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george torrella

About Me

My Jazz Story

I was first exposed to jazz by my older brother who brought home Getz-Gilberto. He Bought me a nylon string Goya guitar, I failed auditions for a few bands and ended up subbing as a bass player in a wedding band with specific instructions given to me ... "when in doubt, lay out... if you're lost, go back to G and wait" years later I met a pianist/piano tuner who held a jam on Monday nights at his studio in NY for working musicians. He put out a bit of food and drink...and ended up tuning all of their pianos and their student's pianos too. He invited me to hang on bass and I did for a while, only to find that I really couldn't cut it... but there was usually an open drum kit. So, I tapped my foot, listened a lot, and remembered my earlier advice... and updated it for the kit... "when in doubt, ride it out...if I'm lost, go back to the ride and wait". The guys and gals that showed up were cool and gave me plenty of room to knock around and tips to grow. Eventually, I teamed up with two killers on bass and keys and I was able to start getting jigs with confidence. It was easy for me to talk about them, and I promoted every musician I had the good fortune of gigging with from one club to the next. So, if you're new to the jazz drum scene hang in there until you've met some cool cats that will work with you on YOUR gigs... Then get the gigs by promoting THEM. Stay humble, learn and listen to the tunes, learn how they play them...don't ask too many questions and try not to think too much when you're having fun playing! Remember, when you play with better players you get better...and don't be intimidated, it's your gig! Here's a link to a live unrehearsed gig CD... enjoy! http://kunaki.com/DigitalDownload.asp?PID=PX000H18MJ&Token=XF1mdomQr0ZYqi