Blue notes
Not all of Hong Kong composer/bassist Peter Scherr's music is readily accessible to those whose tastes do not run to experimental jazz, but with his latest release - Son of August on his own 1hr label - he has decided to mine a more populist seam.
'The idea for this album was simple,' says Scherr. 'An excuse to make music with a saxophonist whom I have admired for many years, Michael Blake. Originally we were going to do a tour of China in the summer of 2008, but the Olympics complicated arrangements to the point where I felt it best to cancel. The record came up because I still wanted to make music with Mr Blake.'
Scherr's albums are usually recorded in his own studio, idyllically situated in Sai Kung Country Park where the atmosphere is conducive to calm and concentration. That's where Son of August was mixed, but the sessions took place in the more frenetic atmosphere of Brooklyn, New York City.
'I wrote most of the music in the scorching month of August, hence all of the songs with August in the title. A lot of sweaty palms at the piano. I knew that I wanted the music to rock, and to stink of jazz. So I would need the very best kind of musical help,' Scherr recalls.
He knew who to call. In addition to Blake on saxophone he recruited brother Tony, a well-known bassist who works regularly with Bill Frisell and Norah Jones, to play his second instrument, guitar, and bass guitar on one track. Mike Sarin, his first choice for drums, was available, and so was a second guitarist, Brad Shepik.
Many of the tracks have a rock beat. But this is very much a jazz record, full of the leap-in-the dark improvisation in which Peter Scherr specialises, even if there are strong riffs and a backbeat keeping the music grounded.
There is an opportunity to hear Scherr and Blake revisit some of the tunes on Saturday with a new band he calls The Tectonic Quartet - currently on its Continental Drift Tour of China and Hong Kong - at Hidden Agenda (6/F, 25 Tai Yip Street, Kwun Tong).
Performing with Scherr and Blake will be Italian drummer Tommaso Cappellato and New York guitarist Teddy Kumpel.
In addition to the Son of August music, Scherr says the band will be playing tunes written by all four members and 'an African suite'. The music starts at 8.30pm and admission is HK$100 on a walk-in basis. No advance ticket sales.
Take Three
The Blue Album (2003): Scherr is the leader on 1hr's atmospheric inaugural release which takes inspiration from Brian Eno's ambient experiments and explores the possibilities of musical arch structures.
Kind Mind (2009): Japanese pianist Masako Hamamura's debut as a leader on 1hr with a trio set featuring Scherr and drummer Edward Perraud. Thoughtful spacious improvisations full of unexpected twists and turns.
Jazz in the Stone Age (2010): now an established working trio comprising Scherr and two Australians, pianist Matt McMahon and drummer/percussionist Simon Barker, Jazz Folk explore popular themes from an experimental jazz perspective.
