On many of the ethnic jazz recordings you are playing an electric saz, an unusual instrument for American audiences. Can you describe the instrument and its origin?
Saz is a Turkish long necked lute with three double courses of strings. It also has quarter tone frets.
And I see you haven't stopped there. Tell me about some of the other instruments you've picked up over the years.
I mainly see myself as a jazz guitar player that likes a lot of different kinds of music. That’s led me to experiment with other instruments like oud, cumbus, tambura, banjo, and saz but I feel able to express more on the guitar. Sometimes I like to try and evoke the feeling of those instruments with the guitar. The Bulgarian tambura has four double unison courses, I play that instrument primarily with Pachora and sometimes with Paradox Trio.
What are some of the non-jazz artists on the scene today whom you enjoy listening to?
Gillian Welch, James Brown, Shostakovich, Elliot Smith, The Beatles, Ravi Shankar, Willie Nelson
You and a number of other jazz artists from the NYC downtown scene emigrated over to Seattle back when it was gaining fame as the birthplace of grunge. What was it about its music scene that attracted musicians like you?
Actually I grew up outside of Seattle, went to public school, benefited from the music program that existed from Grade 5-12 and from the teachers that taught me. Then went to NY in 1990 and still live here in Brooklyn with my family.
Tell me about other bands aside, from the Commuters, you're currently affiliated with.
I have been performing with my trio primarily since 2001. Other performing activities include Joey Baron’s Killer Joey, Pachora, Paradox Trio, Simon Shaheen’s Quantara, Bob Brookmeyer Quartet, Dominique Eade, Alexis Cuadrado Group, Arthur Kell Quartet, George Schuller’s Circle Wide.
You've worked with a lot of outstanding musicians including Dave Douglas, Joey Baron and Paul Motion. How do their styles as a leader differ from each other and what have you learned from working with these greats?
I have worked with and learned many things about playing, writing, recording. and everything else to do with having a life in music. Generally, I feel like I am constantly learning from everyone I play with. I think of the leaders I’ve been fortunate to have worked with so far, Joey Baron has maybe had the biggest influence in the way he plays, organizes his music and leads a band. His music seems to invite a conversation among the players and that has become a goal in this kind of music. I aim for that with my trio. I also have a huge amount of respect for Simon Shaheen and his dedication to his art and instrument. He has to be one of the most grounded musicians I’ve worked with.
Article comments
1 - Mark Saleski
nice interview pico. i love it when an artist breaks away from stereotypes...i mean, just look at the list of music he listen's to. not even close to a pile of "whack jazz".