My Exclusive Q+A With Tim Carmon

I recently had the pleasure of doing an email interview with keyboardist extraordinaire Tim Carmon, currently on tour with Eric Clapton. In addition to playing with Clapton both on the road and in the studio (he's appeared on recent Clapton albums "Reptile" and "Riding With The King"), Tim has worked with a whole host of legendary artists including B.B. King, Buddy Guy, Stevie Wonder, Herbie Hancock, Carlos Santana, Paul McCartney and Bob Dylan. Clapton has often said that the character of the musicians he chooses to work with is every bit as important to him as their actual musicianship. Tim Carmon is a strong case in point. In addition to being a virtuoso on the keys, he's a kind and generous man.

SS: According to your official bio you began playing when you were just nine years old. At what point did you know that music would be your calling?

TC: I did begin to play at the age of 9 on a fluke. It began with me and my oldest sister (Tammy, an INCREDIBLE singer) who would have competitions on who could imitate cartoons we heard the best.

SS: In addition to playing with Mr. Clapton I know you've played with a vast variety of other artists. Who was the first major artist you worked with and how did that come about?

TC: I believe (don't trust my memory) it was jazz saxophonist Gerald Albright. I use to hang at this studio called Air LA and everyone use to record there and one of the producers I use to work with (Arvel McClinton) introduced me to his manager who was also managing Gerald at the time. He had me play for him and that was it...

SS: How did you first hook up with Mr. Clapton?

TC: I first met E playing with Babyface on the MTV unplug in '97. We spoke briefly during soundcheck and in passing I said to him "maybe we'll get a chance to work together" and he said "maybe so". Not knowing that it would actually come into fruition a year later. Funny enough he was watching a gospel program on TV and thought that the one of the players was Kenneth Crouch and said "that must be the guy that played on "Change The World". Kenneth recommended me with the stamp of approval by Nathan East.

SS: How much input did you guys in the band have in compiling the set list during tour rehearsals?

TC: E pretty much had an idea of what he wanted to do especially with knowing that he would have 2 other guitarists.

SS: Is there a particular song (or songs) in the current set list that you especially look forward to playing each night?

TC: I look forward more to hearing what the band will do with each song each night more so then a particular song.

SS: How much do you think the set list will change once "Road To Escondido" is released?

TC: Not sure but we'll see. Especially since some of the newer band played on the new record.

SS: Many critics and longtime fans alike are calling this current band one of the very best bands Clapton's ever put together. Do you keep up with the press reviews, as well as the fan reviews at websites like whereseric?

TC: I think this is a really good band. He's had a few really good bands. Now on the subject of reviews, this is a funny subject but I'll gladly give you my opinion. Rarely do I keep up with the reviews. I use to but then Eric made a wise statement about reading them 'cause they can totally mess with your head going either way. I read one negative, and after that I stopped. This guy really had it out for me, so thanks to him I probably won't read another. Hahaha. I realize that the negative guys always raced home to write so they can have their one chance to be negatively heard. Music is expression, feeling, emotion. Some people "judge" music like they're judging a freak show.. Weird!!

SS: What's your daily routine like when you're on the road? How do you prefer to spend the downtime?

TC: My downtime on the road is mostly spent reading, praying and/or just having quiet time before the show. On days off maybe exploring the city.

SS: What's your current stage set-up like? And how exactly do you get that synth sound on your "Old Love" solo?

TC: My current stage set-up is Organ, Rhodes, Yamaha Motif 6 and Nord Lead. The synth sound is made by 2 sounds programmed by Dave Delhomme (on the Crossroads DVD) through a wah-wah pedal. Eric mentioned the reason for doing the song was because he wanted to hear the synth solo.

SS: Your bio mentions you've been working on a solo album. When might that see the light of day?

TC: Soon, soon, soon. Just waiting for a few guest artists to finish their parts and some mixing and it'll be headed your way.