Episode #22

This session was a bit different from any session we have taped to date…in a couple of ways. First of all, the assembled group only performed two songs. Typically, we try and tape four or five. We also didn’t tape it in a music recording studio, but rather on stage at World Cafe Live…a first-class performance hall in Philadelphia, PA. That certainly created some unique technical challenges for us, as it is understandably not set up for any type of isolation for effective multi-track recording. We were also a bit tight on time, as we had to clear the venue after our gig so as to leave them with plenty of time to prepare for an evening performance.

Our assembly of musicians was also a bit unusual in that it contained 2 keyboard players, 2 saxophonists and, among others, an electric violinist. More specifically, our eclectic group was comprised of Jeff Coffin on saxophones (The Dave Matthews Band, Bela Fleck & The Flecktones, The Mu’tet), James Lloyd on keyboards (Pieces of a Dream), Alana Rocklin on bass, Lamar Carter on drums, Tyler Wood on keyboards, Jaared on saxophone and the great Tracy Silverman on electric violin. I have worked with both Jeff and Tracy on a few different projects, so I pretty much knew what to expect from them. Both are very original and true masters of their instrument. I was meeting Alana, Lamar and Tyler for the very first time.

The first song they decided to play was a tune of Jeff’s called Commonality. It took a little more time than usual for everyone to come together on an arrangement, but it was well worth it. Jeff is an interesting, and I believe, an important contemporary composer. His melodies always flow comfortably, oftentimes over complex, intricate and challenging changes. Such was the case with Commonality. They cut the 17:13 track on one take…with a number of very nice solo passages. After a short break, James then suggested the song Crazy, and proceeded to walk through its changes with everyone – as most were unfamiliar with the tune. This was also a lengthy track, coming in at 17:47. It too was recorded in one take.

This session really captured the vibe of a “jam band”…with lots of spontaneous improvising. You clearly picked up on all the communication that was taking place, not only in each song’s rehearsal, but in their performances as well. A very cool session, for sure.

– Tom Emmi / Producer