Pedro Giraudo’s album Desconsuelo recorded with his 13-piece band Mr. Vivo recently brought a fresh sound with its unique mix of jazz, improvisation, South American music and Argentine folk songs.
In his jazz-not-jazz interview Pedro talks about his influences, his move to NYC and why he can’t be heard with bass solos on his latest album.
Q: You were born and raised in Argentina and moved to NYC in 1996. Please tell me why you moved to the USA and what do you like about the USA that’s very different from Argentina (and vice versa).
Pedro Giraudo: I moved to NYC mainly to study jazz. As soon as I arrived to the airport I felt a very strong connection to the city, and I still do. I miss Argentina very much though. I love its quality of life, its values, its character, its music and the fact that my family is there. On the other hand NYC is one of the most energized cities I have known. You constantly feel the whole city pushing you to improve, to break your own limits. It’s indescribable. I think I could not have chosen a better place to study and develop as a musician than New York.
Q: Please tell me how the idea of forming Mr. Vivo came about and what do you want to achieve with your fellow musicians.
Pedro Giraudo: I formed the first version of my band when I graduated from Manhattan School of Music in 2000 and suddenly felt eagerness to compose. We have recorded three CDs so far: ‘Destiny of Flowers’ (septet, 2000), ‘Mr Vivo’ (octet, 2002) and the CD being presented now, ‘Desconsuelo’ (13-piece, 2005). Since its conception the band has been expanding, and my guess is that it will continue to do so.
It is pretty difficult to find people who commit to a band in New York; it took me some time to find the right people, but it was worth it. I write all my music, and I mean ALL my music, knowing who is on each chair. I’ll take this opportunity to introduce the band on the CD: Will Vinson, Ramiro Flores, Luke Batson, Carl Maraghi: saxes; Jonathan Powell, Tatum Greenblatt: trumpets; Ryan Keberle, Mike Fahie: trombones; Jess Jurkovic, piano; Jeff Davis, drums; Tony De Vivo, cajón; Sofía Tosello, voice.
My goal is to write and perform the best music my potential allows.
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