Our Marcel Proust Inspired SaintsforSinners.com Q & A
Questions and Answers Interview with
Renowned Bass Player Ivan Bodley
in New York City
January 25, 2009
Ivan Bodley hails from New York City and is an accomplished professional bass player. He recently shared the stage with Sting and Elvis Costello at the Creative Coalition Inaugural Ball on Monday, January 20, 2009, in Washington DC, in celebration of the Presidency of Barack Obama. Both the Huffington Post and Fox News covered the concert! Check it out on YouTube.
Ivan has strong New Orleans connections. He is a graduate of Tulane University and was one of the Champions of the greatest radio station on earth, WTUL, 91.1 FM on your dial. You can find out more about Ivan and hear his music by visiting his web site, www.funkboy.net or www.phunque.com or www.myspace.com/funkboy
We caught up with Ivan this past Sunday, January 25, 2009 and conducted this interview by phone. Here it is:
Rob Clemenz/SaintsforSinners.com:
Hello Ivan, thanks for agreeing to be interviewed for the www.SaintsforSinners.com Marcel Proust inspired Q & A. We’re honored to have you as our second guest. Let’s start by learning how you became a professional bass player. When did you first pick up a guitar?
Ivan Bodley:
I actually started late, by most standards. I was a Senior in High School. I became interested in playing guitar and wanted one so I worked at a Dude Ranch as a dishwasher so I could save up enough money to buy my first Fender bass guitar.
RC: Where did you first begin performing?
Ivan Bodley:
Hmmmm... I guess that was at my High School Talent Show. I remember playing “Message in a Bottle” by The Police. The audience liked it and I wound up winning the Talent Show.
RC: When did you first become acquainted with the age old saints?
Ivan Bodley:
Growing up, there really was no connection to the saints whatsoever. I basically grew up in a non-practicing Jewish or Atheist household. It wasn’t until I came down to New Orleans that I began to take notice of its culture the vast religious connection it conveys.
RC: When did you first become part of the SaintsforSinners.com family?
Ivan Bodley:
When did you start? I’d have to say I was pretty much in it from the getgo, the beginning, Day # 1.
RC: Yes, you have been a loyal pal for a very long time. Which medals have you worn?
Ivan Bodley:
(Laughing) None, really. Well you have the picture of me wearing the Guardian Angel but I just wore it for a short time and then passed it on, like you recommend on the web site. I’ve sent the medals to friends.
RC:
So you don’t even wear the medals!?
Ivan Bodley:
Yes and No. A year or so ago a friend gave me a saint Christopher medal, for protection during travel. I’m touring and on the road so much I keep that medal in my wallet. But it’s not one of yours.
RC: Which saints are you familiar with?
Ivan Bodley:
Aaron Neville introduced me to saint Jude long ago. That’s the first saint I became acquainted with. Paul Sanchez is the cat who introduced me to the SaintsforSinners.com Web site.
RC: How many saints do you think there are?
Ivan Bodley:
I have no idea. Hundreds, I guess.
RC:
Name 5 saints off the top of your head.
Ivan Bodley:
Michael, Christopher, Jude, Mark, Luke - go with the “Heavy Hitters!"
RC:
Since you have said you like sending the medals as gifts, what has the reaction been?
Ivan Bodley:
They appreciate the thoughtfulness; the personal component goes beyond the gift.
RC:
Comment on the line “It’s so hard to be a saint in the city.”
Ivan Bodley:
(Laughing) New York City. It’s a tough place to live. There’s lots of temptations. I identify with it.
RC:
How about this one, “I’d rather laugh with the sinners than cry with the saints.”
Ivan Bodley:
I understand that. And that’s why I like what you’re doing. Some sinning is just having some fun. You’re allowing people some redemption without forcing people to feel 100% pious. It’s admirable.
RC:
Thanks, Ivan. You get it. Who do you think wrote “the saints are the sinners who keep on trying.”
Ivan Bodley:
Don’t know, it sounds Dylanesque.
RC:>
Last Question
Did you ever say the prayer that went something like this: “Anthony, Anthony, come on down, something’s lost that can’t be found!”
Ivan Bodley:
No, Rob, can’t say that I have.
