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Rush is a Band

A blog devoted to RUSH:
Neil Peart, Geddy Lee & Alex Lifeson

Thu, Dec 26, 2024

Interview with Clockwork Angels String Ensemble violinist and concert master Joel Derouin

Sun, Oct 28, 2012@11:58AM | comments removed/disabled

Rob over at the Rush Vault recently caught up with Clockwork Angels String Ensemble concert master and violinist Joel Derouin for an interview before Rush's October 20th show in Newark. Rob talks with Joel about his background, how the string section came together, the string sections on Clockwork Angels, how the tour is going and more. Here's Joel's description of the string arrangements:

They're different. The violins are playing guitar parts, the cellos are playing bass parts. Sometimes we're matching their (Geddy and Alex's) parts. David is such an incredible writer, that the music we're playing kind of infiltrates their music and their sound. I think it's really enhancing. For a three-piece band, Rush sounds huge. They're like an orchestra to begin with. So when you add us to it, with the natural sound of real strings, it really sparkles.

And here are Joel's comments on Rush:

The guys are incredible. They're the nicest human beings I've ever met. They're very, very generous. Being a part of this tour has been one of the best situations I've ever been in in my career. To be sure, the tour has been a sacrifice, especially for my family, but it's Rush, so what can I tell you?

You can read the entire interview at this location. Rob did a good job of keeping spoilers out of the interview so it's a safe read (except for the caption of the accompanying video). Also be sure to check out Rob's profile of each member of the String Ensemble in this post. Below is a short video (*SPOILERS*) of Joel with Audrey Solomon and Adele Stein from an appearance on Kim Mitchell's Q107 radio show when the band played Toronto: