Roy Hargrove interview page 2

RH: They always say musicians are trying to play like singers, and singers try to play like musicians.

Smitty: (Laughing) True, true. You’re a singer too yourself.

RH: No, not really. I’m trying to just sing through the trumpet there.

Smitty: Yea man. Well it’s a beautiful sound that’s for sure. So now this whole thing with the neo-soul, and jazz, and blending those styles, when did you first develop this thought process to put those sounds together and what inspired you to do that?

RH: Well I was only thinking about it like that. You know, I just I don’t know. You know, I play the music I like.

Smitty: It really sat me up-side-down. It’s a great record. And “Distractions,” You got you your mentor there, or first influence, David Newman. That had to be a very rewarding experience for ya’.

RH: Oh definitely.

Smitty: Yea, and what a player. I tell ya’. Man oh man. So now what else is happening with Roy Hargrove? Man, what else are you working on?

RH: I got a big, band thing I’m working on now.

Smitty: Big Band, wow, how many pieces?

RH: 18.

Smitty: 18 pieces. That’s monster man. Will we see that on tour?

RH: I don’ know right now.

Smitty:  That’s got to be some heavy sounds there. What I enjoy too about both projects is I could feel that real heavy sound that phat sound of the horn, and I can imagine it at a large festival, but also in a club of one hundred. You know what I mean? It’s got that versatile, diverse vibe. Do you prefer that small room or the large room, or the outdoor festival?

RH: I like it all. I like playing anywhere that people listen.

Smitty:  Roy, I can’t say enough about both of these great projects. I certainly wish you well with them both, and hopefully I’ll get out and get to see you live and hear some of this stuff live. Because this is some great stuff you’ve laid down.

RH: Thank you.

Smitty: Alright, we’ve been talking with Verve recording artist Mr. Roy Hargrove, he has not one, but two great projects set to release May 2 . You’ve got to catch him live because this is a monster cat and he’s got some serious horn sounds. Roy thanks again my friend, and let’s hook up, and do it again.

RH: Alright.

 

                                                                                       Baldwin “Smitty” Smith

 

 

For more information go to vervemusicgroup.com