The Dann Huff interview - (Date of interview: May ‘97)

This interview was completed over the phone, late on a Saturday afternoon. Dann was with his kids at home. They had just ordered Pizza...and so had I. The interview took approx. 1 hour 15 minutes.

I Hope you enjoy it, because I sure did.

-Brian Jarrett

Brian Jarrett: Weren’t you 20...weren’t you young when you started out?

Dann Huff: Wasn’t I 20 once? Yeah. (Laughs) I was really young. I started professionally when I was 16.

Brian: 16? Who were you playing with?

Dann: Just demos here in Nashville.

Brian: How old were you when you were with Whiteheart?

Dann: 19 or 20...something like that.

Brian: Was that ‘82?

Dann: Well, if it was ‘82, then I was 22. I was born in ‘60. We started a good year or two before I moved to L.A., and I think I moved to L.A. at the end of ‘82. Check that first record. Check the copyright on it. Just figure it was a year before that came out.

Brian: When were you born?

Dann: November 15th.

Brian: Who taught you how to play the guitar?

Dann: Myself. I was basically self-taught. I had a couple of teachers along the way. The guy that was the most influential to me when I was young was a guy named, John Darnall, here in Nashville. He was a session guitar player at the time, still is a very good guitar player. He came over to my house when I was 13, and he showed me a scale. And that was the beginning. I had been playing acoustic up to that point, but that was...I remember the day. I remember him coming. I remember where I was. I remember him jotting it down. That was the beginning. I mean, I took some Classical guitar lessons. I did basically what any guitar player does. I took lessons at a local music store for a minute, but most of the learning was listening to records and emulating things. So book-wise I’m not as well versed as I am just playing, but you tend to gravitate towards what you wanna hear. So that’s the way I learned. My folks will attest to that. All I did was sit

and listen to records. Stop and start...I was a serious needle dropper.  I wore those records out.

Brian: Do you read Tablature?

Dann: Yeah. I read music. I probably read music better than I do tablature. If I’m gonna sit and read something. I’ll read it musically.

Tablature looks too much like an equation. So I never got into it.

Brian: How many siblings do you have besides you and David?

Dann: Dave and then my other brother, Ron. We are all about 18 months apart. I’m the oldest. I’m the wiener. Those 2 guys are

much bigger and more handsome. I’m the runt. Ron is a tennis pro, and will probably end up being a college professor. His passion is World

Religions. He’s kinda got sidetracked because he’s such a great tennis instructor....and it’s hard for him...because, it’s just too good of work for him. But his passion is Academics.

Brian: Is Ron musically talented?

Dann: Yeah, very. He doesn’t do anything in it. He doesn’t play anything, but he just has it. You can’t be around it and not have it. He just made a conscientious decision...He probably said, Phooey! everyone else is in music...I’m gonna do something different. And I don’t blame him. Y’know? He’s as musical as any of us.

Brian: Is your dad, Ronn Huff?

Dann: Uh huh. My dad is an arranger/orchestrator. He’s very famous in some circles.

Brian: Didn’t your dad do strings on the Savior CD?

Dann: It’s funny, because he does that, and he also did the strings on Megadeth for me. My dad said he was so proud of that, that he was gonna put that on his resume...from Bill Gaithier to Megadeth. I mean, he does alot of big pop stars too. He and Dave Mustaine are really good friends. He and Dave get along great. You know Dave has been sober now...I think we had the year party about 4 or 5 months ago.

We had the party over at the house....just family. Y’know? Dave is kinda like family. He’s loved by the family. They love him...they think he’s great. They love Pam, his wife, and Justice, his kid. Dave is a good guy. I even remember my dad saying that he was so proud of what he did that he wanted to put that on his resume along with everybody else. He figured it’d be kinda funny. Shake some people up that he likes.

(Dann Produced Megadeth’s latest album, CRYPTIC WRITINGS)

Brian: Did you play any on this new Megadeth album?

Dann: I didn’t play a note. It’s the band. Y’know, Some people lie about stuff like that. I’m not lying. I did not play one note on the record. It was their deal.

