This isn't a parlor trick for Joe. His goal isn't to ape these musicians. Instead, he's merely exploring earlier styles in an effort to find his own bag. That bag clearly includes a healthy respect for jazz's vinyl era, which has been shoved aside by a more percussive attack. Which is a shame, since both are important.
“Houston told me to be mindful of two things. First, connect with the audience. He said, 'People who are coming to see you are paying money. They want to enjoy themselves. Play for the audience, not the reviewers. It's a big responsbility you have.' And second, he said, 'Never lose the blues. Musicians who lose the blues sound like they're practicing.'"
Joe shows the love on his new album. There are 12 tracks—two are originals and the rest regal standards. Included are They Say It's Spring, I Guess I'll Have to Dream the Rest, An Affair to Remember and Give Me the Simple Life.
Joe is maturing and I dig where he's heading. Love your audience and hold onto the blues. Great advice from Houston Person. I'd add a third: Learn from the past.
JazzWax tracks: You'll find Joe Alterman's Give Me the Simple
JazzWax SoundCloud: Here are two complete tracks from Joe's album—Give Me the Simple Life and Kelly's Blues:
This story appears courtesy of JazzWax by Marc Myers.
Copyright © 2024. All rights reserved.
