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jonah24c
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Posts: 18
(7/1/05 12:56 pm)


FAQs from Fall/Winter 2004
Q: If you could be any super hero, who would you be and why?
Awesome question. Well, I'm not sure if Krang, from the ninja turtles would be considered a super hero, but in either case I don't think I'd want to be him because his entire being consists of a brain and that seems to me to be a little stifling if you know what I mean...I think I'd have to go with Superman cause I've always fantasized about flying, being really strong, and wearing a cape.

Q: I know you went to Brown for art, so i was wondering who your favorite artists are?
I'll always have a fond appreciation for and respect for Renaissance, Mannerist and Baroque art - I spent a semester studying abroad in Florence, Italy, and really enjoyed the works of Michelangelo, Leonardo, Titian, Carravaggio, and especially this guy named Correggio. If you have a chance, go to GOOGLE and type in "Correggo" and click on images. There is a certain softness to his paintings that is really incredible. Switching gears a bit, I really enjoy impression artists such as Monet, Manet, and Van Gogh. Finally, there are some more contemporary people really worth checking out (try the google thing)... Chuck Close, Jenny Saville, and Lucian Freud. Great question...Even though I don't really do much painting these days, art has been a large part of my life and i know that someday i will get back into it again.

Reason for the picture of him "eating" grass:
Anyhow, the picture link didn't transfer but I'm assuming that you were referencing the photograph where I appear to be comsuming grass. (N.B. not the slang term for marajuana but actually REAL grass...you know, 'Sarracenia flava'). Basically, there's not much to the picture other than the fact that we were doing a brief photoshoot and i started feeling ultra-constrained by the classic "I'm a guy with a guitar and gonna sing you a song" poses - thus, I just had had enough and rather spontaneously decided the soft grass beneath me was looking delectable. Not good enough to eat, but just enough to put in my mouth. That's about it. It's worth trying sometime. Especially when you're feeling boxed in.

Q: I was just wondering if you would ever consider a road trip down to dallas or if you'll hit the austin music scene ever?
I would in fact love to explore the music scene in Texas and I hope that within the next year, Tour dates in that area wouldn't be out of the question. Basically in order for us to really set up shows there, we need to know that there is already a bit of a following (hint...hint...wink, nudge). But to answer your question, yes, I'd be really psyched to explore that part of the country.

Q: Are you planning any tours soon (ones of the variety that'll bring you out to the west coast and SoCal)?
I guess my reply would be similar to that of the last question. Personally, I love the West coast. I spent a month one summer a few years ago in Malibu and really had an amazing experience. You can't beat the weather and the vibe. Although I didn't learn how to surf, I did go on my first rollercoaster...yes, I was like 18 when it happened. Not because I've been scared of them, just because the opportunity never really presented itself.

Q: If you weren't playing music what else would you do for a living?
I think that I would want to be in the field of Medicine. For a lot of reasons, it just seems like a really good fit for me.

Q: Besides skiing, what else do you do when not playing the guitar?
I love to eat (as I think I've hinted at more than once) and cooking is something I'd like to get into more. I used to be really into soccer and tennis and thus always enjoy playing those sports. Although now, I've really gotten into Squash. Not the vegetable but rather the game. It's a great workout in the winter when these ridiculously frigid temperatures keep you inside more than I'd like to be. I don't watch TV but love to watch "Curb Your Enthusiasm" (and ofcourse "Seinfeld" reruns). Last but not least...Sleep. I truly adore Sleep and I have a feeling she and I are going to have a very enduring relationship with one another. Or at least I hope.

Q: Who is you favorite artist to cover/ favorite song to cover?
That's a really tough one. Lately I've really been enjoying acoustic renditions of old Whitney Houston songs (that I don't think she necessarily wrote). Aside from that, I love Cat Stevens and James Taylor. Right now, I'm probably most enjoying playing Sam Cooke's "Having A Party".

Q: Who would you love to tour with right now?
I think it would unbelievable ofcourse to share the stage with James Taylor...but getting back to realm of reality...I definitely dig the vibe Maroon5 puts out and think that a tour with them would be a lot of fun. Others include Guster and Kenny Chesney.

Q: When are you coming back to UNH?
I think that I'll be returning in the Spring. I had a really great time at the show earlier this month and I believe plans are in the works as we speak for a concert sometime in Feb/March 2K5. There are also several other college shows in New Hampshire coming up that may be technically "Closed to the public" but if you e-mail my manager ( Andrew@366Management.com), we can definitely get you on the guest list.