Brian: How is this new album gonna be different? Did you change up anything as far as the way they played?

Dann: Y’know, the odd thing is...I’m not familiar with alot of Megadeth’s stuff, and I kept it that way. I decided I didn’t want to

go out and just learn every bit of their old records. I listened to bits.

Brian: You wanted a fresh approach. Right?

Dann: Well, yeah. I figured if they wanted to get me they were gonna get somebody who was different. And their other producer, I thought he was great.

Brian: Who? Max Norman?

Dann: Yeah. He did some really good stuff...I mean some of the stuff that I heard, I thought, "Wow! that’s really good." But I wasn’t gonna sit and dwell on that, nor listen to it, because I didn’t want to be influenced by that. I mean, we just started rehearsing...I got down there at a rehearsal hall. I had just finished a real hard-core country record...THE WIGGINS...that I’m just as proud of as anything. And they are just coming out right now. We finished that, and the next day I started rehearsals with Megadeth. I just basically sat in the middle of four guys that played at a volume...I felt like pimple getting ready to bust. They play so loud, man, it just like cleaned my cobwebs right out. And I learned their stuff. We just took it a day at a time. I suggested a little something...and they’d say, "yeah, we’ll try that" or they’d say, "uhh.. It’s not us."...and I’d immediately say, "Fine." Or sometimes I’d go, "What do you think. Try this. I know it’s not maybe you, but maybe it could be interesting." Just little things here and there. It was just a process of growing.... and relationships...and we didn’t know each other that well. I think Dave just thought I was funny. I always called the record...I always called myself, "Opie." "Opie Goes to Hell" is what I called it

Brian: Why?

Dann: Just because of the perception. Y’know, Megadeth. Here is Dave and Crew..and here is me. I’m Opie or Richie Cunningham. I was basically Ronnie Howard. In alot of ways, we are alike, and in alot of other ways, we are not alike at all. Just different lifestyles and all that kinda stuff. So our process was, Relationship and getting to know each other...not just musically, but personally. Because when you are in the studio for that long a time period you really...

Brian: You need to get along. Right?

Dann: Well, you are bearing your souls. And I’m trying to figure out, as a producer..."What they are about." "What they want to say." "What they wanna do." "What they wanna sound like."...And also give them a certain amount of input...And also find out what input they like.  The whole process definitely involves alot of trust. Because it’s not like one of these things where I would be so arrogant to go in there and say, "This is the way it should be." That would be stupid. Because they are really a great metal band. I don’t know if you’ve ever seen them play live, but these guys really play as a band. All four of them have their distinct personalities...and I was knocked out. I didn’t know that they were that good. Honestly...because when you hear records you never know how good someone is. And yeah, I was blown away.

So anyway, to make a long story short. We hit it off great. We experimented alot. I just talked to Dave 2 nights ago, and he said he’s been in a different major city everyday...actually all around the world...because he’s been setting it up for 2 or 3 months. And people are Freaking’ out about the record. The first song is song called, "Trust"...that’s the first single...ironically enough...TRUST. And it’s stunning. I mean, Dave wrote some killer songs...very much more inventive. His themes are the things he lives. My favorite song is a song called, "Use the Man". He’s talking about Heroin. Obviously an upclose and personal view of it. One that a guy like me could never have.

Brian: So you kinda saw through his eyes what he felt?

Dann: Oh yeah, and he told me all this stuff. And I’ve never been like one for drugs...and so I’ve never got into that thing. And so to hear it from a guy who really, really got into and really had to kick it. That’s why I have all the admiration, because that’s not easy to do. They are really determined to stay that way. But the funny thing is...they are more aggressive musically now. To me it’s like, they hit a little harder. It’s more even rock basis...it’s more musical. They have some really fast crazed metal songs. They have a little bit of everything. But they have some stuff on there, that when you hear it you are gonna go, "That’s Megadeth? Wow!" Because they are not limited. They are not just limited to a metal format.

Brian: So you think you helped them achieve that?

