According to a recent press release: "New Jersey based, Bluesy, 70s influenced Rock Band Colossal Street Jam has released their newest LP, Living Free, an 11 track album invoking such classic sounds as Bad Company and Grand Funk Railroad. Produced by Tony Tee Lewis, Living Free is out NOW!" We get Gene Potts from the band to answer our 10 Quick Ones about the upcoming release and more...

Our latest release is titled Living Free. It’s an 11 song release which we feel is pretty diverse but yet still in the 70’s classic rock vein we are influenced by. There are no hidden nuggets but we do cover "Be Good to Yourself" from Frankie Miller, a relatively unknown singer/songwriter from Scotland. Sal Marra our guitarist sings "Let It Go" on the CD also. Track 11, "Sweet Little Lady" was recorded live from The Stone Pony Summer Stage when we played with Gov’t Mule and Blackberry Smoke.

2. What got you into music, and can you tell us about the moment you realized you wanted to be a musician?

My father is a great vocalist and I got my love of singing from him. When I was growing up he listened to a lot of the music that still influences me today. I knew I wanted to be a musician the first time I stepped on stage at 13. I played with a band of classmates on a Teen Arts festival in front of 400 people, we played "Detroit Rock City" from Kiss and that’s when I knew I had to do this all the time!

3. Who would be your main five musical influences?

Mark Farner – Grand Funk Railroad, Prince, Gregg Allman – Allman Brothers Band, Paul Rodgers – Free/Bad Company, and Joey Belladonna - Anthrax

4. If you could call in any one collaborator to do a song with, who would it be?

For our vein of music I’d say Mark Farner of Grand Funk. For me personally, I would have loved to have done something with Prince. His death still upsets me.

5. How would you describe your music to someone who’d never listened to you before?

We are a bluesy 70’s classic rock sounding band with elements of funk and soul.

6. What’s the best thing about being a musician?

I enjoy the camaraderie of the band, like having 4 brothers. The live aspect is the highlight for me, even though I love writing and recording I find the live shows to be the biggest thrill. When we are on stage the energy is unreal.

7. When the band are all hanging out together, who cooks; who gets the drinks in; and who is first to crack out the acoustic guitars for a singalong?

Tony our bass player cooks. Sal our guitarist is the first to the bar and to bring the drinks and he is also the first to break out the guitar. Eric (Keys) and Dave (Drums) are quick witted and the first with jokes. I’m the father figure hanging over making sure we aren’t getting arrested.

8. If you weren’t a musician, what would be your dream job?

Linebacker for the Philadelphia Eagles or Center fielder for the Philadelphia Phillies.

9. Looking back over your career, is there a single moment or situation you feel was a misstep or you would like to have a “do over”?

In the mid 90’s we had some serious label interest and the stress and the lack of patience caused us to disband before we had a real shot. I wish I could turn back time to get everyone on the same page. We all had delusions of grandeur and believed our own hype. All we needed to do was sit back and let it all come in time. We messed that up big time.

10. If you could magically go back in time and be a part of the recording sessions for any one record in history, which would you choose – and what does that record mean to you?

This is a tough one. One of my favorite albums of all time is Closer To Home from Grand Funk Railroad. Mark Farner’s vocals on this record set me on my path today. Besides my father’s influence, Mark is my biggest influence. BUT, I have to say The Beatles White Album. The diverse song writing and amazing vocals on this record set it apart from most. Plus I love Paul McCartney’s vocals all the time. I would have learned a lot more about being a vocalist if I was there to see that magic happen.

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