There is nothing like a good conversation, even when you are reporting.

Dave Faries here, offering up a random tidbit: Kim Wilson, lead singer of The Fabulous Thunderbirds, owns more than 4,000 CDs.

What can you do with this information? Probably nothing, other than to acknowledge that the veteran blues rocker appreciates music. All I could do with it was use the figure as an opening line to this newsletter intro.

Those of us on the Weekly’s editorial staff talk to people every day. Interviews are, of course, fundamental to reporting a story—and they take several forms. News writers must secure details answering who, what, when, where, why and how. For features—the realm of arts, entertainment, people profiles, food and other such topics—we are also interested in personality.

Now, that doesn’t always mean the interviews are more relaxed. A musician or professional athlete is generally coming through Monterey County as part of a longer national schedule. They may set aside one block of time for reporters, with a maximum of 10 minutes each. Even so, I like to fit in a little casual banter.

Sure, that means there is probably a question or two I can’t wedge in under the time limit. But I think most people prefer conversation over a grilling. And conversation can uncover more interesting bits about the person.

Every once in a while, the subject on the other end of the phone or table has a little time or willingness to open up. Wilson called me the other day at the behest of the organizer of The Fabulous Thunderbirds’ stop in Carmel on Monday, Nov. 17. Unlike other musicians, for instance, Wilson does not rely on a set list—a lineup of songs to perform in order that night. Instead, he tells me that he prefers to “wing it.”

Wilson had just settled into a hotel room in Seattle. He points out that he prefers the weather on the West Coast to that of almost anywhere else. Soon we were talking about the cost of living, his wife’s garden, decorating for the holidays—the kids descend on their Southern California home. Wilson is proud of his step-daughter, who happens to be a food writer in Dallas, which was one of my stops as a restaurant critic.

The conversation turned to Texas, politics and especially football. “Now that Saban’s gone, I can almost watch Alabama,” he says, noting that he is a Clemson fan. When it comes to the NFL, he supports the New York Giants. My mention of Saquon Barkley, who left to join the Philadelphia Eagles, elicits a groan and a few repeated expletives.

This is a modern blues legend with extensive knowledge of the genre and its history and a performer with top 40 hits to his name. He is also a guy who is an avid football fan who misses his dogs when touring and in the next few weeks will be helping his wife put up decorations for the holidays.

That is a snapshot of Kim Wilson. Perhaps it’s that genuine personality and willingness to improvise that made the band one of the most compelling live acts. There’s nothing like a good conversation.