November 1, 2019 In NY Artist Q&A

NY Artist Q&A: Marius van den Brink

For this series of bloggy interviews – the NY Artist Q&A- , I’ve shared questions with young artists and musicians living in New York. This time: pianist Marius van den Brink. He moved to New York only a few years ago to study at Suny Purchase University. And, since we are both Dutch, obviously we connected 🙂 I’m excited that he wanted to be part of this little Q&A – couch session. In addition to the questions, we met up and played a few songs in my place in Brooklyn together.

NY Artist Q&A: with Marius van den Brink

* WHERE ARE YOU FROM, WHAT DO YOU MISS ABOUT HOME?

I’m from the Netherlands, I was born in Borger in Drenthe in the countryside.
The thing I miss most for sure is my family and friends. I also miss the Rotterdam vibe.

* FAVORITE PLACE IN THE CITY

Mezzrow, its an amazing intimate jazz club in the Village.

* FAVORITE NEW MUSIC

Andy Laverne – Faith
Now vs Now – The Buffering Cocoon

* FAVORITE OLD MUSIC

I like to listen to too many different things from Joe Henderson, Cedar Walton, Mulgrew Miller, Herbie Hancock to Steely Dan, Nina Pastori, Ara Dinkjjan

* WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE NON-MUSIC THING TO DO

Traveling, I love traveling.

* WHAT ARE YOU CURRENTLY WORKING ON MUSICALLY

I’ve been touring this summer with the New York Gypsy All-Stars through Europe and playing concerts in Greece with the Maria Manousaki Quartet. I’m also working on my debut album which will hopefully be released early 2020.

* WHAT’S YOUR GREATEST FANBOY MOMENT?

I guess handing out all these signatures after my first concert with the Gypsys. That was something totally new for me haha.

* CRAZIEST GIG EXPERIENCE

I’ve played some gigs in prisons for prisoners in the Netherlands. That was something.

* WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF IN 10 YEARS?

Hopefully still touring around the world surrounded by amazing musicians and friends.

* YOUR WEBSITE

www.mariusvandenbrink.com

* LINK TO A VIDEO OF YOU

If you like this series of bloggy interviews, check also the one with cellist Mariel Roberts

October 19, 2019 In NY Artist Q&A

NY Artist Q&A with Mariel Roberts

For this series of bloggy interviews – NY Artist Q&A – I’ve shared questions with young artists and musicians living in New York. This time: Cellist Mariel Roberts. She actually lives next door to me in Brooklyn and we will play a couple of shows in the Netherlands in November. (Nov 13, 2019, at Pom Eindhoven and November 15th at Museum de Lakenhal Leiden with ChocoJazz Vervool).

I’m excited that she wanted to be part of this little Q&A – couch session. In addition to the questions, I love to share a 2-minute video of a jam that we did in my place in Brooklyn together.

NY Artist Q&A with Mariel Roberts

* WHERE ARE YOU FROM, WHAT DO YOU MISS ABOUT HOME?

I’m from Denver, Colorado. I miss the sky there… its enormous and the smell of the pine trees. I also miss my family!

* FAVORITE PLACE IN THE CITY

The Met Museum. I wish I could live there.

* FAVORITE NEW MUSIC

Tim Hecker is always a huge favorite of mine- he has two recent albums which are great.

* FAVORITE OLD MUSIC

Been revisiting Schubert piano trios! And slightly less old, I’ve been listening to Alèmayèhu Eshèté.

* WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE NON-MUSIC THING TO DO

Pretty much anything outside, running, walking, hiking, exploring any new city on foot.

* WHAT ARE YOU CURRENTLY WORKING ON MUSICALLY

I’m trying to integrate improvisation more firmly into my life as a performer, so I’m trying to think about different ways I can approach that which could bring together a lot of the different musical backgrounds and interests I have.

* WHAT’S YOUR GREATEST FANBOY MOMENT?

Definitely meeting and playing with Bjork- I don’t know if I said anything to her that didn’t just come out as a squeak..! Or meeting the composer Helmut Lachenmann for the first time, he’s a giant both literally and figuratively.

* CRAZIEST GIG EXPERIENCE

My favorite gig story is always a wedding I played in high school. It was on a mountaintop in Colorado, I played the theme to “Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon” on solo cello in the middle of a field while the bride and groom rode up on horseback. They also did their vows from horseback if I remember…

* WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF IN 10 YEARS?

