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Interview: Andy Waddell
Source:
Eric Taylor
Q: How do you feel you have developed creatively with your new album, Alive? A: This is an honest trip. It came like Sunday boredom, almost baptismal, a dip in the river after a week’s bend. I've been writing and creating my own music for a long time, but everything on this album came from a different source. My heart finally came up for air after a lifetime of experimental asphyxiation. Every piece came about like a drought’s first heavy ...
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Saxophonist/Composer Yehonatan Cohen Releases Breathtaking New Album
Source:
Eric Taylor
The spellbinding artistry of Yehonatan Cohen's latest album Stories unveils not only the technical skills of a rising talent but his compositional wizardry as well. The result is an album that is breathtaking in its free-flowing energy and smooth craftsmanship. Cohen uses his saxophone to weave ideas with emotions, reeling in both the hearts and minds of listeners. On “Spring," Cohen's breezy saxophone is deepened by Gadi Lehavi’s sad, reflective piano. The track proceeds at a cool, leisurely pace, only ...
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Interview: Damjan Krajacic
Source:
Eric Taylor
Q: When did you start playing the flute? Did your family already know you had an interest in music? A: I was a bit late coming to the flute, at 19. My main instrument was electric bass, and I dabbled into classical guitar and piano a bit prior to that. Once I entered college, I was part of the jazz ensemble (on bass). Flutist Danilo Lozano was teaching it, and I fell in love with the percussive qualities of the ...
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Interview: Slovak Bass Icon Juraj Griglak
Source:
Eric Taylor
Q: When did you learn to play the bass? A: My father chose for me to play classical upright bass; he was a clarinetist in symphony orchestra. I went to conservatory for six years and then four years at university. After finishing my studies, I started playing in the Slovak Philharmonic Orchestra and have been playing there for 25 years. I started playing bass guitar when I was 16. I taught myself to play because there was no school at ...
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One Of Hawaii's Finest Jazz Artists: Jr Volcano Choy
Source:
Eric Taylor
Q: I'm sure you receive this question numerous times. Your name - where did you get it? A: Almost 30 years ago, I was on a road tour for Columbia Records. After one of our performances, a music critic who was present mentioned that the “trumpet soloist” blew like an “erupting volcano” and so the other musicians on that tour jumped on it and began calling me “Volcano." At first I discouraged them from addressing me as “Volcano,” but they ...
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Interview: Multi-Instrumentalist Paul Stafford
Source:
Eric Taylor
Q: You received your first drum kit at the age of five. Did your family already know you had an interest in music? A: I would say yes. The drum kit was purchased based on the constant beating on shoe boxes. My mindset was drumming as one would do in a school marching band. Although not being my main instrument, it definitely played an important part of my younger years as a multi-instrumentalist on stage in my brother's band. Q: ...
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Slovak Bass Legend Juraj Griglak Soars On New Album "Time To Fly"
Source:
Eric Taylor
Living legends have a reputation to live up to, but Slovak bass icon Juraj Griglak certainly accomplishes that on his latest album, Time to Fly. Renowned for his bass wizardry, especially his ability to weave through various musical styles such as jazz, funk, classical, and folk, Griglak never ceases to impress on this release. Those oblivious to the specifics of Griglak’s technical prowess will be reeled in by his invigorating and mesmerizing performances. The title track leaps from a whisper ...
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Grammy-Winning Saxophonist Tivon Pennicott’ Releases Soaring New Album
Source:
Eric Taylor
Imagine a diary with no words. Inspired by saxophonist Tivon Pennicott’s experiences from relocating to New York City in late 2009, Lover of Nature is exactly that; each composition is a soundtrack to a day in the life, a cinematic overview of what was. Given that there are no lyrics, the music is open to interpretation although Pennicott has revealed their origins. It’s actually better not knowing; letting one’s imagination soar through the skies can actually deepen the relationship between ...
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