By Melissa Dunson
mdunson@joplinglobe.com
Listening to national recording artist Trevor Hall’s new album is like taking a journey through current world events and, simultaneously, the story of Hall’s young, 22-year life.
Hall will offer both those perspectives to local audiences when he performs in Joplin on Thursday for the fourth time in his career.
“Sometimes you don’t have a choice with the songs, the songs just come through,” Hall said of his self-titled album.
In a telephone interview with the Globe, Hall said he was inspired by the fighting in various parts of the world and specifically the terrorist attacks in Mumbai, India. Hall has visited India twice before.
Those events inspired the lead single on the album, “Unity,” written and performed with Hall’s friend and touring partner, Matisyahu, a well-known Hasidic reggae artist.
Hall’s world view infuses his music with a global sound that ranges from Middle Eastern to Jamaican. His lyrics are openly spiritual, but without religious affiliation.
“Everybody gets inspired by something,” Hall said. “I listen to a lot of Indian music. I’m fascinated by that culture and music, because to them, it’s like worship, and I really connect with that.”
Hall’s sound is a fusion of artists like Dave Matthews, Jack Johnson and Ben Harper along with a healthy dose of reggae from Bob Marley, the artist Hall cites as his biggest musical inspiration.
“I’m just really into his message and his life,” Hall said of Marley.
Hall has toured with Ziggy Marley, Stevie Nicks, Keb Mo, Matisyahu, Colbie Caillat, Steel Pulse and Rusted Root.
Although Hall’s new album was inspired by what he calls “a heavy time” in world history, the songs are light, upbeat and full of hope. They represent his attitude toward life, even through tough times.
And Hall has faced some obstacles. He signed a record deal with a major label before he graduated from high school, but most of his work was never released except for a small sampler EP. He was later dropped from the label when the company went through a reorganization.
But Hall never stopped writing or touring and self-released two albums, “This Is Blue” and “Alive & On The Road.” His previous recordings have appeared in numerous films and television shows, including the song “Other Ways” on the “Shrek the Third” soundtrack.
“If you love something, you don’t even think about stopping,” Hall said of writing and performing his music. “Music is what I love to do. The songs just come through and you feel like it’s your duty to share them with people.”
“Dig deep, that’s what I always say,” he said.
Hall’s self-titled album with Vanguard Records will be in stores July 28, and available on iTunes and at Amazon.com.
Details: www.trevorhallmusic.com.
See him live
Trevor Hall will perform July 9 on the Kitchen Pass’ patio, 1212 Main St. Gates open at 8 p.m. and tickets are $10 in advance or at the door. Opening band ToTo JoJo will start at 9 p.m.
Enjoy
Related Photos
Discussion
Trevor Hall to perform at Kitchen Pass
- Enjoy
-
-
Love of big band era leads to creation of musical revue
Cecie Fritz doesn’t just listen to swing music. She feels it. The sound of the big band era resonates with her. It triggers cherished memories and pleasant thoughts. It sounds, just, happy.
-
Pittsburg troupe presents ‘The Glass Menagerie’
It’s performed by one of the smallest casts in recent Pittsburg Community Theatre history, but “The Glass Menagerie” will be no less impactful, says Director Linden Little.
-
Concept for new studio forged by fire
Heather Grills was tired of having to drive all the way to Nixa to pick up her favorite clay sculpture supplies. She had even tried to form a communal studio in Joplin with other artists.
-
Comedy offers killer antics
“Tomb with a View” delves into the antics of the Tomb family, first explored in “Tiptoe through the Tombstones” a couple of years ago at the theater. This time, we see the family of assassins during their younger days, as they meet for a reading of the will of an elder.
-
Joe Hadsall: Cheapskate pwned by inner geek
My geekitude is constantly at war with another major part of my personality: The cheapskate. As much as I love gadgets and tech, I can’t bring myself to spend major money on them until after a couple of years.
-
Jeremiah Tucker: SOPA raises real question of what music should be worth
I agree it was deeply flawed legislation, but it was one of the first steps toward figuring out how copyright will work in the Internet age -- something I think needs to be addressed if we want a future where artists get paid for their recorded output.
-
Benji Tunnell: ‘The Artist’ a charming tribute to Hollywood’s start
There was a time when people liked to be challenged by their entertainment. Television used to be more than bland cookie-cutter sitcoms or police procedurals. Books that challenged the mind would be embraced, films that didn’t fit into the traditional structure would become cultural touchstones. Those days, it seems, are behind us.
-
Dave Woods: Winter rehearsals lead to traditional preview
It was 18 years ago that a group of Branson show producers and performers came together to put on a show. Not just any show ... a Big Show.
-
Benji Tunnell: Soderbergh's latest goes 'Haywire'
I’ve said in the past that the age of the modern action star is dying, if not completely gone.
-
Joe Hadsall: 'Alcatraz' puts us back on the island
The power of “Lost” fans continues to amaze me.
- More Enjoy Headlines
-
Obama Gives Education Waivers to 10 States
Giffords Aide to Run for Her Seat
LA School in Sex Abuse Scandal Reopens
Winter Slamming North Asia, Parts of Europe
Syrian Forces Renew Bombardment of Homs
States, Banks Reach Foreclosure-abuse Settlement
Raw Video: Italy's Mount Etna Bursts Into Life
Greeks March; Angry Despite Debt Deal
Raw Video: U.S. Pullout Celebration
Raw Video: Annual Empire State Building Run-Up
Man Killed in Courthouse Shootout
Air Force Airlines: Leaders Get Polished Service
Ga Girl Fights Off Kidnapper at Walmart
Nevada Highway Patrol, City Settle Beating Case
Homs Bombardment Continues, Global Outcry Grows
Raw Video: Dog Rescued From Icy Colo. Water
Skip the Coffee Cup and Inhale Your Caffeine Fix