Dann: Well, yeah. I’m part of that new equation. But they wrote the songs. I didn’t write the songs for them...so it’s all coming from within. I just helped them bring it out. So it’s really cool. I’m proud of the record... I gotta say. It was like an 8 month project in a 3 1/2 month period. We worked out rears off. It’s good. I think the fans are gonna be blown away. Matter of fact, they had a bunch of people from all around the world, their Fanclub. They came in and their fans freaked out.

Brian: Why did they choose you?

Dann: I have no idea. Other than...their management, ESP management, out of the West Coast. One of the guys used to manage GIANT...and I’m sure what happened is he just said, ‘Check out Dann Huff’...and then they probably said, "What?!?" And they just arranged some meetings, and then we hit it off. I think a long time ago we used to rehearse across from each other in a rehearsal hall...and I think we met then.

Brian: Of all the songs or albums that you’ve worked on, which is most close to your personal preference in music?

Dann: Ah that’s easy. I like the song I played on that PLAYERS record that they put out. It actually won a Dove award. I didn’t go to the Dove awards, but I found out a couple of days later. The song on the PLAYERS CD is the closest to me musically. It’s a nice song. It’s like the way I like to play music.

Brian: Are you married? Kids?

Dann: I’ve been married 15 years...to my 13 year old sweetheart, and we have 3 kids.

Brian: How do you feel about the Contemporary Christian Music movement? What do you see as the future of CCM?

Dann: That’s a fine question. I don’t think about it really. I was never a part of the Contemporary Christian movement. It’s a fine deal. If people want to express their Faith. I think it’s Killer that there are some great, great, great artists. The guys in DC TALK....I’m absolutely blown away with those guys. I’m very close to Toby, and I play softball with him too. Mark Heimermann who is their producer, who I think is probably one of the most talented people that I’ve ever met. I’m blown away by them. I heard this band, Jars of Clay, that I thought was phenomenal. There is alot of great talent. I don’t listen to alot of it. I listen to DC TALK because I play on some of their stuff...so I listen to it. And what I respect and love about those guys is...they are very soul-bearing in their lyrics and the way they talk about their faith, and I think it’s great. What I guess I like about alot of the new artists that I’ve heard, and I’m not cutting down anybody else....it just seems to be kinda of a renaissance period of all rock music. It’s like all of a sudden the 80s got just kicked right out, and all of a sudden people got very honest, and it became very unhip to be corporate. And I like that...in all kinds of music. I mean, it will swing back. I like music PERIOD...I mean the idea of the business of CCM. I think that’s a really scary kind of proposition. Because you’re...

Brian: Selling your faith...?

Dann: Well, in a certain sense, yeah...you’re capitalizing, you’re marketing...but To Each His Own. I think it’s fine. I’ve always been kinda of a...Y’know...I don’t know...somewhat of a ‘bastard child of CCM’. You don’t have to say that, but that’s the truth. it’s I’m kind of a...You can say that...it’s not a bad way of saying it. Actually, It’s probably the best way to say it. Because that was my heritage, and that’s what I grew up in. I started the band, Whiteheart.

Brian: Y’know, they say Steve Green was the vocalist of Whiteheart...but I hear you singing on more of the songs.

Dann: Yeah, Steve was the vocalist. I sang a couple of songs. I don’t even remember it. I blotted it out. When I did GIANT they said, "Have you ever sung before?" I always said, "No." I don’t even remember hardly singing that much in Whiteheart, but I guess I did.

Brian: I rarely hear Steve on the Whiteheart records...

Dann: No. no..he sang on most of the songs. Steve’s voice is just extraordinary. He didn’t feel comfortable in the Rock ‘n Roll music field.

And that goes back to his heritage too. From where he comes from that’s really very kinda distasteful, sinful. Whatever it is...He just didn’t like it.

Brian: So yall both had your reasons for getting out of the band then. Yall weren’t comfortable with it? Right?

Dann: Yeah, he wasn’t comfortable with it from his perspective. Musically... I was totally comfortable with it. I wanted to be a session musician in Los Angeles...that’s all it boils down to. The band was only a way to get me in the studio. I wasn’t burning to go out and ‘sell my faith.’ That had nothing to do with it. I wanted to play guitar. And I didn’t think that a bad reason either...I thought that was a great reason.

