Rockin' grooves at Jonathan's

Jim Weider has been playing around the Seacoast for quite some time, dating back to his epic performances at The Stone Church in Newmarket, which are creeping up on a decade ago.

Weider is famous as being the man who replaced Robbie Robertson in The Band. He’s continued to push the envelope through his music for the entirety of his career, which includes his time with his band PRoJECT PERCoLAToR, a group that has created some of the most interesting music going today.

Weider will be back Saturday, Nov. 1, for a performance at Jonathan’s Ogunquit.

The Herald caught up with the man himself, who took some time out of his busy schedule to chat about what makes him tick, his history with The Band, and his joy of touring PRoJECT PERCoLAToR.

Spotlight: Let's talk about PRoJECT PERCoLAToR. What's the goal behind this project? When, where, and why did you start it?

Weider: I started PERCoLAToR while I was playing in The Band, and I had several solo albums out that were roots rock, so I felt I wanted to write something different. Something groove orientated that was all instrumental with drum loops. I did this in my studio and then added Rodney (Holmes) on real drums and Tony Levin on bass and other magic.

Spotlight: As you just alluded to, you're well known as being a member of The Band for a long period of time. PRoJECT PERCoLAToR is nothing like that. Can you talk about the life of a guitarist and how variety plays (or maybe it doesn't) an important role in the longevity of a career?

Weider: I think you have to push yourself and your comfort boundaries in order to keep it all interesting for yourself, and your fans also!

Spotlight: Speaking of The Band, can you tell us a bit about the influence those guys had/have on you as a player? What was it like working with all of them? I know you still do shows as a "tribute" band of sorts, so obviously there's some love there.

Weider: It was the best thing that ever happened to me. Working with them allowed me to me myself and play what I felt. Through them I got to play all over the world with the best musicians that had influenced me at the outset of my music career. I started a band called The Weight, which is members of The Band (me and Randy Ciarlante) and members of the Levon Helm Band and the Rick Danko Group (Marty Grebb). It’s as close to The Band that you can get and it’s a pleasure playing all those songs again.

Spotlight: Do you have a moment or experience that led you to chase a life as a professional musician?

Weider: Well it started in the '60s with all the great bands that many of us can name one by one. I knew I wanted to do nothing else.

Spotlight: How would you describe the music of PRoJECT PERCoLAToR to someone who hasn't heard it before?

Weider: Instrumental groove rock with atmospheric ballads.

Spotlight: What are you hoping people take with them when they experience this music?

Weider: We’ll take them on a journey each time we play the songs someone takes the lead whether its Rodney on the drums or the bass player, we jam some songs out otherwise we play the form.

Spotlight: Speaking of "projects," what's next for PRoJECT PERCoLAToR? It's been a loooong time since you released a new record.

Weider: Yeah I know … (Laughs.) I’ve got two live CDs out now with blues harp players/vocalists, so I haven’t been slacking, I swear … I’m trying to figure out where to go next that’s fresh, so we’ll get one written.

Spotlight: You're no stranger to the area up here in the Northeast. What do you enjoy about playing here?

Weider: I love it up in New Hampshire and Maine. The folks up their love live music. I’m excited to play for you all at Jonathan’s up in Ogunquit.

Spotlight: What can folks expect when they come out to the show?

Weider: Songs off of all my CDs and some Band tunes, Dylan songs, and a bunch of new ones thrown in. Basically it’s a safe bet you’ll experience a fun time while we channel some good ol’ Rock ‘n’ Roll!

What: Jim Weider's Project Percolator

When: 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 1

Where: Jonathan's Ogunquit, 92 Bourne Lane, Ogunquit, Maine

Cost: Starting at $27.50/$31.5 day of show

Info: (207) 646-4777 or www.jonathansogunquit.com

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