|
A Note
From Bob
|
November, 2001 I recently sat down at the piano and began to compose some music for the next big band project. Many ideas are floating around in my head, influenced by things I've played with the Yellowjackets as well as ideas I've heard other musicians use in my travels. Some other germs for tunes result from playing an improvised vamp on the piano. Yet other ideas have arisen from simply hearing shapes, feels, or other skeletal devices in my head, usually in the morning. I spend some time on each idea, looking for themes, harmonic information, vamps, and possible settings for solos. Things come slowly at first. But by the third day the whole project is beginning to take shape. I'm thinking fairly broadly at this point. I would like to have a variety of feels and tempos on this recording. This is a good place to start for some inspiration. One album that will serve as a model for a tune I hope to compose is the Individualism of Gil Evans. What I love about this recording is that it is a wonderful combination of small group improvisation with delicate horn and woodwind arranging. The playing and the written material compliment each other in such a unique way. It doesn't really sound like a big band. Wayne Shorter and Elvin Jones surrounded by woodwinds and brass. Man, I'm in heaven! I just returned from an engagement with the Brussels Jazz Orchestra over in Belgium. We did two days of rehearsal and three concerts. This band is one of the best in Europe. They really played the music I write with an amazing feel, great musicianship, and also put their own sound on it. The Brussels Jazz Orchestra is one to keep an eye on. They have worked with people like Maria Schneider, Kenny Werner, and Toots Thielmans. There are several fine composers and arrangers in the band as well. The original music I heard the band play was quite distinctive and fresh sounding. They are going to record a CD with Kenny Werner's music early next year. Check it out! Finally, the Yellowjackets live double cd, titled Mint Jam, will be available this month exclusively at Yellowjackets.com. I urge you all to check it out. It really captures the true essence of the group. This is definitely a band to catch live. The unique combination of intricate compositions with the interplay and improvisation of a jazz quartet are showcased on this project. I pray for peace on earth, and harmony and acceptance amongst all its different inhabitants. I'm grateful for the opportunity to be able to play music and bring people from all over the world together in this spiritual endeavor. Its not really about money, fame, or success. It's about helping other human beings, setting a good example for young people, and staying true to your heart. Like Mac Rebenac once said, "I never saw an armored car in a funeral procession". See you later, Bob Mintzer |