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Bill Petry's "Close Your Eyes": A Jazz Album Interview
An interview with jazz trumpeter Bill Petry about his debut album "Close Your Eyes", its production by Till Brönner, and his approach to achieving a unique, human-voice-like tone.
German
Germany
EntertainmentMusicInterviewAlbumJazzTrumpet
Rias Bigband
Bill PetryTill BrönnerChet BakerElla FitzgeraldLouis ArmstrongJames TaylorJoni MitchellMichael JacksonVladimir HorowitzSimon & GarfunkelCindy WalkerEddy ArnoldMichael Franks
- How did Bill Petry's collaboration with Till Brönner come about?
- Petry's collaboration with Till Brönner began after a chance encounter at a concert where he was blown away by Brönner's solo. Years later, Brönner offered to produce Petry's album, a collaboration based on shared aesthetic values.
- How does Bill Petry achieve a trumpet tone similar to a human voice?
- Bill Petry achieves a human voice-like tone on his trumpet through classical vocal training and a specific technique that allows air to pass slightly beside the mouthpiece, creating a softer, airier sound. This approach, while less efficient, allows for greater control and mimics the nuances of a human voice.
- What is the process behind the song selection on Petry's debut album?
- The album's song selection is guided by Petry's personal connection to the music and a focus on mood, featuring standards alongside songs from artists like Simon & Garfunkel and Michael Franks. The aim is a cohesive listening experience in contrast to the current streaming model.
- Why does Petry's album sound "out of time" and what statement does it make?
- Petry's debut album, "Close Your Eyes," produced by Till Brönner, evokes a classic, Chet Baker-esque sound, reflecting Petry's early musical influences like Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong. It's a deliberate attempt to break jazz stereotypes and create accessible music with a timeless quality.
- Is the subtle buzzing sound on the album intentional and what is its purpose?
- The "light buzzing" sound Petry produces is intentional, a stylistic choice aimed at shaping the trumpet's tone to resemble a human voice. While technically challenging and prone to mistakes, mastering it allows him to blur the line between trumpet and flugelhorn.