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KP: Did you play with any rock bands in high school or college?
Hébert: No, because I wasn’t allowed in high school, and I had no idea what rock music entailed. I was strictly classical, gospel, and new age. I didn’t play in a rock band until 1995. That lasted for a year, and I left to start my duo, Reverie (with guitarist Chris Lonsberry). I did get to play with Brad Delp from the supergroup “Boston,” though. That was my rock highlight. Now I prefer light jazz and occasionally play “cocktail piano” for kicks.
KP: At what point in your life did you know or decide that you were going to be a professional musician? Did your parents or family resist or object?
Hébert: I knew at age 13 when I was touring with the church. My mother claimed to have always known. Both parents were very supportive.
KP: When did you start playing professionally?
Hébert: I started playing for weddings for money and teaching neighborhood kids at age 15. I charged $3 an hour for lessons, but the church stuff was pretty big sometimes. Once I played solo for 500 people in a big Maine church - very exciting!
KP: Did you go to college?
Hébert: I wasn’t able to because of my marriage, and we had children right away. I started a degree in literature and plan to finish it. I could only do night school at that time, and music takes my whole working day now. But I will finish it.
KP: Who or what are your biggest musical influences?
Hébert: I could fill this page! Briefly, most classical - Mozart, Chopin, Debussy, Faure. All ragtime. In the new age genre, George Winston, David Lanz, Shadowfax, and Spencer Brewer to name a few. The Doors also really affect my music and poetry. Jimmy Swaggart, BIGTIME. There are many other influences. I have a collection of 900 CDs so far, and I listen to music a lot. My most recent favorite is Janie Campbell, who I met at David Lanz’s workshop at Kathy’s house. Her music is absolutely beautiful.
KP: How did Jimmy Swaggart influence your music? I didn’t know he played the piano.
Hébert: I idolized him as a child. I think he shows up most in my gospel playing (which I plan to do one or two of at the concert). Trills and arpeggios between verses were his specialty, and he had a very honest approach to playing. He would seem to just toy in the upper register, but he really was amazing. I was enthralled with his voice, too.
KP: What inspired you to start composing your own music?
Hébert: I think it was all the nights sitting around with headphones on listening to classical music. Also, I wanted to paint nature scenes, but I was hopeless. I needed a vent, and composing really just happened on its own.
KP: What kinds of jobs have you had to date? Are you a musician only now?
Hébert: I did everything from drive-up at Wendy’s to a rug cleaner. That was early. My most recent job was as Water Superintendent for my hometown. I left in 1999 to do Highland Piano Studios full-time. I also did a stint as a piano salesman from 1989-94. I’ve played in a lot of shopping malls.
KP: Do you manage your own career, or do you have a manager?
Hébert: I manage myself, but recently hired a publicist. I can’t be everywhere at once anymore with the growing number of concerts as well as my teaching schedule.
KP: How do you see your musical future shaping up?
Hébert: Great! My music is selling more every day. I am also getting a lot of concert appearances without looking - they actually call me now, so I feel very good about it all. I have been marketing myself very hard, though, and my trips to California are getting me some exposure. And I get to see Kathy every time - the best part.
KP: How are you going about “marketing yourself”?
Hébert: I do a lot of charity shows as well as local TV and radio. The publicist also helps. I make a lot of appearances and serve on boards. Lately, I have been sending out troops of teens to canvas areas with my CDs. I give them a good piece for their charity. These are mostly high school bands who always need money. It all works.
KP: How old were you when you first got married? When you had your first child? How old are your kids now?
Hébert: I was nineteen by six days when I got married, and 19 when my daughter, Lindsay, was born. I had three kids, went through a divorce, and married my present wife, Caroline, in 1994. We have a son. The kids are Lindsay, 14; Ashley, 12; Alexandra, 8; and Patrick Lee the 2nd, 3. Caroline is a Pampered Chef director. She has her own business in high value cookware.
KP: What has been your most exciting musical moment or experience so far?
Hébert: Probably playing my song, “Jealousy of the Moon” with David Lanz sitting right next to me (after the workshop). That was incredible.
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