THE FAMOUS ELSEWHERE QUESTIONNAIRE: Simone Felice

The surname gives it away for lovers of Americana. Simone Felice was one of the much acclaimed band The Felice Brothers whose 2007 album Tonight at the Arizona was a best of Elsewhere selection, their self-titled album of 2008 made the same list that year.

They effortlesly and intuitively channeled the spirits of Dylan and the Band but also made something for themselves out of that raw clay, and Simone was one of their key songwriters.

Their 2011 album Celebration, Florida was a rather more diffcult prospect but still got favourable comment at Elsewhere. 

But for the past few years Simone has been a solo artist. His debut album appeared under the monker The Duke and the King with his friend Robert Burke and was equally praised here (although their 2011 album wasn't exactly well received here!).

So Felice -- who is touring with Tony Joe White, see dates below -- is a man with considerable pedigree. He's also writen short stories and his debut novel Black Jesus was picked up by Allen and Unwin, and Random House.

Felice is a story-teller with high emotional impact and great sensitivity, so it's a pleasure to have him answer the famous Elsewhere Questionnaire, even it was from his iPhone while he was on the move. 

The first piece of music which really affected you was . . .

We are the world.

Your first (possibly embarrassing) role models in music were . . .

Iron Maiden, George Michael 

Lennon or Jagger, Ramones or Nirvana, Madonna or Gaga, Jacko or Jay-Z?

Lennon, Nirvana, Madonna, Jacko

If music was denied you, your other career choice would be . . .

Fisherman 

The three songs (yours, or by others) you would love everyone to hear are . . .

If I were a Carpenter, Tin Angel, Pop the Trunk

Any interesting, valuable or just plain strange musical memorabilia at home?

great grandpas piano stand 

The best book on music or musicians you have read is . . .

Shakey

If you could get on stage with anyone it would be . . . (And you would play?)

Sandy Denny , tambourine 

The three films you'd insist anybody watch because they might understand you better are . . .

goodfellas, days of heaven, clockwork orange 

The last CD or vinyl album you bought was . . . (And your most recent downloads include . . .)

Joni Mitchell / for the roses..... the national / high violet....

One song, royalties for life, never have to work again. The song by anyone, yourself included, which wouldn't embarrass you in that case would be . . .

where does my heart beat now?

The poster, album cover or piece of art could you live with on your bedroom forever would be . . .

Pink Floyd wish you were here

You are allowed just one tattoo, and it is of . . .

PEARL

David Bowie sang, “Five years, that's all we've got . . .” You would spend them where, doing . . .?

Palenville Ny, with my daughter and family 

And finally, in the nature of press conferences in Japan, “Can you tell me please why this is your best album ever?”

because I'm the greatest ever 

TOUR DATES FOR TONY JOE WHITE with SIMONE FELICE 

WED 20TH MARCH - TSB THEATRE, NEW PLYMOUTH


THURS 21ST MARCH - ST JAMES THEATRE, WELLINGTON


FRI 22ND MARCH - HAWKES BAY OPERA HOUSE, HASTINGS


SAT 23RD MARCH - CLARENCE STREET THEATRE, HAMILTON


SUN 24TH MARCH – POWERSTATION, AUCKLAND