1)
When it comes to Latin Jazz, what musicians have been your biggest
influence?
I can't single out one person
or band, but I could mention some names such as Eddie Palmieri,
Cachao, Tito Puente, Sonera Poncena, and the Gonzales brothers--
Andy and Jerry.
2) Tell me about your musical beginnings?
I started out on the piano
when I was very young and earned a degree in Composition from
Berklee College of Music, with a piano minor. Bass came later.
Latin music came very late, but with a vengeance.
3) How would you describe your musical
style?
My style with Eye Contact
has been steadily evolving. It is a culmination of a lifetime
in music. Essentially I am combining Afro-Cuban with modern Jazz
with elements of funk and world music. I do it with original
compositions and a few standards here and there. Composing is
a big part of my musical makeup. I have over 60 compositions
recorded and 10 CDs as a leader.
4) What is your favorite era of music
in the 20th Century? Explain?
I really thought the creative
energy of the 60's was not to be beat. Jazz really developed
in all directions and authentic self-statement was the cornerstone.
I also feel that was a great time for Soul music and Rock and
Latin. In Jazz: Miles, Coltrane, Mingus, Bill Evans, Cecil Taylor,
Albert Ayler, Sonny Rollins, Gil Evans, Ornette Coleman, Art
Blakey, Joe Henderson,Wayne Shorter and many others reached for
the sky at that time. To me that is what it is all about.
5) Let's talk about your most current
CD?
I try to be true to my intentions.
"New Beginning" is a CD of all original music in a
style that is endemic to this band. The music is fresh and It
features the musicians in a creative role. I purposely kept away
from doing re-makes of old standards. I have been leading this
band for five years and I want to be expressive in my musical
mission. I hope that some people realize that I am trying to
forge a path into the future and not just re-hash the past because
it will go down easier for record companies and radio stations.
I have written most of our next CD and the music is evolving
as I speak.
6) Can you tell me an anecdote or
favorite moment while recording "New Beginning?"
At the end of the tune "African
Heartbeat" Gregor Huebner breaks off and does free solo.
He is supposed to end the tune by himself, but I decided to spontaneously
change the arrangement and come in with the opening vamp instead-not
always a safe thing to do while recording. Suddenly when I came
in and started playing, the ' surprised' band joined in it sounded
rehearsed. I realize I was taking a chance, but everyone responded
so well. I try to keep the edge at all times. Most of the tunes
recorded were done on first or second takes. I recorded analog
and we only did one small edit on the entire CD. I am proud of
that. I leave in mistakes if they sound musical.
7) How do you see the Latin Jazz
scene in your area (NYC)?
The Latin Jazz scene is alive
in New York. Much of the Latin-Jazz from the 50"s to the
present came from New York. I do wish there were some more experimental
bands by musicians who understand the idiom and could take it
further. I do enjoy some bands in NY. I am trying to conjure
up a blend of Latin and Modern Jazz. It has taken many years
of experimentation and a lot of trial and error. I studied Afro-Cuban
and music from Puerto Rico and the Caribbean to a large degree
and I have played a lot of Son, Mambo, Changuii. I also have
had a long Jazz career in all styles. I hope I can crack the
door open a bit. I feel that Andy and Jerry Gonzales with Libre
opened doors at one time.
8) If you had to pick your favorite
musicians to accompany you on a concert, what would be your ideal
dream band?
I am very happy with the band
I have had together for 5 years. The most recent grouping has
been together solidly for over 2 years. I would of course love
to have Michael Brecker and Ray Vega guest. They played so great
on the CD. I love to have musicians players sit in when we perform.
So basically I have my dream band. I also would like to say that
musicians that play together a lot and have good chemistry will
most likely sound better than a put together band of all-stars.
9) What is the most important thing
you think about right before you're about to take the stage for
a concert?
Ideally before I go on I like
to clear my mind. Eye Contact is very well rehearsed so we get
up on the stage and we are focused. A lot of preparation goes
into our performance so that we are free to create.
10) Where do you see Latin Jazz heading
in the next 20 years?
That is a good question--one
that I can't answer. There are too many variables to consider.
I can say I would like it to go in a more creative direction,
but never losing the true essence and meaning." It don't
mean a thing if it ain't got that swing."
Make sure to visit Harvie's website
at: www.havies.com
interview by Bobby Ramirez
BRamirez@latnjazzclub.com
Publisher
LatinJazzClub Magazine
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