Interview with James Love


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)

Q: Out of an almost endless collection of jazz standards, you've choosen seven songs. Why did you recorded these particular songs? And which one of them is your favourite?

James Love: Well, when you are creating your own, a lot of what happens just happens. The CD was supposed to have about nine tunes, but due to time and budget constraints it came out seven. We checked the total time for the CD and it was a little over 40 minutes which made it a true CD oppose to a demo. The tunes that were selected are many that I have done hundreds of times. I wanted my first to really be strong, so I played it close to the vest. The tune "Invitation" was my favorite and one of the most recent tunes in my repertoire.

Q: I was very impressed with your version of Blue Moon. Please tell me how do you proceed with a song to add your personal note? Is there some kind of preparation or do you just can sing it impromptu?

James Love: "Blue Moon" was a tune that began playing in my head on its own like a lot of tunes I do. What I mean is, I hear arrangements playing tunes in my head. Sometimes it's the whole song or just a groove on top of the original melody. That's how "Blue Moon" came about. I was hearing this Pharaoh like beat and then I blended "Blue Moon" on top and it fit like a glove. Everyone appears to enjoy our version.

Q: To cite one of my favourite jazz songstress, Carmen Lundy: "We wouldn't even remember the names of Ella and Miles if all they had done was cover the songs and imitate the styles of Lady Day and Satchmo. We revere them because they both preserved deep tradition and expanded on it, to the best of their abilities". I think it certainly isn't wrong to record jazz standards on the first or second album to get praises and attention from the public, if the artist is able to adopt them and make the song his or her own like you did. What do you think of Carmen's remark and where do you want to be as an artist with your next album(s)?

James Love: I respect Ms. Lundy of course and will work with her one day. My next CD will be more of the same only better. We have already began selecting some other standards that we hope to breath in new life. James Love has many miles to travel and rushing only makes for poor quality. Since no one is rushing me, I am going to take my time making a good product that gives honor to the past legends and those that still breath among us. As for as originals, yes I will present my music to the world as well. Perhaps not on this next CD, but maybe the next. We'll see what happens.

Q: And talking about next albums, do you have already definite plans about a new album?

James Love: As I stated, we are in process of creating our next CD project. The tentative title is "GIFTS." When working as an independent it can be challenging. Of course it would be ideal to have a producer and be signed to a label. This is the goal, I think.

Q: According to the cdbaby page you are currently looking for a major label and distribution deal to put you on the jazz map. Aren't you afraid that your artistic independence and freedom may get lost when signing a contract with a major label?

James Love: Then I become a part of the machine like so many artist when we sell away our creative freedom. I hope to maintain some creative control, but when someone else is paying the bills what can one do. I would hope that whatever attracts the label to my music would only want to enhance its full potential, but within collaboration with the artist. If it were my money that would make sense to me.


For more infos visit cdbaby.com and read my review of Invitaions here.