MusiConversations on Jazz

Our MusiConversation with Bob James, was originally recorded in the late summer of 2007 and aired September 2007.

In this inaugural episode of Music Conversations on Jazz, host Tom Schuman interviews legendary jazz pianist and composer Bob James. They discuss Bob's illustrious career, current projects, and the creative philosophies that have shaped his journey.

Key Highlights:

Bob James’ Current Projects:

• Bob shares his recent experience performing Beethoven’s Symphony with classical pianist Frederick Chu in a four-hand arrangement.
• Upcoming performances include tours in Japan with a sextet blending jazz and hip-hop, featuring turntablist Rob Swift.

Career Retrospective:

• Tom highlights Bob’s extensive body of work, from early albums like *Bold Conceptions* to collaborations with icons such as David Sanborn, Grover Washington Jr., and Paul Simon.
• Bob reflects on his acclaimed albums *Angels of Shanghai* and *Take It From the Top*, emphasizing his exploration of Chinese music and cross-cultural collaboration.

Cultural and Musical Exploration:

• Bob discusses how his *Angels of Shanghai* project blended his jazz style with traditional Chinese instrumentation, particularly the erhu. He describes the emotional depth of the instrument and the exceptional talent of young Chinese musicians.

Artistic Philosophy:

• Bob emphasizes the importance of innovation, balancing audience expectations with creative growth, and refusing to be confined by past successes.
• He views music as a universal language that fosters global understanding and strives for two-way cultural exchange in his projects.

Technological and Instrumental Insights:

• Bob discusses his evolving relationship with acoustic piano versus Fender Rhodes, expressing a growing preference for acoustic piano for its dynamic range and depth.
• Shares his experience refining piano sound with engineer Ken Freeman, resulting in pristine recordings.

Personal Anecdotes and Legacy:

• Bob recounts early influences, including Stan Getz, and his family’s subtle encouragement toward music.
• Reflects on the significance of music in fostering peace and unity across cultures.

As an extension to MusiConversations on Jazz, this episode of Schu-Memories features Tom Schuman recounting another memorable story from his decades-long music career, specifically his encounter with jazz legend Cab Calloway at the North Sea Jazz Festival in 1992.

The Setting: North Sea Jazz Festival 1992

• Tom describes the festival as an extraordinary event featuring legends like Cab Calloway, Chick Corea, McCoy Tyner, Betty Carter, and Gladys Knight.
• Spyro Gyra performed on the same night as Grover Washington Jr. and the Yellowjackets, making it an unforgettable experience.

The Challenge of Following Weather Report

• Reflecting on a previous year’s performance, Tom shares how daunting it was to perform after Weather Report, whose powerful set was both inspiring and intimidating.
• Despite initial nerves, Spyro Gyra successfully connected with their own audience later in the night.

Meeting Cab Calloway

• On the morning after Spyro Gyra's performance, Tom spotted Cab Calloway sitting alone outside their hotel.
• Sensing Calloway’s dejection, Tom approached him, introduced himself, and offered to get him something.

Sharing Ice Cream with a Legend

• Calloway declined coffee due to health reasons but requested ice cream instead.
• Tom bought cones for both of them, and they quietly shared a moment together, enjoying their ice cream without much conversation.
• The simplicity of this encounter left a lasting impression on Tom, who reflected on Calloway’s monumental contributions to music and culture.

Lessons from the Encounter

• Tom emphasizes the humility and grace he observed in Calloway, contrasting it with the weight of his immense legacy.
• He credits his open-hearted nature for allowing him to connect with iconic figures and cherishes the experience as a "brush with greatness."

As an extension to MusiConversations on Jazz, this episode of the Schu-Memories series, features Tom Schuman reflecting on his early career with Spyro Gyra and a life-changing encounter with jazz legend Count Basie.

Introduction to Touring and Festivals

• Tom recalls joining Spyro Gyra as a teenager and his excitement at playing in local Buffalo clubs.
• Touring internationally with Spyro Gyra opened the door to encounters with jazz greats and solidified his commitment to the band.

The North Sea Jazz Festival (1979)

• The band's first major international festival took place in The Hague, Netherlands.
• Tom describes the festival as a historic event featuring legendary acts like Ella Fitzgerald, Chick Corea, Dizzy Gillespie, and Oscar Peterson.
• Spyro Gyra performed alongside such icons as Grover Washington Jr., Woody Shaw, and Sun Ra.

Breakfast with Count Basie

• On the morning of July 14, Tom attended the complimentary breakfast offered by his hotel.
• While scanning the crowded dining area, he was invited to sit by none other than Count Basie.
• Joining Basie at the table were Ray Brown (renowned bassist) and Jim Hall (jazz guitarist).

A Memorable Conversation

• Tom recalls the friendly atmosphere, with the jazz legends sharing stories about their experiences, including the racism they faced as Black musicians in America.
• Despite being starstruck, Tom felt warmly welcomed and humbled by their kindness and camaraderie.

Key Takeaway

• The encounter left a profound impression on Tom, teaching him about the enduring spirit of community, friendship, and love among musicians, even in the face of adversity.

Closing Reflection

• Tom emphasizes the importance of these formative experiences in shaping his career and outlook on life.

This episode of MusiConversations on Jazz features Host Tom Schuman and Guest Jay Beckenstein, longtime collaborators and members of Spyro Gyra, in a heartfelt conversation reflecting on their 40+ years together in the smooth jazz genre.

