Bassist Aaron Germain has new release "Before You Go" - Q&A
Throughout
the album, Germain's compositions take center stage. While the quality
of his playing is obvious, Germain never uses the tunes simply to
demonstrate his talent—neither does he push his own instrument too far
to the front of the mix. The result is a beautifully balanced recording
that gives all the musicians space to play. The key to the eclecticism of Before You Go,
bassist Aaron Germain's first album as leader, can be found in his
stated aim as a musician: to be "picky about quality, not genre."
Germain's ten original tunes take in straightforward hard bop, blues,
Latin and funk styles—and the quality is always high. Read complete review at allaboutjazz.com
Video of Germain with Brian Andres and the Afro-Cuban Jazz Cartel
Video of Germain with Brian Andres and the Afro-Cuban Jazz Cartel
Q&A:
Q: What was the idea behind the CD?
A: The idea behind this CD was to finally have something of my own, which I could be proud of; something where I had complete control, to make it sound the way I want.
After many active years as a sideman bass player, I have a pretty big collection of interesting recordings that I have taken part in; but nothing as gratifying as this recording. This CD represents me very accurately. These are my tunes, my arranging, my bass playing; and the players are all my top choices among the people I play with locally.
Also, being fairly diverse in the music I play and listen to, I wanted the represent a variety of genres. I avoided a sort of 'in your face' diversity; the tunes are all basically jazz.
Q: Tell us about the feel of your CD
A: There are many styles I play which didn't make it onto the record (salsa, West African, classical, etc.) but hopefully these influences creep their way into the compositions and playing in a way that amounts to originality within the jazz genre.
Q: How do you feel about the album.
A: I am delighted with the outcome, and am delighted that everyone who participated did such a great job; particularly the engineer, Mr. Dan Feiszli, who is also a fantastic bass player. I have received much praise about how warm the album sounds and how accurately the instruments were recorded.
Q: When is the big event?
A: My CD release party will be on May 13 at 8pm at CODA in San Francisco, Calif., 1710 Mission St.
For more information, please visit http://www.facebook.com/l/11644;www.aarongermain.com
For feedback, please write to aarongermainbass@gmail.com.
Posted by Pete McConnell at 3/6/2010 10:00 PM 
Categories: uncategorized
Tags: aaron germain jazz blog
Categories: uncategorized
Tags: aaron germain jazz blog
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