Pablo Held Investigates Patrice Rushen
Sep 23, 2025
Patrice Rushen, a legendary pianist and composer renowned for her work in jazz and R&B, shares her rich musical journey. She delves into her orchestration process and the intricacies of composing for film, emphasizing the importance of musical subtleties. Patrice recounts memories of recording with Wayne Shorter and reflects on witnessing Weather Report sessions. She also discusses her unique piano techniques and the adaptations necessary for electronic instruments. Throughout, her experiences with icons like Miles Davis and Herbie Hancock highlight a lifelong dedication to musical expression.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Build Sound Before Speed
- Work slow and precisely to develop speed and control on piano through scales and arpeggios.
- Practice each finger's tone and play slowly to build musical muscle memory.
Treat Each Keyboard As Its Own Instrument
- Adapt your touch when switching instruments; piano technique doesn't directly translate to Rhodes or clavinet.
- Respect each instrument's unique action and shape your sound approach accordingly.
Simple Tweaks Make Rhodes Sing
- Keep an electric piano's mechanics in mind: use even touch and prefer subtle vibrato for warmth.
- Replace suitcase speakers and maintain even felt wear for the classic Rhodes tone.
