Foreigner has been exactly that when it comes to new music having released its last album over a decade ago. Now featuring lead guitarist/songwriter/co-producer and leader Mick Jones as the only original member the latest line up of the band features a cast of exceptional music industry veterans from a variety of bands. While this might not be the Foreigner of “4” or “Double Vision” or “Inside Information” this line up captures the Foreigner sound that Jones pioneered back in the late 70’s and early 80’s expertly but, more importantly, they’re having a blast playing to audiences. ***

I had a chance to interview the band’s bassist "Jeff Pilson" to discuss the band’s latest album “Can’t Slow Down” which is available exclusively through Wal-Mart in the United States. He’s been touring with Jones for the last five years as part of the Foreigner line up. The band’s new album features 13 new songs that adhere to the classic Foreigner sound while also expanding upon it adding new musical flavors to the band’s already tasty mix of hard rock guitar riffs, raspy vocals (courtesy of new lead vocalist Kelly Hansen a veteran of the 80’s hard rock band the Hurricanes)and propulsive bass and drums driving home the songs. ***

Jeff got his start as a bassist with Dokken and later played with Dio. He also formed a duo with former Dokken guitarist George Lynch called Lynch/Pilson releasing a critically acclaimed 2003 hard rock album “Wicked Underground”. Jeff joined us from Pittsburg, PA. The band will be touring the U.S. and the rest of the world in support of their latest release and playing a mixture of arenas and smaller venues in an attempt to connect with both new and old fans. ***

Wayne:

Jeff Thanks for joining us today. How has the reception been from both old and new fans to the band’s current line- up?

Jeff Pilson

Jeff:

So far the reaction has been great. We’ve been on the road now for five years now and there would have been plenty of time (laughs) for people to speak up. The acceptance has been amazing. I attribute it to the fact that number 1 Foreigner has a great legacy with great songs and number 2 the band has really upped our game. We have an amazing singer (Kelly Hansen) who, let’s face it, did NOT have easy shoes to fill and he’s done it brilliantly. He’s performed amazing every single night. When you have to sing somebody else’s songs you want to do them justice but Kelly’s really done it. We can feel all the momentum that we’ve built and it’s pretty phenomenal. ***

Jeff:

So to answer your question the response has been amazing and I think we couldn’t be at a better point to release new material and here we go. ***

Wayne:

You bring up a good point. There was some buzz on the internet among some fans that this was Mick Jones and a Foreigner cover band. I’ve listened to this album a number of times and I don’t think that’s fair at all. When you hear the first track off the album though you immediately say, “this is Foreigner”. It has that classic sound mixed with new elements making it vital and alive. ***

Jeff: Great! ***

Wayne:

Since you were a member of Dokken, Dio and played in a duo with( former Dokken) guitarist George Lynch how would you contrast working with those bands to working with the guys in Foreigner and Mick in particular? ***

Jeff:

Well, you know, I mean Mick is a great guy to work with. He’s VERY generous as a leader. He wants it to be the best no matter what it takes or how long it takes to get there to BE the best. He’s very critical—he has a very critical ear but like I said at the same time he’s very supportive of everybody contributing. It becomes a situation where we are very focused because of Mick’s vision but we’re also all very energized because he IS so generous. I’m used to being in a situation where I’m on equal standing and while this is different I’m TREATED as an equal which is very, very wonderful and something I appreciate greatly. I think it’s brought out the best in the band because of it. ***

Wayne:

With your experience too you would expect that to some degree after all you’ve been doing this for over 25 years. *** Jeff: Sure. Sure.

Wayne:

You’ve been in a variety of terrific bands during that time. I have to compliment you because after having hearing the Lynch/Pilson album I think you’re a terrific vocalist yourself. ***

Jeff: Thank you very much. ***

Wayne:

I really enjoyed the songs from 2003’s “Wicked Underground” which leads to my next question. As you progress with Foreigner do you see another album for this line up in your future and do you see any opportunity to present some of your own song ideas to the Mick for consideration? ***

Jeff:

Maybe somewhere down the line. We’ll see. Mick was pretty focused working with Marti Frederiksen who is great. We all love Marti. It was very focused on that and honestly we ran out of time before I—I was hoping to make some contributions—when Wal-Mart got on board and we had a deadline to make. I hope to in the future. It’s not a huge part of what I need to do because I have other outlets for that as well. As long as the vibe is right anything is possible. Who knows we’ll have to see. ***

Wayne:

You mentioned that you have other endeavors are you thinking of making a solo album at some point? ***

Jeff:

Not particularly. I might put one out just because I tend to do a long of recording and writing but not just to put one out. At this point in my career I like things to have purpose. There isn’t a lot of purpose to do a solo album just to put one out. ***

Wayne:

Revisiting your comment about being treated with generosity and as an equal by Mick, do you get much input into what you’re going to be playing in the studio? ***

Jeff:

Honestly because of our touring schedule this album was done in kind of a ragtag sort of way. Actually I did much of my bass tracks in my hotel rooms on my laptop while on the road (laughs) so yes I had input. A lot of it was very clear and obvious but I was able to do it to my satisfaction which made me very happy. You know we’ve been on the road for five years. ***

Wayne:

Which songs on the album do you think best defines the new Foreigner? ***

Jeff:

I certainly think the song “Can’t Slow Down” is really strong. I really love this song. It’s got a great catchy rhythm and when you see it within the context of the whole Nascar thing—we’re going to be doing quite a few Nascar shows this year—it makes sense. I also think the song “In Pieces” is a marvelous ballad and I think the ballad “I Can’t Give Up” is a marvelous ballad. ***

Wayne:

I would agree. As soon as the first track kicked in it what it said to me was Foreigner’s back. ***

Jeff:

I thought so, too.

Wayne:

That’s what amazed me about it because there’s been over a ten year gap between albums. Who would you say is your biggest influence as a bass player? ***

Jeff:

If I had to do an all time bass it would be Paul McCartney but I was also a huge Chris Squire fanatic you know you kind of take an amalgamation of all those guys and that’s probably my one big influence. ***

Wayne:

one thing I’ve enjoyed about The Beatles remasters is that you can now hear Paul McCartney’s bass playing. ***

Jeff:

(Laughs) Phenomental , melodic bass player. Even John Lennon admitted he was underrated. ***

Wayne:

On stage what makes the older Foreigner songs become your songs for the current line up? ***

Jeff:

We’re not trying to make them our songs but just try and do them with heart. To me we do. We love this music and the way we feel when we play together. It’s a very organic process and we really communicate as a band. Not all bands do. We really enjoy playing together which, again, not all bands do. The goal isn’t to make it ours—the goal is to deliver with as much heart and soul and fire as we can. Because we love it so that does the job for you. ***

Wayne:

Last question. You’re on a deserted island. You can only take four albums with you. Which would you take? ***

Jeff:

This is going to be tricky. I would say “Revolver” (The Beatles), "Close to the Edge" (Yes), the fourth Led Zepplin album “Zo-so”, and Back in Black (AC/DC). ***

Wayne:

Thanks for your time today. I’m in San Francisco so I’m really looking forward to seeing you guys when you come out here. ***

Jeff:

I’m glad it worked out. We’re at the Fillmore. I’m anxious to play there. Thank you so much. It’s been a real pleasure and we’ll talk soon!