Pages

Sunday, December 8, 2013

12 Questions for Ron Miller!



Enjoy the music from the video above featuring Gary Keller and Ron Miller live in Hilsinki while you read the interview!


Ron at home

There is so very much to tell you about Ron Miller that he tells you better on his website, so we'll give you "just the facts, ma'am".

1
) Born in Springfield, MA, raised in Hollywood, FL, lives in Dania Beach, FL. 2) Became a faculty member at a then evolving UM Jazz Studies department; teaching Jazz Composition, Advanced Improvisation, and Jazz Piano; directing the Monk/Mingus and Avant-garde ensembles, the Wayne/Herbie ensemble, and the Horace Silver ensemble. 3) Currently Professor Emeritus of Jazz Studies. 4) Authored "Modal Jazz Composition and Harmony Vol 1 (in 3rd printing) and Vol 2.


4
) Composition students under Ron include: Pat Metheny, Bobby Watson, Bruce Hornsby, Mark Egan, Matt Harris, Gil Goldstein & Jon Secada. 5) Ron has performed with: Ira Sullivan, Allen Eager, James Moody, Bill Pace, John Yarling, Rick Margitza, Kenny Wheeler, David Liebman, Tim Ries, Santi Quintans and Pat Metheny 6) His compositions have been recorded by Hal Galper, Danny Gottlieb/John Abercrombie, Red Rodney & Ira Sullivan, Gary Kelley (with Kenny Werner/Billy Hart) and Barry Ries (with Joe Lovano), to name a few. 7) He's a pretty fabulous pianist. 8) He recently released a terrific album
called "Peacock Park"with 7 of his finest compositions and a killer line-up .



The Questions:



1) Do you come from a musical family?

Yes. My father played guitar, his brother, my uncle played piano and violin. They both played by ‘ear’ and there were many family jam sessions. Another uncle played organ, my grandfather played violin. Two uncles on my mother’s side played trumpet, one was a professional playing with bands like the Dorsey band.

2) When did you begin playing music? Were you a diligent student as a boy?

My mother told me that as a toddler, I would work my way to the piano, reach up and pick out tunes. I started lessons around 10 years old. The lessons were not with a serious musician so I did not acquire diligence until my early twenties.


3) Is there a pianist who influenced you more than others? Is there a current, young pianist you are impressed with?

Early on I was more influenced by composers, so Horace Silver was my first big first influence, Then Thelonius Monk. As I got more interested in piano playing, the biggest influence was Herbie Hancock, then Joe Zawinul and McCoy Tyner. In my mature years, Bill Evans and classical pianist Arthur Rubinstein are a big influence. Of the younger pianists, I find myself listening to Fred Hersh more than others.

4) You've got quite the piano ($35k Seilor grand) at home! Does your wife have to pull you off of it? Do you have a practicing regimen?

This piano has a sound that I love. It is similar to a Bösendorpher, but darker; it has the famous Renner action. Yet, I do not play it as much as it deserves, but when I get ‘into it” I do spent much time on it as well as when working on classic pieces. Now, I tend to practice mostly prior to a jam or recording session. I have found that much musical execution is 90% mind, the rest physical.



5) You've had some amazing bands over the years. Does any performance of yours stand out as the most memorable?

For a few years.I played a weekly gig at a club in Hollywood, Fla. One Night Stan’s
Miller Keller Band at One Night Stans, Hollywood



6)
Your compositions are another part of your legacy. Is composing easy for you or a labor of love? Do you compose at the piano?


Composing is clearly my strongest talent. It is very easy for me. It all just ‘comes to me’ as if I am just a conduit of a massive source. I compose mostly in my head these days and realize my efforts sitting in my chair on my MacBook Pro with the notation app, Sibelius 7. Most of my previous compositions came from practicing rhythms, vamps, and melodic figures from which a composition evolved.


7) Do you remember what it felt like the first time someone else recorded your music?


I felt grateful, pleased, and honored.

8) As witnessed on your album "Peacock Park", your compositions are often serious or 'deep', but one walks away with an uplifted or positive feeling. Is this intentional?

