For Places You Go, you took a different approach from your prior releases in that you did away with the bass and replaced it with an organ. But this guitar-organ unit isn't exactly playing the soul-jazz as one might expect from this setup. It sounds much more challenging and yet just as listenable and relaxing at the same time. It reminds me a lot like John Abercrombie's organ trio records of the nineties. What inspired you to go in this direction?
“Night” by John Abercrombie was a favorite record for quite awhile though I haven’t heard it in many years. The inspiration for this group is the musicians involved.
What makes Gary Versace (organ) and Tom Rainey (drums) such a nice fit for this current project?
I’ve known Tom for many years and heard him play with Kenny Werner, Fred Hersch, New and Used, Tim Berne, Ben Monder. I’ve also worked with him in different situations including “Polyogue” a record by Andy Laster. His approach to the drums, his sound and playing music with others is something I find unique. Gary Versace is inspiring to me as well, he has his own approach to the organ and the piano that expresses some profound things to me. Also he’s a very exciting player in the way he develops ideas, the way he hears and uses his vast technique on the keyboard.
Your musical career seems to be one where you're not afraid to experiment with different styles of jazz and trying out new things. What can we expect from you next?
I’m thinking about augmenting the trio with a horn and bassist and trying something a bit more ambitious compositionally, a larger work in the form of a suite.
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".