Skinny Vinny: The Answer to Everything

Gordon Marshall

Contributor since 2009

Poet, procrastinator unissued until now, in this deluxe edition on Blue Note.

Recent articles (56 total)

Published: February 10, 2010

AE: I think we're communicating that—we're conveying invention and ingenuity, and, "This is totally possible" and not only is this not impossible, but it's legit, and it's valid. I think that's there but at a certain point, after playing together for so many years maybe that's decreased a little bit. I think that at this point it's very important for us speak clearly and comprehensibly. We've already established that we're way, way out, and now maybe it's important for us to just be succinct. I kind of get off on when people say "I like this." We've had many comments and critiques over the years: "Wall of sound that you don't want to move 'cause it's just beating down over your head" and so forth.

JJ: We always hear people say we're emotional.

AE: Now I would say, the more comprehensive and concise we are, the more people are enjoying it.

AAJ: Have you always done short songs, or is that a new thing?

JJ: We like to get in, we like to get out...The kind of music we play, you can say a lot with a little. The kind of music we appreciate encapsulates so much so quickly. Our favorite artists, like Evan Parker and Paul Lovens, the way they're doing something, it's like fifty seconds, but---it's a whole album. We appreciate that, the short minute. But honestly, at the beginning, that's all we had to say!

AE: That energy, it's easier to digest.

AAJ: Could you give us a preview of your new album?

JJ: It's called The Elements of Style (Self Produced, 2010).

AE: It's more "up" than the first one, it's more free-jazzy, more of a jazz sound.

JJ: Andrew's cooking more on the drums, I'm screaming more.

AE: We didn't "tumble" on the first album. We really went for extended technique on the first one, and it really pushed the sound and drew out nice pieces. This one, we're doing our fake-ass jazz, and it's good.

JJ: We're freakin' out.

AE: More energy...We never look back. As soon as this new one comes out, it's time to stop what we're doing and start reinventing again.

Selected Discography

Skinny Vinny, The Elements of Style (Self Produced, 2010)
Joshua Jefferson, Turkey Boot Foot (Self Produced, 2009)
Skinny Vinny, Skinny Vinny (Self Produced, 2009)
Joshua Jefferson, Jefferson Solo (Self Produced, 2008)

Photo Credits
Page 1: Bill T. Miller
Pages 2, 3: Lillian Graham
Page 5: Matt Samolis
All Other Photos Courtesy of Skinny Vinny

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