The Olympians Go For Gold on New LP

It has been nearly a decade since we got new music from Daptone Records mainstays The Olympians.

The concept of pianist/vibraphonist Toby Panzer, the New York City-based soul jazz ensemble once again provides the unofficial soundtrack to the Olympic games with the release of their new album In Search of a Revival just in time for this year’s Winter Games. 

“Thee Olympian, Toby Pazner, returns with In Search of a Revival — a lush bouquet of orchestral soul,” trumpets the hype sticker on their Bandcamp page. “A departure from the cosmic, Greco-Roman mythology themes on his debut, Pazner implements a more modern, terrestrial approach — drawing inspiration from his life and the tumultuous post-pandemic age we live in.”

To commemorate Revival’s release, Rock & Roll Globe sent along some questions to Mr. Panzer about the album, revivalism and Daptone’s 25th anniversary.

In Search of a Revival is in stores now.

 

I love the album title. What was the impetus behind calling this new record In Search of a Revival?

It works in several contexts.  First trying to figure out where to take the project next, searching for that after such a long hiatus. Then in a recording technique and musical sense making records like they used to. Lastly in the time it was being made during a break from touring due to the pandemic, searching for music in that period was an interesting time for sure.

 

What aspect of our music culture do you feel needs to experience a revival and why?

I feel like not enough music comes from the heart these days.  A lot of it is a chase for money or streams or likes on social media but not something soulful.  Musicians need to be searching for something of meaning rather than something that will benefit them monetarily wise.  That seems to be slipping away these days.

 

What elicited the near-10-year break between albums? Was it tough getting everyone together?

It was mainly I was busy doing other things. I had two kids, was touring a lot with Lee Fields, had other things that were drawing my attention away from writing and recording on this project.  It sometimes takes a while to get inspired or make things the way you want them.

What informed the direction the band took this time around? I definitely feel a more cinematic vibe here.

There was a lot of listening to music in movies for sure. On the first album I wanted to do interludes and short cuts between songs but never got my act together to actually do it. With this one I wanted to make sure I weaved that in.

 

“California” is a big favorite for me on this album. How did it come together?

It was inspired by a lot of songs about California.  “California Dreaming,” that Wrecking Crew sound and recording style at Gold Star. Then “California Soul,” which is a great song.  There is also some Beatles and Paul McCartney influence in there.  Fun song to make and record.

 

I’m also interested in learning more about “Saraswati Puja” and that fantastic sitar playing.

I was at a party in 2017 or so and this guy was doing a benefit for theater in queens. He sounded incredible. I told him I would hire him to do a song when I wrote one that made sense. I think he didn’t know what to think of me at the time but when I contacted him several years later and explained what it was for he came over and just crushed it. Very Very talented musician.

 

How easy or difficult is it to make music of this scale in the modern age?

Not easy at all. Tape and elaborate arrangements are not the easiest way to make a record. It makes you work with deliberate intention as opposed to having a million files on a computer. You have to go in knowing what you want somewhat then make disjoins on the spot.  If you don’t get what you want you have to go back in again.  It is a bit high pressure.

 

AUDIO: The Olympians “Honey Bea”

Going through your comments section on YouTube for “Honey Bea,” it seems like people are amped to have The Olympians back in the mix. What’s it like to see there’s still a hunger for this music out there?

I’m happy to know there is. I never made the first record with the intention of it being successful, I just wanted people to listen to it. Im happy they did and are excited to keep on listening.

 

Daptone Records turns 25 this year. Can you share your thoughts on the label and its legacy with our readers.

I’ve know all the people at the label since the beginning. It is interesting for me  to hear people talk about it as some kind of special label with a legacy and such. It definitely a special label  but for me it is just a label run by a bunch of people I’ve known since I was a kid. Just seems like a logical home for this project and I am happy to be there.

 

How has the creation of this music on In Search of a Revival helped you mentally and spiritually during these hard times?

It gave me something to sink my teeth into and think about a care about musically. Having something fun and important to do is about the best way you can use your time so it filled that hole creatively for me.