Keith Secola has a new group and album out called Ranger, a nod to his hometown neighborhood and musical neighbors who join him on the album. The album captures the ethos and stories of Northeast Minnesota, which is representative of many parts of America where there’s a push and pull between industry, livelihoods, nature and sustainability. The collaboration is hopeful. You can catch the release shows in Virginia Nov 20, Minneapolis on Nov 21, St Cloud on Nov 22 and Duluth on Nov 23. (The Minneapolis show will happen at the Hook & Ladder.
I have seen you play at the Water if Life Festival(s) as well as several stages around the Twin Cities. But for folks who haven’t, can you please tell us a little about yourself and your music?
Love the spontaneity of a live show. The synergistic energy of the venue, audience, musicians, time and place contributes to outcome of the performance. Don’t use a set list but have a general idea of the songs I want to play. Usually, the musicians in the band are fine with this approach. I try to have a run through of possible songs. I do many shows solo or with small ensembles, guitar, bass, drums. My shows are family orientated, entertaining and fun.
I like to call the genre I play Native Americana. A blend of American roots, ethnic, blues, reggae, folk, rock and roll. Native Americana reflects who I am. I am Anishinaabe (Chippewa) from northern MN/ Ontario enrolled at Couchiching First Nation also a Bois Fort descendant. I grew up on the Iron Range of Minnesota. I graduated from Mt. Iron High School , Mesabi Community College and the University of Minnesota.
Please tell us about Ranger and the new record label KBFT Records. It is a stellar collection of musicians, from an area known for some pretty famous voices.
Ranger is the name of the album I produced for KBFT records. Rangers is our band name. We are an eclectic group of musicians from the Iron Range of Minnesota. Rich Mattson, Germaine Gemberling, Steve Maritnetti, Tim Wright, Sharon Rowbottom, Dan Boyer, John Metsa, Tim Saxshaug, Rosemary Berens, Chris Petrack and Keith Secola. Nine Songwriters, ten songs. The songs on the album are from different points of view. Some are serious i.e. Sharon Rowbottom’s “No place like home” about the complex relationship of the Iron mines of the Iron range and the people. Some songs are fun, like Steve Maritnetti’s “Dog Party”. KBFT records is an outgrowth of Native radio. A good will gesture from the Bois Fort Band of Chippewa Indians. An outreach to the communities of this region. The album features native and non-native musician from this area. KBFT records is managed by George Strong from the radio station from Nett Lake. KBFT radio have been producing shows in the locality for the last ten years. KBFT records have four releases. Hoka from December Wind. Ranger from the Rangers, Mesabi from War Bonnet. Story Line from Bobby V.
As one of the planners for the No Kings events in the Twin Cities, I have to ask about Without a Crown. The sound and sentiment reminds me of better days.
King Without a Crown is about a humble leader. How he became the peasant king he taught the common folks how to sing. Came up with a wake-up call shouting out to one and all. Spiritual in Nature, not self-centered, big headed, egocentric or egotistical. No subjects in the town, no servants serving him, where the king can be found is underneath the overground. A true leader of the people for the people.
The Moment is a work that draws from experience as well as philosophers, mythology and stories from around the world. You, Dan Boyer and Steve Martinetti are credited with the song writing. What was the collaborative process?
The collaborative process of The Moment was put together in the studio. It started out as a jam between Steve and I, keyboard and Native Flute at different live situations. Took the idea and recorded the harmonium and Native Flute at my home studio in Tempe, AZ. Brought the recording from home studio to Sparta Sound in Gilbert, MN to the Ranger sessions where we added the keyboard and percussion. Dan Boyer would do spoken word with his band from northern Minnesota at live performances. Dan took this approach and added the spoken work to the Sparta studio recording. Initially the background music was intended as an instrumental. Dan did the spoken word part in one take.
Please tell us about the upcoming shows show. I appreciate a show that travels around the state.
We plan Minnesota shows in Virginia Nov 20, Minneapolis Nov 21, St Cloud Nov 22 and Duluth Nov 23rd. We will do additional shows in the spring.
Mostly Minnesota 