Few people would dispute the fact that one of the queens of Rock & Roll would have to be Debbie Harry. One day, when the phone rang as it often does with session work, the voice on the other end asked, “Are you available for these dates? xx/xx/xx?” Sure… “And xx/xx/xx?” That one made me pause - Valentine’s Day! (My girlfriend was going to kill me.) I hesitated, asking who it was for. “Oh!... Deborah Harry and Chris Stein.” Needless to say, I cleared my schedule for ALL of the dates. “Got any more?”
I was thrilled, remembering my pre-teen days watching Solid Gold and being mesmerized by the “Heart of Glass” video for the first time - long before I picked up drumsticks. When I got the rehearsal tape, I was surprised by the diversity of styles we were set to play, from Reggae to Afro-Cuban, alongside the expected Blondie favorites. Deborah - differentiating this project from Blondie - was incredibly versatile. Blondie had just finished recording their new record "No Exit" and were seeking a label, while Deborah and Chris Stein kept busy with projects like “The Jazz Passengers” and this one, "House Afire".
At our first rehearsal, most of the musicians already knew each other, while I was the newcomer. Everyone was friendly but a little reserved. We opened with an Afro-Cuban 6/8 groove, and when we locked in and finished the piece, the room went silent - until the bandleader broke out: “Wow! Now that we know you can play... What’s your name?” From then on, things went smoothly.
Deb and Chris arrived later, introducing themselves warmly, without a trace of their superstar status. We rehearsed as equals - creative working musicians. Sure, some had just finished recording with Matthew Sweet or were heading to their Broadway gig, but everyone, especially Deborah, was grounded and genuine.
I learned some fun facts: Debbie Harry didn’t form Blondie until her early thirties, and the band didn’t have a hit single until she was 33! Shortly after our project, Blondie’s No Exit was picked up by BMG, and the single “Maria” soared on the charts. All I can say is, Ms. Harry, if Clem ever needs a sub - you have my number!
To contact Chris, visit: www.chrisderosa.com