Jacky Terrasson--a great source of inspiration

DaveAceofBass · #1 08-28-2007, 08:57 PM

I may be a bass player (upright and electric), but whatever I do I cannot get enough of JT. Everything I've heard of his blows me away. His incredible sense of lyricism and melody is fantastic. The rhythmic ostinatos he gets into are insane, and the compositions are gorgeous.

Last year I went to the IAJE conference, and I was invited to a special International Jazz Ambassadors party hosted by my friend, colleague, and former bass teacher Bill Pace. Bill now works for Chamber Music America, who hosted the party. But instead of going to the party, I went downtown and caught another one of my friend's rock bands. The next day I saw Bill and mentioned to him my admiration for JT and he told me that Jacky had been at the party the night before, that I could have met him. I might have had an opportunity to exchange info with him and maybe eventually get to play some music with him. I felt like a jerk for missing the opportunity, even though it was nice to see my old friend.

Now again JT is on tour, but he's not coming any close to where I live. Nonetheless, I feel inspired each and every time I listen to him play, on any album. Do any other TBers feel the same way? Is there some other musician, bass or not, that inspires you like that? Is there anyone you ever listen to and say, "Man, I wish I could play with that cat!" For me, that's JT.

jallenbass · #2 08-28-2007, 10:28 PM

I totally agree about Jacky. I had not heard of him when he came to our little town. I was just knocked out by his musicianship. Every tune took the listener on a varied and mind expanding ride. I've never had an artist hold my attention the way that he and his trio did.

The thing about listening to him on recordings is that you are on a short ride compared to his concerts. While it is still enjoyable the concert experience was far more satisfying to me.

Ed Fuqua · #3 08-29-2007, 11:01 AM

Hmm. One man's meat is another man's poisson, as they say. But the times I've heard Jackie paly, I just don't hear much of a line. There are virtuosic pianisms, lots of percussive effects, washes of harmonic color etc. But I just don't hear him playing ANY kind of extended melodic line. The last time I heard him was at the Jazz Standard last year, when the original trio (Leon Parker and Ugonna Okegwo) was touring again.

Not wigged.

DaveAceofBass · #4 08-30-2007, 03:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jallenbass

I totally agree about Jacky. I had not heard of him when he came to our little town. I was just knocked out by his musicianship. Every tune took the listener on a varied and mind expanding ride. I've never had an artist hold my attention the way that he and his trio did.

The thing about listening to him on recordings is that you are on a short ride compared to his concerts. While it is still enjoyable the concert experience was far more satisfying to me.

Why doesn't he come to my town then! I'll bet Charlotte is way bigger than Bend! I was so jealous when some friends of mine saw him in NYC a few years ago. Some other friends of mine saw him at Bonnaroo, and I missed that too.

DaveAceofBass · #5 08-30-2007, 03:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ed Fuqua

Hmm. One man's meat is another man's poisson, as they say. But the times I've heard Jackie paly, I just don't hear much of a line. There are virtuosic pianisms, lots of percussive effects, washes of harmonic color etc. But I just don't hear him playing ANY kind of extended melodic line. The last time I heard him was at the Jazz Standard last year, when the original trio (Leon Parker and Ugonna Okegwo) was touring again.

Not wigged.

You should read his website. He's far more into the melody of the tune than he is the improvisation. I've never seen him live.... Do you have "A Paris"? There are lots of melodic lines on both that album and "Smile". Perhaps they are not "extended" because he doesn't want to overdo the improv. I guess his philosophy is somewhat "Why try to play other great melodies over this tune that already has a great melody?" But like you said, everyone's taste is different, and I respect your opinion.

Ed Fuqua · #6 08-30-2007, 05:31 PM

Naw I bought the first record cause a buddy of mine was playing on it and I wasn't that wigged. When they came through NYC a couple of years ago I went mostly cause I wanted to say Hey to Leon since I hadn't seen him in a number of years. But again, I wasn't that wigged. But as you say, my not being wigged don't mean you can't be.

Given that, have you checked out much Mehldau?