Hopefully having a happy and healthy life playing music with people I love and respect!

* YOUR WEBSITE

www.marielroberts.com

* LINK TO A VIDEO OF YOU

If you like this series of bloggy interviews, check also the one with Louis Alexander Gasser Londoño. Also, if you want to support me, follow me on Patreon.

January 20, 2019 In NY Artist Q&A, Uncategorized

NY Artist Q&A: Eddy Marshall

For this series of bloggy interviews, I’ve shared questions with young artists and musicians living in New York. This time: guitarist and singer-songwriter Eddy Marshall. I’ve met him through Berklee College of music and I’m excited that he wanted to be part of this little Q&A – couch session. In addition to the questions, we met up and played a few songs in my place in Brooklyn together. Next time I’ll make him sing too 🙂

Q&A with Eddy Marshall

* WHERE ARE YOU FROM, WHAT DO YOU MISS ABOUT HOME?

I’m from Falls Church Virginia. I miss my friend circle, my mom’s Steinway piano, and Super Chicken.

* FAVORITE PLACE IN THE CITY

The Williamsburg bridge late at night. I love walking home from gigs in Brooklyn and being able to see the whole skyline in front of me.

* FAVORITE NEW MUSIC

Lula Wiles has a new album coming out on January 25th that I’ve already listened to on NPR too many times. Scruffy Pearls just put out a new single that slaps and I THINK they have an album coming soon that I’m extremely excited for. I’ve also been listening to the GORILLAZ a lot and BOY is still a favorite.

* FAVORITE OLD MUSIC

As much as I think wailing guitar solos are meh, sometimes I still love shamelessly listening to classic rock at high volume. Aerosmith, Led Zeppelin, etc. And I constantly listen to the Beach Boys and the Beatles so I can figure out fun ways to put absurd chords under singable melodies.

* WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE NON-MUSIC THING TO DO

I love reading and cooking.

* WHAT ARE YOU CURRENTLY WORKING ON MUSICALLY

I’m always writing new music and trying to build my cover repertoire. So basically, I’m writing the songs I want to play and learning the songs other people want me to play.

* WHAT’S YOUR GREATEST FANBOY MOMENT?

There is a band called Walk Off The Earth and they give away a free signed and drawn on a ukelele at every show. At Boston Calling in 2014, I was decked out in my WOTE gear and they came out into the crowd and gave me a uke! Still, have it on my shelf.

* CRAZIEST GIG EXPERIENCE

When I first booked a tour in 2015, I said yes to a three-hour gig and we probably had about an hour and a half of material. We just took so many endless instrumental solos and played so many different breakdowns and weird covers. We would take a song like “Take It Easy,” by the Eagles and make it 20 minutes long with sections of obnoxious swing and I don’t think the southern Virginia crowd of three was really feeling it.

* WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF IN 10 YEARS?

I hope I’m doing exactly what I’m doing now but at a much higher level. Playing gigs almost every night of the week with amazing musicians, cooking, baking, reading, and everything else, AND I will have a nine-year-old dog.

* YOUR WEBSITE

EddyMarshallMusic.com

* LINK TO A VIDEO OF YOU

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QeW7746Eeds

November 3, 2018 In NY Artist Q&A

NY Artist Q&A: Nadje Noordhuis

For this series of bloggy interviews, I’ve shared questions with young artists and musicians living in New York. This time: trumpeter and composer Nadje Noordhuis. I’ve met her through my friend and former neighbor Leala Cyr and I’m excited that she wanted to be part of this little Q&A – couch session. In addition to the questions, we met up and played a few songs in my place in Brooklyn together. She brought her pedals and we both jammed for a bit, and here is our collaboration.

Q&A with Nadje Noordhuis

* WHERE ARE YOU FROM, WHAT DO YOU MISS ABOUT HOME?

I’m from Sydney, Australia. I miss my family and my friends most of all, followed by the beaches, the wine, and seafood.

* FAVORITE PLACE IN THE CITY

My favorite venues are the 55 Bar and the Jazz Standard. My nostalgic favorites are The Hungarian Pastry Shop, and Tom’s Restaurant (the Brooklyn one). I need my local coffee shops in Ditmas Park, and MoMA.

