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Encore exclusive interview with Mary Halvorson
Experimental jazz artists Mary Halvorson (with the Mary Halvorson Quintet) and drummer Kevin Shea will play two shows at The Kitchen May 6 and 7.The two have played together in the musical trio, People. I got the great fortune of interviewing composer, and guitarist Mary Halvorson. Here’s what she said…
Have you performed in the kitchen before?
Yes, I performed there once with Matthew Welch’s band Blarvuster.
What do you think of the place?
It’s a beautiful space with interesting and eclectic programming, and I’m really excited to be a performer there again with my own band.
How would you describe your music?
Depends on whom I’m talking to. I grew up playing and listening to jazz, but I’ve been influenced by so many types of music that it’s hard to describe what it’s like. I try to create something that is an expression of what I’m feeling; something I feel is relevant, unique and personal at any given moment.
How does your creative process work?
Normally if I decide to compose I just sit down and improvise on guitar. Usually I can tell pretty quickly if I’m in the right kind of mood to compose…that is, if the ideas are flowing. If so, I just go with it and start writing down notes. Ninety-five percent of the time I don’t have an idea of an overarching structure beforehand. Composing for me is a very intuitive, non-intellectual process. Often when I get started, hours will pass without me realizing it…
What is your opinion of Kevin Shea as a composer and/or entertainer?
In both categories, genius. There is nobody like Kevin. He is a complete original as a person and on the drums. I never get tired of listening to him play. I have not heard his Quintet, but I’m sure it will be an amazing experience sonically, visually and in every other way!
How did People come to be?
I met Kevin in 2002 through a mutual friend. We enjoyed playing together and decided to form a band. At first it was going to be an instrumental project, but once I discovered Kevin’s crazy poems/stories/lyrics, I decided it would be fun to incorporate vocals into the music. So I started writing songs to Kevin’s words. We planned on getting a singer for the band, but the music became so involved that we decided it would just be easier if Kevin and I sang ourselves, despite that fact that neither of us are singers. From there we developed a pretty extensive book of songs, and the music has been growing and developing since. In 2008 we added a bassist and vocalist, Kyle Forester.
I would think you would surround yourself with musicians that you admire and respect. How does the music in your head, compare with the way your Quintet plays it?
The two are very intertwined. I initially wrote music for my Quintet having these specific musicians in mind, and then once I actually heard the music being played, that in turn influenced how I write for it. I feel very lucky to have these musicians as a part of my band.
Speaking of surrounding yourself with people, is there a chance we will hear some music from People at the Kitchen?
There is a decent chance that People will emerge at some point during the evening…
Do you have any fears about the release of Saturn Sings?
I don’t have any fears about it. A huge part of dealing with Saturn is releasing fears. The record is already recorded, I worked hard on it and I’m pretty happy with how it has turned out. Of course I hope people will like it, but if not, at least I know that I like it!