Sometimes we spend so long reminiscing in the past that we miss what's happening in the present. Joe Lynn Turner has fronted bands such as Rainbow and Deep Purple and is respected around the globe as a musician and songwriter. The follow up to the highly acclaimed 'Holy Man' album is 'Slam' and we want the inside report from the rock legend himself. It's been a while since the Baileys went round for round with Joe so we thought we would ring the bell once more and see if JLT still has what it takes to box clever in today's tough rock market?

Joe, we don't want to dwell in the past, as I'm sure everyone who tunes into the Baileys will be well aware of your amazing and successful career. Having said that, you are unique in the fact that you have worked with two of the world's most influential guitarists Ritchie Blackmore and Yngwie Malmsteen. Although both guitarists have reputations of being difficult to work with you still managed to come out with a great end product together so you must take a lot of the credit. How did you manage to achieve this?

"Well, I used psychology, a fair amount of mutual respect...and I deliver the goods. It's hard to argue when you do that."

The Odyssey album was a fantastic album but did you have more than a bit part to play in the writing process? (Bit below the belt, sorry Joe)

"I wrote all the lyrics and melodies, with an occasional title from Yngwie. He wrote the music. I hear he's saying differently, but my publishing statements say otherwise!! However, it was a collaboration...we did agree on things."

Was it a learning curve physically and mentally working with these two characters?

"Incredible! I had to grow in leaps and bounds, but I also took a lot from the situation/ It helped me in every way."

Would you do Rainbow again?

"A group of alumni tried to call Ritchie last summer, but we were unable to reach him in every endeavour. Candice's mother manages them and we suppose she's protecting the situation. I'd love to do it though. Ritchie and I always had a magic together."

What about another album with Yngwie?

"I think that would be difficult from Yngwie's end. He's got to be in total control...that won't fly with me."

If another super group or major artist asked you to front their band, would you?

"Depends on who. I just did a CD with Glenn Hughes, due out Feb-March 2002. It came out very well...it's a substantial work!"

Okay, so you have fronted all these giants of rock but correct me if I'm wrong but don't you feel just a little bit let down by the likes of Ritchie and Yngwie?

"Well they're not role models, so I give way to the artistic personality. But I do wish people would grow up!"

Rainbow could have gone on longer and would have been welcomed back if Ritchie had given you the word. We all know that the JLT/Yngwie Malmsteen writing machine could roll out another classic. Do you get the feeling that your contribution is so high that it prevents them from being top dog? In other words they have to share the limelight with you and therefore prefer to leave the door closed?

"That can well be the case...."

Okay, lets move on because although we see you as a good team player, you were forced to go out and stand alone with your solo projects. How did it feel knowing that you had to live up to such an awesome history of classic songs?

"It's a bit of a burden sometimes, but that just makes me work harder. I think I've come up with some great stuff, if I do say so myself."

Did you ever want to form and maintain a regular JLT band as we hear you brought in some of the musicians who played on the 'Holy Man' album for your new solo recordings?

"Yeah, 'Slam' sounds like more of a band...stripped down and in your face rock. It has more continuity, but then again, a solo album is just that; a diverse expression of an artist. So it's no wonder it can be a little scatty."

Can you give us an insight into the new album?

"'Slam' is a hard rock, no frills, darker sound. I wrote about personal experiences and interests but still kept a focus on what everyman goes through in life...well, most people anyway. I certainly had quite a different set of circumstances in my career...so that shows through. But the reactions I've had to the album are fantastic, no bad slaggings so far. Akira Kajiyama is a brilliant guitarist and writer...he captures the whole Blackmore/Malmsteen sound without being a clone. I don't think anybody is really doing this much anymore, so I'm sort of in a space by myself.. Hell, Purple doesn't sound like Purple anymore! Anyway, the guys are all great players and there's no ego problems...unbelievable as it may seem!"

I didn't put a ballad on our album ('Judgement Day' by Baileys Comet) even when our label thought we should have one on. You didn't want to put a ballad on your album but gave in to record label pressure. Why?