* FAVORITE NEW MUSIC

My musical taste is pretty eclectic – I’ve been getting into Penny & Sparrow, Townes Van Zandt, Gabriel Kahane, and Ghost.

* FAVORITE OLD MUSIC

I am a big Nick Cave fan. He was the first concert that I ever went to at age fourteen, and I just saw him at Barclays last month. He’s my absolute favorite.

* WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE NON-MUSIC THING TO DO

I love hanging with friends for a home cooked meal – that always hits the soul. I love to Skype with my niece and nephew. And I knit, and read, and go for walks in Prospect Park. Any chance I get to hang upstate, especially up near Woodstock, I take!

* WHAT ARE YOU CURRENTLY WORKING ON MUSICALLY

I’m learning more about how to use my crazy pedalboard – every time I play, I discover something new. And discover what I thought I could do but can’t actually replicate. It’s a beast. But I love it. I’m also playing a lot of piano, and writing more tunes. 

* WHATS YOUR GREATEST FANGIRL MOMENT?

I met Kenny Wheeler once but was too shy to play in front of him at a workshop. Years ago I met my heroes Fred Hersch and Matt Wilson, and I’m super thrilled to be touring with both of them next year. I would love to meet Manfred Eicher from ECM. And I think I would pass out if I met Nick Cave.

* CRAZIEST GIG EXPERIENCE

About sixteen years ago in Melbourne, at 8am in a public park, I was crouched in the garden with my trumpet in a gym bag, waiting for the cue of a wave of a straw hat, where I had to leap out and play Amazing Grace for a group of people on a tour of the park. Someone saw me waiting to play and asked if I was okay.

* WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF IN 10 YEARS?

I honestly don’t know. Things change so quickly, and I am always up for an adventure. So I may be still playing and teaching and writing, or maybe doing something completely different. No clue!

* YOUR WEBSITE

www.nadjenoordhuis.com & www.littlemysteryrecords.com

* LINK TO A VIDEO OF YOU

July 3, 2018 In NY Artist Q&A

NY Artist Q&A: Song Yi Jeon

For this series of bloggy interviews I’ve shared questions with young artists and musicians living in New York. This time: vocalist and composer Song Yi Jeon. I’ve met her first while studying at Berklee College of music when we were studying with people like Danilo Perez, John Patitucci, Joe Lovano and George Garzone. And I really love where she is taking her music and I encourage you all to check her new album out that was released last month!

* WHERE ARE YOU FROM, WHAT DO YOU MISS ABOUT HOME?

I’m from Republic of Korea, which is known as South Korea. I miss my parents, cheap street food. – Currently I’m visiting Korea, so all fulfilled! 

* FAVORITE PLACE IN THE CITY

I have a couple favorite places in New York. Union square, which is the most convenient location to meet people or call people to come. The other one is a coffee shop at my neighborhood, called “Coffee Mob”. Best coffee ever! The last place is the area near Washington Square park. All the jazz clubs, and my (probably not only mine but most of my musician friends) nightlife is there.

* FAVORITE NEW MUSIC

…is more like a new discovery; Charles Mingus and Fred Hersch (duo album with Anat Cohen)

* FAVORITE OLD MUSIC

  • Edward Simon’s Impossible question. It’s an album with David Binney.
  • Guillermo Klein’s “El Minotauro”
  • Byungki Hwang’s “Spring Snow (Chun Seol)” – Korean traditional instrument music

* WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE NON-MUSIC THING TO DO

Eating chocolate, drinking coffee (But I have limit, 1 cup a day!) and I love watching complete tv series at once!

* WHAT ARE YOU CURRENTLY WORKING ON MUSICALLY

I have a concert about Thelonious Monk. I’m trying to arrange his songs which is not easy at all but I’m learning a lot through this process!

* CRAZIEST GIG EXPERIENCE

I had two episodes at one gig. I had an opportunity to play in Qatar with some Arabic musicians as well as Western musicians. We were about to perform and last minute they told me that I cannot wear a dress that shows my knees. So we had to find a long dress, black tie style, like 30 minutes before the show. Few days after when we were leaving at the airport, passport controller was not letting me to leave, looking at me weirdly. The truth was that my entrance visa was saying that I was from North Korea. Oops…

* WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF IN 10 YEARS?

