Pablo Held Investigates

(This episode is in German. The video version features english subtitles.) Die erste Platte von Wolfgang Muthspiel die ich gehört habe war „Real Book Stories“ mit Marc Johnson & Brian Blade. Das hab ich rauf und runter gehört und auch viel dazu gespielt. Besonders faszinierte mich Wolfgang’s Klarheit und seine Gabe besondere Räume für seine Bands zu schaffen . Andere wichtige Alben für mich waren „Air Love & Vitamins“, „Friendly Travelers“ & „Bright Side“. Ich habe seither mit großem Interesse Wolfgangs musikalischen Aktivitäten verfolgt und viel Inspiration daraus gezogen.  In unserer Unterhaltung spreche ich mich Wolfgang über die Klarheit seines Spiels, seine Gabe besondere Bands zusammenzustellen, Übemethoden, seine Zeit mit Paul Motian, Komponieren, das Trio mit Brian Blade & Marc Johnson, wichtige Konzerterlebnisse, Olivier Messiaen, eine Ballade von Johannes Brahms und vieles mehr. Viel Vergnügen!

When I asked my friend Percy Pursglove what he had been listening to lately, he told me about the piece “Partita for 8 voices” by Caroline Shaw. He said he had listened to the piece while driving in his car, but eventually he not only had to stop the car, but also stop the music – because he was so blown away by what he heard!! (I’m always looking for recommendations of this kind: when friends, colleagues or heroes of mine recommend something that they obsessing about) So on my way home I started listening to the piece and I was blown away as well! I couldn’t stop listening, had it running on repeat for a long time like I usually do when discovering a new piece. I immediately started checking other works by Caroline that were equally fresh and inspiring and also found lots of interviews that were really insightful. I’m so happy my friend Percy recommended listening to her work and I’m excited to share my interview with Caroline Shaw with all of you now! We talk about a lot of things, ranging from composition, inspirations, notation, working methods of the incredible vocal ensemble Roomful of Teeth and much more! Enjoy!

As I tell Dave Holland in the beginning of our conversation, on so many of my all-time favorite recordings it’s him playing the bass! He’s one of my biggest heroes in music and I can’t really put into words how excited I was to talk to him! In this conversation we cover a lot of things, ranging from Dave’s current activities, putting together repertoires, relaxation, his relationship with Jack DeJohnette, his tenure with Joe Henderson, harmonic experiments with Herbie Hancock, ear training, leading a band, composing,  Miles Davis’ record “Filles De Killimanjaro”, our memories of John Taylor, and much more… Enjoy!

I’m very excited to announce that the interview series will now be available as a podcast as well! Go to Apple Podcasts or Spotify to subscribe in order to get all upcoming episodes!