Jersey Boys Blog

It was fabulous to catch up recently with Jarrod Spector, who shared some fun stories about his summer vacation, his new album & album release concert at Joe’s Pub on Monday 10/1, and his return to JERSEY BOYS the following evening!

Jersey Boys Blog: So, Jarrod, fans are curious: How did you spend your summer vacation away from JERSEY BOYS?

Jarrod Spector: NOT singing!

No, actually I was singing on and offstage quite a bit. I did a NYMF show helmed by Jersey Boys’ associate director West Hyler, I took part in several workshops of other new shows, I performed a bunch of concerts both by myself and with the Doo Wop Project (featuring past/present JB stars Dominic Nolfi, Dominic Scaglione, Jr. and John Edwards)…AND primarily, I recorded an album! That was a big chunk of the summer. Thirteen weeks flew by, actually.

JBB: After playing the Frankie role for so long, did it feel kind of strange at first, not going through your normal daily and nightly routines to prepare for showtime? Was there anything you especially missed?

JS: Yes, it was definitely a change, though I was in rehearsals for Flambe Dreams (the NYMF show) during my last few weeks before leaving and once I was out of Jersey Boys, Flambe was in full swing, so the transition wasn’t as jarring as it might have been. And though I did keep busy, the summer off was still a nice refresh.

Frankly, I missed being in the building and with the company more than anything else, and I am very much looking forward to the next chapter back in the show.

JBB: It’s so exciting to hear about the release of your new studio album, “Minor Fall, Major Lift”! We’d love to hear about the recording process, how you chose the tracks, and any other exciting details you’d like to share.

JS: Thank you! I’m pretty excited about it.

When I first got to the Broadway company of Jersey Boys, the conductor at the time was Adam Ben-David, and the two of us became close and began collaborating on my solo show, “Minor Fall, Major Lift.” After performing the show all over NYC, Jersey, Philly, and around the country, we figured it was time to go into a studio and do a proper album–you know, something to compete with all of the bootleg videos of the show on YouTube.

This summer’s album was the end result. The songs are pulled directly from the concert, and are more or less a compilation of songs and artists that, for better or worse, influenced the sound I make when I open my mouth. At the very least, it’s a pretty fantastic collection of tunes.

JBB: Fans from all over are coming to your solo show, “Minor Fall, Major Lift” at Joe’s Pub on Monday, October 1st! Could you please give JBB readers a sneak peek into your amazing upcoming one-man show?

JS: Joe’s Pub is a classic NYC concert spot and I’m thrilled to be able to play there. Very different atmosphere from, say, Feinstein’s at the Loew’s Regency where I normally play–I LOVE that place, don’t get me wrong, and am very saddened that it will be closing at the end of the year.

This coming Monday 10/1 is the official ‘album release’ concert; there will be CDs on hand for purchase, and I think it’ll be a really fun night. I’m starting a CD giveaway for ticket-holders later this week on Twitter so follow me! (@jarrodspector)

JBB: As you return to the Frankie Valli role in JERSEY BOYS, what are you most excited about?

JS: Well it’s a little bittersweet–a few friends are leaving; a few friends are returning. I’m not sure how much I’m allowed to say at the moment, but what is undeniable is that the company is always full of wonderfully talented and–maybe more importantly–really good, hard-working, generous people. I’m just excited to get back on the stage to play with them.