Brian: Just to do music. right?

Dann: Well yeah. The fact that we did songs about Christianity was great, and I thought we were really good. Alot of people say that that was a real turning point record. Well, whatever it was...it was what it was. The second I had the chance to move out and play sessions...I was like, "See ya!"

Brian: Do you ever have any contact with any of the other members of Whiteheart?

Dann: Very seldomly. Every once in a while I’ll see Gary Lunn in passing...every once in a while, and Billy Smiley every once in a while, Gersmehl.....We live in such different worlds that our paths just don’t cross. I think they are great. I’ve always tried to keep up. Gordon Kennedy is a really close friend of mine. He’s a dear friend...When we went to High School we graduated a year apart.

Brian: Now, weren’t you the one that kinda helped Gordon get the gig with Whiteheart?

Dann: Well yeah, I was the one recommending him...but Man! Gordon Kennedy..I always have loved his musicianship, ever since we used to play together in High school.

Brian: You used to play together in High School?

Dann: Well, yeah...we did assemblies at our school and all that kind of junk. I’ve always told everbody that he is the most underrated musician in Nashville. And this year he had a phenomenal year. He and Tommy and Wayne wrote a Grammy winning song, and all of a sudden Gordon’s on fire. Now everybody’s kinda realizing now, "Hey, you were right!" I’ve just been telling people that, "Gordon is the talent."

Brian: So you were really pushing him eh?

Dann: I always have. I’ve always said that he is an extremely important musician, (period). I think he is one of the better musicians I’ve met in my life. And I have always said that, and I always will say that. That’s just the way I’ve always felt about him. And it’s funny...it’s a situation where the music business is not always necessarily fair. It just is what it is. But anyway...yeah, Gordon and I keep in good touch. I’m always calling him up for songs, (Acts as if he’s on phone with Gordon) "C’mon man. Give me something great so I can produce it."

Brian: When recording a song for a CCM artist, Do the lyrics affect the way you play on the song?

Dann: No. I mean, I try to listen to the lyrics...but I hear music I’m gonna play. I mean, I’ll ask. I’d like to say, Yeah, that I really do, but no, I just play guitar and when I play on something...and the music is gonna usually dictate. I don’t sit there and... Otherwise, I guess you could probably say it’s obvious that I don’t consider it, because I play sinful stuff. (laughs) Well, alot of people like the way I play.

Brian: Alot of people have asked, How you can say an artist like Madonna is one of your favorite sessions?

Dann: My favorite session? I don’t think I ever said it was my favorite session. Somebody asked me about a session with her, and I said, as an artist I totally respect her as an artist. I didn’t say I like her.

Brian: So you might not totally agree with what she stands for, but you like her as an artist?

Dann: No. Most of what she stands for, I don’t agree with. I liked her as a person. She and I got along great. I mean, she’s funny, and she’s witty. Heck! She’s Madonna for crying out loud! But by the same token, she got into a phase where it was like...C’mon, sheesh, For Crying out loud, put your clothes on. But she’s who she is. But what I respected about her was her absolute control and commitment to what she did. She was not an artist in name. She created everything about Her.

Brian: She wasn’t a fake. Right?

Dann: Yeah, and I respect that in anybody, but do I respect what she stands for sometimes? Absolutely not! It’s totally the anti-thesis of my views of what I would want to impart to my young girls. Sex isn’t a dirty word to me, but there’s alot of things about how she has stood for it...that to me, has degraded sex. I think sex is awesome! And I want my kids, when they find their mates, to think sex is awesome too. But I think there is a very debasing element to the way she has handled sexuality. I don’t mind the openness about sexuality. That’s fine with me. It’s not like, Let’s not talk about sex...no let’s definitely talk about sex. I just think she took the beauty out of it, and that bums me out more than anything. I guess that’s, if I really think about it...I never really thought about it that much...I think that’s what really bothers me more. It’s not sexuality..it’s just when it’s taken down to it’s lowest common ground. I’m not saying it always has to be mystical either. I just think it’s alot more beautiful than alot of people like that have made it. But yeah, I do respect her.