No intention. I compose what sounds good to me. Believe me, I am the biggest fan of my compositions. I am also the cook in the family, and like most cooks, I devise my recipes to please my pallet. That my family also enjoys my cooking completes the process. When others enjoy my music, it gives me the same satisfaction.

9) Who is your dream rhythm section?

Hard call, but, I would pick bassist Reggie Workman and drummer Joe Chambers. Their playing on the Wayne Shorter CD "Etcetera" is a good reference. Of course, the rhythm section on the CD "Blues For The Old New Age, Gary Keller Plays The Music of Ron Miller": drummer Billy Hart and bassist Drew Gress are both excellent for my tunes too.
Marc Colby, Billy Bowker, Mark Egan Ron Miller 1972


10) You've mentioned that Gil Evans is a compositional influence. What is your favorite work by him? Who is the consummate jazz artist for you?

I am more influenced by Gil’s arranging… too much so. I love his arranging on Miles + 19. Jazz artist - Wayne Shorter, classical - Rachmaninoff.

11) In addition to 35 years as Professor of Jazz Studies at the University of Miami, your books are taught and read all over the world. What do you hope a student walks away with after having been instructed by you?

To truly love music and to share that love and the beauty of his or her compositions with the world.

12) You entered computer programming as a 'backup career'. Is this something you recommend to aspiring artists & students?

There are a lot of musicians that have become good code writers the reason being that programming is quite similar to arranging where events occur in a time line. Many non-musician programmers don’t have that sense. There was a time when one could be a casual programmer. but the hardware is getting so complex these days and the competition so high I would be reluctant suggest any musician take time away from much needed work on music.

13) Is there a program or app you've developed that you are particularly pleased with?

I am pleased with the code I wrote for the app called Drum Thing. The code is very compact, sturdy and fast. Most of the app was written in regular C, the rest in Cocoa, apple's version of Objective C. And, the app sold very well until iOS apps hit the market. The app Patterns X is also popular and has been purchased by some ’name’ players.


14) Name 3-5 albums that are currently in rotation in the Miller home.
David Fernandez and Ron Miller


Well, I listen mostly to internet radio via Pandora or Slacker. My channels on Slacker include: Bill Evans, Gil Evans, Roland Kirk, Wayne Shorter, Charles Mingus. On Pandora: Ravel, Stravinsky, Mozart, Baroque, Respighi. I did recently buy "Domino" by Roland Kirk from the iTunes store.

15) Are there any performances or an album in the works?

In the works is a CD: "Steve Rucker Plays the Music of Ron Miller", Two concerts at Gusman hall, U.M. in March (one is with Danny Gottlieb, Marc Egan and Mark Colby, the other is a presentation of my compositions by the UM jazz faculty. I will play on a few tunes), finishing the book: "Jazz Composition, The Creative Process". A week long lecture/performance teaching gig in Manhattan in late spring.

Thank you Ron for doing the interview!!

You can hear Ron Miller on episodes 8 and 12 of our podcast! There is also a wealth of audio on his website from all periods of his career and from his famous RonJams. Below is a link to his album "Peacock Park" at CD Baby. Thanks for stopping by! - PCJ





Ron Miller: Peacock Park the Music of Ron Miller



Sunday, December 1, 2013

15 Recommended CDs for 2013!


It's that time of year: Black Friday this, holiday-spend that, cyber-whatever. Holidays can be stressful, with endless pressure from media advertisers and corporations taking advantage of mankind's natural love for gift-giving.

We don't want to contribute to this pressure, but thought you might like to know our 15 recommended cds for the year 2013. Maybe one or two will fit your gift giving needs; or maybe you want to indulge in some jazz yourself, for those de-stress/unwind moments. Or maybe you just want to window shop! :)


The link below takes you to our streamlined page where you can see the albums and read a very brief review of each. The links are to CD Baby - who offers the artists the best % of sales of any online vendor. Most albums have cd or download options, and
you can listen to song excerpts, as well!

