"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:

Steve Guasch
Percussionist, Bandleader
Seattle, Washington, USA

Website: www.nuevaeramusic.com
Latest CD: Steve Guasch presents Nueva Era - " Haciendo Camino"

Steve is the leader of the Seattle band Nueva Era. His outstanding percussion playing has been recognized
throughout the Northwest, New York and his native Puerto Rico. At the present time, Steve is producing a latin jazz CD which will contain 4 salsa tunes as well, and arrangements and/or performances by Cubanismo's pianist Nacho Herrera, Ray Vega, Paoli Mejias, and Roberto Riverón, as well as arrangement by Portland's talent such as Lee Bradford and Brett White among others...

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

Born in Bayamon, raised in Magnolia Gardens in Bayamon, and later in 1st section of Santa Juanita,
Bayamon.

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

The singing prowess of Mr. Ubaldo "Lalo" Rodriguez and the Eddie Palmieri Orchestra

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?"

I remember my first contact with latin music was listening to my dad's LP's of Fania All Stars, Ray Barretto,
Roberto Roena, Corporacion Latina, Raphy Leavitt y La Selecta.

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

This is actually (believe it or not) the easiest question to answer, for me! Of course, hands down it's Lalo
Rodriguez solo effort " El Niño, El Hombre, El Soñador, El Loco", this album inspired me, made me aware of my Puertorriqueñidad", and my need to pass on to others the music that I love!. Me hizo crear conciencia.

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

Conga player extraordinare Paoli Mejias "Checkmate", Cuban pianist Ignacio "Nachito" Herrera. When it
comes to Salsa, Colombia is where it's at, Diego Gale and Grupo Gale.

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

After 6 pm. Why? It's when I'm finally done with the 9 to 5 slavery!

Q: "Are you a song writer?"

Not a lyricist, but I write horn sections an moñas, and percussion breaks.

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

I just think of a little riff and try to beat the hell out of it, trying to stay simple - and after it is embedded in my brain I start changing it. I record it and move on, try something new and repeat to whole process. It's not like I have a moment to write - an idea comes up and I whistle it all day until somebody tells me to shut up!

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

I practice bongo, which is my main instrument, rudiments and new licks, as well as rudiments on congas.

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

To be on time and have good attitude - that's half the battle, the music will flow. Also to get the crowd going,
catch their interest by giving it your all, everytime - no matter if you have a packed house or an empty club!

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

I'm a youngblood that is trying to play the music I grew up listening to, I'm a salsa gorda fan at heart, and a
fan of the big band sound of Machito's old band. I'm not trying to reinvent the wheel, just to keep the fire burning! I just want to play my music.

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

Old Salsa stuff from the Seventies, Progressive Rock.

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

A world without nuclear warheads! No immigration laws to bar people from travelling the world.

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

I exposed my daugther to the music I play in rehearsals and on festivals hoping she will follow my footsteps,
without imposing my will. She was impressed with the singers; she is now starting to sing in school functions! She will be attending a music program hopefully soon! She lives with her mom in Puerto Rico now.

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

Music to me is expression of emotions and a flow of moods. It's a rollercoaster of emotions, socially. When I play salsa, I refuse to sing double meaning songs that put people down.

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

When i was a teenager, It was just a "Rumba", and a party. I understand now that we can send a message
that you can reach people through your music, something positive! While still having a party and jamming!

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

Well everybody has to be in sync; the energy one projects affects the other, and so on. When you listen to a
live improvised moña, you can tell a band that's improvising from one that is just playing the chart. Something magical takes place. In our band, we play improvised moñas. To me that's a vital part of this music we love, and a lot of band nowadays are not using that element of improv! That's something that drew me to this music! I open up our songs for moñas, to keep that element of surprise - it keeps the band on it's toes, and the public wanting more!

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

Steven Guasch presents Nueva Era " Haciendo camino"

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

Lalo Rodriguez " El Niño, El Hombre, El Soñador, El Loco"

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

My all star salsa band!
Piano - Ignacio " Nachito" Herrera, Papo Lucca
Bajo - Edwin " Mulenze" Morales
Timbales- Endel Dueño, Tito De Gracia
Congas- Paoli Mejias, Giovanni Hidalgo
Bongo- Anthony Carrillo
Trompeta- Perico Ortiz, Chocolate Armenteros, Piro
Trompone- Lewis Kahn, Barry Rogers, Reynaldo Jorge, Jimmy Bosch
Baritone - Jose" Furito" Rios

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

Nachito Herrera, Edwin Mulenze - see all star band.

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

Louie Ramirez. A big influence - simple arrangements, yet memorable classics: Paula C, Sin Tu Cariño, his work with Fania All stars.

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

Criticism is important to me, although it's not gonna change what I do! I will present my music, and know not everybody is gonna like it, and that's fine with me. I'm trying to play the music I like, and stay true to myself! I know there will be people out there that will like my music! I respect what others have to say, it's the only way I will get better, as it will make me grow musically. There is so much to learn and so little time to live!,

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

Definitely. It is art in it's best form!

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

No! Without life, there wouldn't be music. However music will always be present in my life.

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

I couldn't say.

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

Pasteles y alcapurrias con un plato de arroz con gandules!

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

It would be kind of arrogant to think that in such a vast universe we are the only intelligent life form, I hope
there is!

Q: "If it were up to you, what would the names of Hermeto's pig and rooster be?".

Chunky and roaster the rooster

Q: "One piece of advice for musicians"

Just stay true to yourself, don't follow trends - as you reach'em they will be old trends, and you'll always be a
step behind.

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

Be open minded, give small independent labels a chance! Some of the best music in the world is not being
played on your local radio stations or in clubs.

Q: "One piece of advice for life"

Life is short - make sure you live your life to the fullest. If you are a musician, record your music, as it will live for ever!

Credits:
Allan Johnston - format questions
Eliseo Cardona - translations

Lea esta entrevista en Español visite www.anapapaya.com