Graham Reid | | 3 min read
Momo
The recent debut album Square One by Auckland jazz guitarist Alex Pipes shone a spotlight on a real talent and former student in the jazz courses at Auckland University.
That connection allowed him to have some impressive tutors on-call for his album of which we said “he knew exactly what he wanted to achieve, found the players to help him do it and then pulled it off impressively. Quite an achievement.”
Timely then to have Alex Pipes answer some questions, of a jazz persuasion . . .
The first piece of music, jazz or otherwise, which really affected you was . . ?
Ozzy Osbourne’s “Crazy Train” when I was a young teenager. Features the coolest guitar riff and solo from Randy Rhoads which really got me deep into playing guitar.
When did you first realise this jazz thing was for you?
I was always interested in it but I think at age 16 - I had a great music teacher who introduced me to Charlie Parker and that was the turning point. Having the realisation that improvisation was what I enjoyed most about playing guitar/music really solidified my love for jazz too.
What one piece of music would you play to a 15-year old into rock music to show them, 'This is jazz, and this is how it works'?
Kurt Rosenwinkel’s album “The Remedy”. That whole album bridged the rock and jazz worlds for me (without being considered fusion). Massive solos, complex tunes, so much energy - if they get into that then they can work their way through the history, like I did!
Time travel allows you go back to experience great jazz. You would go to . . ?
Coltrane, Stockholm in 1961: John Coltrane, Eric Dolphy, Mccoy Tyner, Reggie Workman, Elvin Jones…
Which period of Miles Davis' career do you most relate to, and why: the acoustic Fifties; his orchestrated albums with Gil Evans; the acoustic bands, the fusion of the late Sixties; street funk of the Seventies or the Tutu album and beyond in the Eighties . . .
Depends on my mood but probably the acoustic Fifties. It’s all great though.
Any interesting, valuable or just plain strange musical memorabilia at home?
Unfortunately not, but one day I’ll get a vintage Telecaster! Just need to win the Lotto first.
The best book on the jazz life you have read is . . .
Herbie Hancock’s autobiography “Possibilities” - I’ve read it three times and will probably read it again. Such an inspiring story and written in a great linear way where you can check out his entire discography at a similar pace and get real deep into the music.
If you could get on stage with anyone it would be . . . (And you would play?)
Herbie! Something funky.
The three films you’d insist anybody watch because they might understand you better are . . .
Can’t say I’m a massive film guy but I can give you three things; music, wine and food.
A recent album you have on repeat . . .
Lonnie Liston Smith - Expansions.
One jazz standard you wished you had written . . .
“Body and Soul” has always been a favourite of mine. Such a beautiful melody and lovely chord changes to solo over.
The poster, album cover or piece of art could you live with on your bedroom forever would be . . .
Melbourne jazz artist Don Glori’s album “Welcome” has such cool artwork painted by artist Nick Dahlen. Love it!
Three non-jazz albums for a desert island would be . . ?
Khruangbin - Con Todo El Mundo
D’Angelo - Voodoo
IDLES - Joy as an Act of Resistance
Your dream band of musicians (living or dead) would be . . ?
Herbie Hancock, Jaco Pastorius, & Eric Harland.
And finally, is there a track on your most recent album you would love people to hear. And, if so, why that one?
Momo - this track feels like the perfect summary and encapsulates the vibe of the whole album; dance grooves, virtuosic improvised solos, big dynamic shifts and lots of interesting textures. If you like this one, you’ll probably enjoy the rest of the album too!
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You can hear and buy Alex Pipe's album Square One at bandcamp here
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