|
Songs Of David Jazz Links |
Christian Jazz Artists November Newsletter |
||||||||||||||
|
|
WHAT'S
INSIDE THIS MONTH'S NEWSLETTER This month we have an interview with Pianist/Composer Pat Coil. Pat has written and played for just about everybody and is a resident in Nashville Tennessee. He has a new CD ( excerpts and info on the CJA page) Pat also shares his favorite CD's in the CJA Faves section. Also this month the CJA download (free Mp3 song to download,) is, “Carnival” , a Brazilian Jazz song performed by Jazz pianist Rene Rosnes. We also have a great book review on Jazz arrangers, an article, "Jazz Is All About Freedom", and Jazz Midi Files resources. Make sure and check it all out!!
Each
month we ask a CJA participant to list 5 of his favorite
Jazz CD’s and share them with everyone. This is provided to
give musicians a chance to share with others what they love to
listen to and what has influenced them. The links to audio
excerpts are to provide readers the location of where you can
hear brief excerpts and even purchase ( new or used) these
recordings. (This months CJA Faves are shared by CJA Artist Pat Coil) Miles Davis "My Funny Valentine" Wayne Shorter "Speak No Evil" Thad Jones & Mel Lewis "Live at the Village Vanguard", Keith Jarrett "Standards" Weather Report "Heavy Weather".
Here
is the link: http://www.songsofdavid.com/CJA_Free_Download.htm
1) When did you start developing a love for Jazz music? Pat: Probably around 12 or 13 years old. Somehow I heard a Ramsey Lewis "live' record and was really mesmerized by how much fun he and the audience were having. I think it was the "In-Crowd" record. Also, my high school band director (Jerry Hoover) encouraged me and hired me for my first paying gigs at local dances. He loved jazz and took me to see the Stan Kenton band a few times which had a big impact.
2) Did you study Jazz formally and if so where? Pat: After high school I went to North Texas State U. (now NTU) on a tuba scholarship. This was also a result of Jerry Hoover, who made me play tuba in his marching band in order to play piano in the jazz band. I was there for 4 years and studied with Jack Peterson and Rich Mattison, two great teachers and mentors. I also was able to play with some great players who were in school there at the time. Lyle Mays was my room mate, and got to play with Marc Johnson, Stev e Houghton, John Riley and a bunch of excellent players who have gone on to have great carreers in the business.
3) Who do you consider some of the main influences on your writing and playing jazz? Pat: Keith Jarrett, Bill Evans, Lyle Mays, Joe Zawinul, Oscar Peterson, Miles Davis, Pat Metheny & John Scofield (off the top of my head)
4) Do you find opportunities for playing jazz as a Christian Jazz Artist starting to open up more? Pat: I find that jazz artists have about the same opportunities regardless of thier religious beliefs. As far as working as a "Christian jazz artist", I've never really categorized myself in that way. I do however, believe that our creative talents come from God, and that it is up to us to develop those gifts for the glory of God, and to bring the listener a little closer to the beauty of God's creation.
5) Tell us something about the other people playing on your new CD " True North"? Pat: Craig nelson is the bass player, and is without a doubt one of the best I've ever had the privilege to play with. His talent covers a lot of styles, and he can be heard on recordings by many major Christian, country and pop artists, as well as jazz. Jim White is also one of the best jazz drummers I've ever worked with, and has also recorded and worked with a wide variety of artists. They both have the combination of musical skills and spirit that I try to strive for. I've always tried to play with players whose talent exceeds my own.
6) Are you working on another CD project of your own? Pat: I've recently produced and recorded with sax player, Bob Sheppard (Steely Dan, Joni Mitchell, Lyle Mays etc.), and hope to release it soon. I've always got ideas and the desire for a number of projects, and hope to do most of them as time and money allow.
7) Do you find a spiritual connection in playing and writing music? Some writers consider the creative process to be a gift from the Creator and feel the spiritual connection very strong while writing music. What are your thoughts concerning this? Pat: Absolutely! There is no other explanation for some of the wonderful music the world has known. How else can a Mozart be explained? The arts are some of the best evidence of a loving God. He gave us the talent, and the senses that can be inspired by beauty.
8) How do you feel about the new worship music being produced today? Pat: I really like some of it, and have been fortunate to record a lot of it. When dealing with worship music that has essentially been derived from the popular culture, it's a challenge to not let the attitude of the music, and personalities of the musicians overshadow the intent of the worship experience. My personal favorites are old hyms, whether traditional or contemporary. I hope to record a disc of hyms in both a solo jazz piano setting and in a more contemporary band style.
9) Are you now playing keys for a Church? If so tell us a little about the style of worship music you are doing there. Pat: I do play for my church whever I'm in town, and it ranges from traditional hymns, praise & worship, and jazz arrangements of hymns. We have a diverse congregation spanning all age groups.
10) Do you ever get an opportunity to play your jazz music in a church setting? (If so please elaborate) Pat : Yes, I have done some jazz arrangements of hymns and have brought a band in to play several times.
11) What is your favorite church hymn and why? Pat: I think that my favorite is "Be Thou My Vision". It has a beautiful yet simple melody, and I love old English and Celtic melodies. Obviously I love the words.
12) Any plans in the making for a CD of church hymns and worship songs? ) Pat: Yes!
13) What has been your most challenging project that you have ever worked on? Pat: A few years ago I did a live record that was produced by my friend Lyle Mays called "Schemes & Dreams". The music we wrote was challenging yet very soulful. It was a wonderful experience to record what was a studio quality live performance.
14) You have played and produced for many top names in Jazz...what future goals do you have planned for yourself as a artist and a person? Pat: Right now I am balancing making a living and having a good family life, so my artistic goals are sometimes on the back burner. I have the strong desire to write and make music that matters, so I will always be trying, God willing.
Jazz Music Sounds Great in MIDI! You may or may not be aware that there is a great listening and learning resource for Jazz lovers online...Midi Files! Jazz has been called the only art form invented in America. From its roots in New Orleans and Chicago, jazz grew to influence musical styles around the world. If you are interested in the history of this music, a good place to start is Jazz Roots. Perhaps more than any other genre, jazz is particularly suited to MIDI. Most sound cards can reproduce percussion, fretless bass, piano, and other instruments typically used in jazz better than, say, orchestral sounds. There are many places on the Web to find good jazz. A complete list can be found in the MIDI Files: Jazz section. If you want to jump right in, the following list should provide all you need for many hours of listening pleasure:
Other
sites are listed in MIDI
Files: Jazz. In addition to these, there are hundreds of
pages by individual jazz composers. You can find these by searching
for "jazz MIDI." Keep the music playing!
To
unsubscribe, send an e-mail to unsubscribe@songsofdavid.com
with
the word "remove" in the SUBJECT field.
|
||||||||||||||
