Jazz is not “what” but “how”
September 24, 2009
Years back in Bali I had a band called Kayane. It was me as a lead vocalist with guitar and Ami Rosady , Eko Sumarsono on Bass (Ami and Eko are now member of Animo Band), Edy Siswanto on drum (now with Saharadja Band) and Yuri Mahatma on guitar (now with BIAO band).
Kayane was a great formation for me in the process of maturing my musicianship. Anyway, I am not going to tell you further about Kayane (maybe I’ll blog about it next time) but I want to introduce you to “down-to-earth” guitar player Yuri Mahatma.
Two days ago I sent an email to him if he would be interested to share his words about guitar and music on my blog. He agreed. So I sent him ten questions and he answered below:
When did you started to play guitar?
Yuri: I started when I was 13 years old. It was my sister’s guitar
Why guitar? Not drum or other instruments?
Yuri: Well, In my country it is relatively the cheapest instrument you can get, and it is very common to take when you hang out with your friends, sitting on a fence, getting high..you know.
Did you have formal guitar education?
Yuri: Well, not really formal but I took some private class from Martijn Van Iterson in Holland, he was one of the most respected guitar player in Europe, until today I guess.
I know you play jazz. Why Jazz?
Yuri: I don’t really care about the music genre. I love all kind of music as long it has space for me to improvise, if it means Jazz then, Jazz it is.
What was the artist or guitar player that has the biggest influence on you as a musician?
Yuri: My sister – Dian Pratiwi. She already was a jazz singer when I just started. I was pretty much influenced, especially in classic jazz. And of course by the great guitarists from the good old days, Jim Hall, Joe Pass, to name a few.
Let’s talk about your gear. What guitar do you use and why?
Yuri: I use Gibson ES 135. It’s cheap compare to other series of Gibson, and it has good response to sound effect, yet still gives you the warmth of ” f ” hole hollow tone.
What guitar would you suggest to buy for beginners and why?
Yuri: Buy a Fender Strat, it is very nice guitar, besides you still can sell it with good price in case you quit.
Do you teach ?
Yuri: Yes, I give lessons at Farabi Music school in Bali, and also some private lessons at home.
What would you advise for those who are interested in learning jazz guitar?
Yuri: Open your mind. Jazz is not WHAT, but HOW. You should try all possibilities with it.
Any last words you want to say for beginners?
Yuri: Take your time. Do not equip yourselves with too much sound effects as the greatest tone comes from your fingers..and be honest to yourselves, find the reason why you want to be a musician at the first place. Music is a lifetime learning.
Here is Yuri’s performance with his band BIAO
So what do you think? Please share your thought or retweet it. Thank you.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------Posted by Cha Cahyadi ~ Graphic Artist, Designer and Musician
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Comments
2 Responses to “Jazz is not “what” but “how””
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Agree, jazz is How. Not What. But too few who wants to understand/enjoy jazz. I always try to make a jazz event.
purwo
Thank you for commenting. Jazz for some, are quite complicated. Don’t know why – to me it’s just type of music you play. :)