What does improvisation mean to you? Do rehearsals and preparation detract from this process?
Improvisation to me, is expression, discovery, sharing, responding, communication through sound… somewhere between ‘known’ and ‘unknown’. Rehearsals and preparation are also improvisation in many contexts, so I think it’s all part of a beautiful endless process.
How does the process of collaboration with other musicians affect your solo work as an artist?
I’m constantly collaborating. That’s a huge part of my work as an artist in general. Whether it’s creating a new ensemble, curating a collaborative lineup for a performance, or starting a 50/50 collaborative band that keeps evolving, I’m learning and always enhancing my awareness through others contributions. My solo work is really an amalgamation of that.
What do you do to reset the energy in the room, say if something live is not working for you?
I try to find inner balance, channel a deeper focus. Maybe play a different note or dynamic that completely shifts the tone or mood of the music. No way to really know how the next step will go either!
Who or what is exciting you most about the current wave of music in NYC / London right now? How do you feel they differ?
Hmm, I’ve really only experienced a short moment of London in this trip. I used to play here a lot in 2018-2019 but that feels like a while ago. So I can’t really speak on the wave here at the moment beyond the performance we just did, which was really special. I’m very grateful to Theon & Moses, they interpreted the music with a lot of care and fire energy, and George Riley was also a great addition as a special guest - completely spontaneous and fresh. I really dig Florence Sinclair as far as “new” UK sounds.
New York is constantly changing, but there’s definitely a ton of motion there at the moment. Lots of new music being made and new connections. I had a residency curating music at my friend Lucien Smith’s restaurant FOOD, that was a great experience.
Who would be some dream collaborators for you?
I’m pretty blessed to say I’ve accomplished a lot of my dream collaborations, but I think I’m more interested in building festival lineups in sight specific locations at the moment. I’d love to collaborate with Jeff Mills, The RZA, Beth Gibbons, Massive Attack, Mos Def, Imogene Heap, The MET Museum, James Turrell, Martin Scorsese.
What have been your most memorable live shows, either your own or ones you attended?
Recently performed with my new band Universal Space Jam featuring Daniel Carter & William Parker - that was a special multi-generational moment. A lot of the self-curated Onyx Collective moments were incredible. Our 20th anniversary commemoration to 9/11 at Abrons Art Center was unforgettable. Recently I heard Blacks Myths featuring Marshall Allen, that was amazing. When I got to hear Yusef Lateef before he passed away that was very special.
What was your favourite moment from your show at Library Lounge last weekend?
I really enjoyed experimenting with some of the new samples I chopped on my SP404. It’s a new instrument in my live set, so it’s an addition that brings a unique experience for me. It’s cool to put down the saxophone and listen to the drummer and connect with samples in a more percussive manner. Particularly this classical music strings sample, I think that moment was beautiful.