Finally, all the artists are Floridian - so whenever you purchase one of their cds you support local art as well as local economy. And if you're all shopped out, the link will stay up for most of the coming year. Congrats to the artists, and thank you for stopping by! - PCJ
*





* please bear with us while we re-post this list a few times on Facebook. Facebook only shows page posts to about 20% of a page's followers, so we want to be sure more of our viewers know about the list.

Monday, November 25, 2013

David Fernandez's Favorite Concert - Henderson!


One of Miami's most startlingly original voices in jazz is David Fernandez. His technical fluency and ease of expression on the saxophone are matched with a supple and gorgeous tone; his solos often develop into pleasing deluges of romanticism, backed up with broad harmonic intelligence and a wealth of ideas.

David has toured with Latin pop stars Chayanne, Jon Secada and Gloria Estefan, as well as jazz flute legend Nester Torres. He's shared the stage with the likes of Randy Brecker, Paquito D'Rivera, Gerry Mulligan, Bob Mintzer and Arturo Sandoval. He's currently the Adjunct Professor of Saxophones at Miami-Dade College, also

instructing at MDC-Kendall and Barry University. David has 2 albums available - "Transition Project" and "Symmetry". Both are highly recommended, with killer performances and top-notch, feast-for-the-soul compositions.

David's concert remembrance is unique, in that he was on the stage rather than in the audience. Catch a glimpse into a more intimate observance with one of jazz's most brilliant legends!


Joe Henderson - Miami University 1990's

Joe Henderson - courtesy of Verve Records


I would say the best jazz concert I have ever attended was a concert I took part in when I was at the University of Miami. We had the honor of performing with the late Joe Henderson. He had just recorded a trilogy of records that included a tribute to Miles, Billy Strayhorn, and a big band album, and I also believe he might have even done a tribute to Jobim around that era. Even more spectacular, was rehearsing with Mr. Henderson. I still have the sound of his saxophone engraved in my ears and in my mind. The bell of his saxophone was literally inches away from me since I was playing alto at the time. He had the softest,

warmest, and fullest tone I have ever heard. I also recall the forum he had where he spoke about capturing the lyrics of a song without the benefit of words and how Thelonious Monk was a big influence on his playing even though he played a totally different instrument. Finally, I also remember him dressed to impress. He wore nice trousers with a tie and suspenders. This gentleman was not only a throwback from the great Blue Note era, but an icon and a legend standing before us. A night I carry with me everyday.



Thank you, David, for fun and exclusive insight into Joe Henderson, and especially for taking part in our poll! - PC Jazz

Upcoming dates for David Fernandez include 11/30 at the Globe Cafe in Coral Gables and 12/10 at Van Dykes Cafe, Miami. His albums are available wherever jazz is sold online. For your convenience, links are provided below to albums available on Amazon. Green links take you to the album page for review and info. Below links please enjoy a video of Dave and his band!


.......





Wednesday, November 6, 2013

New Podcast Opens Our 3rd Season!



Thank you to all our faithful listeners who have helped make our podcast a big success! This month features two Jazz Orchestras! Featured players include Phil Woods, Ed Callé, Gary Brown and Jason Carder. Larry Coryell & Kenny Drew Jr supply an exquisite duet tribute to Hank Jones, George Grosman pays homage to Sidney Bechet & much more! At the end of the show we pay our own tribute to the late bassist/composer/friend Frank Capek and Gers Yowell, the saxophonist whose story we told in our second episode. Every number is a gem! Thanks for all the shares, likes and for spreading the word. :) Enjoy!!

Pictured: George Grosman (photo by Greg King)


Host: Kenny MacKenzie 


Our Facebook page!
Kenny's hosts"Jazz Greats" on WFCF every Tuesday 3-7pm EST. Listen on iHeart!

Kenny's Twitter


1. Introduction - Kenny

(download our theme song "In Control" on iTunes!)


2. "Read My Lips" - South Florida Jazz Orchestra
(Miami, FL)     websiteChuck Bergeron - director, bass;
Trumpet: Jason Carder, Greg Gisbert, Alex Norris, Augie Haas
Alto Saxes: Gary Keller, Gary Lindsay,
Tenor/Baritone saxes: Ed Calle, Ken Mattis, Mike Brignola
Trombones: Dante Luciani, John Kricker, Joanna Sabater
Bass trombone: Jennifer Wharton
Piano: Martin Bejerano
Drums: John Yarling
Timbales: Raymer Olalde; Congas: Roberto Quintero

from the album "Trumpet Summit".

