It’s been nearly one year since we went into the studio to record this album.
It’s been nearly two years since I began talking with producer Matt Pierson (Joshua Redman, Brad Mehldau) about what this album would be.
It’s been even longer since I began jotting down configurations for who might play this music, what songs would go on this album, and what the overall concept would be. Longer still since some of these tunes were born.
I knew it was going to be a great album; I got the best people for the job. I naively thought this might be the record that caught the attention of a Blue Note, Nonesuch or Concord Records.
Not because one needs a record label to release music these days.
Anybody can put their music on iTunes. All my records are available online. But if you want to reach a wider audience, get promotion, tour effectively, and make more records, you need help. Or you need to be independently wealthy.
I discovered jazz during the height of the young lion era. Wynton Marsalis paved the way in the ’80s; Joshua Redman, Roy Hargrove and Christian McBride carried the torch in the 90’s, and for awhile, every decent jazz musician in New York was putting out records — for a label — and touring.
But there’s a big upside: I get to make whatever music I want with whomever I choose. You can’t get dropped when you’ve never been picked up.
My style doesn’t fit neatly into a category like acoustic, straight-ahead, mainstream, contemporary or–God-forbid–smooth jazz, so it’s a blessing I don’t have to make music to please a particular record label.
I don’t have anyone telling me to make radio edits, use certain “marquee” players, what tunes to play, or that I’d sell more tickets/albums if I just wore leather pants and walked through the audience playing my sax high above my head.
That is something to be grateful for.
I’m also very grateful there are people in the world who dig my music. And thanks to technology, we’re able to communicate directly.
I’m beyond grateful to find myself in such talented company. To have musical friends and compatriots who not only understand my vision, but bring such life, intensity, and personality to it.
Does it take longer to produce and manufacture high-quality albums on your own? Yes. Will that prevent me from doing it? No. I only wish I could increase the pace of my output (hence the lament for a label [read: bank]).
People love to talk about how “easy and cheap” making music is thanks to laptops, home recording software and the web, but the fact is it costs considerable sums to hire the best musicians, engineers and studios.
You can buy tools and materials at Home Depot, but does that mean you should build your own house?
Anyway, here’s a track we are all very excited about. I hope it makes you smile.
This is phenomenal Bob! Thank you for sharing it, so groovy! 🙂
Thank you, Sarah.
Damn good….
Bob: The band is really connecting, and you sound great. Very soulful. This is the music I would make if I could. And no matter what happens to the CD, for the rest of your days you can sit back, listen to it and say, “I did this” with a big smile on your face.
Thank you, Mike. Much appreciated. And I agree 100%. That’s why I never skimp on the quality of musicians or studio. This stuff is forever.
Bob, this is absolutely incredible! I’ve been following you and your music since 2007 after seeing you on tour with John Mayer (I remember a particularly tasty solo on Belief that totally sold me on you and your skills). You are an absolute encouragement to so many musicians out there, and I admire your work ethic and desire to create beautiful art! I hope someday soon you will be able to reap the fruits of your labor!
Blessings!
Wow! Thank you, Zawadi.
Bob, you are still my tenor/composing hero. However, Tim Cappello was the man. I actually think modern jazz musicians take themselves way too seriously and there is no fun in the music. Shirtless killing saxophone should make a come back, as long as the guys is laying it down hard. Not saying gimmick for gimmicks sake, that is terrible, but a little humor and levity in jazz would be great. It was sad that the sexy sax man guy was the most famous sax player in the world for a bit, because of a silly prank, but imagine if he was motherfucker on the horn too. I am certainly tired of shows where the band members are dressed like unshaven hobos, no one smiles, no one says a word, everyone in the audience has their head down eyes closed because they are “deep in the music.” Looking forward to hearing you in NYC again because your shows are never like that and always a grooving good time.
So true: “I am certainly tired of shows where the band members are dressed like unshaven hobos, no one smiles, no one says a word, everyone in the audience has their head down eyes closed because they are “deep in the music.””
Love it! I look forward to the day when the cd is available. Killer band. Awesome.
Well, this certainly put me in a great mood this morning! This is absolutely fantastic! I think you can stop waiting for perfect 😉 this is it. Congrats on creating such a wonderful tune and sharing it with us. What a nice pre- xmas present.
Love from Switzerland
Babs
Hi Bob,
you sound great no this as usual. I like that version as much as you “live” version from a live life album.
I wish I could hear the full record pretty soon.
By the way you picture of the bad combo made me laugh so much. I’m not sure that Tim Capello would be happy to read it… 😉 Please order to Santa Clauss a leather pant, you will look fabulous and it will increase your women audience by 1000% ..;-))
Love this!!! On repeat.
FABULOUS! Love it, Bob! Congratulations!
Sounding slick dude, I have to say the mix, musicianship and creativity is phenomenal.
Keep on producing good music and inspiring.