"Well, you're right. I wouldn't have if I thought I didn't come up with a good one. 'Heart of the Night' was the last track recorded and I wrote a lyric that I thought was worthy. So we tried it and it came out brilliant. I get a lot of 'That's my favourite song' thing, so that supports my perception. Besides, I'm known to sing a fair ballad now and again, and a certain amount of fans really expect it of me. After all, we are playing to an audience, aren't we. I mean, otherwise it would be sort of self-indulgent to just write and sing for myself. What's the point in that?'

Are you saying that although you are the main songwriter you have no say in the direction of your work?

"I am the direction, but there's nowhere to go if no-one cares or listens and appreciates it. I mean, do you go out and buy 10,000 or so copies of your CD in a given territory? 10 territories? The fans keep you alive and when they're done with you, that's it. I always do what I want within reason to the record company's advice. They give you the money and produce it and promote it, it's a cooperative effort. The self-made man is truly shallow...art should be a reflection of society as the artist sees it and the company allows me to realise my vision. Look, you can do this on your own but it's incredibly difficult in this day and age. There's so much crap out there, and it's all at the top of the charts. I walk a fine line between integrity and business, but if push comes to shove, integrity wins out...trust me!"

As a guitar player I can dig all the skill behind the widdly diddly guitar hero bit. As a songwriter I can't help but feel a solo should be part of the song structure and not just an excuse to show off what's your opinion having worked with this style of guitarist?

"I couldn't agree with you more. Blackmore was of the same mind...it was the song first."

It's very tough in the traditional rock world although the signs of a recovery are evident. How much notice do you take of the current musical trends and markets?

"I'm on it mate. I keep up with it for the most part. I think you're correct about rock coming round again...it should never have been pushed to the side in the first place! There's a big market that the larger companies have turned their backs on - assholes!! The Hughes/Turner project has a song called 'You Can't Kill Rock And Roll' about just that."

This album you worked on with Glen Hughes seems to have helped him get is act together again. Can you tell us how this all came about?

"We've been great friends since forever...and Glenn is now so on top of his game it's astounding. I was a big fan of Trapeze. Anyway, I asked him to sing and play bass on the Japan 'Holy Man' tour. It was such a success that they gave us a deal! The album is killer...wait and see!!"

Can we ask why you are doing two albums so close together? Shouldn't the priority be promoting the JLT solo album?

"Yes, you're right, and I'm caught between a rock and a hard place. It was supposed to have a different time-table but things got screwed up and we had to do it now and so on. I'm really torn up about it, but to answer your next question..I'm going to do one, the other or both. We are working on it now..."

You are always being asked to record. This must give an artiste a great boost knowing that you are in constant demand?

"Yes it is, but there's a down side. Look at the situation I'm in now. There's only one of me and many demands. Sometimes it can put you in a corner."

Do you ever take anytime out to enjoy the fruits of your labour?

"I go on vacation now and then. I love what I do and do what I love, so I'm a happy camper."

How do you like to chill out?

"Read, sports, TV and movies....cooking is quite theraputic. Sounds boring, doesn't it?" [It sounds like us but with a few gallons of beer at the top of the list!]

How do you see things shaping up for2002?

"Trying to figure out a JLT tour or HTP tour. I have a life...family, interests etc. A Japanese tour, a possible VH1 special with 'Voices' in Hawaii...you know, the usual."

Would it not be worth considering taking a break from recording and establishing some live dates in Europe to get close to the fans again?

"Here we go again...I know already!! I'm very aware of it. It will happen soon, one way or another. I promise everybody."

If you had to name a few highlights of your great career what would they be and why?

"Hooking up with Ritchie was and still is a highlight. He was an idol of mine, Purple too. They were always my favourite of the 70's, I grew up on them. To sing with them, however brief, was a dream come true. I've been really fortunate. I give many thanks."

Which of the songs you have written are amongst your personal favourites and why?

"'Street of Dreams' comes to mind. It was a special song to Ritchie and I. A bond, shall we say...mystical. Although there are a few more..."

Who would you say has helped shape your career?

"Family, friends, fans...I'm the sum total of them all. They are the wind beneath my wings. I get very inspired knowing so many people count on me for a part of their life. I must continue to serve them. I find joy in the hard work and acceptance. Bless them all!!"

A personal word to all your loyal fans?

"Many thanks for the loyalty and support - I can't do it without you. I mean this sincerely."

Bailey Brothers
www.baileybrothers.co.uk