The Keystone State doesn’t seem a natural spot for someone to start singing about “beaches and boats”. What made you gravitate towards that kind of music – the journey that took you there - and how did the band, Tropical Soul, come together?
I think for me, I really just started to identify with the laidback life "backdrop" that the music is wrapped around. Even living in central PA, I've always been drawn to the water, I've always loved beaches, bars and boats, so when I found the musical connection to those things it just seemed to click for me.
I bought my first Buffett album (yes, big round vinyl thingy) in 1983 and in the duo with my brother we did a few Buffett tunes. After a few years I went on to play solo and kept on adding more of Jimmy's songs to my repertoire. I went into a sort of retirement in the mid 90's. My wife and I joined the brand new local Parrothead club in our area in 1996. As we started to have regular social gatherings with the club, I thought it would be cool if I brushed up on some of the Buffett tunes I knew and offer to play at one of the get-togethers. I did this a couple of times as a solo and then our president Jim Moser said he had a friend who played bass and sang and was really good. He said he'd like to have him come out and join me for a few songs at the next meeting. I kind of forgot about it, but sure enough at the next meeting I met Jim's friend Al Anderson. He sat in on a few songs and played bass. It sounded great and by about the third song he was singing harmony. He was a great singer and our voices blended immediately. By the end of the set my wheels were turning. We hit it off and within a couple of months, we were booking gigs and Tropical Soul was born.
Every songwriter I know has their own process for practicing their craft. What is yours… Do you decide, “it’s time to make a new album, let’s write some songs” or do the songs come first and, when you have enough of them written, then you make the album? And what are some of your favorite Dennis McCaughey-penned songs?
Not being a very prolific songwriter, I have always approached it like "it's time to make a new album." I'm not one who writes all the time so when I do start to write, I have to conjure up some discipline and get myself to get into a routine of blocking out time and writing at least a little bit every day. It does work for me but it's not the prettiest thing in the world. Usually once I have enough songs for a cd, I'll go back to only writing occasionally.
I always think the song, "No Plans At All", is probably my best writing. I like the way the studio recording came out too with John Patti doing a great part on the steel drums. "Bahama Mama" was fun to write and really came to life in the studio with Scott Bryan blowing everyone away with his percussion playing and JP killing it on steel pans. On the new "Little Summertime" cd there's a song called "Richest Man in the World", which talks about my dropping out of the corporate world and pursuing music full time. I probably won't be on the cover of Forbes Magazine any time soon, but I've been very blessed and really do feel rich......just don't check my bank account!
What about touring, how much do you and the band do?
I guess we're on the road about ten weeks a year, total. Most of that time is based around trips that end up in Key West. I'm lucky enough to get to play in Key West about 4-5 weeks a year now, so I'll kind of build mini tours around those weeks. In the last couple of years we've also been fortunate enough to play in New Orleans, Los Angeles, San Diego, Canada, New England and lots of other wonderful places.
What are some of your favorite places to play around the country and what makes them a favorite?
The first time I visited Key West, almost twenty years ago, my wife and I stumbled (probably literally...) into the Hog's Breath Saloon. There was a guy playing acoustic guitar and singing. The atmosphere was great, he was great and I couldn't help but wonder how cool it would be to get to play on that stage. Still one of my favorites! I love the Navagator for it's great vibe and Trop Rock loving crowds and The Yard in Tampa is so unique and cool. I had a blast there.
What about House Concerts?
I've only done a handful of house concerts so far. It is a great and very intimate experience playing for a listening crowd. They are becoming more and more popular. As you know, I'm coming there to Atlanta to do a House Concert for you guys (sponsored by the Atlanta Trop Rock Alliance) in early May. I'm working on doing a little house concert tour later this year. I'll keep you posted on that.
What are some of your favorite "home town hangs"?
There are so many great places in the area, especially in the Summer. Some of my favorites are TJ Rockwells in Elizabethtown, with its huge tropical themed deck and outdoor bar made out of a boat. Heritage Hills in York has been doing Parrothead Sundays all summer on their beautiful patio for years. It's always a blast. Loxley's and Trio have great outdoor spaces too and are always fun and both are within five minutes of my house!
My wife, Georgia, and I saw Tropical Soul at Hog’s Breath Saloon every afternoon during Meeting Of The Minds last year. How did you get that gig?
I had gotten to know Scott Kirby in the late 90's. From the first time I saw him perform I was hooked on his writing, musicianship, sharp wit and humor. He was and is one of my favorite songwriters. Through Parrothead events, crossing paths, occasionally sitting in with one another and having opportunities to spend some time together, we become good friends. When we were preparing to start recording our "No Plans at All" CD in 2004, I asked Scott if I could record one of his songs on the album. He graciously said yes. We ended up recording Scott's "Heart of a Beach Town" on that record. I had told Scott that we planned to release the new CD at MOTM that year. He was scheduled to play at the Hog's Breath for the entire week and was kind enough to offer that we come by and play a set of our new songs during one of his gigs at the Hog. We were thrilled and we made it a CD release party. It was a greatt success! The following year, Scott was invited to play at the Casa (big stage) during MOTM. With not being able to play the Hog and the Casa, he recommended us to the folks at the Hog as a fill in for the day. We obliged gladly. The following year, there were two days that Scott had other gigs going and we filled in both. As Scott's schedule changed, we did three and then four days in the following years. Seemed each year another day opened up until finally we were offered the entire week. I believe we've been doing the entire week for the last five years now. I feel very lucky to have "fallen" into this great spot. This year, my trio will be back again for the week playing the 5:30 to 9:30 shift. I can't wait!
Where do you see “Trop Rock” going in the next 5 – 10 years?
Well, ya know, the support and enthusiasm for Trop Rock still seems to be growing! I think one of the signs of longevity is that TR has found its way more and more into mainstream country music via Zac Brown and Kenny Chesney and the like. Plus I'm always amazed at how many younger folks identify with it. When Jimmy said "We are the people our parents warned us about" he was really onto something! It just seems to weaving through generations. I just hope that in 5 or 10 years I can still be a part of it.
Anything else you would like people to know about you?
I just want folks to know how much we appreciate the support from Trop Rock fans for all these years. It's more fun each year......and hey.....I'll keep on singing those songs till y'all get tired of hearing them!
Thanks, Dennis - see you "on the road"!
Thanks so much for taking the time to interview me Fred!! It's been a lot of fun!
