We've been very lucky enjoy the talents of recent Kansas City arrival, Matt Otto, this session. He makes for a somewhat tight-lipped interview but is an incredibly insightful and giving musician. He's brought in some great music and I encourage everyone to come check it out on Jan. 15th. It's been truly inspiring to have an artist of his caliber in KC.
How do you practice improvising?
I try to play what I hear in my head.
Where have you studied music?
Indiana University, Berklee School of Music, The New School for Social Research, Cal Arts, and Cal State Fullerton.
Do you think that formal music education is a good way to produce a thriving music scene?
Not necessarily, some of the best "scenes" in history existed before the advent of Jazz Education.
Who is your favorite musician that plays your instrument and why?
Bach. As far as individuals in music, he may have influenced harmony and melody more than anyone.
What do you hate to hear/see whenever you see live music? A non-listening audience.
What do you love to hear/see whenever you see live music? A good listening audience.
What living musician would you most like to play with? Keith Jarret.
How do you feel about Wynton Marsalis? Good trumpet player.
If you went back in time and could start all over, what instrument would you play? Bass
What aspect of your playing do you feel needs the most work? The musical aspect.
What do you mean by "the musical aspect" of your playing? It seems to me that when we musicians refer to "musicality" what we're really talking about is taste. If say that someone's playing is musical what i'm really saying is that they have good taste. Or more specifically, I'm saying that I like their taste since taste is always subjective.
By musical aspect i mean playing what I hear in my head.
What makes a worthwhile jazz educational experience?
People
On a practical level, how to you organize your practice time? I practice everyday for as long as I'm inspired and I do what ever I'm inspired to do which changes every day. Some days I sing, some days I do long tones, but most days I try to play exactly what I hear and sing in my head.
La or NYC?... NYC
I read an interview with Mark Turner in which he said that the saxophone is deceptive. It's easy to initially learn but difficult to really get deep into. I've noticed that good sax players are pretty easy to find, but the distant between them and the elite players is actually a lot farther than one would think. Why do you think that is? How does one bridge the gap?
You can play by thought, or by fingers, but playing by ear is what makes a great improviser.
Great interview. This man is a legend when it comes to playing that instrument. I have seen his videos and it was just excellent! thanks for sharing this one to us.
Posted by: wench wear | 05/24/2010 at 02:52 PM