Such are the interesting thoughts of Steve Swallow that permeate this interview. Whether listening to Steve’s humble observations of his playing or his reactions to the giants of jazz with whom he’s played, this interview has a depth and range that will most likely require repeated listening.
2:15 Was Steve bred to play the bass?
5:30 His possible school teaching career if not for music
6:30 His dedication to the bass
7:15 His quest for the “right bass sound”
12:00 About the electric bass
14:00 is there anything you miss about the upright bass?
19:00 Extending his bass sound into the upper register
22:00 The ideal relationship between drummer and bass
24:30 Bass influences outside of jazz
25:30 Getting his fingers more “connected” to his bass
32:30 Seeing yourself musically from a third-party viewpoint
34:20 Considering Paul Bley
35:45 Steve’s first gig with Paul – organized by Ran Blake
43:30 What did you learn after that first gig with Bley?
47:15 The element of courage improvisation demands
50:00 What Bley might think of people practicing and planning out their music
55:20 The chemistry of Bley’s album Footloose
59:30 Emphasis on eyes versus ears in jazz
1:04:15 Steve’s thoughts on jazz education
1:08:50 Introspecting on one’s musical voice
1:11:40 Advice on finding one’s voice
1:13:40 Broadening oneself through an exploration of other arts
1:18:15 The benefit of curiosity
1:16:15 Poetry and his album, Home
1:29:00 Personnel choices on the album
1:31:30 Sheila Jordan’s contribution
1:35:10 Robert Creeley’s response to the album
1:37:00 Significance of the album name
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