JOE GARRISON: Tuner, Composer, Space Traveler (via San Diego Reader)

February 27, 2017 by 1888media

Reclusive jazz composer Joe Garrison is gearing up for the April 7 release of his latest avant-garde masterwork, The People Upstairs. In between tuning pianos by day and rehearsing with his large ensemble Night People by night, Garrison caught up with San Diego Reader music critic Robert Bush to discuss his unique view of the world:

“I was checking out the unisons, playing really high notes, and I realized the piano is like a spaceship — you can just hit a note and ride it into outer space.” “It all goes back to the question, ‘What is life?’ When my personality comes in contact with that energy in the universe — it manifests itself in music. With an orange tree it makes oranges. I’m trying to renounce music, but it isn’t going well. My duty is to write better music first. You can’t renounce cleaning the floor if the floor is still dirty!”

Riding through outer space is a good way to describe, “Moving Day,” the lead track from The People Upstairs. Play it here and if you like what you hear, head to Night People Jazz or All About Jazz for a free download of the 7-minute track.

And if you live in SoCal and want to experience a far-out night to remember, plan on hitting Dizzy’s in San Diego on April 8, whereby Garrison and Night People will perform the album in its entirety.

The line-up that night will include Lori Bell (flute/alto flute), Ariana Warren (clarinet/bass clarinet), Derek Cannon (flugelhorn), Brian O’Donnell (trombone), Melonie Grinnell (piano), Tim McNalley (electric bass), Michael Hayes (drums) and special guest, Jane Zwerneman (French horn). Tickets are $20.