Journey's Jonathan Cain: "It's My Privilege and Honor to Pla

[tater1977]

Journey's Jonathan Cain: "It's My Privilege and Honor to Play Our Greatest Hits"


By Abel Folgar Thu., Mar. 12 2015

http://blogs.browardpalmbeach.com/count ... t_hits.php


Formed in San Francisco in 1973 by ex-members of Santana (Neal Schon) and Frumious Bandersnatch (Ross Valory), Journey's own journey brought them from the progressive rock and jazz fusion of that decade to churning out monstrous hits in the '80s with songs like "Don't Stop Believin'" and "Open Arms." Since, the band has become household name across the world with subsequent generations discovering its music through the iconic use of its music in popular shows like The Sopranos and Glee.

Always active in one way or another, Journey's singer Steve Perry was an idol of the '80s and while his departure left a sizeable void in the lineup, a couple of singers soldiered on until the lasting inclusion of YouTube sensation, Filipino singer Arnel Pineda in 2007.

We had a chance to speak with longtime keyboardist and rhythm guitarist Jonathan Cain -- who also gained fame with the Babys and Bad English -- while Journey tours with Bay Area contemporaries Tower of Power and the Steve Miller Band.

"It's an honor and I've been grateful that I get to do this every year. God's been good to us, the fans have been good to us, and our music continues to be relevant," Cain told us over the phone from the road. "It's kinda like being a knight of the Round Table. It's cool how they all sat around together and celebrated together and defended the kingdom together, for us it's like that, we're part of a group, and it's an honor. Every year when we go on the road, it's like yeah, this is what I do! It's the same way for me, even after almost 40 years."

Cain was instrumental in shaping Journey's music during the '80s, with signature balladry and a softening of the pop rock sound the band is closely associated with these days. In 2011, in what is widely considered a departure from their proven formula, Journey released the heavy and prog-influenced album Eclipse, a Wal-Mart exclusive sale that had critics and fans divided.

"The way I look at it, this was Neal's baby, you know, his vision. He wanted to make sort of a concept album that, you know, had a theme. I think it was something I agreed to do with him since he's been behind me in all the ballads and the pop throughout the years. Let's face it, I mean 'Open Arms' (laughs)... He's given a lot over the years to Journey and this was his time to have a shot at his vision," Cain explained. He compared the departure in signature sound to the Beatles' shift with "Helter Skelter." "So this was our White Album," he continued. "I'm proud of some of the songs. When I listen to it, I think some of the songs are really outstanding."

But after all these years, Cain understands the perils of deviating from the accepted norm, though it was refreshing to see the group stand in defiance of radio-friendly play and give themselves a little musical break, it might be a while before new material gets recorded. "I really think that at this point, we have to stick to what we know and what the fans want and the fans like that mix of pop and rock. And if we were to make another record, we will always go back to what they want and maybe modernize that sound, take the '80s out of it."

However, Journey's roots isn't too far from the members' hearts, as this tour with seminal Bay Area outfits Tower of Power and the Steve Miller Band shows. "We wanted to do something special and we always wanted to work with Steve Miller and we knew the guys from Tower who played at Neal's wedding and Ross has a history with Steve going back," remarked Cain. "We were in the bus one night and were just sitting around thinking, 'Hey, what if we get a Bay Area tour going?' And Steve really made it in San Fran, and of course, became a megastar and left and did all kinds of interesting things, but it was there in San Francisco that he developed his sound."

First though, he explained that Miller had to get his second wind, get back in tip-top musical shape, and put together a band that he felt comfortable with on the road. Lucky for all, he made it happen. "He's a perfect songwriter and musician, and I admire him," Cain said. "He's the whole the package and it's been really great being on the road with him."

Journey's future might not have any new recorded material in it any time soon, but it doesn't mean that the band isn't looking for new ways to repackage its hits. "The next thing that we're looking at doing is something with the symphony, Hollywood Bowl has a concert coming up, and it should be a really interesting concert with a 100-piece orchestra. So we're kinda do a symphonic DVD that will hopefully will turn out good and be good enough to be our next release," revealed Cain, hinting that it might have the crossover appeal of Metallica's S&M, adding, "Certainly the music lends itself to being orchestral."

I had the good fortune of interviewing their drummer, Deen Castronovo back in 2013 and was taken aback by his humble appreciation of being part of this band. Jonathan Cain is no different, and one of the marquee moments of any live Journey affair is his keyboard solo which has varied slightly from tour to tour. "We can't play all of our ballads, so I said to Neal, 'I'm going to play a medley of all of our ballads, and if people throw stuff at me, I'll stop. But you know, let's see what happens.' And the first night I played it, they just went bonkers. It really gets them and it fits really well on the piano. So it's my privilege and honor to play our greatest hits as a medley (laughs)."

