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The Black Hollies Jon Gonnelli Talks Farfisa Rock
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 The music: The Black Hollies are a rock ’n’
roll band comprised of equal parts pop,
psychedelia, freak-beat, garage, and soul.
Our music is best experienced live.
Keys on the new album Softly
Towards The Light: A Hammond B-3 with
a Leslie 122 cabinet, a late ’60s U.K. model
Vox Continental with wooden keys, a late
’60s Farfisa Compact, a Wurlitzer 200A, a
broken Mellotron, and a Betsy Ross Spinet
upright piano which was damaged in a flood.
Live rig: For live performances I alternate
between the Vox and the Farfisa. I run the
organs through a Vox AC30 guitar amplifier.
I’ve found that the Farfisa is more
durable for the road whereas the Vox
Continental is very sensitive with regard
to being battered upon live.
How to find musical space for the keyboard
in a loud rock band: In the Black
Hollies, the organ’s musical place is that of
a rhythmic impressionist, the purpose of
which is to add textures and colorings that
guitars and drums are not capable of. Less
is always more. It is important to know
when and where to lay back in order to let
other things stand out.
Favorite keyboard instrument ever:
Hammond B-3 with Leslie cabinet.
The Farfisa: The thing that appeals to me
most about the Farfisa Compact is the way
the bass notes react through a guitar amp —
the warm, full, and nasty bottom end.
There’s also something about the tone of
the Farfisa that blends so well with guitar
and bass in the “freak outs” that the Black
Hollies rely on to open songs up a bit.
Words of wisdom: I’ve learned that success
in a rock band has a lot to do with your
attitude and perceptions. Try to be a positive
influence on those around you. Musically, if
something sounds good to you, then it is
good. Be a good listener and always be
open to learning new things. Don’t be afraid
to take risks. Don’t be afraid to explore and
experiment with something that doesn’t
come easily with the intention of making the
finished work better because of it. Making
music is supposed to be cathartic, celebratory,
and fun, so try not to take yourself too
seriously along the way.
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