Janek, I just wanted to drop a note and tell you how awesome I think your tune "circles" sounds on "Mystery to Me - Live". It is a killer tune expertly performed on that record...and to me, it's really the benchmark of "what's going on now" in modern jazz composition and jazz performance. Super impressive all around, and I'm not one to gush.

If anything, you might try to give us just a little bit of insight into how you came up with that tune and arranged it. The main theme is so cool.

Will

yeah, it's a great one. i actually transcribed it. the harmonizations are really cool.

Will,

thank you for your kind words.

I came up with the song after listening to some Bulgarian Women's choir music. The intro riff is taken from an album by the choir.

I was thinking about a melody that could work at a double time or half time tempo and that's how the lines came about. I'm a big fan of reharming things so for the second statement of the main theme I came up with some voicings I liked to put under the melody.

I'm working on the new stuff right now actually. We're going to record in Feb. I'm making a live DVD in NYC which will be released as well as an audio version of the concert.

It's looking like Elliot Mason, Michael Brecker, Mike Stern, Tim Miller, and I'm still looking for the rest of the band. any suggestions for drummers would be more than welcome. I'm thinking about Steve Jordan, Keith Carlock or sean Rickman right now...

Easy,

Janek

Perhaps Zach Danziger? I'm a huge fan of anyone who's held down the drum chair with Wayne Krantz so Keith Carlock would be a fine choice as well ;)

I'm going to go ooold school and toss out Gary Husband on ya. Booya. I think he would be perfect.

KEITH CARLOCK, KEITH CARLOCK, KEITH CARLOCK!

That would be dope you one of my favorite new bass players
and one of my all time favorite drummers
holy crap!