Posted under Guitarists & Podcast
Guitarist Mike Baggetta’s new CD is Source Materials. In this interview, Baggetta talks about his compositional process and how he writes for specific ensembles; his experiments with prepared guitar in both solo and duet formats; and how he approaches playing standards. Learn more at mikebaggetta.com and follow him on Twitter at @mabnotes.
Posted under Guitarists & Podcast & Vocalists
Vocalist and guitarist Camila Meza’s most recent CD is Retrato (Vertice Records, 2009). In this interview, Meza talks about her early days learning guitar in her native Chile; how a teacher discovered she could sing and the effect it had on her life; and how she sometimes feels like two people at once when she plays and sings at the same time. Learn more at camilameza.com.
CONCERT NOTE: Camila Meza performs on 11/1/11 at 8:30 p.m. at Cornelia Street Cafe in New York.
Posted under Guitarists & Podcast & Trumpeters
After putting his trumpet in the closet for several years, guitarist and trumpeter Rhys Chatham returns to the instrument in a new way on Outdoor Spell (Northern Spy Records, 2011). In this interview, Chatham talks about going back to the trumpet but playing it with fewer effects; how his attendance at a 1976 Ramones show altered the course of his musical life; and how his music has evolved over time while retaining a distinctive compositional identity. Learn more at www.rhyschatham.net.
NOTE: Chatham has a series of European shows over the coming weeks. His tour schedule is available on his web site.
Posted under Guitarists & Podcast
Italian guitarist Marco Cappelli’s new DVD is In The Shadow Of No Towers, a multimedia project exploring September 11 and its aftermath. The project features an animated graphic novel by artist Art Spiegelman (Maus) and narration by actor John Turturro. In this interview, Cappelli talks about how this remarkable project came to exist; the interesting history of the band that made the music for the DVD; and how he came to play his current modified guitar. Also featured in this interview is music from Cappelli’s trio recording Les Nuages En France. Learn more at www.marcocappelli.com.
Posted under Guitarists & Podcast
Guitarist Gilad Hekselman’s new album is Hearts Wide Open (Le Chant du Monde, 2011). In this interview, Hekselman talks about expressing his emotions through music; his musical upbringing in Israel; and how he uses interesting rhythmic devices in his compositions. Learn more at www.giladhekselman.com and follow him on Twitter at @GiladHekselman.
Posted under Guitarists & Podcast
Guitarist Nadav Remez’s debut CD is So Far (Brooklyn Jazz Underground Records, 2011). In this interview, Remez talks about his musical upbringing in Israel; his willingness to let his music be beautiful; and the way he approached the recording session with a view to allowing openness and individual expression. Learn more at nadavremez.com.
Tracks used in this episode: So Far; Pinchas; The Last Exile; Susu.
Posted under Guitarists & Podcast
Guitarist Julian Lage’s new album is Gladwell (Emarcy, 2011). In this interview, Lage talks about the creation of the fictional town for which the album is named; the special technique he used to record several of the tracks on the record; and why every guitar has its own distinct sound and aptitude. Learn more at www.julianlage.com.
Tracks used in this episode: 233 Butler; Margaret; Point The Way; However; Cathedral; Telegram.
Posted under Guitarists & Podcast
Guitarist Anthony Wilson’s new CD is Campo Belo (Goat Hill Recordings, 2011). In this interview, Wilson talks about his ongoing travels to Brazil; his new music for a quartet of custom-built guitars; and why rhythm changes can be beautiful. Learn more at www.anthonywilsonmusic.com.
Tracks used in this episode: Campo Belo; March to March; Edu; After The Flood; Patrimonio; Valsacatu.
Posted under Guitarists & Podcast
Guitarist Adam Rogers’ most recent album is Sight (Criss Cross, 2009). In this interview, Rogers talks about the band he put together for his recent run at the Village Vanguard; why he enjoys using a broad range of guitar sounds — and guitars; and how he melds the music he writes with the need for improvisational space. Learn more at www.adamrogersmusic.com.
Tracks used in this episode: Sight; Kaleidoscope; Yesterdays; Memory’s Translucence; Let’s Cool One.
Posted under Guitarists & Podcast
Guitarist Nico Soffiato’s new album is Just Add Water (nBn Records, 2011). In this interview, Soffiato talks about his decision to become a guitarist rather than a philosopher; his thoughts on improvisation and structure in his music; and why he enjoys playing with new people. Learn more at www.reverbnation.com/nicosoffiato.
Tracks used in this episode: Alexander; Tens Of Us; Just Add Water; Fanfare; View Askew; Oh, What A Beautiful Morning.
Posted under Guitarists & Podcast
Guitarist Garrison Fewell’s Variable Density Sound Orchestra returns with Sound Particle 47 (Creative Nation Music, 2010). In this interview, Fewell talks about the expanded band; his move from mainstream jazz to the experimental side; and his relationship with composer John Tchicai. Learn more at www.garrisonfewell.com.
Posted under Guitarists & Podcast
Guitarist Mary Halvorson explores adventurous musical territory on Saturn Sings (Firehouse 12 Records, 2010). In this interview, Halvorson talks about the influence of Anthony Braxton; her uncommon guitar; and her approach to composition. Learn more at www.maryhalvorson.com.
Posted under Guitarists & Podcast
Steve Cardenas has worked as a sideman on too many records to count, and now he’s put out a solo album that shows why he’s in such demand — West Of Middle (Sunnyside, 2010). In this interview, Cardenas talks about his approach to composition and his appreciation of instrumental “songs”; his work with Don Sickler transcribing all of Thelonious Monk’s compositions; and his ideas about jazz education and its role in the continuation of the music. Learn more at www.stevecardenasmusic.com.
Posted under Guitarists & Podcast
Here’s an interview I recorded in 2007 with guitarist Gene Bertoncini. This is what I said about him back then:
Raised in the Bronx, Bertoncini began his musical education at an early age, encouraged by his parents. He studied architecture at Notre Dame before deciding on a life of music. That decision was a smart one — Bertoncini has since performed with the Metropolitan Opera orchestra, the Benny Goodman Sextet, Tony Bennett, Buddy Rich, Wayne Shorter, Burt Bacharach, Michel LeGrand and many others. He’s also on the faculty at the Tritone Jazz Camp (tritonejazz.com). All the selections in this show are taken from Bertoncini’s recording Acoustic Romance (Sons of Sound, 2003), featuring drummer Akira Tana and bassist Rufus Reid.
Posted under Guitarists & Podcast
Here’s an interview from the early days of The Jazz Session with guitarist David Torn. This is what I had to say about him back then:
He’s a film composer whose music you’ve heard in Friday Night Lights, Believe In Me, and The Order. He’s also contributed tones and textures to films like this year’s Best Picture winner, The Departed, and the 2000 hit Traffic. Before his film days, he was known for daring musical collaborations on albums such as Cloud About Mercury (ECM, 1987). And he’s worked as a guitarist and/or producer for everyone from David Bowie and David Sylvian to John Legend and Tori Amos. David Torn has returned to ECM after two decades for prezens (ECM, 2007), an adventurous record that features Tim Berne, Craig Taborn and Tom Rainey. Learn more at DavidTorn.net.
Read my poetry at jasoncrane.org.
