ARTIST
DIRECTORY
JABO
Interviewed
by Cynthia Allen for Jamsource Magazine
C.
Allen: First let me say I’m one of
your biggest fans it truly a pleasure and
honor to have you take time out of your busy
schedule for this interview. First let me
start by giving our readers a little back
ground information I found on you, you was
headlined in one Texas largest magazines the,
“Texas Monthly”, also featured in
the “The Houston Chronicle”; in
the “Zest Magazine”, and received
an award from the “Houston Press”
for the best Blues and Zydeco Singer in 1994.
You have also been featured on TV Channels
Fox 26; ABC 13; CBS 11; and have performed
at such events as the Houston International
Festival and the French Market Festival in
New Orleans just to name a few. You have also
performed on shows with such artists as Buckwheat;
Beau Jocque; Rockin Sidney; Boo Zoo Chavis;
Clifton Chenier and the list goes on and on,
very impressive I must say.
C.
Allen: Now with that being said let’s
talk about Jabo “Texas Prince of Zydeco”
hot new CD that’s got people talking
and blowing up the charts.
Jabo:
Thank you, the title of the new CD is
“Southern Choice/Zydeco & Blues.”
C.
Allen: Why did you title it that and what
all does it consists of?
Jabo:
Well, it’s titled that because it
has such a wide variety of music ranging from
original and traditional style Zydeco, Blues,
Southern Soul, Country and a new version of
Zydeco that is being performed by Lil Jabb
and Zachary Shaw both are 19 years old and
up and coming new artists.
C.
Allen: Wow! It sounds like it has something
for everybody; did you write all the songs?
Jabo:
Yes, all except for (2) songs “Choking
Kind” an original tune that was performed
by Joe Simon and “Get On the Floor”
which was written and performed by Lil Jabb.
C.
Allen: You also told me that you never
write any of your songs on paper tell me about
that and how you are able to keep track of
everything?
Jabo:
Well, some things are unexplainable I
say that it’s by the anointing and that
it’s a gift from God. I never know what
neither the words nor the title of a CD is
going to be until I get into the studio.
C.
Allen: When you are in the studio putting
together a new project where does the inspiration
come from and what type of mood and frame
of mind is you generally in?
Jabo:
It’s like a spiritual and a supernatural
state comes upon me, it’s like I go into
a complete other zone and my inspiration comes
from everyday life experiences, family and
friends.
C.
Allen: I can tell you are a religious
man just by your answers and your demeanor,
but do you consider yourself as a role model
to new and up coming artists?
Jabo:
Yes most definitely, I try to carry myself
with respect, give respect, be a positive
mentor because I know the pro’s and con’s
of what it’s like trying to get into
this industry. But, not only that I feel my
music is a ministry because I really try to
teach love and unity also be motivating and
encouraging to everyone I come in contact
with.
C.
Allen: Is it harder for you to create
a song or record a song?
Jabo:
I would say for me it’s harder to record
a song because of all the technicalities and
the process of recording; it’s easier
for me to create because I am always creating
something new in my performing and shows.
C.
Allen: Tell me what is your favorite song
on the new CD and why
Jabo:
“Going Down Slow” because I felt
myself going to a higher level with this CD
but I still wanted to keep myself on a lower
level to keep myself humble that I don’t
get caught up in the glitz and glamour and
lose sight of God’s direction for my
life.
C.
Allen: How would you rate this CD compared
to others that you’ve done?
Jabo:
Although, the last CD was great and did
very well, I do think that this is by far
the best I’ve ever done.
C.
Allen: Who are some of the artists that
are featured on this CD?
Jabo:
The legendary and multi-talented Rue Davis;
also national recording artists and great
producer Carl Marshall, Donna Nash and Sherman
Robinson as well as new and upcoming artists
Lil Jabb; Zachary Shaw; Roger Valentine and
Lady V.
C.
Allen: This CD has only been out for a
couple of weeks and it’s already blowing
up the charts; how does that make you feel?
Jabo:
We are working hard to put it out there,
I feel very fortunate and blessed that it’s
being received so well in such a short period
of time.
C.
Allen: Where are some of the area’s
your new CD is being played in?
Jabo:
Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama
and Ohio
C.
Allen: I understand that you recently
signed with a new record label?
Jabo:
Yes, Southern Choice Record Label in Lake
Charles, LA
C.
Allen: Again, thank you for taking time
out of your busy schedule to do this interview,
congratulations on the success of your new
CD. I wish you much continued success it’s
always a pleasure speaking with you, this
is our second interview together and each
time I must I say I find you more intriguing.
Do you have any closing remarks?
Jabo:
Yes, I would like to say a special thank
you for this interview and your constant support
also God who is the head of my life, for blessing
me with a special gift of singing and for
guiding me through the rough times. My band
the Southside Playboys for their continuous
professionalism and loyalty, my fans for buying
my music and coming to my shows, radio DJ’s
who play my music, and promoters who book
me for shows, friends and family, LaQuanta
(Q-Beauty) (wife), Wanda Tower (mother), Janice
Glenn (sister) for their constant dedication
and support!!
Special
Thanks to: · Carolyn Baker - Jamsource
Magazine-(Publisher)-Houston, TX ·
Cullen Washington-CCW Productions-(Executive
Producer) “Southern Choice/Zydeco &
Blues” & (Booking Agent)-Lake Charles,
LA. · Cynthia Allen – C. Allen
Productions (Management & Booking)-Houston,
TX · Jim Davis–(Engineer &
Recording)-Diamond Gem Studio-Houston, TX
· Zydeblues and Mo Show Productions
– (Promotions) Houston, TX · Frank-O-Smooth
– (Promotions) Columbus, OH ·
Joe Norman –Zydeco Events (Promotions)
– Houston, TX · LT & Zydeco
Mobb /Bon-Ton Mickey/J. Paul
FOR
MORE INFORMATION
(713) 204-9554
callenproductions1@yahoo.com
cynthia@callenproductions.com