Purchase at Amazon or iTunes!



3. "PasajĂ© Tennessee" - Jamie Ousley (Hallandale, FL)      website

Jamie Ousley - double bass, Phillip Strange - piano,
Johnny Mendoza - Violin, mandolin, quatro, marracas
Larry Marshall - drums

from the album "Back Home".

Purchase at Amazon, CD Baby or iTunes!



4. Announcements - Kenny
(
background music from the album "Second Chances" by Allison Paris)


5. "Feeling His Groove" - Jose Valentino  (Tampa, FL)      Facebook

Jose Valentino Ruiz - vocals, flute, sax, bass, guitar, rhodes
Jonathan Thomas - drums
Benny Maldonado - congas


From the album "Messiah"




6. "Goodbye Mr. Jones" - Larry Coryell & Kenny Drew Jr (Tampa, FL)     Kenny's website

Larry Coryell - guitar
Kenny Drew Jr. - piano

From the album "Duality", courtesy of Random Act Records (website).

Purchase album at Amazon or CD Baby!



7. Announcements - Kenny
(background music from the album KMT I by Kenny MacKenzie Trio)



8. "Sidney Fandango" - George Grosman & Bohemian Swing
(Orlando, FL)     website

George Grosman - guitar, Brandon Walker - soprano sax,
Ian MacGillivray - trumpet, David MacDougall - drums,
Rachel Melas - bass, Refael Keren - accordian


from the album "Sidney, Mon Ami".

Purchase cd at Amazon, CD Baby or iTunes!


9. "Birth Without Violence" - Gary Wofsey and the Contemporary Jazz Orchestra
(Alford, FL)     website
Trumpet/Flugelhorn: Gary Wofsey (solo), Moose Foyer, Laurie Frink, Bob Freeberg
Alto Saxes: Phil Woods (solo)
Flute/Tenor/Baritone saxes: Gary Brown, Dick Oates, Ronnie Cuber
Trombones: Bob Carlson, Joe Letizia
Piano/Electric Piano: Mike Abene
Guitar: Melanie MacQuarrie
Bass: Paul Adamy
Drums: Jim Mola
Timbales/congas/perc: Bob Merigliano

from the album "Kef's Pool".

Purchase vinyl lp at Amazon!

10. Announcements - Kenny
(background music from the album "Live From the Warehouse" by Dot Wilder)


11. "Blues for L.T." - Gers Yowell Quartet (Ormond Beach, FL)

Gers Yowell - EWI, Kenny MacKenzie - piano
Frank Capek - bass, Frankie Capek - drums

recorded October 21, 2011 ~ PC Jazz exclusive.
In memoriam: Frank Capek and Gers Yowell.


12. Closing Announcements - Kenny

Palm Coast Jazz closing theme by Seven Octaves.produced by Kenny MacKenzie

If you are a jazz musician residing in Florida with quality recordings of your original music (new or old) and would like to submit for future podcasts, please contact us at palmcoastjazz@gmail.com

All recordings and compositions are the property of their respective performers and composers, all rights reserved. This podcast copyright 2013 Kenny MacKenzie. All rights reserved.

Sunday, November 3, 2013

Pete Gemski's Favorite Concert - Faddis!

Pete Gemski with new 'weapon'.
Pete Gemski is the founder & leader of The Lighthouse Little Big Band - an 8-piece unit in St. Augustine that promotes creativity in the region by performing original arrangements as well as more famous ones. Pete plays valve trombone & bass trumpet in the band, but the instrument for most of his life is the trumpet; playing professionally from 11th grade on. He studied at Brown University, did graduate school at the University of Pittsburgh Medical School, post doctoral research at the Stanford University Medical School and put in 30 years at the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research in Washington, DC. In DC he played in the Bill Potts Big Band, also performing at several inauguration Balls; in particular, Ronald Reagan's 2nd inauguration with the Benny Carter Big Band.

