Jazz pianist and composer George Cables is known for his uniques takes on classic composition.
Cables has performed all around the world and this Saturday, July 13, he will perform with the eponymously named George Cables Trio as a part of Gretna Music’s 2019 season.
Each week this summer, LebTown will be previewing who’s playing next at Gretna Music—leaving you time to purchase tickets or get more information on the artists by visiting the Gretna Music website or Facebook page, or calling 717-361-1508.
So, without further ado, here’s your chance to learn more about George before the concert this Saturday!
How would you describe your performances to someone who hasn’t seen it before?
George Cables: Energetic, lyrical, swinging, anything that makes sure that the music is lively and alive; spirited. Hopefully music that will draw the audience in.
What inspirations have gone into the performance?
George Cables: I guess the inspiration of a lifetime. I’ve had the good fortune to have played with and learned from Dexter Gordon, Bobby Hutcherson, Freddie Hubbard, Art Blakey, Max Roach, Joe Henderson. Many, many people. To me, the preparation is from a lifetime of music. Actually one of the earlier things I’ve had the good fortune of rehearsing for Duke Ellington, and maybe we’ll play one of his pieces too. As a matter of fact one of my basic philosophies of music—of jazz, anyway–is the title of one Duke Ellington’s songs, and that is “It Don’t Mean A Thing If It Ain’t Got That Swing.” So, if it swings or bumps. I think the drum is a very important component, if not the most important component in jazz and that, I think can’t go away.
What has the experience rehearsing and putting it together been like?
George Cables: I’ve been playing this repertoire for a while, so some of this music will be from latest CD and some of the experiences of doing tours with a quartet or with a trio. Our bassist found out he had a previous commitment, he kind of found out at the last minute, so I’ve been able to secure the services of Daryl Johns, he’s a young bassist. A bassist extraordinaire. He’s the son of drummer Steve Johns. We have yet to get together but we’ll get together closer to the performance. With Victor [Lewis, drummer], we’ve been playing together for years and years and years, so it’s not like it’s a completely new band that doesn’t have experience playing with each other. I’m sure Daryl will fit in great.
Where is the most unexpected place you’ve heard or played amazing music?
George Cables: There have been a few, but i can say many years ago I played inside a volcano, in, I think it was the island of Lanzarote, outside of Spain. There was a concert hall in this volcano. Obviously the volcano was dormant! (laughs).
What would be your Jigger Shop order?
George Cables: Vanilla bean ice cream probably. I’m a simple soul!
If you go…
7:30 July 13, George Cables Trio
“Art Pepper called him ‘Mr. Beautiful” for his piano mastery.”