Usually I have a small e-mail chat with the artists whose music you find reviewed here. Why not extent this a little and mail them a few questions after I’ve reviewed their records, I’ve asked myself. Hopefully, this will become a regular feature to jazz-not-jazz.
So sit back, relax and read an interview with James Love about his music and his Invitations album.
Q: Unfortunately you don’t have a website yet with more infos about yourself. So please tell me something about your life. What and who have turned you into (jazz)music and made you record your debut album?
James Love: Jazz has been a part of my life I would guess since I was about 11 or 12. My older brother use to let me hangout with him at times and he had this one friend we called him Minibell because that was his mother’s name. It was kind of an insult and cool and the same time. Anyway my brother’s friend just happen to be a great Wes Montgomery and Jimmy Smith fan. He had this 1964 black on black in black Oldsmobile 98 with an 8-track tape deck. They would cruise around town looking at girls and playing jazz tunes. It was considered very “cool.” I guess it kind of stuck in my head from those days, because from that point on Wes Montgomery has been one of my greatest (musical) inspirations. His rhythm and harmonics are non-comparable to anyone I’ve heard, even today. Making an album (CD) is the ultimate accomplishment for any respected musician. One has to create his/her legacy.
Q: How did you team up with the musicians featured on the album?
James Love: I met most of the cats from the CD working various gigs about town. Mark (pianist) and I have collaborated musically for over ten years off and on. This past two years have been the most productive. Ralph (tenor) and I connected about four years ago. He has been kind of like a coach. When I was coming back from a long hiatus, Ralph gave me encouragement. A truly good friend. Wendell is one of LA’s most gifted bass players. He is a serious musician. He and I met on a gig and when I started putting the group together he was available. Same with Cornell. He is a protege of the late Billy Higgins. He studied with Billy, toured with him, lived with him and plays, well like Cornell, but very gifted drummer. He listens and anticipates rhythms. Chuck (the other tenor) and I worked together with Mark years ago and he was kind enough to lend his talent to my project. Chuck also has his own group called CJS Quartet. And finally Charles Smalls. Well, Mr. Small in definitely a giant when it comes to him and his quitar. Charles is also in demand in the LA area along with his own solo career, he is the musical director for Barbara Morrison. To answer your question, GOD did it.(smile)
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