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PART II-The Dann Huff Interview

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Brian: Some people ask, What’s your relationship with Christ? Are you a Christian?

Dann: Yes I am a Christian. I can’t be anything but. The culture that I’ve grown up in, socially, and historically...that’s what we believe. That’s our basis for belief in God. So I am a Christian. I’ve gone through all the ritual...I went through all the things you are supposed to do when you are a Christian...accept Christ into your life and all that kinda stuff. I never went through Charismatic stuff like Speaking in tongues and all that stuff. I went to charismatic churches when I was kid, but I also say that if I was born in India that I’d be a good Hindu.

I think it’s all the same. I honestly do.

Brian: You don’t think any denomination is over the other?

Dann: Any religion. I don’t mean denomination. I mean religion. I honestly believe that. I’ve gotten to the point where it’s like, what does it matter what I believe? I seem to know it to be true. It doesn’t belittle Christianity for me. Now real evangelicals will say I’m heretical and that I’m wrong, but Christianity is true to me. I think we are calling the same God. I don’t think our Hindu brothers are calling a different God. They are just seeing God from a different perspective. And I’ve traveled alot. I’ve traveled around the world...and people are just people. Y’know, it’s like for a Hindu to convert to Christianity would be as freaky as a Christian converting to Hinduism. Y’know? It’s like, "You’re doing what?" And I don’t see the point anyway.

Brian: So you think it’s just a different format?

Dann: I do. I just really do. Who knows. I may be wrong. I may be right.

Brian: But that’s what you believe. Right?

Dann: Yeah, and it’s not come as a result of rejecting anything. I am definitely not a fundamentalist Christian. There’s no doubt about that, based on the things I’ve said. But by the same token, we go to church. We don’t go every Sunday, but my kids are being raised as Christians. That is the way they are learning about God is through Christianity and the Bible. They are learning the Bible. I’m definitely teaching them to be open to other religions.  The one thing I don’t like about our religion. It’s so intolerant of any other religions. Historically... Christians have alot to be ashamed of. Killing in the name. What’s the main thing? God says to love one another. And of course that’s the last thing Christians usually do. Historically...we kill ‘em. It’s better to kill them than to be alive and call God by another name. And of course our Christian nation throughout a whole people in this Country...and that’s just people. Christianity is Christianity and Christ is Christ, and that doesn’t diminish his words or the legitimacy of the religion. It just shows that people are people. But I’m becoming more religious as I get older too. it’s really interesting.

Brian: So you are more into it now than before?

Dann: Oh heavens. yeah. Of course like I said, some people, if they want to read something like this, they’ll think I’m just totally off my rocker. And it’s okay because I think Faith is personal too. I mean, you ask me a question, I’ll say it. Part of me is saying "that I shouldn’t even be telling you this stuff, because what does it matter what people...Y’know?" Part of me says "yeah. I’m a Christian." But by the same token, if you ask I’ll be honest. Y’know? And it’s not an attempt to get away from Christianity. It has nothing to do with that. It’s just the idea that I am a Christian, but I’m not a person who excludes other religions. I respect other religions and I want to know more about them. That’s the main thing. I would like to be more educated. Would I convert to another religion? Absolutely not! There’s no reason. There’s no point. Converting to what? We are still talking about God here. The beauty of Christianity is a part of my life I can’t erase. It’s my life.

Brian: How can people best pray for Dann Huff?

