Ralph Weeks is the real Panamanian ‘Soul Master’ (as a friend from Los Angeles would say) and I have been a big fan for many years. He is without a doubt, one of the most soulful voices out of our small, but powerful isthmus. You can imagine I was ecstatic when I got the call from my friend Diego telling me we where finally doing the interview with Ralph that Saturday at Diego’s apartment. Diego and I had been dreaming about meeting Ralph and discussed interviewing him several times, so when it came to fruition we were extremely happy.
Many things had to fall in place for this to happen. We went and talked it over with another friend Billy, who knew Ralph already. He pitched our idea for the interview to Ralph, and the man kindly accepted. He happened to be visiting Panama so the timing was perfect! I showed up around lunch time and everything was already set up to record our conversation. Thanks Diego! Thanks Billy! And shit, thanks Ralph!
There he was, the inimitable Mr. Weeks, hanging out at the apartments comfy couch. The boss was looking sharp in his brown pants, brown suede shoes and short shirt with some slick print design. He had a nice watch too! Billy was setting up all the mics, and testing sound. Meanwhile, Diego laid in the coffee table in front of him almost every record of Ralphs own discography. I must say he was pretty impressed at that. Original copies of ‘Let Me Do My Thing’ and ‘Algo Muy Profundo’ singles on Sally Ruth, ‘Dinamicos Exciters’ LP on ‘Sello Jacher’, ‘Something Deep Inside’ on mythic STA4R’S label, his releases with Johnny & The Expressions for the Josie label, and off course, the new release from Ralph and Combo Lulo for NYCTrust. Some of his music was playing in the turntable. He was enjoying those sounds a lot too. I brought some stuff of my own, mainly the self produced ‘Expression of Affection’ 45rpm single on Ralph’s own Week-End label from 1973 which Ralph autographed for me. One of my most beautiful possessions.
The tables were set for the memories and facts to begin flowing. A lot of interesting stuff was discussed during this exchange with Mr. Ralph Weeks. As the interviewer, I tried to focus my questions around his Panamanian experience addressing his beginnings, and first incursions into the musical world. Ralph is a true ‘Panameño’ at heart, and for me it was important to showcase this relationship. Even while living in the United States for extended periods of time, he kept a strong connection to this wonderful strip of land where he was born.
Being able to interview and all time “leyenda panameña“ like Ralph was a true blessing.
¡Disfruten! …
Recorded March 7th, 2020 in Panamá City, Panamá
The interview was recorded in English to broaden the scope of listeners. I will eventually translate the interview into Spanish.
Interviewer: Jota Ortiz // Location : Diego Varela’s apartment Panamá City // Sound & Recording: Billy Herron // Post Production : Billy Herron & Jota Ortiz // Music submissions : Diego Varela & Jota Ortiz
Purchase Ralph´s new music on the NYCTRUST label
Read Eric Banta´s notes on Ralph Weeks new single
You can also access the interview on SOUNDCLOUD and MIXCLOUD
