Interview with The Backyard Casanovas
The Bonn, Germany four-piece The Backyard Casanovas recently released their stellar debut album Backyard Stomp. I had the chance to talk to them about the new album, their numerous other gigs, including playing with Cat Lee King, Germany's 50's Rhythm and Blues and Rock 'n' Roll scene and alot more.
We originally formed our group named Cat Lee King and His Cocks. Some of us knew each other from school and sessions at the local blues club. We all love the old Blues, Rhythm & Blues and Rock & Roll stuff. We really enjoyed playing together so we decided to go for it.
The four of you are also Cat Lee King’s band. How would compare being his band versus doing your own thing?
We wouldn't say that one band is Cat Lee King's thing and the other is our thing. Sure we play different subgenres of rhythm and blues in the bands, but we're still a sworn group and into the same kind of music. With the Casanovas, we get to play another facet of rhythm and blues. And that's why with the Backyard Casanovas we also deliberately chose a new name.
Were you already a band before you teamed up with him?
We had been touring as Cat Lee King and his Cocks for several years and were scheduled to perform at a good friend's wedding reception. Since Cat Lee King was out of the country at the time, we decided to perform without him. The performance was very well received by the audience, and thus the Backyard Casanovas were born.
What kind of impact did the pandemic have on the band?
Many concerts were postponed or cancelled altogether. This was a hard reality for us as a semi-professional band, but we used the time well and Cat Lee King recorded his solo album "The Quarantine Tapes" and we recorded our first album "Backyard Stomp". We also tried our hand at a livestream and a car concert, but of course all this is not the same as a real live concert with an audience.
About half the disc is covers. What went into choosing what songs to cover?
When we rehearsed the band for the wedding, we only had cover songs. In the end, they are all songs that we personally like a lot and that fit our concept. Some are not as well known as others, but we try to give our personal touch to the covers. Little by little we added our own songs from our drummer Rene Lieutenant and our singer Tommy J. Croole.
I love that you cover Hasil Adkins’ “Big Fat Mama”. I grew up about 30 minutes from his hometown and was lucky enough to experience him live, which was definitely something to remember. How did you come across him and what made you choose that song?
Hasil Adkins has always been one of our idols. In the end he was the first punk long before there was punk. His energy and charisma are unique. We hope he would like our cover version.
Three of the tracks are credited to Christoph Seidel. Who is that?
That´s the real name of our lead singer Tommy J Croole.
This isn't a question, but I wanted to compliment you on the originals. The album flows so well that if you don't know they are covers you really can't tell what is a cover and what is an original.
Thank you very much. That was also our intention when we put the album together.
Is there a big scene in Germany for 50’s era Blues and Rhythm and Blues?
We would say yes. In Germany the 50s Rhythm and Blues scene is very much alive mixed with the 50s Rock'n'Roll scene and forms a common one. Together it is already a big scene with many events and festivals all over Germany, but of course it would be nice if the scene becomes even bigger.
I love your YouTube videos on the Bopflix page. Can you tell me a little about those?
How would you describe a live show from The Backyard Casanovas?
It is difficult to describe it ourselves, since we can only see it on video afterwards. We always try to play with the highest energy and commitment possible and hope the audience will see, hear and feel this and respond to it. Hopefully in an ecstatic way.
What are your plans now that the album has just been released?
Waiting... Waiting for the vinyl record. We hope that it will be available in the summer, but the production times are very long at the moment. And until then we play as many gigs as possible.
I know it’s a massive undertaking, but do you see any dates in the US in your future?
We would love to do that. We have also received several requests for Cat Lee King and his Cocks and also for us as Backyard Casanovas, but of course this is a big undertaking with high costs and needs a lot of planning and especially a good tour manager in the States who can organize a tour for us.
Are any of you involved in any other projects in addition to your work with Cat Lee King?
Besides "Cat Lee King and his Cocks", Cat and Tommy also play in the "Cat Lee King Jazz Trio". Our bass player Lucky Luciano also plays in the Rockabilly band "High Steppin Daddys". Our drummer Rene Lieutenant also plays in the Rock'n'Roll band "The Ballroomrockets" and often in the Ryhthm'n'Blues band "Ray Collins Hot Club". Our rhythm guitarist Sidney Ramone also plays in his Rhythm'n'Punk band "Restless Ramone". Tommy also plays drums in several bands in Germany. So it's all a bit interwoven here. Theoretically, you can book us and we can play as three to four different bands for you.
Is there anything else you would like to share with readers?
We hope many people can enjoy our music and we are always happy to perform live. After this pandemic, it is important that a going-out mentality emerges again. The bars and clubs really need it. Support your local bars and bands!
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