombie Mafia, Who Killed Marilyn?, Suburban Murder, Deadly Nights, Salems Outlaws. All ages, $10
Sat. 5 p.m. Results Not Typical, Hotel Metamorphosis, (TBA). All ages, $10
Candlelight Lounge
24 Passaic St. Trenton
(609) 695-9612
Advertise with New Jersey Stage for $50-$100 per month, click here for info
Sat. 3 p.m. Web Thomas Drum Quartet. (No cover-$10 minimum)
Chickie's & Pete's
183 US Highway 130 North Bordentown
(609) 298-9182
Tues. 8 p.m. Acoustic Music Night feat. The Dawgs
Wed. 9 p.m. Trivia Night
Dog & Bull Brew House
810 Bristol Pike (Rte. 13) Croydon, PA.
(215) 788-2855
Thurs. 8 p.m. Dane Rosenfeld
Fri. (4 p.m.) "Happy Hour Jam" feat. David Dzubinski Group (9 p.m.) Johnny Moskal
Sat. (11 a.m.) "Saturday Brunch Jam" feat. Michael Leggerie (9 p.m.) Good Time and Folk Rock Show
Sun. (11 a.m.) "Sunday Brunch" feat. Keli Vale Jazz Duo (3 p.m.) Dick Gratton
Mon. 8 p.m. Sister Blue
Tues. 8 p.m. Jay Regan
Wed. 8 p.m. Mike Cono
Advertise with New Jersey Stage for $50-$100 per month, click here for info
Fran's Pub
116 S. Main St. New Hope, PA.
(215)862-5539
Thurs. 9 p.m. Curtain Call
Mon. 8 p.m. Open Blues Jam
All shows 21+
Halo Pub
9 Hullfish Street Princeton
(609) 921-1710
Sat. 6 p.m. Living The Dream Band, Bryan Hill
Havana New Hope
105 S. Main Street. New Hope, Pa.
(215) 862-9897
Thurs. (7 p.m.) WMGK House Band Competition (10 p.m.) "Beat The Clock" College Night DJ Dance Party
Fri. 8 p.m. Los Straightjackets. Doors at 6 p.m., $25 (advance) $30 (day of show)
Sat. 8 p.m. "Chicago Tribute Band" Sounds Of Society. Doors at 6 p.m., $15
Advertise with New Jersey Stage for $50-$100 per month, click here for info
Sun. 4 p.m. ROCKY & His Friends
Mon. 10 p.m. Karaoke w/ DJ Ron
Wed. 8 p.m. Pat Foran & Friends
Hopewell Valley Vineyards
46 Yard Road Pennington
(609) 737-4465
Fri. 6 p.m. Deb & Mike
Ivy Tavern
3108 S. Broad Street, Hamilton
(609) 888-1435
Thurs. 9 p.m. Karaoke
Fri. 10 p.m. Ernie White Band
Sat. 10 p.m. Kindred Spirit
All shows 21+
John & Peter's
96 S. Main Street New Hope, Pa.
(215) 862-5981
Thurs. 8 p.m. Pediatric Cancer Benefit
Fri. 9 p.m. Rainbow Fresh
Sat. (3 p.m.) Fellaheen (8 p.m.) Grasshopper, Sun Voyager, Mike Kiker
Sun. 3 p.m. Anthony Sacchetti
Mon. 9 p.m. Open Mic. w/ Justin Pope
Tues. 9 p.m. Electric Man, Jeanette & Steve
Wed. 9:30 p.m. The Invitational
All shows 21+
JoJo's Tavern
2677 Nottingham Way Hamilton
(609) 586-2678
Wed. 10 p.m. Karaoke
Millhill Basement
300 S. Broad Street Trenton
(609) 989-1600
Sat. 9 p.m. Hot Blood, Ninety Six
Palermo's Of Hamilton
310 Klockner Rd. Hamilton
(609) 838-7979
Thurs. 9 p.m. Karaoke
Sat. 9 p.m.
All shows 21+
Patriot's Crossing
1339 River Rd. Titusville
(609) 737-2780
Fri. 7:30 p.m. Sensei Juan & the Black Belts
Sat. 7:30 p.m. (TBA)
Pete's Steak House
523 Whitehorse Ave. Hamilton
(609) 585-8008
Fri. 9:30 p.m. F2 & The Anchovy Brothers
Sat. 9:30 p.m. Kevin Toft & The All Stars
Randy Now's Man Cave
134 Farnsworth Avenue Bordentown
(609) 424-3766
Please Check web Page for Events
RHO Waterfront
50 Riverview Plaza Trenton
(609) 393-7300
Fri. (4 p.m.) Happy Hour Buffet. $10 (9 p.m.) Don't Call Me Francis
Sat. 9 p.m. "Leo Birthday Celebration" w/ DJ Juice. $20 (advance) $25 (at the door)
Wed. 8 p.m. "Music Meets The Runway" feat. Local Music Artists/DJ Blake. Doors at 7:30 p.m., $20, Ages 21+
Tavern On The Lake101 Main St. Hightstown
(609) 426-9345
Wed. 8 p.m. Karaoke Night
Sat. 9 p.m. Out Of The Red
The Cool Cricket
216 4th St. Fieldsboro
(609) 291-9110
Sat. 9 p.m. The Drunk Monkeys
The HOB Tavern
146 Second Street
(609) 291-7020
Sat. 9 p.m. Karaoke
Wed. 9 p.m. Joe Chianese & Michael Nabinger
The Ivy Inn
248 Nassau St. Princeton
(609) 921-8555
Thurs. 10 p.m. Karaoke w/ DJ Ron
Fri. 10 p.m. DJ Fatha Ramzee
Sat. 10 p.m. Boxorox
Tues. 8 p.m. Quizzo w/ Bob E Luv
Wed. (8:30 p.m.) Tune Trivia (10:30 p.m.) DJ Rockn Ron
The Sticky Wicket
2465 South Broad St. Hamilton
(609) 439-0007
Fri. 9 p.m. No Way Out
Sat. 9 p.m. Never Enough
The Sun National Bank Center
81 Hamilton Ave. Trenton
(609) 656-3200
Check web site for upcoming events
Tir Na Nog
1324 Hamilton Ave. Trenton
(609) 392-2554
Fri. 9 p.m. Diamuid McSweeney
Sat. 9 p.m. Mike Nabinger
Tues. 9 p.m. Open Mic. w/ Taylor Reed
All shows 21+
Trenton Buzz702 Pine St. Trenton
(609) 392-6000
Thurs. 8 p.m. Open Mic. w/ Hek Cat
Trenton Social
449 South Broad Street Trenton
(609) 989-7777
Thurs. 8:30 p.m. Cinema Thursday Presents: "Merwencol"
Fri. 7 p.m. First Friday
Mon. 9 p.m. Monday Night Karaoke w/ Benny P
Tues. 7 p.m. Open Mic.
Triumph Brewing Company (New Hope, Pa. Location)
400 Union Square New Hope, Pa.
(215) 862-8300
Fri. 10 p.m. Levee Drivers ($5 cover charge)
Sat. 10 p.m. Karikatura ($5 cover charge)
Sun. 7 p.m. Open Jam Night (Sign ups 6:30 p.m.)
Wed. 9 p.m. Paleface
All shows 21+
Wildflowers Inn
2572 Pennington Rd. Pennington
Sat. 9 p.m. Acoustic Rock
All shows 21+
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