Nineties nostalgia is not a bad thing according to Emerson Hart, lead singer of 90’s multi million selling, Grammy nominated rock band Tonic. Hart still tours with Tonic, but on November 20th he’ll be a part of another project, Ezra Ray Hart – “90’s Hits and Christmas Riffs”. The project includes Kevin Griffin from Better Than Ezra, and Mark McGrath from Sugar Ray.
The awesome Mr. Hart, whose Tonic catalog includes 90’s classics, “Open Up Your Eyes”, “Casual Affair”, “You Wanted More” and the most played song of 1997 “If You Could Only See” is teaming up with his pals for a unique holiday tour. It’s the debut headline run with inaugural holiday party: NEVER ENDING ‘90s PRESENTS: EZRA RAY HART 90s HITS & XMAS RIFFS tour.
Get ready for this supergroup to deliver classics from their respective catalogs and unwrap holiday staples with their own spin. I recently caught up with Emerson, a New Jersey brother for my Carr Stereo podcast. We discussed the tour, the 90’s and why Tonic’s 1996 release “Lemon Parade” is a special record that feels more respected now for its musicianship and songwriting than it was when it was released.
A Conversation with Emerson Hart
TC: There was a very special feel about Lemon Parade. It was one of the finest (at least for me) records of that decade. Did you feel how special that record was when you were making it?
EH: Not making it, no. I feel like I was telling the stories, and writing the stories that I had lived through, because I’m that kind of writer. I can’t really make stuff up that hasn’t happened to me. I’ve got to write what I have lived through. I didn’t realize it until much later that I was a part of something that was really, really cool. I enjoyed the experience, it was beautiful, but when you are making your first record, you’re so scared.
TC: You were a baby!
EH: I was a baby. All of a sudden you have a bunch of hits and you’re thrown into this river that you aren’t used to swimming in. I mean I grew up in Atlantic Highlands New Jersey. The biggest thing that would happen would be running into Bruce (Springsteen) at the store!
Now I understand how important that record was to people. We were definitely one of the faceless bands of the 90’s of which there were a few that people didn’t know. In a way that’s good, because we sold millions of records, but I was able to keep my life without it being destroyed with fame.
TC: The 90’s were a tough time. Look how many people didn’t make it out alive.
EH: I know. We were talking about Scott (Weiland) the other day. What a talent. We were making our first record when they were making their second record and we were rehearsing next to each other in L.A.. We were listening to them fire up “Vasoline”, recording in that studio and watching Scott work. He was such a force. We did a lot of shows with them. I’m still close with Robert and Dean, two great human beings who are also Jersey boys.
But the party habit outweighed the thing and I think it was Tony Bennett who said “Don’t Cheat On Your Gift.” You have to take care of yourself in order to still do what we do. I’m not saying I didn’t put my time in as a rockstar during that period, but I somehow survived. For that I’m grateful. Not to keep bringing up Jersey, but a lot of that was just the way I grew up.
TC: I’m so happy that you made it out and I think there’s a greater appreciation for these songs now.
EH: I think so. Watching people appreciate that time in life, I know people get weird about the word nostalgia, but it’s not weird. It’s so great. It was such a great time for music.
TC: I’m coming to the Jersey show on Wednesday December 3rd. Talk to me about what I’m going to hear holiday wise.
EH: You’re gonna hear classics, and a holiday tune from Band of MerryMakers (with McGrath, and Griffin). You’ll hear some surprises too. You might hear a 1970’s Christmas song that I might be doing that is pretty hearty, a bit of a steep mountain to climb. I won’t give it away, but you can’t have the 90’s without the 70’s and the 80’s.
You’re going to hear some great holiday songs, most are classics. You will feel it and say “Wow, that was an interesting choice”, and “why do I feel so great listening to it”?
That’s what it’s going to be like.
This is going to be a fun show to get you in the spirit as we plunge head first into the holidays. It’s the perfect songbook as we look back on the nostalgic 90’s. Grab your tickets via Ticketmaster for one of the 20 dates. The full tour schedule is listed below.
NOVEMBER
20 – Pittsburgh, PA – Rivers Casino
21 – Norfolk, VA – Harrison Opera House
22 – Warren, OH – Packard Music Hall
23 – TBA
25 – Nashville, TN – Brooklyn Bowl
29 – Sarasota, FL – Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall
30 – Orlando, FL – The Plaza Live
DECEMBER
3 – Englewood, NJ – Bergen Performing Arts Center
5 – Philadelphia, PA – Rivers Casino
6 – Mashantucket, CT – Foxwoods Resort Casino
7 – Westbury, NY – Flagstar at Westbury Music Fair
9 – TBA
10 – Chesterfield, MO – The Factory STL
12 – Grand Prairie, TX – Texas Trust CU Theatre
13 – Sugar Land, TX – Smart Financial Centre
14 – San Antonio, TX – Majestic Theatre
16 – Tempe, AZ – Marquee Theatre
18 – Rancho Mirage, CA – Agua Caliente Casino
19 – Rohnert Park, CA – Graton Resort & Casino
20 – Anaheim, CA – Grove of Anaheim
My full chat with Emerson Hart from Tonic and Ezra Ray Hart posts Tuesday 11/18. Just check out the Carr Stereo Podcast to hear it.
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