I met Wayne Horvitz in the early 80s in New York. He was one of the first people I met there. Loved his conception and his approach to music. One of my favorite composers too.
Then right afterwards I saw Marty play with the George Russell Big Band at the Vanguard. Really wanted to play with him. We met, and the rest is history.
I saw Ray Anderson play in Toronto with Anthony Braxton, before I knew anything about him. I was like, "this trombone player is crazy good!" Ten years later when we started playing together I remembered it was him that night! Ray put together a great band, the "Pocket Brass" I was lucky to be in for years, with the late, great Lew Soloff. Miss Lou.
Finally, I was standing on stage at the Detroit Jazz festival waiting to have soundcheck. Standing there was Carla Bley, one of my heroes. I started to introduce myself and she cut me off and said, "Oh, we know who you are. We hate you." Skip a beat and then, "Your music is too good." Big laugh. And for me, Carla Bley saying my music was good, well...then Steve sauntered up. We had a nice chat and I said, "would you play with me sometime" - which you should never ask by the way - and I could tell Steve's "yes" was sincere. I called him for this band and it was a wonderful 5 years or so we toured the world together. Something like dream for me.
So here's Bump, the classic version. Killing it in Bremen, exactly 22 years from today. Just another stop along the way.
credits
released May 7, 2021
Recorded in Bremen, Germany, May 6, 1999
Ray Anderson - trombone
Marty Ehrlich - tenor saxophone
Wayne Horvitz - piano
Steve Swallow - bass
Bobby Previte - drums
Written collectively by 40 different working musicians during the pandemic, this is a jazzy, soulful effort with a lot of heart. Bandcamp New & Notable Jun 30, 2020
Composer Asuka Kikitani was inspired by the vibrant nature of Minnesota to construct this gorgeous calendar cycle of percussive works. Bandcamp New & Notable May 30, 2023
supported by 22 fans who also own “Bump: the definitive concert - 2”
Jimmy easily would have fit in with this outfit, and it would have been a joy to listen to for another reason. These musicians are engaged and perform at the top of their game, every piece. Kenneth Pyron