La Tanya Hall Interview for Slang of Ages Blog

Preston Frazier: La Tanya, how are you?

La Tanya Hall: I’m doing great! I just got home a couple of days ago from being on the road for a couple of months, so I’m in recovery mode, but I’m in a really good space.

Preston: I’ve seen some excellent videos of you and your fellow backup singer with Rob Thomas. How was that tour?

La Tanya: It was amazing. I worked with Rob from 2008 to 2016, then left to go back to Steely Dan when they started touring heavily again. Rob’s team called me in April and asked if I wanted to come back. I said yes, and we had a great time. Rob is a tremendous boss and really sets the tone for the whole tour. The band was tight, the music was tight, and we had a great time.

Preston: I interviewed Catherine Russell recently, and also Jamie and Michael Lenhart. Michael plays a critical role in your fantastic new album, If Not Now, When. I also reviewed your 2019 album Say Yes, which I thought was brilliant. This is your third solo album, right?

La Tanya: That’s correct. With each record I feel I get closer to who I am musically. It’s an ever-mutating process to put myself out there in a solo capacity, but I’m having a good time with all of it.

Preston: This album feels deeply personal. Could you talk about that?

La Tanya: Absolutely. I got very sick at the start of COVID, in January 2020. I was ill for five months and lost my voice. I wasn’t sure if it would come back. I worked with a speech pathologist and a speech therapist, and eventually my voice returned. That time was one of deep reflection, musically and personally. Losing my voice made me question everything. Once I got it back, I wanted to focus on music that really told a story. I started doing deep dives into songs that resonated with me and that I felt would resonate with an audience. I shared them with Michael Lenhart while we were on the road with Steely Dan, and he agreed to produce the album. That’s how If Not Now, When came to life.

Preston: Some of the tracks are incredible. My personal favorite is “Tender as a Rose.”

La Tanya: I’m thrilled you said that! I first discovered it through Abbey Lincoln, who sang it a cappella. Michael suggested we try adding guitar. Marvin Sewell, an incredible guitarist, came in. The take you hear on the album was our first take—it was magical.

Preston: Every song has its own personality. “Pretty Eyes,” “Let’s Burn Down the Cornfield,” and “A Turtle’s Dream” all showcase that storytelling. Could you share a bit about choosing these tunes?

La Tanya: “Pretty Eyes” is a Horace Silver tune, and I love songs where lyrics were added to instrumental originals. “Let’s Burn Down the Cornfield” I discovered through Lou Rawls’ version while watching Lovecraft Country. I love Randy Newman’s songwriting and wanted to honor them both. “A Turtle’s Dream” is by Abbey Lincoln and resonates deeply with me—it’s about gratitude and accepting who you are.

Preston: The production is beautifully layered. How long did it take to complete the record?

La Tanya: About two and a half years. We started tracking in January 2023, then continued in April, and kept tweaking over the next year with different ideas. I didn’t want to release it until it felt right.

Preston: Are you planning to tour with this album?

La Tanya: Yes! I have a pre-release concert in September, and shows at Birdland and the Django in NYC. The official release is at the Blue Llama in Ann Arbor. Then I head to Australia and New Zealand with Rob Thomas. We’re already booking dates into 2026.

Preston: La Tanya, thank you for sharing your story and this wonderful music. If Not Now, When is a beautiful album, and I can’t wait for more people to hear it.

La Tanya: Thank you, Preston. I’m so grateful to talk about the music and share it with your readers.