Brian Olive in the studio (photo credit: Jimmy Kinker)

Call Brian Olive “butter” because he’s on a roll. His most recent album, Two Of Everything, is garnering praise across the musical landscape. In addition to these personal accolades, he and Black Keys member Dan Auerbach, helped write, produce, and perform on Dr. John’s newest album Locked Down. We asked Brian a few questions in anticipation of his August 27th show at Union Hall.

NYMN: Before we get into Two Of Everything, I have to ask you about working with Dr. John on his album Locked Down. How did you get connected with him?

Brian Olive: Dan Auerbach and I were talking after a recording session in Akron. He asked if I’d heard of Dr. John. I said, Of course, I even met him once. We listened to Gris Gris. A few months later Dan told me he’d be producing the next Dr. John album and asked if I wanted to be in the studio band. I didn’t have to think about it.

NYMN: Locked Down has received critical acclaim – Rolling Stone named it one of the best albums of 2012 so far. Where you surprised at how well it was received or did you think “I told you so, suckers”?

Brian Olive: I knew it was going to be a good album and when it was finished it was better than anyone might have expected.

NYMN: Do you do a Dr. John impression?

Brian Olive: Yes, it’s hard not to.

NYMN: So what is it: all is one or everything is two?

Brian Olive: Exactly.

NYMN: What is your biggest point of pride with this album? What makes you happiest about this album now that it’s complete?

Brian Olive: I’m just happy I made the album I wanted to make.

NYMN: How many and which instruments did you play on this album?

Brian Olive: I think 6 or so, guitar, tenor and bari sax, piano, flute, and some others.

NYMN: I loaded your album onto my iPod and listened to it on a recent flight to Miami. The guy next to me asked what I was listening to, as I was moving in time with the music. I said “It’s a guy named Brian Olive.” Then he asked me what it sounded like. I couldn’t really think of anything to compare your music to and instead lent him my headphones. I think not being able to say a band or sound is actually a compliment. I see a lot of comparisons of your music to other bands or genres and I wonder what album the reviewer listened to when they wrote the article. What would you say is Brian Olive’s sound?

Brian Olive: That is a great compliment. I could say what my sound is but half the people listening would call me a liar.

NYMN: You get a lot of praise for your studio work. What’s a Brian Olive show like?

Brian Olive: I’ve heard the live show is very different.

NYMN: Any outrageous promises for your NYC show to get our readers riled up?

Brian Olive: It will transform you into everything you’ve always wanted to be.

This Monday, August 27th – Brian Olive (with Daniel Wayne and Mike Higbee) will be performing at Union Hall located at 702 Union Street in Brooklyn New York. Tickets are $8 in advance, $10 on the day of the show. For more information on the show call 718-638-4400 or go to www.unionhallny.com. For more information on Brian Olive please visit www.brianolive.net.