"Questions, Questions..."

A series of interviews with the members of The Latin Jazz Discussion List. All the questions were submitted by other members of the group, their peers. Each artist was given a number of questions with the option of answering as many as they wished. Further discussion with the artist in this forum is invited...

Today's Subject:

Jon Fausty, Audio Engineer
Website: http://idt.net/~fausty.

Jon Fausty is a master recording engineer/producer, with a career that spans 33 years of professional experience within "state-of-the-art" technology, combined with a knowledge and a feeling for music that makes him sought after by artists and producers alike. Within the area of Latin music and Jazz he is extremely well-respected and is considered to be perhaps the best recording engineer in these fields.

Q: "Tell us a little about your childhood - where were you born and raised?"

I was born and raised in a small town north of NYC called Armonk.

Q: "Who was the most influential person in your life that affected you,and your decision to become an artist?

My parents always had music playing at home. But my uncle Jack was an electronics genius. I spent a lot of time in his Ham Radio shack. The mix of music and electronics seemed like a "natural" for me.

Q: "When did you first fall in love with Latin music - or - when did you first choose latin music as a career path? Can you remember which band or artist turned you on?"

As a young recording engineer, I fell in to latin music by working in a very inexpensive studio that was catering to "Fly By Nite" latin record companies. Some of my first latin projects back in the late 60's were Willie Rosario, Joe Bataan, Charlie Palmieri, etc.

Q: "What piece or pieces of music made the most impact on you and why?"

That's a difficult question but I guess Ruben Blades' "Maestra Vida" because I had to invent new technology in order to record such a work.

Q: "Who's an artist you think more people should be aware of..."

This changes from day-to-day - but today, Jose Lugo.

Q: "At what hour of the day are you most productive and why?"

I have to be alert when ever I'm in the studio.

Q: "Are you a song writer?"

In my dreams.

Q: "What kinds of things do you do to inspire your writing?"

My dreams.

Q: "What things do you practice day to day?"

Being a better engineer/producer.

Q: "What are your priorities when you go to the stage?"

When I mix live concerts I must make the group sound like their recordings so the audience will be able to relate.

Q: "How do you see yourself in relation to the 'tradition'?"

I've been told sometimes to "loosen up" because I tend to be too traditional when it comes to the format and mathematics of our music.

Q: "What music do you listen to when you are relaxing?"

None because when I am home, I'm usually resting my ears.

Q: "Give us a mental image of your favorite view in the world".

Oh I don't know, I guess for all of us to enjoy each others musical creations instead of unfounded criticism.

Q: "If you have children what kind of musical education have you given them or do you intend to give them?"

My 8 year old son wants to be an engineer like daddy. He hangs with me in the studio occasionally, watching and listening.

 

Q: "What does the music you play do for you, emotionally, spiritually, socially, whichever-other-ly?

Making music is my life.

Q: "What changes or landmarks in your life can you attribute to the music you play?"

A constantly evolving sense of values.

Q: "When the music is at it's best in your opinion, what is it that'shappening (to make it the best) and what do you feel?

To have the listener feel and understand the original intention of the composer.

Q: "What one CD of those you have recorded would you keep if the others were forever lost??!!"

Impossible to answer!!

Q: "What one CD of someone else's would you keep if all others were lost??!!"

Impossible to answer!!

Q: "Name an all-star band of your favorite musicians (and arrangers) or one band for each genre (charanga, conjunto, big band, etc.)"

There are so many but off the top of my head: Ruben Rodriguez-bass, El Negro-drums, Marc Quinones-congas,Bobby Allende-Timbal, Johnny Rodriguez-bongo, Jose Lugo-piano, Bobby F,Ozzie M and Piro R-brass. Naturally this changes daily depending on the project.

Q: "What musicians would you most like to play with, now living on earth or elsewhere?"

Everyone.

Q: "What band or musicians would you have wanted to play with from the past and why?"

Q: "Are critics important? Or do you rather see your music reviewed in the vanity press?Are you susceptible to bad reviews?".

My favorite critics are my peers.

Q: "Do you believe in music as art, as opposed to a product for merchandising?"

Of course.

Q: "Would you still be a musician even if that means you´ll die of hunger?"

I have...

Q: "If you had to choose a short segment (a few bars) from your work to represent you, which would it be?"

Parts of Chucho Valdes.

Q: "What food would you most liken your music to?"

A well mixed salad.

Q: "Do you believe in aliens? (HAHAHAHA!)"

I am one.

Q: "One piece of advice for musicians"

Be honest in your playing and writing.

Q: "One piece of advice for listeners (or dancers)"

Enjoy the piece for what it is. Not what you would like it to be.

Q: "One piece of advice for life"

Same as the previous answer.

Credits:
Allan Johnston - format questions
Eliseo Cardona - translations

Lea esta entrevista en Español visite www.anapapaya.com