Marc Copely Guitarist for JD & The Straight Shot Talks About Opening for The Eagles

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AMERICANA BAND JD & THE STRAIGHT SHOT IS SET TO HIT THE ROAD WITH THE EAGLES, CHICAGO AND THE DOOBIE BROTHERS

Interview conducted March 05, 2018

Americana band JD & The Straight Shot will hit the road in support of their vibrant new album Good Luck And Good Night. Comprised of vocalist/guitarist Jim Dolan, guitarist Marc Copely (B.B. King, Rosanne Cash), bassist Byron House (Robert Plant, Emmylou Harris, Dolly Parton), violinist/fiddler Erin Slaver (Martina McBride, Rod Stewart), drummer/percussionist Shawn Pelton(Sheryl Crow, Levon Helm, Saturday Night Live band), and guitarist Carolyn Dawn Johnson (Miranda Lambert, Kenny Chesney), the dynamic group’s all-acoustic record was produced and mixed by Copely (Toby Lightman, Owen Danoff, Upright Man) and engineered by Chuck Ainley (Mark Knopfler, George Strait, Lee Ann Womack) at Soundstage Studios in Nashville. JD & The Straight Shot will be opening for legendary bands the Eagles, Chicago and The Doobie Brothers on different tour legs kicking off on March 14^th in Chicago at United Center.

Unratedmag: How did you join JD & The Straight Shot?

Marc Copely: My friend Charley Drayton called me a few years back as he was music directing and setting up the band. Anything Charley asks me to do, I’m there! So, I showed up to an audition and got in the band.

You produced the band’s new album Good Luck And Good Night. Please tell us about the experience

Marc Copely with James Trussart Guitar(credit: Tanya Alexis)

and your approach in the studio.

It was a fun record to make in that I know every musician in the band really well. So, all their strengths were brought out as much as possible. We’ve been touring together now for years, and we’re a tight band. I try to get everyone feeling good so they can be creative and hear out all the ideas that get thrown on the table.

I love JD & The Straight Shot’s version of the Three Dog Night classic “Shambala.” How long did it take the band to get the vocal harmonies down?

You know, I don’t remember how long that took. But we’re pretty quick these days since we all really know where our parts will sit arrangement-wise.

How was “Run for Me” selected as the first single?

Our frontman Jim was feeling like that was the strongest track and we went with it. The song has a Celtic rave-up thing to it, and we all love that!

What is your favorite song on the album?

“Ballad of Jacob Marley” is one I always think of. I love Byron House’s banjo playing on it and the way that song moves.

If someone was listening to JD & The Straight Shot for the first time, what 3 videos or songs would you tell them to watch/listen to, and why?

I’d say “Violet’s Song,” “Run For Me” and “Shambala.” All have the harmony factor that defines us and all are strong songs. “Violet’s Song” in general is a great story, and it’s one of my favorites we’ve ever written.

JD & The Straight Shot has toured with the Eagles before and you are hitting the road with them again. How is it touring with such legends?

Amazing. It’s a lesson every night.

Any memories of Glenn Frey you would like to share?

Glenn Frey from The Eagles (credit: Daniel Locke)

Sure. The last time I saw Glenn was when I sat behind him at an Eric Clapton show. He kept turning around and we’d talk about what Clapton just played, his guitars sound, vocals, etc., and that went on through the whole show. Glenn was as enthusiastic about music and the guitar as ever. He was an incredible musician and person.

How would you describe JD & The Straight Shot’s sound?

Our sound is about the stories and the harmonies.

Who are the band’s biggest influences?

The Eagles, Crosby Still and Nash, Fleetwood Mac. Pretty much classic music.

Who are your personal biggest influences? Any guilty pleasures your fans would be surprise you listen to?

I listen to anything I can find, and most of that means it’s soulful, and usually pretty interesting music. I have some Bulgarian folk music I listen to that’s incredible. The vocals are mind blowing. I’m not sure that’s a guilty pleasure though, haha.

I see you went to Berklee, you’ve played with greats like B.B. King and Roseanne Cash, and you’ve done session work for “American Idol” and much more. Please tell me about your impressive professional music career and background, and how you got started.

I got started when I was 13 years old when a buddy of mine asked me to play rhythm guitar for him since he was learning the blues scale. He taught me to play “Lyin’ Eyes” by the Eagles, and I was off and running!

You toured with Billy Squire at Toyota Park, in Bridgeview, IL outside of Chicago on July 3, 2009. I was at that show. Some of the people who you shared the stage with were Joe Lynn Turner, Starship, Off Broadway, and Over the Rainbow. Do you remember anything about that day?

I totally don’t remember. Ahhh! I do remember touring with Billy was great. He’s super talented and I think people don’t realize how incredible he is. He still sings all those songs in the same key. Amazing!

What can we expect from a JD & The Straight Shot show?