Boz Scaggs

For Boz Scaggs’ latest album, MEMPHIS, the veteran rocker behind “Lowdown” and “Lido Shuffle” recorded at the late Willie Mitchell’s Royal Studio in Memphis, recruiting the likes of Willie Weeks, Ray Parker, Jr. and the Memphis Horns for his band, with drummer Steve Jordan producing. MEMPHIS is essentially a study in influences — from the blues, R&B and rock influences associated with the city itself to the choice covers of classics – and in that spirit, we got Boz to answer our Writer of the Week questions, filling us in on his heroes and history as a songwriter.

What inspired your new album and the songs you wrote for it?

The wolf at the door and the prospect of getting together with Jordan, Ray and Willie and the other cats in Memphis.

Which cover song on the record has the best lyrics?

“Pearl Of The Quarter.”

Who are your songwriting heroes?

Arlen, Dylan, Joni Mitchell, Fagen/Becker, Lennon/McCartney, Hoagy, Hank.

When did you start writing songs? Were they good right away, or did that come later?

’68. Not so good.

What was the first song you ever wrote? Tell us about it.

“Baby’s Callin’ Me Home.” Pretty basic two-chord pulse and the more urgent impulse of first love.

 What’s the last song you wrote or started?

As yet untitled. Just a vague notion at this point.

How do you go about writing songs?

Music first and just let them percolate… and deadlines do wonders.

What is your approach to writing lyrics?

Start with a germ and expand.

What percentage of songs that you start do you finish?

38 to 71%.

What sorts of things inspire you to write?

As before: deadlines. Or simply landing on an infectious phrase of music or lyric and struggling to get it out of my head.

What’s a song on your album you’re particularly proud of?

“Gone Baby Gone,” because it seems to reflect the spirit of the environment we worked in the most accurately, an environment of place and personnel I loved.

What’s a lyric or verse from the album you’re a fan of?

“… I met my baby at the shrine of the martyr … ,” from “Pearl Of The Quarter” (Fagen/Becker).

Is it easier, or harder to write songs, the more you write?

Hard to start. Easier when I get a few under my belt.

Are there any words you love or hate?

I have a problem with the word “hope.” I use it when I’m lazy.

The most annoying thing about songwriting is….

In my case the periodic nature of my process. I cannot sustain it as a constant, yet.

What’s a song of yours that’s really touched people?

“We’re All Alone.”

If you could co-write with anyone living or dead, who would it be?

David Paich. I think we have a few good collaborations left in us.

What do you consider to be the perfect song (written by somebody else), and why?

“Georgia On My Mind” for its gospel soul and the poignant lyric. Also the performance (written and unwritten) on Miles’ Kind Of Blue album of the song “Blue In Green” which speaks to a universe of stunning beauty.