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Take Five With Eric Normand
Eric Normand is a composer, improviser, bassist, instrument designer, singer-songwriter, and a record and concert producer. He defines himself as an inter-disciplinary musician—a free electron driven by its yearning for meetings. In his book, composition cannot exist without exchange since composition consists of setting up a territory that will facilitate improvisation.
His music has been programmed or performed in several festivals in Canada, Australia, and Europe. His music has been broadcasted by Radio-Canada, Australian Broadcasting Corporation, CBC, Radio- Grenouille, and several college radio stations.
Instrument(s):
Electric bass.
Teachers and/or influences?
I had chance to work with Jean Derome, who led our big band. In the field of creative jazz, Jean Derome is one of my biggest influences along with
Bill Dixon
trumpet1925 - 2010
Fred Frith
guitarb.1949
Steve Lacy
saxophone, soprano1934 - 2004
Isaiah Ceccarelli
drumsb.1978
Toshimaru Nakamura
guitarI knew I wanted to be a musician when...
I heard
John Coltrane
saxophone1926 - 1967
Your sound and approach to music:
Freedom. I love to compose music where my band mates can surprise me at any time.
Road story: Your best or worst experience:
Playing during Halloween with a pianist who put a mask on. I realized that the pianist sat on the other side of the room and I didn't who was playing play—scary.
Your favorite recording in your discography and why?
Sur Un Fil, because it's really personal. It was recorded in one day without any preparation with great musicians like Jean Derome and Michel F Cote.
The first Jazz album I bought was:
Stellar Regions (Impulse, 1995), by
John Coltrane
saxophone1926 - 1967
What do you think is the most important thing you are contributing musically?
Freeing the people.
Did you know...
I build instrument and stomp boxes. I'm also songwriter and play vintages banjos.
CDs you are listening to now:
Ratchet Orchestra, Hemlock (Drip Audio);
Robert Wyatt
drumsMichel F Cote, 63 Apparitions (&records);
Ron Carter
bassb.1937
Lol Coxhill
saxophone, sopranob.1932
Roger Turner
drumsBill Dixon
trumpet1925 - 2010
Desert Island picks:
Everything from
Bill Dixon
trumpet1925 - 2010
Steve Lacy
saxophone, soprano1934 - 2004
How would you describe the state of jazz today?
Better and worse than ever. There's a whole generation of incredible young musicians, but times are hard for medias and album sales.
What are some of the essential requirements to keep jazz alive and growing?
People listening and being curious for new adventurous music.
What is in the near future?
I'm now working on a duet LP with
Jim Denley
fluteb.1957
What's your greatest fear when you perform?
Being good?
What song would you like played at your funeral?
"Lonely Woman," by
Ornette Coleman
saxophone, alto1930 - 2015
What is your favorite song to whistle or sing in the shower?
"La Chat Qui Peche," by
Robert Wyatt
drumsBy Day:
Art director for a free music festival.
If I weren't a jazz musician, I would be a:
Poet.
Photo Credit
Courtesy of
Eric Normand
bass, electricb.1977
Tags
Eric Normand
Take Five With...
Canada
Montreal
Bill Dixon
Fred Frith
Steve Lacy
Isaiah Ceccarelli
Xavier Charles
Toshimaru Nakamura
John Coltrane
Robert Wyatt
Ron Carter
Lol Coxhill
Roger Turner
Jim Denley
Ornette Coleman
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