Trio with Dave Whitford and Dave Wickins (bass and drums) touring April - August 2006
Quintet with Paul Clarvis (drums), Mick Hutton (bass), Stan Sulzmann (tenor), Chris Biscoe (alto).
"Romance Among The Fishes" with Phil Robson (guitar), Drew Gress (bass) and Tom Rainey (drums) touring October 2006.
Duos with
Ingrid Laubrock (soprano sax),
Paul Clarvis (drums),
Dave Wickins (drums).
Influences
I started off with Scott Joplin, then Jelly Roll, Fats Waller, Teddy Wilson and...Ellington, who opens it all right up. But if I could play like Fats Waller, that would be enough for me, I could do it at home and get a "normal" job.
Basically, the Keith Jarrett American Quartet seems to loom quite large whenever I hear myself, but a kind of Ellington crossed with Stravinsky was my original intention.
Once I started investigating all that lot it wasn't far to get to Reich, Monk and Nancarrow (after a few years...). Jarrett is a bit syrupy for me these days, so I was glad to discover Paul Bley; Henry Threadgill's post-Ellington ensembles led me on to the "downtown" musicians like Wayne Horvitz, Tim Berne, Bobby Previte and Mark Helias. Monk led me to Frisell etc, etc. PJ Harvey appeared from nowhere after seeing her on the telly; if i ever get a rock influenced thing together, her and Talking Heads would be definite role models. And then there's Miles, who seems to preside over all of it and tought me so much about the drama of restraint...
A few MORE recent and ancient favourites...
Steve Swallow "Home"....with the weird and beautiful singing of Sheila Jordan and setting poetry that I don't understand but I like how it sounds. These tunes are killing, beautifully crafted, and with Steve Kuhn on piano who kills everybody (except Bob Moses on drums....MEGA)....
And then there's his later album "Carla", seems to be an exercise in using only Conservatoire approved chord sequences (and very little else); like Anita Baker's backing band with the vocals removed....or something....amazing craftsmanship and elegance from the most banal material known to man, the ii v i sequence. Gives me hope...
Scott Joplin rags recorded by Joshua Rifkin....my first love, taught me that melody and part motion is what makes music great (unless you chuck it out altogether, but then you REALLY have to know what to do next...some people who seem to know how are
All my other favourite musicians and composers....
Liam, I'm starting the grad dip at birmingham conservatoire in September. Do you know what's going to happen with lessons between you and hans? May I alternate?! Jack
Hi Liam, sorry a bit late getting back to you. Thanks a lot for adding me! Your unique way of playing has been a source of inspiration to me over the last years (listened a lot to that solo album of yours!). I'd like to send you The Art of Sound Volumes 2 and 3, when they're out. They're both solo piano and I think I'm gradually learning to play with a bit better time and feel. Eventually...! Take care, John
Not getting around as much as I used to..so haven't heard you play in a long time.....It's a bit like having some sort of pianistonic deficiency syndrome...
I'd go with a John Taylor type answer, i.e., "The older I get, I find that any note sounds good". Hope you're well, and I'll try and catch you in Wakefield with Harry in April.
Hello! Yup I'll be your pal! Wonderful music here of course. Like the lovely Zoe's cosmic scrapings! Hope to see you soon. Let me know about your gigs! Laura x
Friday, November 16 Dub War, Direct Drive, and ROIR present: DUB WAR MEETS BADAWI AT THE SOURCE OF SOUND
BADAWI aka Raz Mesinai (ROIR, agriculture, asphodel) "Unit of Resistance" Record Release Party The legendary NYC dub alchemist Raz Mesinai celebrates a return to the dancefloor with an album of new material and remixes by the likes of DJ Spooky, Kode 9, Filastine and DJ/Rupture. www.myspace.com/razmesinai
MOLDY (heavy pressure, nyc)
JOHN ASK (downtempo soundsystem, baltimore)
+ the residents JOE NICE, DAVE Q (dub war nyc)
Location: LOVE 179 Macdougal St at 8th St, NYC (212-477-LOVE) 10pm - 6am 21+ (bring ID) $10 advance tix or before midnight / $15 after (get advance tickets at www.musicislove.net)
uhhhhh..... man I love duke!! I just love him to bits... now there was a harmonist... just LOVE him... awwwhh!! man!!! love him.... Mike? where'de you go?? mike?? someone call mike... where'de he go??? man I love duke... just love him...
thanks so mush! i hope to make many new Jimmy Giuffre' listeners. Happy man is from 7pieces, never to be issued on CD. Sadly cause it's a lovely album, as good as "the easy way", Here it's all J.Giuffre compositions and pretty calmed down session. I try Verve to make it reissued. Also you can find two LP copies on EBAY these days only 15$!
Your band sounds real great, I love this bass player!
