Interview for BBC Radio 2 • Tuesday, February 7, 2012

Interview

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From paulmccartney.com, February 1, 2012:

Paul met Jamie Cullum for a very special, in-depth interview about his brand new album Kisses on the Bottom, a collection of standards that Paul grew up listening to as a child that went on to inspire him as a songwriter and his love of jazz. This exclusive interview is to be aired on Jamie’s weekly jazz show on Tuesday, 7th February 2012 at 7pm.

Chatting to Sir Paul about jazz was a dream come true. Hearing all those amazing stories about The Beatles was incredible, I could have listened to Sir Paul all day. This is exactly why I love doing my BBC Radio 2 show so much!” Jamie Cullum

Paul talks to Jamie about the role jazz has played in his life, from growing up listening to his father’s jazz band to their mutual love of Fats Waller.

Paul reflects on his days with The Beatles, from his and John Lennon’s shared love of composers such as Gershwin and Cole Porter to how jazz subtly informed the way The Beatles approached their compositions. 

“I met John and we both realized we both loved this old stuff. Two of his favourite songs were Close Your Eyes and Little White Lies and I liked that about John, I thought – I can get along with this guy.” Paul McCartney

He also talks in-depth with Jamie about his current album of jazz standards and original compositions Kisses On The Bottom, recorded at the world-famous Capitol Record studios in Los Angeles.

Paul tells Jamie how the album came together, from the initial inspiration to the great collaborations, what it was like working with Diana Krall and producer Tommy LiPuma, and how his vocal style on the album was influenced by Chet Baker.

“When I started making the record I’m in the studio I was kind of half expecting it to be a bit Vegas-y. But then I go in there and I’m thinking we really mustn’t do that, it’s not gonna sound honest enough. I thought I’ve gotta mean these songs. ” Paul McCartney

We also hear what happened when Paul first told his record company about the title for the album ‘Kisses on the Bottom’, and its connection to Fats Waller.

“I said, Listen – the first time I ever remembered this phenomenon of people really sort of cringing with a name was when we told them we were called The Beatles.  Everyone went Ugh, creepy crawly insects then we did Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band and everyone went “you what?”  I said, “I’m getting that feeling again” Paul McCartney