After retiring as Chief of the Department of Molecular Pathology at Walter Reed, he and wife Lenny moved to New Hampshire where he performed and expanded his "arsenal of brass weapons" to euphonium, baritone horn, valve trombone and bass trumpet. The Gemski's became St. Augustine residents in 2005.
In 2012 The Lighthouse Little Big Band put out their
The Lighthouse Little Big Band
self-titled
first cd featuring arrangements by Pete, Dave Wolpe, Ralph Martin, Larry Dickson and the late bassist, composer and member Frank Capek.

At 77 years young, Pete's 'bucket list' is to play all the brass instruments.
He's currently learning the Bb tuba, with thoughts of forming a Dixieland group in the future. Below is his very entertaining anecdote about an encounter between two trumpet players...


Jon Faddis Quartet at
The Wolf Trap, D.C. Area  November 24, 1989

(
Renee Rosnes - piano, Louis Nash - drums, ????? - Bass (sorry, I can't remember----too many high notes played as I age as a trumpet player)

As is typical of Jon Faddis, he paid homage to Louis Armstrong by performing (ala Satchmo) "West End Blues" at the end of the set. A standing ovation from the

audience was almost universal. Faddis responded with a big grin and shared the moment with his group that also caught the essence of Satchmo's style in their playing. 

As Faddis walked off the stage, he stopped, turned to the audience and said "How about this?"  He then did Harry James' version of "Ciribiribin" for a few measures, this time having the style and sound associated with Harry James. Someone in the audience requested his version of Wynton---he smiled, took a proper concert posture and played several measures of the Hayden Trumpet Concerto as recorded at one time by Wynton---then gave it a Faddis touch by repeating the same measures octaves above. He then continued interacting with the audience saying "Ready for Miles?"---walked off the stage, returned wearing a borrowed long coat, turned his back to audience, stooped over with the horn pointing at the floor
and started
L-R: Lewis Nash, Bill Charlap, Jon Faddis &
Renee Rosnes - from reneerosnes.coml
playing "Freddie Freeloader". Standing ovation again. "Any other requests?" he inquired.  The big mouth of yours truly took over and from the front row I said "How about the famous Faddis  Double C's?" Faddis grinned and said "How many?". Not to be outdone, I answered "100".  Because he 'clamed' on the 86th double C, I treasure an autographed program by Faddis to "Mr 86" on my music wall. PS--that's how I know the exact date of this memory.


Thanks, Pete, for a very fun concert story and for insight into the congeniality and good humor of a world-class star! - PCJ

Sunday, October 20, 2013

Don Durkee's Favorite Concert - D.C. Festival!

Pianist Don Durkee is a Palm Coast resident who's been mighty busy over the years, working with familiar Florida jazz names like Linda Cole, Ray Guiser, Bill Doyle, Pat D'Aguanno, Ron Gillotti, Bill Prince, Jan Crawford, Roland Fleming, Barry Kelsey and many, many more! His attractive playing is characterized by both thoughtfulness and verve. Last year he released a wonderful trio album called "Our Delight".

Don with Pete Gemski 2012
Don attended an almost unbelievable happening during one of the greatest peaks of jazz: a festival sponsored by JFK's Music Committee of the People to People program. The festival took place at the Uline Arena (now the Washington Coliseum). Below is Don's telling of the incredible experience!


1st International Jazz Festival May 31 - June 3 1962


I went to this concert my senior year in High School... I was just getting into jazz, buying 33 1/3 rpm records and listening to them on an inexpensive record player which I had bought at a drug store for about $24.95.

I went to the Saturday evening event and it was a barn-burner. It looked like a sellout crowd because I
did not see many empty seats.Oscar Peterson Trio led
Oscar Peterson Trio, early sixties
off the set with guest artist Roy Eldridge followed by Gerry Mulligan Quartet. Horace Silver Quintet was next and then Herbie Mann. Dave Brubeck had his quartet, and then up stepped Monk with his unmistakable harmonic style and his quartet. The Clara Ward Singers provided a nice change of pace. Duke Ellington Orchestra led off with "Cottontail" at a very high tempo. I remember it had the whole place jumping. "Mood Indigo" followed by "Satin Doll" were next. I went down to the stage after the concert and spoke with several of the Ellington sidemen: Johnny Hodges, Aaron Bell, Cat Anderson and Paul Gonsalves. I got them to autograph my program as well.

