Pino Palladino's diverse influences shaped his versatile playing style, from Motown to Spanish guitar.
Collaborative album creation process with Blake Mills emphasized organic evolution and experimental spirit in the studio.
Deep dives
Exploration of Collaborative Music Creation
Pino Paladino and Blake Mills, renowned session musicians, collaborated on the experimental jazz project 'Notes with Attachments'. Drawing from diverse influences like West African, Cuban, and English folk music, the album features talents like drummer Chris Dave and saxophonist Marcus Strickland. The discussion delves into their musical origins, creative processes, and the joy of collective music making.
Musical Evolution and Influences
Starting with humble beginnings learning hymns in Catholic school, Pino Paladino's musical journey progressed with influences like Motown and Stevie Wonder. Transitioning from a Spanish guitar to eventually picking up a bass, his inspiration stemmed from the diverse music scene around him, shaping his versatile playing style.
Session Work and Musical Adaptability
Navigating the world of session playing, Pino Paladino highlights the importance of adapting to diverse musical genres and artists. His approach involves understanding the core of a piece and enhancing it with his unique musical personality, showcasing his prowess as a sought-after and versatile session player.
Innovative Music Creation and Recording Process
Blake Mills and Pino Paladino discuss their collaborative album creation process, emphasizing the organic evolution of their tracks in the studio. From fleshing out chord sequences to experimenting with arrangements with fellow musicians, their innovative and experimental spirit shines through the record, reflecting a modern approach to music creation.
Pino Palladino and Blake Mills are renowned session musicians who recently collaborated on their own album, Notes With Attachments. It’s an experimental, jazz-leaning project that blew Rick Rubin’s mind. Pino Palladino is a bass player who has played on records with everyone from D’Angelo to The Who to Adele. Guitarist Blake Mills co-founded the band Dawes in 2005, and he has gone on to release critically acclaimed solo albums and produce records for the Alabama Shakes, John Legend and Fiona Apple.
Three years ago, Pino and Blake started collaborating on what would become Notes With Attachments. The album features other incredible session musicians and pulls from influences as diverse as West African, Cuban, and English folk music.
Rick talks first with Pino Palladino on today’s episode about those wide array of influences, and how hearing Motown music as a young boy in Wales changed his life. Pino also walks us through his evolution to becoming one of the most in-demand session players. Later Blake Mills joins the conversation to talk about collaborating with Pino and why he feels bad for the touring musicians who have to play his bass parts on the road.