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So, I guess I was about 15 when I got hooked. A high school music teacher gave me a recording on tape cassette that had three words that changed my life forever: " A Love Supreme ."
"Don't listen to that first," he said in a serious tone. "It might scare you away."
Instead, I started with what would become my go-to on any given Sunday morning: Miles Davis' " Kind of Blue ." This is a record that even to this day speaks new languages to me. In fact, my favorite musical moment of ALL time occurs on this recording (You'll have to write to me to find out what and where it is).
There have been others to pass in and out, and back in again. Was always a big fan of Marc Johnson and his recordings with Bill Frisell. Bass Desires : yep, it's on the desert island disc list. I've also been known to have cravings for Monk, Mingus, Bill Evans, Joey Calderazzo, Kenny Kirkland, Branford Marsalis...alright, you get the idea.
My teacher was right, I wasn't ready at first for John Coltrane . But now, it's second on my list.
It hasn't always been about jazz...In fact I like a lot of other music, and have emulated much of it in my recordings. It's funny to others how much hip-hop music I know. I have a recurring fantasy about doing a jazz/hip-hip record...they are related, kind of like cousins. Improvisation, interesting rhythmic texture, syncopation...the same messages keep rebirthing under different tongues. I've worn out my Midnight Marauders recording, and working to Common's " Like Water For Chocolate " is like cheese and crackers. If you've heard it, you probably already know why I love that record.
There are only a few people who remember how poorly I played the trumpet. My dad played, so I felt I should play...and of course I hated it. But when he died something about jazz woke up in me, as if put the bass into my hands. That would have been the ultimate, to do a record with my father. Instead, he'll have to settle for a record dedicated to him .
Nowadays, it's more about the piano, as I tend to gravitate to that for composing. Solo piano/trio record on the way. But first, I'm doing a recording with that same high school teacher to be released (hopefully) sometime this winter. Of course, going to squeeze in a rock/electronic record in there--have been waiting to do that forever.
The whole reason I'm up here at all is to network with y'all. Send me a message or a FR to get to know me. You don't need to be into jazz, necessarily--in fact, teach me something about what hooked you.
Until then, see you on the flip.
BTW: Please Note -- If I contact you to be added as a friend, it won't be because I'm trying to pimp my music onto you. I'm not one of those 'crappy bands' that'll send you spam to come listen to something, so worry not. On the other hand, if there is something you are wondering about with jazz, or you heard a song you like and want to know who it is, etc. feel free to contact me.
Chat Room from CWT