Dann: That’s a cool question. If I wanted to have people pray for one specific thing...it’d be that I can manage my time better so I can be with my family more. That to me is the most pressing and important thing in my life. I mean I got 3 children whom I adore. Until you have kids you don’t know, but people who have kids they know. My wife Sherry, I absolutely honor and respect her. She’s no doubt my best friend. I’ve known her since we were 13. First kisses basically. Actually wasn’t my first, but she was my second. We were dating when we were 13.  Basically what it is, is that. I mean, talking about finding God...boy it’s right there in your family. And that to me is the most relevant thing I can be. I mean forget music. Music is like...That’s my job, and I love it. I’m gonna be remembered by 4 other people here. They know I love them. There’s no doubt about that, but following it up all the time is tough. So that’s what I care most about. So yeah, if anyone wants to pray for me... The only reason I guess I say that is that that is the most important thing to me. Talk about your religion, God. I mean what is the most immediate extension of your faith? It’s how you relate to your family.  And that’s also the hardest thing. Especially when you get on in years in marriage. I see so many of my friends they lose the respect for their spouse. Y’know, that’s something that if you are not very guarded and very aware of...you lose that intimacy...you lose that respect, which is the ultimate degradation for people. If you don’t respect your children. All that kind of stuff. To me that’s religion...everything that Christ said, and everything any other prophet said. It’s all about Love.   Of course, I’m a bit of a cynic. I’ve been close to certain religious movements, churches, and what not. And because I’m from it, I guess I’m cynical about it only from the standpoint that I see people reaching for the masses and yet they crush the people that are closest to them. And that’s just the way people are, but for me, like I said, God is right here. Elliot is sitting with me right now..

(Says to his son, "Yeah, do you want me to get a Bible?") He’s listening to me thinking, "What the heck is dad talking about?"

But that to me, like I said, to me that is my life. That is life. When I’m gone by a hundred years and my great, great grandchildren are walking around, I hope that somewhere that it’s written that, "I really love my family, and that I not only loved them, but acted like it." But talking about seeing God...I look in every one of my children’s eyes, and boy! there God is. Whoever God is...he’s right there.

Brian: Have you ever thought about being a preacher?

Dann: (Laughs) No. Heavens no.

But to me that is....religion is just a word. Everything about religion...words mean nothing. The Bible means nothing if we don’t act on it. And if we don’t make it relevant. Forget about evangelizing and going out and telling other people. I don’t tell people about my faith unless they ask me. I’m not gonna go out and start sharing my faith.

Brian: Like Bible bangers. Right?

Dann: No. And those people help alot of people. First of all, my kids aren’t interested in my words. My kids don’t give a rip about what I say. They say that they do, but there’s just not a chance. Because people really aren’t interested in words.

Brian: So it’s your actions?

Dann: It’s who you are. It’s everything about you. If you are the type of person that people can see God in....God moving through you. If the way that you live is obvious. They are gonna be drawn to you in a certain way. And it’s nothing that you can say that’s gonna do it. And there’s nothing that you are gonna say that’s gonna change them. Plus, I don’t want to change people. Even when I was a kid, when I didn’t understand kinda how I was thinking...I always felt like the idea of trying to quickly convert somebody was repulsive to me.

Brian: Yeah, I don’t think there is anything written in the Bible about ‘Quick Conversions’.

Dann: I mean, there are alot of things written in the Bible, and this is a another subject. The Bible was written in the 1st Century...alot of it. And it was written by people in that time period, and the truth of it holds on. But there is so much of it that was relevant to that time period that is not relevant to now. And the more we try to squeeze that into the modern world...not that we are a better world now. It’s just a different world. I think that is where people get all screwed up.

Brian: They are trying to apply what happened back then?

Dann: Well, think about this. Here is one thing. Think about the main issue of the way, Historically, throughout the centuries, we have treated women. Just that. Okay, that alone. I have two daughters and I am very sensitive on this issue, because it’s like...women were property they were no more than cattle. They meant nothing. They were something to be used. Y’know. And we until even this last generation...

Brian: They started having their own rights?

Dann: Well yeah! I mean, Good Grief! they didn’t start voting ‘til what year? My wife could tell you all this stuff. I mean she’s not a card toting Women’s libber at all. She’s anything but. But alot of people in our religion...they still want their wives to cover their heads in church. They don’t want women to speak. And I’m going, "I would just assume hear a woman who is wise speak than...