I honestly don’t know. I was living in NY until last month, and tried to live day by day and perform and surviving in NY as a musician for the next 10 years was my dream. Now I left NY, much earlier than I thought as a matter of fact, but I’m moving to Europe. I cannot picture myself yet how I would be in next 10 years. Probably I would do the same as I did in NY; keep trying to live day by day, writing music, performing and surviving. And hopefully my music gets growing.

Recently I released a new album. Here is the bandcamp link that people can listen to entire album!

* LINK TO A VIDEO OF YOU

It’s a video of a Korean traditional folk song that I arranged. It’s also a last track of my new album “Movement of Lives”

https://youtu.be/MHz0DEAPO9Y

* LINK TO YOUR WEBSITE

https://www.songyimusic.com/contact

 

May 9, 2018 In Jazzopinie, NY Artist Q&A, Uncategorized

NY Artist Q&A: Jesse Byrom-Carter

For this series of bloggy interviews I’ve shared questions with young artists and musicians living in New York. This time: Bass player and composer Jesse Byrom-Carter. In addition to the questions, we met up and played a few songs in my place in Brooklyn together. Here is our collaboration on the standard ‘Everything must change’. 

Q&A with Bass player – Jesse Byrom-Carter

* Where are you from, what do you miss about home?

I’m from Perth, Western Australia. I miss the beaches, good coffee (I’m a little snobby about it), the weather, my family and friends and especially my Dad’s home cooking!

* Favorite place in the city

That’s a hard one. I would say West Village for the vibe, proliferation of jazz clubs and bars. I also really like Central Park when the weather is good!

* Favorite new music

I’m really digging David Binney’s music. Especially albums like Anacapa, South, Welcome To Life and Graylen Epicenter. Wayne Shorter. His new quartet stuff and the album High Life. Some singer songwriters like Gabriel Kahane and Becca Stevens, Nine Inch Nails and Chris Potter’s Underground and solo albums.

* Favorite old music

Anything Motown, funk or soul influenced, Donny Hathaway, Stevie Wonder, Otis Redding, Al Green, Parliament Funkadelic. Old school jazz – Miles Davis, Coltrane, Wayne Shorter, Bill Evans Trio, Monk, Sonny Rollins, Hank Mobley, Clifford Brown, Dexter Gordon, Art Blakey, Mingus, Sergio Mendez and Brazil 66, Djavan, Milton Nascimento, Weather Report, Herbie Hancock, Jaco Pastorius….the list goes on.

* What’s your favorite non-music thing to do

Exploring the city, walking.

* What are your currently working on musically

I’m working on some new compositions that have more of a through composed, with some interesting chord changes and meters. I’m also working on some songs with vocals and lyrics written by yours truly, featuring some great NYC based vocalists. It may end up as some kind of concept album, we’ll have to wait and see. Also working on releasing my debut album featuring guitarist Adam Rogers and Grammy nominee Alan Ferber. It’s going to be called ‘The Next Tomorrow Is Yesterday’, relating to the pace of NYC. Before you know it, tomorrow is already yesterday and you still haven’t done that thing! Hopefully mid-late this year is my target.

* Whats your greatest fan boy / girl moment?

My biggest fanboy moment was meeting my bass hero John Patitucci and helping load his car after a gig. I’ll never forget it!

* Craziest gig experience

My craziest gig experience happened last year at the show ‘A Charlie Brown Christmas Live On Stage’. On tour, we played a show in a small town called Dixon Illinois. The theatre that were in had a small stage which we had to fit upright bass, drums, electric piano and any props/scenery for the show. The curtain was literally right behind my back, and brushed me any time it moved. There was a notable difference in temperature between the back of the stage and the front. Towards the end of the first act, the curtain started to balloon out from the center, causing a ripple wave-like effect through the curtain. At one point in the show, the waves became so big they threatened to completely engulf me and my bass! I just managed to desperately brush away the curtain as it was closing. Any moment of hesitation would have meant me and my bass being capsized live on stage! It was really hard trying to complete the rest of the show without bursting into hysterical laughter.

* Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

Still in New York, many records later. Touring with my own and other artists music, with less struggle, content and happy, living in a studio apartment in Manhattan. Possibly with a dog.

* Link to a video of you

The Next Tomorrow Is Yesterday – https://youtu.be/3WrAD-xewr0

* Link to your website

http://jessebyromcarter.com/