A singer/songwriter originally hailing from Wales, Judith Owen made a major impression with her debut album, 1996’s Emotions On A Postcard. Judith has released nine full-length albums since then, the latest of which being 2014’s Ebb & Flow, as featuring bassist Leland Sklar, drummer Russ Kunkel and guitarist Waddy Wachtel. Beyond her solo career, Judith has recorded and toured alongside Richard Thompson, appeared on The Simpsons, and created bumper music for the syndicated radio show Coast To Coast AM.
For the past decade, Judith and husband Harry Shearer have been at the helm of the annual star-studded holiday tour called Christmas Without Tears. This year, Christmas Without Tears comes to the Brooklyn Academy Of Music for a 7:30 p.m. show on Dec. 1. Performers at BAM – beyond Judith and Harry – will include Mario Cantone, Olympia Dukakis, Paul Shaffer, Artie Lange, Fred Willard, Béla Fleck and Peter Asher.
I had the opportunity to conduct Q&A with Judith in advance of her 2015 holiday event. In turn, I found out that another studio album is planned for the near-future. For more information on Judith in the meantime, you can click on over to www.judithowen.net.
For someone who hasn’t been to one of your Christmas shows before, how would you describe it?
Judith Owen: A reverent and irreverent variety show, filled with music and laughter. Basically an old-style party round the piano. Everyone’s a guest, including the audience. It’s a stressful time of the year for many – we’re all so busy overspending and trying to make it the perfect day — and and this show aims to bring the fun back. I call it the antidote to Christmas!
Who are some of the people on tap to perform this year?
J: It’s an incredible line-up: Alan Cumming, Mario Cantone, Bela Fleck, Fred Willard, Paul Shaffer, Artie Lange, The Gregory Bros, circus performers and a boatload of musical talent.
Is there a holiday song that you would never perform under any circumstances?
J: “The Little Drummer Boy” — I don’t know why, but I think I have an allergy to it!
When you did your first holiday show, did you expect that it would become an annual tradition?
J: Never, I only knew that without it every year I wouldn’t make it through the season!
What prompted the move to a bigger venue like BAM this year?
J: We’ve been raising money every since we moved to from our cottage to Walt Disney Concert Hall in L.A. to raise money for MOLA post-Katrina. Being that this landed on World AIDS Day, it seemed totally right that we would raise money for Elton John’s AIDS Foundation as well as for BAM’s amazing music programs.
Who was on your holiday show last year?
J: In L.A., Tim Minchin, Steven Merchant, and many of the returnees this year like Jane Lynch. It’s always amazing who turns up every year. A few years ago Donald Fagan popped by and blew the roof off, you just never know who’ll show up.
What do you remember about your first-ever gig in New York City?
J: I actually can’t remember it, but I think it was at Fez. I’ve always had great shows here, from Joe’s Pub, to Carnegie Hall with Spinal Tap!
Do you have another album in the works?
J: Yep, I always seem to have one brewing, out next April. I managed to write and record it whilst touring my last album, Ebb & Flow. I think I should have a break, but actually i’m much happier on the road or in the studio!
What’s ahead for Twanky Records?
J: More albums from me and Harry.
Might you ever release a “best of” from all the holiday shows on your label?
J: That seems like a no-brainer, doesn’t it? As long as it’s for charity, then yes of course. It makes sense, though with many of these performers like Mario [Cantone], you have to see them, too. So it might just have to the DVD.
Do you have a favorite album of 2015?
J: Jon Rogen’s Stop Time and Julia Fordham’s The Language Of Love.
Finally, Judith, any last words for the kids?
J: Enjoy every minute of Christmas, ‘cause before you know it, you’ll be paying the bills!
-by Darren Paltrowitz
