Throughout the years these musicians have played countless
gigs here in NYC and on the road, and most recently premiered the trio at the
inaugural Stowe Jazz festival. "As we grow as people the music develops in
many ways. We find multiple ways and approaches that we can explore; it's
really an amazing process. I've known Eric McPherson since we were kids. I'll
never forget the first time I got to play music with him. I think I was about
16 or so and I couldn't believe what he was doing way back then, and I still
can't right now. He is forever pushing the music forward and breaking musical
barriers. Rene and I met when I was in college. He was playing with the great
Arnie Lawrence. We've always had a great chemistry on and off the bandstand. Rene
Hart has such a beautiful way of approaching music. He has family across the
street and has been around NYC since he was a kid as well. Amazing to think
that we've been playing together for over 25 years! Both of these gentlemen are
two of my favorite people, and I wouldn't be who I am without them," says
Sellenraad.
Conceptually these three artists are coming at the music
from the same place. They have a deep love for the tradition, but are aware
that it's 2019 and therefore there is no limit to what is possible.
"Funny, the older you get, the further back you seem to go. But our music
encompasses a breadth of influence; it is in here and now but reflects the past
as well. Improvisation and the conversational aspect also play a major part.
You must listen and react, and it's usually not going to go how you thought it
would," states Sellenraad.
In thinking how to release some new music, Sellenraad really
didn't want to use the current model, but wanted to have something that would
develop more organically, over time, where the collective process was part of
the sound. This is more of the old model where bands would be in the studio and
let the tape roll, letting the music breathe and develop. He explained,
"for the last couple of years we've been recording here on Greene Street,
where I grew up, in my father's old painting studio. We started tuning the
room, playing, tuning the room more, playing, discussing, recording, drinking
espresso, etc., a very harmonious process. We are set up now so we can just be
three musicians playing and recording without constraints of any kind. The
room, and this process, is now a part of our sound. Green Street Vol. 1 will be
followed up shortly as Vol. 2 is already in the conception stage, and the guys
have some wonderful new compositions percolating.
Greene Street has a long history, not just for visual
artists, but also for music. "A couple doors up you had Ali's Alley and
Survival Studios, owned by the great Rashied Ali. Up on the next block was
Greene Street recording studio, Greene Street cafe, etc... Not to even mention
the loft jazz scene or everything happening in Greenwich Village, the epicenter
of jazz for decades now," explains Sellenraad.
With Greene Street Vol. 1, we are not trying to fit into any
particular musical box, we are just developing our sound. Every time we play it
is a further exploration of that and we sincerely hope the listener enjoys this
snapshot of where we're at!
Greene Street Vol. 1 was mixed with Ben Rubin and mastered
by Alan Douches at West Side Music. The album will be available through all
digital media outlets and on vinyl.
Will Sellenraad has earned a growing reputation of being at
the forefront of creative musicians working in New York City. Known for his brilliant improvisations and
his compelling, melodic compositions, this New York City native melds the
various styles, phrasings and concepts of the jazz idiom with the raw elements
of soul, rock and funk, to create a singular sound that is nothing short of
inspiring. A recipient of several grants from the New York State Council on the
Arts, Sellenraad is a mainstay on the NYC scene, and beyond, appearing at
storied jazz venues such as The 55 Bar, Smalls, Mezzrow, The Blue Note,
Birdland, The Iridium, the former Sweet Basil and many others.
Bassist Rene Hart is a unique musician who draws from a wide
range of influences. He has toured the world extensively, performing at major
Jazz and multi-genre music festivals including the North Sea Jazz Festival and
the Montreal Jazz Festival. Hart's television appearances include The Tonight
Show with Jay Leno and Late Night with Conan O'Brien. The artist incorporates
modern electronics with the traditional sound of the acoustic bass. Hart has
recorded and performed with artists such as David Amram, Julian Priester, Don
Braden, and Myra Melford, James Hunter, Anat Fort, Pete Seeger and many others.
Also a native of NYC, Eric McPherson came to prominence apprenticing
with legendary saxophonist and educator, Jackie McLean, and the innovative
pianist and composer Andrew Hill. Those foundational experiences cultivated
McPherson into one of the leading drummers in contemporary creative music.
McPherson continues the legacy of the musical giants who came before him. As
well as performing and teaching internationally with an array of today's
leading contemporary creative musicians, McPherson teaches privately and at the
University of Hartford's Jackie Mclean institute.