Q: I love your green saucony sneakers. Where'd you get them?
I used to live in Providence, RI, and one day last year I decided that enough was enough and that it was time to retire my old shoes. Now I'm not a big shopper, but Thayer Street has quite a few places worth checking out. As I passed by the motley crew of Thayer locals, something else caught my eye beside the usual pre-teen couple making out in front of the Johnny Rockets: the finest shade of muted green this side of the Pawtuxet balanced in perfect harmony with Canary yellow. It was nothing other than destiny. I peeled my eyes away from the window, virtually lept into "Berk's Shoes", and found to my dismay that the company had discontinued those colors and thus the shop had only one pair left - the pair resting in the window. Being a Ten and a Half has never felt luckier.

Q: How long have you been playing guitar?
I started around the 6th grade. Thus I've been playing guitar a little over 10 years. One night in 1994 I bought a Fender American Standard Stratocaster (Metallic Aquamarine) and since then life's never been the same. I don't think I left my room for 2 days.

Q: Favorite dessert?
The thing is that I'm not much of a dessert guy. I would much rather have two dinners (Not that this is a socially acceptable option YET...but our society still has some work to do). BUT if you had to pin me down, I would have to say large Ice Cream Sandwiches on a hot July day - I'm not a fan of the bite-size ones for obvious reasons. Now that you got me started, few things can compare to a slightly melted pint of Ben and Jerry's 'Sweet Creme and Cookies'.

Q: Do you have a significant other?
I'm not seeing anyone at the moment. It's not that I'm not interested or not on the look out, it's just that the right situation (by 'situation' I mean woman) hasn't really presented herself to me yet. Also, it's difficult meeting people when you're either on the road playing shows or at home acting elderly and staying in. I'm sort of a 'home-body' at heart and thus it can be a challenge.

Q: Boxers or briefs?
That's a tough one. My first response is certainly boxers but I would be lying if I told you that I didn't occasionally wear briefs as I have a few pairs that tend to hang out at the bottom of my drawer.

Q: When is your birthday?
I was born one during one incredibly steamy August sunrise in 1981 on the 22nd of the month. (I don't know why I can't be more succinct and straightforward sometimes: August 22, 1981)

Q: How old are you?
23 physically. ___ spiritually. ____ emotionally. The last two may take some time to answer.

Q: What is your full name?
Jonah Maxwell Cohen

Q: What kind of car do you drive? What was your first car? Do you name your cars?
I currently drive a soccer mom van and I don't mean that disparagingly. It is an incredibly utilitarian vehicle and does everything I could ever want and then some. It is a Prussian Blue Plymouth Voyager (2002?...Gotta check up on that one for you). My first car was a Green standard transmission Nissan Pathfinder that rocked. It definitely got me the girls (although not as much as the van I currently drive). You know, I haven't ever named my cars but you are making me question...it may be time. If you have any suggestions for my current road princess, please start a thread with some responses and I will definitely choose the one I feel most aptly fits her style.

Q: Favorite food? (since you love two dinners)
Impossible to answer. Literally impossible and I resent the fact that you think I could ever choose one ;-) With that said, I think I can narrow it down for you: My favorite cuisines are Thai, Italian, and Indian.

Q: Any pets?
Sadly no. I think I have to grow up a bit more first.

Q: How long are your sets?
I usually like to play for around 80 minutes although one night I played for 2 hours and 45 minutes. It's kind of a long story, or rather, a long set. Probably too long if you ask me. I don't think I could even watch Pavarotti for that long let alone for 10 minutes.

Q: Do you usually stick around for a meet 'n' greet?
Absolutamente. That is one of my favorite parts of the show.

Q: Who are your influences?
Lots of James Taylor, Paul Simon, Sam Cooke, Billy Joel, Stevie Wonder and Eric Clapton. Lots.

Q: How do you go about writing your songs?
The process really seems to vary. Sometimes the lyrics come first and other times the music and melody drive the act of creation. I think I have realized though that without music that really inspires me, the song doesn't have much potential. It really has to make sense musically. Then the melodic nature of the song usually speaks something thematically and that lends itself to a certain vibe - it is that very vibe which helps direct the lyrics. I'm not sure if I explained that very well. Feel free to ask the question again and maybe next time I'll actually find a way to be articulate.

Q: Who's in your CD player right now?
Actually, I've been listening alot to the 'Labyrinth' soundtrack by David Bowie. It's untouchable. Aside from that, alot of Queen, Billy Holiday, Ray LaMontagne, Sam Cooke, Amos Lee, Raul Midon, and Ryan Adams. Oh yeah, and the Coldplay Live DVD is incredible.

Q: Read anything good lately?
Yes.

Final Question is from me to me..."What have you read recently that you enjoyed?" I recently read "The Way of the Peaceful Warrior" by Dan Millman. I HIGHLY recommend it.
That last bit was me being a pain in the a**. I don't know why but I couldn't resist the urge to be like my 1st grade gym teacher, Mr. Butler. Whenever someone would ask him: "Mr. Butler, can I please go to the bathroom?" he would say "I don't know. Can you?" Pretty lame but nonetheless amusing.




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