The recent thread here about how many people were multi-instrumentalists promted me to throw this idea out here.

I'm working on a jazz project in my spare time.  The little bit of a name I've made for myself is in country
and Christian music, but I've still wanted to put together a decent jazz
project at some time or another, so I've started it.  One thing I don't
want to do is just create another standards album; hence my bossa
arrangement of the country classic "lonesome me", etc.

I've put together a Django gypsy jazz style version of the Cantina band
from Star Wars.  I thought it might be fun to work with someone I partially
know, or have met on some of the music websites and mailing lists I'm on,
rather than just hire a total stranger out of thin air to do the jazz
violin part of the song.  So I'm just throwing it out here to see if anyone has any experience and'or interest in some jaz violin work.

Best,
Rory

Hi, Rory...man, this sounds like FUN!. The best young jazz violinist I know is a kid named Zachary Brock, the son of a long-time friend and jazz trumpeter here in Lexington. He went to school with my son, finished his music degree in Chicago and now lives in New York city. He currently works producing his own solo albums and with the old John McGlauhlin Maharisnee (sp) Orchestra. He's a great kid, a trust fund guy, so he can afford to devote his time to his music career and a dynamite player.
He comes home frequently and blows everyone away with his pure talent. I'm, sure you can Google his name to have a listen. I'll ask his dad for contact information if you're interested.

Zak is a joy to be around!

Good luck!


Russ

Rory, Zach's dad isn't in the office today, but I just Googled Zach Brock and got all kinds of stuff. Take a look....


Russ

I fully intend to check him out. Thanks for the recommendation. I'm working a couple other leads from other people on other lists too; so it's nice to have some options. IF this kid is as good as you say, (and your opinion is valued I might add) and if he is willing to take on one of my oddball projects, then this should be a fun collaboration indeed.

Another potential source of schooled and talented musicians is the music dept. of your local university (often overlooked when you need studio tracks on the cheap). I did it both in Hawaii (UH-Hilo) and Tampa (USF). I even ended up co-teaching a jazz improv workshop during the summer (great fun). Some of the kids are absolutely scary with their technique. Check it out. They'll quickly let you know which of their peers is "studio ready".

chas

This is a very good idea. I have used college kids for background vocals; I've hired a student string quartet for a project, etc. Jazz violin is not something widely taught, with the ability to improvize. Especially when you live in rural South Dakota and the nearest college is 100 miles away, that being a small one. But you're right; college students are a very good source of musicians for cheap; and they're often very good, so long as they have an exact score to follow. Not many improv greats in my part of the country I'm afraid.

Wow! Zach Brock is really an excellent player! He's also been with some pretty heavy hitters and venues. I'm afraid my little project for fun won't do anything to brighten his rising star. But what the heck, all he can do is either accept or refuse. Can't hurt to ask.

Rory, Zack is absolutely a wonderful person and jazz innovator. All he cares about is playing, and, I'm sure, would be delighted to participate in your project on whatever level. He's now in his late 20's and is as respectful young man as you'd ever meet. His Dad is a lawyer and long-time jazz trumpeter and folk singer. His mom is a historic music vocalist, and his granparents own one of the oldest music stores in Lexington.

He's like me...ready to play any worthwhile music anytime. Tell him Russ Lay, from his dad's building (dad and I have offices in their family warehouses), gave you his name. That will either help or hurt (ha, ha).


I really admire what you're trying to do, and so will Zack.

Good Luck!

Russ

Rory, I just talked to Dan, Zack's dad. He is emailing Zack to tell him that you are a friend of mine, and that the project sounds like a really interesting one. I'd go ahead and contact him if you'd like, referencing our association/friendship. I'll bet he'll be cranked up about it!


Russ

Sounds like a winner to me. I visited his website, and all the contact info seems to direct to either booking agents or distribution agents. Will they forward a message to him if I were to send one?