[jrnyman28]

A) if he's so honored why can't he enjoy it up there?
B) he chose his words much better concerning Eclipse. Not sure I believe it though.
C) I agree that any new material will have to be more recognizable with their glory days. But Neal can still find a way to make it rock. Look at the descriptions and praise of Revolution Saints.
D) I hate the piano solo but at least it serves a purpose, cutting through the ballads.

[FamilyMan]

Boy, that's one lukewarm endorsement of "Eclipse" if I ever heard one. "I'm really proud of SOME of the songs"? Clearly, Jon didn't like this record. But it's nice to hear him acknowledge that he needs to be deferential to the band's founder and let him stretch his legs once in a while.

[Gina3008]

It's good to read that Jonathan is taking a different stance on things, even though somewhat lukewarm. But, at least, he has changed his view somewhat. Perhaps Neal told him to shape up or stay in Nashville??? I agree that he should make an effort to look like he is enjoying himself more on stage than seen of late.

[The_Noble_Cause]

Boy, that's one lukewarm endorsement of "Eclipse" if I ever heard one. "I'm really proud of SOME of the songs"? Clearly, Jon didn't like this record.

I was about to say the same thing, FM. I think Cain has alot to be proud of on that album. One example...his playing on Tantra is beautiful, could be an instrumental piece from a JC solo record.

[tater1977]

Looks like Jon did tie the knot again.


https://instagram.com/p/1U729qPlxV/?tak ... hellewhite

valentina777able
‪#‎WOW‬ @Paula_White @ndccOrlando @TheJonathanCain "We ‪#‎SealedTheDeal‬ in Ghana '' very well said @TheJonathanCain Jonathan Cain from Journey @ArchbishopNick ARCHBISHOP NICHOLAS DUNCAN WILLIAMS did it! Pastor Paula White Paula White had a private ‪#‎Wedding‬ in Ghana and she is going to have another private wedding on April 25 , and a public wedding for everyone else On April 26 at New Destiny Christian Center. Everyone is invited.


https://instagram.com/p/1tu5S4MEak/?tak ... whitetampa

randywhitetampa
1 day ago

Wishing Paula a Happy Birthday today! I am so happy for Paula & @JonathanCainMusic . I pray they have a great marriage and do great works for the kingdom! I said I would never marry again until I made sure @paulamichellewhite married someone else . Bless them both and support them ! #RandyWhite #paulawhite #marriage #happy #happybirthday #420 #love #lovefl

[slucero]

she's gonna take Cain for every penny he has...

[perryfan61]

she's gonna take Cain for every penny he has...

Why the need for 3 wedding ceremonies?
What is with these Journeymen!!? How come we can see it, but they can't?

[koberry]

she's gonna take Cain for every penny he has...

The upside would be someone motivated to record and tour

[tater1977]

Looks like Jon did tie the knot again.


https://instagram.com/p/1U729qPlxV/?tak ... hellewhite

valentina777able
‪#‎WOW‬ @Paula_White @ndccOrlando @TheJonathanCain "We ‪#‎SealedTheDeal‬ in Ghana '' very well said @TheJonathanCain Jonathan Cain from Journey @ArchbishopNick ARCHBISHOP NICHOLAS DUNCAN WILLIAMS did it! Pastor Paula White Paula White had a private ‪#‎Wedding‬ in Ghana and she is going to have another private wedding on April 25 , and a public wedding for everyone else On April 26 at New Destiny Christian Center. Everyone is invited.


https://instagram.com/p/1tu5S4MEak/?tak ... whitetampa

randywhitetampa
1 day ago

Wishing Paula a Happy Birthday today! I am so happy for Paula & @JonathanCainMusic . I pray they have a great marriage and do great works for the kingdom! I said I would never marry again until I made sure @paulamichellewhite married someone else . Bless them both and support them ! #RandyWhite #paulawhite #marriage #happy #happybirthday #420 #love #lovefl

jonathancainmusic
3 hours ago
https://instagram.com/p/136fu-uQ3Y/?tak ... ncainmusic

Got to play Isleworth CC with my friend Mark Hayes and our manager, John Baruck- a great way to spend the day before our wedding.

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[tater1977]

jonathancainmusic
27 minutes ago

https://instagram.com/p/16c_rJOQ6t/

Our wedding cake , congrats to us heels and piano

Snapshot.jpg (88.17 KiB) Viewed 3366 times

Snapshot.jpg (74.21 KiB) Viewed 3325 times

Jonathan sings to Paula at wedding

https://www.facebook.com/93765530349/vi ... 349050350/