Ximo Tebar: Merging Sounds Into a Jazz Style

Josep Pedro

Contributor since 2010

Josep Pedro is music writer and scholar from Spain. I am currently working on my Ph. D thesis, a comparative study between Austin's and Madrid's blues scenes.

Recent articles (14 total)

Published: August 18, 2010

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XT: Well, that's because I like many different types of music and depending on each moment I feel like doing something different.

AAJ: A common characteristic in your recordings is the presence of the organ. You've counted on the collaboration of some of the finest organ players such as Lou Bennett Lou Bennett
b.1926 , Dr. Lonnie Smith Dr. Lonnie Smith
b.1942
organ, Hammond B3 , and Joey DeFrancesco Joey DeFrancesco
b.1971
organ, Hammond B3 . What does the sound of the organ bring to your music?

XT: One of the standard jazz line-ups is the organ/guitar/drums trio. I am lucky to have been able to work regularly with some of the best jazz organists in the world. I owe that to Lou Bennet, with whom I worked as a musical director of his trio for ten years, going on tour and recording all around the world. Thanks to this collaboration I also had the opportunity to share stage and establish strong relationship with historic jazz musicians such as Benny Golson Benny Golson
b.1929
sax, tenor , Johnny Griffin Johnny Griffin
1928 - 2008
sax, tenor , and George Benson George Benson
b.1943
guitar .

AAJ: So you've played with many celebrated jazz musicians like the ones mentioned, and others like Lou Donaldson Lou Donaldson
b.1926
saxophone , Anthony Jackson Anthony Jackson

bass, electric , Tete Montoliu Tete Montoliu
1933 - 1997
piano , and Louie Bellson Louie Bellson
1924 - 2009
drums . Do you have some special memory you'd like to share?

XT: Thanks to all the tours, gigs, recordings and shared life experience in rehearsals and trips (hours and hours by plane or car) I have drunk from the original source of the precious elixir of true jazz. They have never taught me a music class.

AAJ: About a month ago you played with Raimundo Amador, by the IVAM (Modern Art Valencian Institute). How was the experience? Did you have the chance to rehearse?

XT: Raimundo is an accomplished musician. I learned a lot spending time and playing with him. He's a great person and he's very involved in music and the values it stands for. With Raimundo, as well as with other great musicians there's no need to rehearse in order to get on stage. We get on to play and at that moment something beautiful and interesting is created. In my opinion, that's the greatness and definition of jazz; the capacity of creating depending on what's going on at each moment.

AAJ: After reading many headlines and articles, both from national and international press, it seems you enjoy a prestigious position: you're respected both by colleagues and critics. What are your next goals?

XT: I've been into music many years, studying, playing gigs, collaborating in different projects, recording my records and producing other people's. I'm passionate about creating new projects and setting new aims and objectives. Currently I'm involved in an interesting and original project that we're carrying out in the IVAM. It's an attractive initiative that continuously promotes creation and experimentation around jazz music. As an integrated part of the museum activities it widens the offer to other arts like avant-garde jazz. My aim is to keep working, and I would love to contribute to consolidating Valencia as a cultural focus, known for its innovation and modernity. Also, making easier the integration of new social groups from different cultures through music, and giving support to cross-cultural interaction.

Selected Discography

Ximo Tebar, Celebrating Erik Satie (Xabia Jazz, 2009)
Ximo Tebar, Steps (Omix Records, 2008)
Ximo Tebar, Eclipse (Omix Records, 2006)
Ximo Tebar, The Champs, The Jazz Guitar Trio, Vol.4 (Omix Records, 2004)
Ximo Tebar, Embrujado (Omix Records, 2003)
Ximo Tebar, Goes Blue, The Jazz Guitar Trio, Vol.3 (Omix Records, 2001)
Ximo Tebar, So What!, The Jazz Guitar Trio, Vol.2 (WEA, 1997)
Ximo Tebar, Hello Mr. Bennet, The Jazz Guitar Trio, Vol.1 (WEA, 1997)
Ximo Tebar, Son Mediterráneo (WEA, 1995)
Ximo Tebar, Te Kiero Con K (Omix Records, 2002)
Ximo Tebar, Live in Russia (1991)