Part 2 of Interview with saxophonist, Dan Oestreicher

Here is Part 2 of a very coherent interview with one of the hardest working horn players currently in New Orleans (or mostly out of it right now since he has been with the meteorically rising, Trombone Shorty and Orleans Avenue.)

Dan Oestreicher first hit the radar for this writer when he presented himself at a Naked Orchestra show at the Mermaid lounge and made clear that he should be playing with the group.  He did that for the rest of that evening and for a long time afterward.  

He played with many of the most forward thinking New Orleans musicians and frequently he is there right when they are looking the most forward.  This includes the The Other Planets, The Magnetic Ear, 3 now 4, James Singleton, Irvin Mayfield's New Orleans Jazz Orchestra, Roger Lewis's Baritone quintet (where Dan is playing Bass sax instead of his more heard, Bari sax,) The Naked Orchestra, The Jonathan Freilich group, his own group- The Diesel Combustion Orchestra, and more.  He is seen playing some tuba and really tends to go very deep when he is exploring anything, but especially music.  He also knows a good deal about saxophone lore and trade as well as the other end of the spectrum, analog synthesis.

He is in Trombone Shorty's band, touring constantly, and because of this he is in a unique position to discuss the meaning of New Orleans music (if there is really such a thing at all) and improvisation as it stands in the world outside of New Orleans. His perspectives are well informed and if nothing at all show a blazing mind for inquiry and a fearless and healthy statement of opinion.  He could go anywhere from here.  If you were into horse racing you might see him listed in the racing form as one to watch.

The interviews are still available as a podcast on itunes or from the interviews page here...

Audio interview with Other Planets leader, Anthony Cuccia

Anthony Cuccia- Percussionist, keyboardist, composer, idea man for The Other Planets. Anthony uses music both for social consciousness and for exploration of its own various technologies.  He is always striving for a new way to assemble his ideas.

Both parts of the interview have been posted and are also available as a podcast from the itunes store.

The interview

3 new interviews

Standby, for three new audio interviews. 

Anthony Cuccia- Percussionist, keyboardist, composer, idea man for The Other Planets. Anthony is uses music both for socially consciousness and for exploration of its own various technologies.  There is always a new way he is striving to assemble his ideas.

Dave Capello- a singular creative drummer with a desire for what is unique and portraying the importance of going for it even where there are risks involved.  Originally, from Kansas City, Dave has spent many years playing with a smorgasboard of the most interesting creative units. Previous to New Orleans he was in New York playing with The Bern Nix Trio, and William Parker.

Jeff Treffinger- Architect, song writer, cofounder of Tribe Nunzio, guitarist with The Geraniums, co-owner of The Mermaid Lounge and The Truck Farm.  That list is short and only covers the things that folks know most. He went pretty deep in this interview that discusses changes in the New Orleans music scene and the factors that contributed to it, as well as anecdotes that describe what it looked like at various times since his arrival.

Complete audio interview with James "Jimbo" Walsh

 A recent interview, in three parts, with composer, Dr. James P. Walsh is now up on the interviews page.  This one is really interesting for all of you into musical thought and its relationship to other areas of musical practice and life.  

If you are a local New Orleanian you may know him as Jimbo, bassist with Davis Rogan and Washboard Rodeo. Or as the the guitar player with The Other Planets. Or as the conductor of the Naked Orchestra. Or as director of the New Orleans New Music Ensemble.

Check it out here...