Interview by Lori Ross

Larry Jensen – "Some are Songs"

Owen Sound born and raised musician, singer, songwriter and poet Larry Jensen in a recent Q&A talked about his newly self-published book, "Some Are Songs. A Book of Words" and about expanding as an artist.

Jensen will be reading some of his poems and lyrics at a monthly spoken word and music showcase called Sounds at the Market (Owen Sound Farmer's Market) on Sunday May 10th at 2 pm. The official launch of his book will be on Thursday May 21st. 7 pm at The Ginger Press Bookstore (848 2nd Ave East, Owen Sound).

"Some are Songs" is a collection of song lyrics and poetry written over a forty year career in music that included the release of fourteen records/CDs.

Q - Who were you influenced by?

A - My Dad was the first musical influence in my life. He played guitar and sang old country songs. Later when I started writing myself, the writers I admired were Bob Dylan, John Hiatt, Jackson Browne and Tom Waits. I also really like Tom Rush.

Q - What advice do you have for other songwriters?

A - People often come up to me and say, "Larry, I've written a song. What should I do?" and I'll answer, "Write another one". Songwriting is a long road. Keep writing.

Q - What is your personal favourite song that you have written?

A - My latest song is always my favourite. It's the one I want to play the most. It's fresh. I think the ones other people seem to really like are, "Wolf at Your Door" and "Save Me".

Q - What's it like collaborating with another poet, such as Rob Rolfe?

A - It's been great! It allows for many combinations. I play guitar while Rob reads his own poetry. Or Rob gives me a poem and I turn it into a song. Or Rob reads my lyrics, while I play guitar. I've been learning new techniques and my vocabulary musically has changed.

Q - How did you feel the first time you didn't have a guitar in front of you and just recited a lyric or poem from your book, without music?

A - I haven't done it yet. Sounds at the Market will be my first time.

Copies of Larry Jensen's book, "Some are Songs. A Book of Words", will be available to purchase at The Ginger Press Bookstore, and also on May 10th at Sounds at the Market.