Karl Stoll and the Danger Zone want people to have fun when watching the most dangerous band in town!
When the veteran music man, Karl Stoll and his trusty 1977 Gibson SG, takes the stage at JV’s Restaurant on Sat October 5th at 9pm with his band The Danger Zone; consisting of Mojo Dixon on harmonica, Brian Alpert on drums, Dean Dalton on bass, Rogue Johnsen on keys and Karl Stoll on guitar, he simply wants the audience to have fun when they come to see the most dangerous band in town!
Vizions of Rock caught up with Karl Stoll who is back in the studio recording his next album and grateful to see the recent addition of some nice new clubs focusing on live music in the DC area.
Vizions of Rock: Where did the name come from and why?
KARL STOLL & THE DANGER ZONE: We wanted a name with attitude that makes people fear for their lives because anything can happen at our shows!
Vizions of Rock: How did the band get together and how long have you been together?
KARL STOLL & THE DANGER ZONE: It’s been an evolution over the past 16 years or so. But, Mojo, Brian and I have been together most of that time.
Vizions of Rock: Tell me about what inspired “take a ride” and what was the experience like to be nominated for Best Blues Recording of 2012 by the Washington Area Music Association.
KARL STOLL & THE DANGER ZONE: That album is my one and only at this point. It’s the culmination of many years of playing and writing. I’ve always just focused on playing shows. But, I got the itch to get some great recordings of some of my songs. Then we added a few covers that let the band shine. Tommy Lepson was a tremendous help making all that happen. I’m working with him again this year to get some new songs out soon. Getting nominated for a Wammie was a total surprise. It was really nice to see some recognition from the local music scene. We have so much great talent here.
Vizions of Rock: How has the music industry changed over the years and if you could change anything about it, what would it be?
KARL STOLL & THE DANGER ZONE: Venues come and go. Bands come and go. But, I’m still here. The good news here in DC is we’ve seen the recent addition of some nice new clubs focusing on live music. Even when the economy was in a general slump, new venues were starting up here. Most bands depend more on money from shows than selling records these days. So, it’s nice to see DC making more opportunities possible.
Vizions of Rock: What is your favorite guitar to play and why?
KARL STOLL & THE DANGER ZONE: My favorite is a 1977 Gibson SG Standard I bought in 1983. It’s a guitar with a story and can take a beating.
Vizions of Rock: Who are your influences?
KARL STOLL & THE DANGER ZONE: We’re a contemporary rockin’ blues band. With Mojo Dixon in the band, much of our sound is harmonica and guitar driven. Now we’re pushing into some New Orleans sounds with Rogue on piano. So much of it points back to guys like Muddy Waters, Little Walter, Buddy Guy, Junior Wells, Jimmy Reed, Albert King and others. The link to them for me are bands like The Nighthawks, The Fabulous Thunderbirds, and Stevie Vaughan. Those are the guys that were on my stereo and playing at the clubs when I was in college.
Vizions of Rock: How did the evolution of your music come together?
KARL STOLL & THE DANGER ZONE: I often say, “we don’t play many songs people already know. But you’ll probably like them.” I just play songs I like. And I want to play songs that other bands don’t play. Of course, we mix in songs most blues fan will recognize. And, we want music that will get a crowd on their feet to have a good time. It’s sort of my personal playlist I want to share with others.
Vizions of Rock: What do you enjoy most about being a musician?
KARL STOLL & THE DANGER ZONE: First and foremost, it’s about performing well and sounding great. When the band and the audience are locked in together, the magic happens. It gives me goosebumps! Hopefully, the audience feels them too. Secondly, music brings people together. You can see it over the course of history. So, it makes me happy when I see a room full of people having a good time together … people who otherwise might not have ever crossed paths. We just want people to have fun!
Vizions of Rock: What is the genre of your music and is there a message that you’re trying to communicate with it?
KARL STOLL & THE DANGER ZONE: The only message here is “let’s have fun!”
Vizions of Rock: Do you have a booking agent, who handles your touring?
KARL STOLL & THE DANGER ZONE: I do the bookings myself. I’d love to have some help. I‘d love to push things to a new level. Know any good agents? 😊
Vizions of Rock: What advice would you give someone wanting to follow in your footsteps?
KARL STOLL & THE DANGER ZONE: Don’t quit your day job!
Vizions of Rock: What is on the horizon for the future?
KARL STOLL & THE DANGER ZONE: A new CD will be released when it’s done. I have a few songs in the can now. More to come.
Vizions of Rock: What makes Karl Stoll’s and the danger Zone unique?
KARL STOLL & THE DANGER ZONE: Our song list is unique. We do some things you would expect from a blues band, then we toss in some surprises.
Vizions of Rock: Is there a tagline or a specific message that you would want to portray you as a band or musician that you would want the world to know?
KARL STOLL & THE DANGER ZONE: We are the most dangerous band in town!
Vizions of Rock: How can we find you music?
KARL STOLL & THE DANGER ZONE: I think we are on all the usual sources like CD Baby, Spotify and iTunes. But, the best way to hear us is to come to show. The dates are on my website www.karlstoll.com
JV’s Restaurant - 6666 Arlington Blvd, Falls Church, VA 22042 (703.241.9504)
