TEE "The Earth Explorer"

TEE is a five piece flute front progressive rock band from Tokyo, Japan. Their so-called 'European' sound is unique considering their far-east origin. The imaginative tunes with complex ensembles and rhythms will definitely catch the attention of prog lovers all over the world. Their sound will remind you bands like Camel, King Crimson, Asia Minor or even Frank Zappa on some parts. The band was formed in 2004 when... more

Kevin BARTLETT

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FRIGHT PIG Barque At The Lune *** REVERSAL OF GRAVITY Scuba Gear ***

Interview with ANTONIO PONTARELLI by Dale JUDAY

TPF:First of all, thank you for agreeing to this interview with TheProgFiles, we are honored and very pleased to have you. We find it fascinating that you were classically trained since the age of 4 but are now widely identified as a rock musician. Can you explain how this happened?

AP:My first few years of playing the violin I focused on learning the correct playing position and music notation. As I improved I was exposed to acoustic-electric violins and electric violins, which widened the range of possibilities for the music I was playing. I learned that I could play a popular rock sound with the same edge as a rock band except the violin adds distinct tonal variations that are not often heard in the rock genre. As a result I have focused on writing and playing alternative rock music incorporating Baroque and classical elements, so I am identified as a rock musician.

TPF:However, you're not always seen in strictly rock environments. You've performed at the Temecula Annual Bluegrass Festivals and with The Nugrass Band. Do you enjoy that and will we see you doing more in this field?

AP:That was a number of years a go when I was exploring a lot of different traditions. I feel very fortunate to have been exposed to a wide range of violin music. Bluegrass was no exception. I have had fun learning different styles, but I have always come back to classical rock. I can’t say that I will never go back to performing a particular style of music because if the audience is having fun and the music is played well then I am definitely having fun. As far as actively writing and performing in the country or bluegrass genre I can say I don’t see it in the near future unless I am commissioned to write for a movie.

TPF:Considering your diversity in these areas, we're very interested to know what you listen to for enjoyment, what bands or artists would we find in your CD collection?

AP: That depends on my environment. While in the car I almost exclusively listen to classical music. While at home I listen to a diverse mix of old and new rock and roll along with classical music. Occasionally, I will listen to alternative and progressive rock songs on KROQ. I am constantly looking for material that could sound good with the songs I am currently writing. CD Collection: Bach, Tchaikovsky, Beethoven and Mendelssohn and hundreds more, Jimi Hendrix, Serj Tankian, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Muse, Incubus, The Beatles, Beach Boys, Jethro Tull, Fair to Midland, SOAD and hundreds more. I really like music.

TPF:You're often called the Jimi Hendrix or Van Halen of violinists, mostly due to your unconventional talents on the instrument, but how do you see yourself in rock music?

AP:Well I really don’t see myself as a rock icon, although I aspire to bring the same passion and experimentation to my instrument as they brought to theirs. I see myself as just wanting to create and produce music that makes people happy. I want to make an effect on people that listen to my music. If I can help or inspire someone to improve just one moment in their life then I feel accomplished.

TPF:You shared the stage with many famous artists, but we're particularly interested in how it came about that you got the opportunity to perform with Jethro Tull? Could you please explain that experience?

AP:My family and I have always been big fans of Ian Anderson and Jethro Tull, particularly because he headed a very successful rock band as a classical flute player. We noticed that he and the band were scheduled to play at the Pechanga Casino, which is close to my house. I sent him an e-mail regarding my background and the fact that he was a great inspiration to me. Within the next few days I received an invitation from him to play a classical piece with him during the concert as his regular violinist was not available. I could hardly believe it. He sent me the music, and at sound check we rehearsed. As a special bonus he let me bring out an electric violin and jam with the band to Purple Haze. A night I will never forget.

TPF:Listening to your contribution to Serj Tankian's "Elect the Dead" album, you did a fantastic job. Did you know Serj prior to this recording or was this strictly a session work? Also, the parts you played on were they written by Serj and you were asked to play the parts or were you given any freedom to express in your own way?

AP:Thank you. Prior to the recording session I had not met Serj in person. I had however, spoken with him on the phone regarding his ideas on a song that I was writing with Dan Monti. Dan and I have been working together since we met at The Village Recording Studios in Santa Monica. He has been the engineer on all of my songs and has co-written several tunes with me. He is a good friend. He was also the bass player for Buckethead, which is how he met Serj. Through his relationship with Serj he was able to send over some of the songs that we had recorded. Serj responded with positive comments and suggestions regarding a song called Find Me Waiting. When it came time for Serj to start working on his new album he contacted Dan to work on the engineering and Dan suggested that Serj use me on some of his tracks. Well it all worked out. Serj is a really creative person. He knew exactly what he wanted on each song so he gave me the feeling and the emotion that he wanted me to capture. There was no score so I played the parts with complete artistic expression. When he was happy with what I was playing he lit up and told me.

TPF:We're very anxious to hear the new album that you are currently recording. When will it be released? Would you spill the beans a little by telling us any guest musicians you have slated to appear on it?

AP:My album should be out early next year. I guarantee there will be some surprises. Several of the tunes are being mixed as we speak and I hope everyone who listens will be pleased.

TPF:You're actively involved in the Grammy Organization's Educational Programs. Can you please tell us more about what that involves?

AP: During the summer of 2005 and 2006 I was invited to attend a new program that was called Grammy Camp. The idea was to bring talented High School musicians from around the country together to work with music industry professionals. I thoroughly enjoyed my experience and I was able to make several important connections while attending the program. As a result of my work with the Grammy Organization, I began putting a program together to introduce the concept of violin improvisation to high school and middle school students. I participated in several music camps and music programs over the summer, which was a tremendously satisfying experience for me. I also talked about Grammy Camp on the Red Carpet interviews and played a few licks for the cameras.

TPF:What is in store for you in the near future? Appearing on anybody's new albums? Tours planned?

AP:Well, I have to get my record out so that will be taking up quite a bit of my free time. I also plan to continue to perform in the Southern California area with my friends in the band. I have some great charity events coming up one with the Children’s Miracle Network, and I will continue to look for the perfect violin pickup. One more thing, I am going to try to get on the Freshman Dean’s list at USC. So far so good.

TPF:Thank you very much Antonio for taking the time to answer our questions.

AP: It is my pleasure.

Visit Antonio's website at: www.antoniomusic.com