Basie Band in 1962

I returned for the Sunday, June 3 concert. The Count Basie Orchestra opened to a packed house. I remember the fantastic trumpet section featuring solos by Thad Jones and Snooky Young. And yes, the drummer was a powerhouse named Sonny Payne. I think Frank Wess and Eddie Newman were also there in the sax section along with Marshall Royal. I remember Basie trying to wave the spotlight off him and onto the soloist then performing. He tried several times and the lighting man finally got the message. An uptempo chart called "Whirlybird" had the crowd going and then, of course, they ended with the immortal "One 'O Clock Jump". The Slide Hampton Octet was next followed by Gloria Lynne and the Earl May Trio.
Thelonious in NY 1962
Then the George Shearing Sextet.

I had a great two days there and saw/heard a lot of the top masters and legends of jazz. By the way, I don't
remember how much tickets cost, but they were not expensive. A lot of things were cheaper back then.


Thanks so much Don - for giving us a glimpse into such a momentous occasion for jazz and the world! You can check out some of Don's music and playing at his very stylish blog. - PCJ

Woody Herman at the Uline Arena;
photo courtesy of 1959 BHS Mustangs.



Sunday, October 13, 2013

Bill Doyle's Favorite Concert - Dizzy!

Bill performing at 3 Dogs Grille in PC, 2012
Drummer Bill Doyle inaugurates our new poll for jazz musicians in Florida: What's the best jazz show you've ever seen? Not an easy question! We figured we'd begin by asking a few Palm Coast musicians. Locals who've been following jazz over the years here in PC are surely familiar with the solid & tasteful swinging of Bill Doyle. Bill studied with several teachers, including entrepreneur and co-founder of GRP records, Larry Rosen (who at the
Bill Doyle Trio backing up Cheryl Paige
time was backing up Andy Williams). Along with his own excellent trio, Bill has played with Floridian luminaries like Ray Guiser, former Basie vocalist Cheryl Paige & popular diva Linda Cole; as well as sensational Canadian trumpet player Mickey Erbe and guitarist Wayne Kirby.

Below are Bill's remembrances of his favorite concert:



Dizzy Gillespie - Birdland NYC 1961

I was 15 years old. My Dad, being a musician, allowed me to take a bus from New Jersey to Manhatten with my
friend to see Dizzy. At Birdland, we were pretty close to the bandstand. When Dizzy and his group started to play, my love for jazz became cast in stone. I do not recall all of the musicians who were in his group on that date, but I was in awe. I had been studying drums for 3 years, at the time, and this night left a huge impression. Also, his cheeks...unbelievable expansion when he was playing. I thought, "what about embouchure? I guess it doesn't matter because this man is great."

Live Dizzy recorded around the same time!
Birdland, at the time, was periodically open to teens (section called the "peanut gallery"). My friend, Castig and I talked "Tiny" the host, into letting us sit closer... He let us near  the band...I remember going down the steps, mentioned in the tune "Birdland".


Thank you Bill, for the great jazz flashback, and for getting the new poll off to a fantastic start! Here is Bill's Youtube page; and we'll be keeping you posted about his trio's upcoming dates! - PC Jazz












Tuesday, June 4, 2013

Russell George Interview - Legendary NYC Session Bassist!

The following photos and visuals of amazing bassist/violinist and St. Augustine resident Russell George are posted to accompany our interview podcast with him (episode 22 - June 2013). We think you'll agree he's had one incredible life & career! Thanks to Russell for both the wonderful interview and the fun, intriguing photos.
Click on photos to view enlarged!



