Glenn Frey covers the standards

By JOHN CARUCCI

Associated Press

NEW YORK

You can thank Clint Eastwood for setting the stage for Glenn Frey’s latest solo record, “After Hours.”

His impromptu performances at a few of Eastwood’s golf benefits ignited the spark for the Eagles guitarist to record his favorite standards. Frey covers acts such as Tony Bennett, Nat King Cole and the Beach Boys on tracks such as “For Sentimental Reasons” and “Caroline, No.”

Throughout his 40-year career, Frey has dabbled in a little bit of everything. His solo career produced such hits as “You Belong to the City” and “The Heat Is On.” He’s also had considerable acting success, including a role in the hit film “Jerry Maguire” and the television series “Wiseguy.” Then there’s his incredible run with his band, the Eagles.

Frey said those side projects invigorate him whenever he goes back and plays with the band. Recently, Frey spoke to The Associated Press about the new album.

Q. What sparked the idea for a covers album?

A. I used to play golf in the AT&T Pebble Beach (National) Pro Am up in Northern California. Clint Eastwood is the main guy up there. They have a volunteer party on Wednesday nights. Clint asked the comedians and the singers to come down and do a few minutes for all the volunteers, so he asked me to come and sing, and I said I’d be happy to do it. On the note, it said please sing one of the songs you’re famous for and something from the (19)40s.

Q. When did you know you had something?

A. Michael Bolton — fine singer — comes over to me a couple nights later and says, “Hey Glenn, I forgot to tell you man, Wednesday night you killed it. ... Those songs really suit your voice. You sang it very well. Have you thought about making a record?” Of course I said, “Yeah I have.” He said, “You know, you should.”

Q. What prompted you to actually record it?

A. I’ve always wanted to do a record of these songs ... but the real motivation for finishing the record was to get it done while my parents were still alive. My dad’s 91, and my mom’s 87. ... A lot of this is either music that they heard when they were growing up and when they were young or music that they heard while I was growing up. For me to finish this record and be able to present it to them is very meaningful.