(Dann’s other phone rings and he is preoccupied for a minute or two)

This is my argument. if you will. If I’m gonna argue about something. Not that I care too much about arguing, but so much of seemingly...

the overtone of alot of what was written in the Bible still took that on. Right? And now of course people argue and say ‘No. God talked about the marriage and the union...and husbands submit to your wives." Right. That’s True. That was all said there, but the tone was of 1st Century. Y’know. And Basically women were still...they were not equal, and they have never been equal until about now. And that is what I’m talking about in respect to the Bible. It’s not saying that it’s not relevant. It’s the most relevant book of our time. And yet you have to read....I think people make the mistake of not reading in context of when it was written.  Y’know? Again it’s like these are just views that I have. And I know alot of people who would agree...and there’s alot of people who think I’m absolutely wrong. And either way it doesn’t matter. It’s not a Game! It’s not tallying up stuff. So anyway that’s my basic philosphy. That’s kinda in a nutshell. And it all started with that great question of how would you like people to pray for you. Because that’s pretty cool.

Brian: What do you do to relax?

Dann: I don’t have alot of time to relax. That was something I was talking with my wife about last week. I like to play softball. I’m trying to take up Golf, but I don’t have enough time to play golf...it takes up too much time. I sit down drink a beer and watch TV. Y’know? That’s about it. Actually, I take that back. I don’t count this as relaxing but I guess it does relax me that’s why I didn’t think of it. My favorite thing to do is read. I usually have 4 or 5 books going at one time.

Brian: Y’know, that really surprises me. You’d think it’d be music.

Dann: No. I’m around music all the time. I mean, I’ll sit down and play the guitar some. I have music all the time...so I wanna learn things...so I like to read. But I never thought of it as relaxation, but it really does relax you. I like all sorts of books...I’m reading a pretty varied....

Brian: Yeah, that’s a good question. What are you reading now?

Dann: Right now. I finished Herman Wouk, one of his earlier novels, Marjorie Morningstar. I just finished one of Herman Hesse’s early books called, Peter Camenzind. I’m also reading some Joseph Campbell, Power of Myth. I’m also reading a book by the guy who wrote The Last Temptation of Christ.

Brian: They put a movie out on that book right?

Dann: Oh man. The book blew me away. What that guy was contemplating made Christianity for me. People thought he was heretical. I thought just the opposite. This guy cared so much. He wanted to deal with the humanity of Christ in such a way that it moved me. It was the first thing that really moved me. What’s that book called?(Thinking) Zorba the Greek, that’s what it’s called.  I usually try to keep some James Michener books going in the process. I’ve almost read all of his books...I’m running out of stuff.  I really like fiction, and I like reading people that have lived and been around a while. There’s alot of wisdom you can get from these older guys. I like reading and educating myself. It’s kind of the way you continue your education, by immersing yourself in other people’s thoughts. And I definitely like Fiction. I always like stories. Y’know?  It’s kinda like entertainment and everything rolled into one.

Brian: What do you like listening to, musically?

Dann: Anything Jeff Beck puts out...I always get. I just like him for the obvious reasons. He just sings through his instrument. I like so many different kinds of stuff.

Brian: You really can’t nail it down?

Dann: No I really can’t. I always thought it was cool that people could really point to different records and stuff like that. I just kind of just buy stuff all the time. I go to the store and buy a smattering of everything.

Brian: Is that to keep you up to date on what people like?

Dann: Yeah. I want to know why people listen to certain things. My 11 and 7 year old keep me in touch with what’s going down on the dance circuit. This is not dance music, but groups like, NO DOUBT. I’m checking out bands like that that appeal to the younger audience. And I’ll buy some of the really crazy Rock stuff just to find out what’s going on?  I’ve been intrigued by this MARILYN MANSON phenomenon. I’m a real big fan, in a certain sense, of Trent Reznor. I can’t listen to his stuff for very long though....when I heard that song on MTV, that had all the expletives deleted on it...it startled me. It was almost like the most vile thing I’ve ever seen on TV. But by the same token...I thought the song, the way he did it...I thought it was awesome. I think I went out and bought Marilyn Manson, but I still don’t think I have even listened to it. I wanna know why stuff affects people, but do I go out and buy NIN records? No. Not really...I like a song or two...because listening to that stuff too much...it’s so much of a downer. Y’know? And I’m interested in hearing what he says of his thoughts about his life. I don’t want to dwell on it too much, because it’s so dark. And to me I like stuff that makes me happy...but he’s speaking to different people.  And I usually like everything PRINCE puts out. I’m a real Pop-head. Y’know? I like stuff you can sing. I like alot of these new women singers...Cheryl Crow... I mean I like Jazz music...Best of Sly Stone, Best of Parliament, all the Motown stuff, Joan Osborne, etc... Just kind of everything. There really isn’t anything I don’t like that much. I like good Country music...because I’m playing alot of Country music?