Russell at the Green Cove Springs Naval Base, July 1952


Marian McPartland with Roy Lundberg - drums
& Russell George - bass







Art Magyar - drums, Russell George - bass,
Marian McPartland - piano circa '60-'61

Russell & Ross Tompkins at the Playboy Club.
Russ also did a (clothed) stand in for a shoot!
L-R: Roger Kellaway - p, Russell - b,
Bobby Hackett - tp, Nick Stabulas - d,
Marshall Brown - tb. Cape Cod
L-R: Marshall Brown, Run Lundberg,
Russell George & Pee Wee Russell. '63
Photo by 'Popsie' Randolph
L-R: Joe Newman - tp, Ron Lundberg - dms,
Russell - bass, Ross Tompkins - p
at Embers (NYC) Aug 1965
Russell George with Anita O'Day
at the Half Note (NYC) 1966
L-R: Roy Burns - d, Russell George - b,
Ben Webster - ts at the Metropole 1966.
Photo by Planetary Photo.
L-R: Russell George, Ruby Braff,
Bud Freeman, Buzzy Drooten.
Photo by Jack Bradley Jazz Photography.
L-R: Tom Whaley - dm, Russell - elec bass,
Red Rodney - tp, Jerry Dodgion - ts,
Joe Beck - guitar. Good grief,
what a killer line-up!! Club Med
What a day!!
A once in a lifetime
jazz nativity!
A cap-off to a long & illustrious
career on bass!















































































































 












Several artists graciously contributed their sound recordings to enhance the interview. Consider purchasing some excellent jazz via the Amazon links below to both support the artists and Palm Coast Jazz!




Visit wonderful vocalist Ed Reed's site by clicking here!

Visit astounding bassist Ray Parker's site by clicking here!

Thanks for visiting Palm Coast Jazz!

Friday, April 19, 2013

12 Questions (+ 2) for Valerie Gillespie!

photo by Jennifer Smith

Valerie Gillespie is about as talented as they come. Astoundingly proficient on soprano, alto, tenor and baritone saxes as well as flute, she's also a vocalist, with a natural, easy-going, soulful sound. She's played with artists like Chick Corea, Bobby McFerrin, Ray Charles, Rosemary Clooney and even the Xavier Cugat Orchestra. Comfortable in both jazz and classical settings, she also plays with many top symphonic orchestras and is hence one of the busiest musicians in Tampa. So busy, in fact, we felt guilty asking her to do the interview! She cheerfully obliged in between an orchestra gig, teaching a jazz vocal master class and her long-running stand at The Garden Café in Dade City. Because her talents span so wide a territory (we didn't even get into the motorcycle riding), we had to add a few extra questions!


1) Your dad was a singer, did you learn a lot from him? Do you hear him in yourself when you sing, or even play?

Yes! All the tunes I learned as youngster, I learned from him, always by ear.  He'd come in to my practice room (the breakfast nook) and sing tunes to me, and I would just copy them by ear.  It was good because it improved my ability to do any song in any key.


2) What was your first professional gig?

I think I was about 13, and played at the local Elks club with an organ player who played jazz tunes.  The thing I remember about that gig is that I needed to work on remembering the bridges to tunes.  The way most tunes are laid out, the A section is done 3 times for every 1 time of the bridge so I sometimes had to have him play the bridge because I couldn't remember it.  It was a great learning experience for me.



3) Along with a masters in jazz saxophone (USF), you also have a bachelors in classical (Carnegie-Mellon). Is there a favorite composer or piece that you love to play in that milieu?

Just yesterday I listened to Stravinsky's "Firedbird Suite".  He is probably my favorite, but I also love Debussy, Mussorgsky, Bizet and Ravel.  I perform with the Florida Orchestra frequently, and usually end up having solos in the works for which they call me.  This evening is our third performance of Leonard Bernstein's "On The Town" and I have two sultry solos in the third movement.


photo by George Lindsay - Tungsten Photography
4) So far – what has been one of the most memorable onstage jazz experiences for you? Classical?

There are so many, but one that comes to mind is doing a concert with Bobby McFerrin with the Florida Orchestra.  It was mostly classical, but at one point he started to do a jazz jam on Blue Monk with the bass player, and then pointed to me and had me take a solo… it was completely impromptu!  I had a blast, and what an adrenaline rush!  For classical
it would probably be the time I played Pictures at an Exhibition, and the conductor Vladimir Verbitski loved it so much, he brought me out onto the podium... 4 nights in a row. That was truly an honor.

