Music Preview: California’s country heritage has an advocate in James Intveld
James Intveld has just about done it all in show business.
Active since the late-’70s as a prolific singer-songwriter, Intveld’s multifaceted resume also includes more than two dozen television and film acting credits — working with Sean Penn, River Phoenix and Billy Bob Thornton, and supplying Johnny Depp’s singing voice in John Waters’ 1990 cult classic “Cry-Baby.” He’s worked numerous composer and sound department jobs, and was even the director of a 2005 Western, “Miracle at Sage Creek,” with David Carradine.
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But when he hits the bandstand at Joe’s Great American Bar & Grill on Saturday, June 18, he’ll be doing what he loves best — upholding the California Country music tradition.
“I’m really on a campaign these days,” the Los Angeles-born Intveld said. “I bought a house in Nashville a few years ago and I have been living down there, because I really thought that was where I was supposed to be. But all I get is crap from people because I am from California. They all love to run down the California country scene, and I have gotten really sick of hearing it. I like to point out to them that Merle Haggard, who everyone down there holds up as ‘The One,’ the big man in country, was born here. It’s like everyone in Nashville has amnesia — they’ve forgotten how important California was, and still is.”
It almost seems as if fate has conspired to keep Intveld out of Music City since he made the move: “When I got the call from [Rock and Roll Hall of Famer] John Fogerty to go out with him as his bass player, I thought it was a great opportunity. Everyone said ‘Oh, he loves country, you guys can probably write together.’ But there is no collaboration. It’s like a day job,” Intveld said. “Next thing I know, three years had passed. And next, [Grammy-winning country band] the Mavericks asked me to go out, I thought, ‘Well, it’ll be fun, and I probably can meet some interesting new people.’ But they did the same show every night. It got boring. It was like being a slave.”
Finally arriving back at his Nashville home late last year, Intveld was preparing to start recording a new set of songs when his father’s dementia became increasingly unmanageable. He has been in the area for months, taking care of his parents and dealing with the challenges his father’s diagnosis presents.
“All I’ve been doing is taking care of my family. We had to put Dad into a facility in Glendale, and I go see him every other day. He hates it there but my poor mom, who is 81, was at the end of her rope. I sold my house here in Burbank a few years so now I’m living like a 17-year-old, crashing at various friend’s houses, staying a night or two at my Mom’s place. I’m supposed to be making a new album right now, but what else can I do?”
Fortunately for Intveld’s local fans — of whom there are hordes — he has been scheduling plenty of local shows.
“I’ve booked all this stuff, just played at the O.C. Fairgrounds and did this wild gig at Fairhaven Memorial Park in Santa Ana,” Intveld said. “We play in the cemetery — all these people come with their blankets and coolers, and it’s like a picnic among the tombstones. It sounds weird, but it is a very pleasant afternoon gig. It’s became an annual thing. ... I’m just sprinkling gigs all around the area. And I am very fortunate that I can draw people. I’m so grateful for that.”
“Maybe that’s why this all happened, with my family, to get me back out here. I thought Nashville was the place to be, but it’s just lame,” Intveld said. “To me, it’s all about how important California country was, and still is. There’s almost nothing left here, or up in Bakersfield. It’s important for people to come out and support live country music ... But there is a good scene. It may just be a subculture now but I really want to perpetuate it, make it competitive with Nashville.”
“I want to make that happen. California pride — we have to fight for it.”
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Who: James Intveld
When: Saturday, June 18, 9 p.m.
Where: Joe’s Great American Bar & Grill, 4311 W. Magnolia Blvd, Burbank.
More info: (818) 729-0805, joesgreatbar.com
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JONNY WHITESIDE is a veteran music journalist based in Burbank and author of “Ramblin’ Rose: the Life & Career of Rose Maddox” and “Cry: the Johnnie Ray Story.”