Thursday, October 13, 2011

5 questions with Tulsa Sound icon Dwight Twilley


Dwight Twilley's "Soundtrack" is available at digital and brick-and-mortar stores and at Twilley's official website. KELLY KERR / Courtesy
Dwight Twilley's "Soundtrack" is available at digital and brick-and-mortar stores and at Twilley's official website. KELLY KERR / Courtesy

By JENNIFER CHANCELLOR World Scene Writer


Tulsa Sound music icon and longtime resident Dwight Twilley recently wrote (and recorded and released) "Soundtrack," the story of his life set to music. A special guest on the 12-tune album is fellow Tulsan Taylor Hanson (of the band Hanson), who added organ and keyboard to "The Cards Will Fall" and "The Last Time Around."



Twilley may be best known for hits including "I'm on Fire" (1975) and "Girls" (1984), but he, including his Dwight Twilley Band before his solo years, has released nearly two dozen albums since the mid-'70s.

Get "Soundtrack" at digital and brick-and-mortar stores and at Twilley's official website, tulsaworld.com/twilley

1. What's your favorite Tulsa memory?

Growing up I remember warm windy summer nights. The best place to be was with your Tulsa girl in the darkest shadow of Woodward Park.

2. What's your favorite track on "Soundtrack," and why?

It's not uncommon to hear of someone writing a soundtrack for a film. About halfway through the project a question bubbled up. Has anyone written "Soundtrack"? So, I did. I wrote the song "Soundtrack." There's nothing a writer likes to do more than something no one else has.

It became my favorite track on the album. I tried to record it to sound like film, changing from scene to scene. "Skeleton Man" is a close second. Not sure if anyone wrote that either.

3. What was it like working with Taylor Hanson?

Working with my friend Taylor was easy-going and low-pressure. He did however, insist on a full deli tray with fondue, a hot oil body massage and a commissioned artist to paint his portrait while he played. The parts he did sound great, and he loved the socks he asked my wife to knit. OK, I made up the part about the deli tray, fondue, artist and the socks. He did ask for some water. Actually, he's a super talented musician and we had a great time working with him.

4. What's your idea of a perfect weekend in Tulsa?

Ahh, a weekend with an ice storm. Listening to the romantic crackling of tree branches collapsing on the rooftop. Cuddling around a warm candlestick.

5. What would you like to see happen in Tulsa in the next year?

Here is my 10-step plan:

1. All the streets will magically heal themselves overnight with no construction needed.

2. Zingo returns.

3. Leon (Russell) gives in and poses nude for TulsaPeople.

4. The city will come and take the leaves out of your yard in fall and let the kids swim at the parks in summer.

5. Weather forecasters will be held responsible.

6. The mayor and City Council will "Give Peace a Chance."

7. The river will always have water in it.

8. A coney will be added to the state flag.

9. (Paul) McCartney plays The Colony.

10. All the new bright lights placed in Woodward Park will be removed.

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