 

5) Name 3 albums (any genre) that are currently getting a lot of rotation in your home or ipod.

Ingrid Jensen- Project O, Kenny Garrett- Pursuance, Tierney Sutton- Blue in Green


6) Who do you look to as the ideal jazz instrumentalist? Vocalist?

Kenny Garrett-saxophone, and Ella Fitzgerald-vocalist.  I love these two specifically because they play and sing with such control and yet such abandon, and those are the qualities that draw me to jazz.


7) Tell us about your saxophones/flutes!

Saxes alto, tenor, bari I play Selmer Mark VI, soprano I play a Yamaha Custom. Clarinet, I play a Buffet.  Flute, I play a Yamaha.




Valerie on Bari sax - photo by John DePaola
8) I'm sure you hate this question... if you had to be stranded on a desert isle with only one horn, which would you choose? (or would you hide your soprano and flute in the bari?)

My alto sax, definitely.  It seems to be my natural voice, and feels the most comfortable to me.  I would probably be tempted to sneak the flute and clarinet in as well, though.  'Clara' and I have a secret love affair going on… Don't tell anyone!


9) Is there a composer that you love to sing?

Cole Porter and George Gershwin are two of my favorites, and anything with Johnny Mercer lyrics.  Oh, and also Billy Strayhorn….  So many songs, so little time!


10) As an artist, do you have specific goals that you are trying to achieve when you perform?

On horns, I am trying to create a good shape to the solo, so that it has a definite peak.  Sort of like an author writing a book with a good climax.  Vocally, I love a good ballad, and the key for me is to be understated, not to push too hard.  I always like a relaxed tone, so the warmth is there.  That seems to be my strength vocally, so I try to make sure that comes through.


11) Which of your albums do you feel has come closest to sounding and relaying exactly what you wanted it to?

This is a tough one… I find that I like certain tracks on each CD. If I had to choose, I might be inclined to say "Lush Life" because that is my all-time favorite tune, and I was thrilled to get to record it… "Rough Around the Edges" has been very popular, though, in fact, I'm going to have to place an order for some more, so I guess that one was successful, as well.


 

12) As an adjunct at USF - what's the most important thing to impart or inspire in a student?

Probably getting the student to feel motivated just for the sake of music, not for any particular performance.  If they can practice consistently simply because they want to try new things, then I feel I have really done my job.  And probably the best way to keep that in the forefront is to do a lot of listening.


photo by Alex R. Spassoff
13) I've noticed that even though their are plenty of female jazz musicians out there, many of them very famous - it still seems to be a 'man's world'. I don't see many famous jazz men hiring women, and I don't see women equally talented as their male counterparts reaching the same status. Do you agree? Did you have struggles in this area? Do you have advice for young ladies going into jazz?

I have usually been the only woman in the band, with the exception of some great players like Ingrid Jensen and Anat Cohen, but it does not bother me at all.  I've always been treated with the greatest respect, I think because musicians are only interested in whether you can play or not.  As soon as they hear that, then they're unconcerned with anything else: they just want to play!  My advice to women is practice hard, make sure you have a GOOD sound, and that you know your stuff.  Don't worry about anything except that you play with confidence.

14) What's coming up for you?

I have been doing some jazz festivals and jazz vocal workshops lately, and as far as the band goes, I am looking to add to our repertoire with some obscure ballads, and hopefully some originals.  Also, June 7th & 8th I'll be at Heidi's in Cocoa Beach.  Maybe I will have a couple of originals by then! 


We asked Valerie to choose a video of her performing for this article - she chose a sizzling live version of Chick Corea's "Got a Match?", also featuring flute sensation Jose Valentino on flute! (former student)



Thank you Valerie for a highly entertaining interview. Keep an eye out for appearances by Valerie throughout Florida & don't miss 'em! You can hear her exceptional playing and singing on episodes 11, 13 and 16a of our podcast. Her music is available at iTunes and CD Baby. Below are some purchase links for Valerie's excellent albums on Amazon. Treat yourself! - PCJ