Brian: So you are starting to dig it?

Dann: I’ve always loved it. Wait! I take that back. Since 1989 I’ve liked it. Up until then I never really listened to it. I’m producing Faith Hill (May ‘97) right now. We just cut the tracks a couple of weeks ago. She and her husband, Tim McGraw, are two of my favorite people in Country music. I’ve known Tim and Faith, separately, for a long time.  I’ve always loved what they do. And I’ve been a guitar player for their stuff...and now I’m starting to work in Production.  And this Wiggins thing too, by the way, this brother and sister. They are truly truly awesome. I hope they catch on...because they are the real deal. They are as good as they get. It’s not a guitar extravaganza. They made a record that is a singing record. There is a little bit of guitar on it, but it’s more about it.

Brian: What products are you currently endorsing?

Dann: 2TEK bridges, I love those. I’ve always endorsed

PEAVEY...that 50 Watt amp...I think it’s a killer amp.

Brian: What about the 5150s?

Dann: Yeah, I use them occasionally. I use a little bit of everything. I thought the Deluxe Reverb they had was really good.

Brian: Are you into Vintage equipment?

Dann: Oh yeah, but I don’t go out and buy alot because I just don’t do it. I love stuff like though. I’m not a real collector. If I find something I like the sound of, then I’ll go get it and use it. I don’t go to the vintage shows...only because I don’t know when they are.

Also, some case Company, TKL Cases. I love that endorsement They make guitar cases. And I like stuff that I can use. I don’t go out and endorse just tons of stuff. Cases I can use. They make road cases and all that stuff...not just guitar cases.  Oh, and Strings...strings, the single most important thing I endorse...American Flyer Strings.

Brian: ‘Mutt’ Lange. Are yall friends?

Dann: Very good friends.

Brian: So you are his Protege? I read something about that.

Dann: Yeah...that’s a cheap shot. I would never ever say that I was his protege, because I think he is probably one of the best producers of music, not just Rock...but anything he does. And somebody said that using his name, and I kind of...I feel like that is using his name to promote me.

Brian: And you don’t want to do that. Right?

Dann: My friendship with Mutt...we are very very close friends. I mean, I consider him one of my better friends. I love his musicality. He likes the way I play the guitar. He’s also the reason...he’s the one that really pushed me to get into production. He’s the one that said, ‘Come on Dann. You are a producer’. I guess he’s given me enough encouragement to step out and do it and quit playing guitar so much from a day to day basis. But as far as me being his protege...I mean, if someone wants to say that, they can. But I’m not gonna say that.

Mutt is so much in a class all of his own. Mutt Lange is MY Hero. He really is...he’s the best.

Brian: So you look up to him in a way, that you want to be him someday?

Dann: If I could get half as good as him...I’d be really doing good.

Brian: What guitarists inspire you to play? Are there any besides, well, Jeff Beck?

Dann: Everybody. Y’know. A good friend of mine here in town, Brent Mason, is beyond comprehension as a guitar player. One of the best guitar players I’ve ever met. He’s the guy I try to copy in any Country. Although, he goes way deeper than being a Country guitar player. He’s a great guitar player period. I listen to everybody...and I listen all the time. I like everybody that everybody likes....Eric Johnson...everybody. There isn’t hardly any guitar player that I dislike. And that’s the truth. I just kinda like listening to what people play. There are certain ones that I relate to more. I mean, everybody’s got their thing. Y’know?