While his former bands the Greenhornes and the Soledad Brothers gained a certain amount of acclaim for their gritty garage rock, singer-guitarist Brian Olive is likely to earn more notoriety for his solo career. After all, his latest album, 2011’s Two of Everything, a mix of garage, rock, and soul that was co-produced by the Black Keys’ Dan Auerbach, received glowing reviews for its groove-oriented retro-leaning rock. And Olive worked on Locked Down, the recent Dr. John album that Auerbach produced. Olive, who spoke via phone from his Cincinnati home, performs at 9 p.m. Wednesday at the Happy Dog. Guardian Alien opens, and tickets are $6.
You were a founding member of the Greenhornes, who had a terrific run that extended even after your departure. Looking back on it, what did you take from that experience with the band?
I was just a kid really. I did manage to learn a few things about human nature that they don’t teach you in school. I also learned about my own nature and the nature of others. When we started that band, I was convinced we were the best band in the world. There were quite a few people who agreed with us. I wish the original five members could have made something more of it but what’s meant to be is meant to be.
This article appears in Aug 15-21, 2012.
