LiveWorld Transcripts

Borders.com presents

John Tesh
Chat about his new album, "Pure Hymns"

September 25, 2000

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ToasterTech: Mr. Tesh, nice to have you here! Do you find a contradiction in your involvement with your compositions that are described as New Age music and Christian music?

John Tesh: Very good question. I never describe my music as new age. For some reason, all the stores and billboard magazines, they all put it in new age bins, but pure and simply, I live my life as a Christian as best I can and there are no crystals or icons in my house.

Symmy: What was the process like for creating "Pure Hymns," from conception to completion? How long did it take?

John Tesh: I guess there are two answers. 1) It took me over 40 years because I should have done it earlier, and I started playing hymns in church when I was a kid. But the other answer is that it took a year from conception to choosing the hymns to performing and mixing them.

Song: Are you planning a Christmas special with you performing at all?

John Tesh: Next year we're going to do a Christmas special. Albums are a lot like movies in that you have to plan them a year in advance, so we're already looking at the end of 2001 now.

EZGuest: I am assuming you like playing at Red Rocks. What are some other venues you like to play at?

John Tesh: I like the Fox Theater in Detroit. I like the Greek Theater in Los Angeles. There are so many different, great venues. It's hard to pick one that's any better than Red Rocks. It's a 20-million year old natural amphitheater. There is one big problem however, and that is that it always rains when I play there.

H2o: Who is your inspiration in life?

John Tesh: I have several inspirations. Lately it's my 19-year-old son, Gib. He is so far ahead of me when it comes to reasoning and living in the word of Christ. And the two of us right now are training together for the New York City marathon, which is daunting for me because he can run the 15 miles on a Sunday on a training run, and he's ready to go out for a hamburger, and I'm ready to go face down somewhere. Musically, one of my big inspirations has been John Williams who is a great film composer.

Webber: Do you worry about your hands when you play sports or use tools?

John Tesh: I do worry about my hands, but usually only before I'm touring. I'm a very active person. I run at least 40-50 miles a week, and I work with a trainer 3 days a week, and I play volleyball at least 1 day a week. And if I'm getting ready to tour I'll make sure that I tape my fingers together before I do something. I just don't think I should be held hostage by the possibility of an injury.

IgorBeaver: If you could do a duet (or trio) with any musician, past or present, who would it be?

John Tesh: It would be Sting. Because I love the way he writes. I love the chances he takes with songs like "Desert Rose" and others, and I believe he's not motivated at all by financial concerns. Every decision he makes is a creative one.

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