Spyro Gyra’s Longevity and Legacy

• The duo reflects on the band's longevity, attributing their success to mutual respect, creative collaboration, and a shared passion for music.
• Their pioneering efforts helped define smooth jazz, with over 30 albums and 11 Grammy nominations to their name.

Early Days and Musical Influences

Jay’s Background:

• Jay’s musical journey was deeply influenced by his mother, an opera singer, and his father, a jazz enthusiast with an extensive collection of 78s featuring artists like Louis Armstrong and Art Tatum.
• Early lessons with a unique piano teacher taught him chords and improvisation rather than classical piano techniques, shaping his compositional style.

Formative Years:

• Jay met Jeremy Wall, a key collaborator, in high school, and their friendship laid the foundation for Spyro Gyra.
• The group emerged from Buffalo, NY, where Jay and his business partner, Rich Colander, started recording in a local studio with leftover time from other projects.

Breakthrough and Rise to Fame

Shaker Song:

• Spyro Gyra’s big break came with the local radio success of "Shaker Song", leading to increasing demand and eventual national distribution.

Studio Sessions:

• The band’s early recordings were funded through creative deals, including sharing studio time with Rick James, which introduced Jay to legends like Michael Brecker.

Creative Process and Musical Philosophy

Writing and Composition:

• Jay prefers melody-driven compositions, often rooted in improvisation and a personal connection to the music.
• Many Spyro Gyra songs, such as "Unknown Soldier" and "Impressions of Madrid", were inspired by specific experiences, places, or emotions.

Collaboration and Experimentation:

• Jay discussed integrating diverse influences, from Latin music to Andalusian sounds, often creating hybrid styles that reflect Spyro Gyra’s multifaceted approach.

Musical Highlights and Challenges

• The duo reminisced about their vast discography, including iconic tracks like "Morning Dance" and "Shaker Song", and their collaborative performances with orchestras and guest artists like Michael Brecker.
• They acknowledged the challenges of balancing commercial success with artistic integrity but emphasized their commitment to creating music that resonates emotionally.

Impact and Connection with the Audience

• Spyro Gyra’s music has always been about fostering joy and connection. Jay highlighted the importance of audience engagement, noting that their live performances reflect genuine camaraderie among band members.

Anecdotes and Personal Reflections

• The conversation included touching memories of band members, collaborators, and mentors, such as Jorge Dalto, whose influence extended beyond music to personal growth.
• Jay shared stories of navigating the music industry, including early struggles with funding and the serendipitous events that led to their breakout success.

Conclusion

The episode captures the essence of Spyro Gyra’s enduring appeal: a blend of innovation, heartfelt melodies, and a deep connection to their roots. Schuman and Beckenstein’s camaraderie and mutual admiration underscore the collaborative spirit that has defined their journey, making this conversation a celebration of both their personal and professional milestones.

This episode of MusiConversations on Jazz features Host Tom Schuman interviewing Peter White, renowned guitarist known for his signature nylon-string sound. Their engaging conversation, set in a small British pub in Los Angeles, highlights White's career, influences, and unique approach to music.

Peter White’s Musical Journey

Early Beginnings:

• White began as a pianist, developing a foundation that later influenced his compositions. His father encouraged musical education, introducing a piano to the household when Peter was young.
• Inspired by The Beatles, he transitioned to guitar, starting with an acoustic instrument and teaching himself by ear.

Career Evolution:

• Initially hired as a keyboardist by Al Stewart, White's guitar playing emerged when Stewart needed a Spanish guitar sound for the track "On the Border". This marked the beginning of White's journey as a guitarist, particularly with nylon-string guitars.
• A childhood accident involving his brother burning his electric guitar led him to embrace acoustic guitars —a blessing in disguise that defined his future sound.

Signature Style and Influences

• White is best known for his gentle, melodic nylon-string guitar sound, which he describes as his musical "voice." His playing style evolved naturally and is central to his identity as an artist.
• Influences include The Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, and Keith Emerson, shaping his appreciation for diverse musical genres.

Notable Collaborations and Achievements

• White collaborated with Al Stewart on iconic albums like "Year of the Cat" and "Time Passages", which helped establish his career.
• He has worked with artists like Basha, Rick Braun, and Jonathan Butler and performed with the Jazz Attack ensemble, sharing the stage with renowned musicians like Richard Elliott and Kirk Whalum.

Creative Process and Production

• White shared insights into recording on the road, often utilizing portable setups like Pro Tools and M-Box to capture spontaneous performances in hotel rooms or backstage.
• He emphasized the importance of emotion over technical perfection, believing the essence of music lies in the artist's personal touch.

Memorable Tracks and Themes

• "Promenade": Described as his unofficial theme song, it reflects White’s personality—charming, soothing, and uplifting.
• "For the Love of You": A personal favorite of White’s and a standout track on his album "Playing Favorites", featuring unique instrumentation like stand-up bass.

Current Projects and Reflections

• White continues to perform worldwide, balancing studio work and live performances. His focus remains on delivering authentic, emotionally resonant music rather than chasing commercial success.
• He expressed interest in exploring duo guitar projects and revisiting past ideas for future recordings.

Closing Notes

The episode celebrates Peter White's remarkable journey from a self-taught guitarist to a smooth jazz icon. It showcases his passion for music, the serendipitous moments that shaped his career, and his dedication to connecting with audiences through his unique sound. Tom Schuman praises White's artistry and friendship, wrapping up the conversation with mutual admiration.