Interview with A.D. Amorosi

A.D. Amorosi, writer & music critic for - Philadelphia City Paper,
Philadelphia Inquirer, Philadelphia Style magazine & Magnet Magazine

Geo:  Who or what had an influence on you to become a writer?

A.D. In terms of inspiration, rather than influence, they would be: Tom Wolfe, William S.
Burroughs, Morrie Ryskind, George S. Kauffman, and A.L Diamond

Geo: What was the first show you saw (rock-jazz-folk) in Philly ?

A.D. You mean after Jimmy Durante at Palumbo's (when I was like 5?)? In 1972 I saw
Emerson Lake and Palmer, Alice Cooper, Lou Reed and the David Bowie Ziggy shows..

Geo: What clubs or coffee house did you frequent in the late 60's or early
70's?

A.D. The first club: If it wasn't Grendels, or Artemis it was Black Banana (I think).

Geo: What was your take on the 'music scene' in Philly in the late 60's
early 70's?

A.D. A paradise really - a nice mix of straigt/gay/black/white/rich/poor/rock/experimental - comperable to
San Fran or New York City, or L.A. in its own weird way.....

Geo: What was the 'best' show you saw in Philly (late 60's early 70's)?

A.D. Tom Waits at the Main Point, Grace Jones, Bowie, Labelle, T Rex, Sparks, and Teddy
Pendergrass

Geo: Do you have any thoughts on the scene then (60's-70's) to the scene
here now?

A.D. Up until most recently, the last great gasp of philly's innovative music
scene was the punk/avant/jazz/funk scene of the mid-to-late 70's: Stickmen,
Odean Pope,Charles Cohen, King of Siam, Crash Course for Science, No Milk,
Jamaladeema Tacuma, Sadistic Expolits, Ruin, Gutbucket, Sic Kids, Ween...
The 80's into the 90's was mostly a wasteland. Peeps like Skip Heller were an exception
to the rule. I would prefer not to mention names, BUT it was all pretty bad.
Groups like the Hooters, and the Electric Love Muffin, I'm sorry to say, were too divisionist between all forms of music...
Now we have electronically-altered styles likes: The Mish Mash of Azusa, Eltro,
Mazarin, Fingernail, Clutch Cargo, etc..
This has pushed the usual-rock band sorts into higher heights of better songwriting
and interesting arrangements. The scene now is risky music making at its best...

Geo: Have you done any recording? If yes, is any available to the public to
buy?

A.D. Yes - as the Rhythm Donkeys - the CD 'Freedom Isn't Free', as well as some MP3 remixes

Geo: What for you represents your 'Best' work so far?

A.D. I haven't done my best yet - have come close but......

Geo: What  is next for you?

A.D. One book, one Screenplay - both nearly complete, one new book hopefully
starting soon......

You can contact A.D. here: a_amorosi@citypaper.net

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