On Songs From The Château, bassist/composer Kyle Eastwood’s communication is exceptional in these nine stimulating performances and his inspired interpretations are so vivid that they appear improvisatory in their approach. His arrangements also produce fascinating and delightful results, especially in these vigorous and sensitive performances with his band mates of five years – Andrew McCormack, trumpeter Graeme Flowers, saxophonist Graeme Blevins and drummer Martyn Kaine. Together, they demonstrate the beauty and grandeur of their recording environment – a 15th century castle with lush gardens – which makesSongs From The Château an entertaining addition to Eastwood’s universal music language and distinct bass voicings.
About the making of Songs From The Château
This latest addition to Kyle Eastwood’s acclaimed catalogue was recorded at the Le Château Couronneau in Ligueux, France. In a recent e-mail interview from his home in Paris, France we discussed several aspects of his creative process in connection with the making of Songs From The Château. When asked how the concept for the project came about, Kyle said “The initial idea was to record in an atmosphere that's a little less clinical than a recording studio. A friend of mine lives in Bordeaux (France) and suggested recording at his friend's Château. We visited the place and we thought the acoustics and atmosphere would be ideal for recording the album.”
The songs demonstrate Eastwood’s compositional integrity
The nine songs are all individually exquisite masterpieces and demonstrate Eastwood as a composer at the height of his creative maturity. They display a consistency of excellence and a huge variety of form and style, contrasting dynamics and relentless energy. “I started writing early last year, and I continued collaborating with the band members right up until we went into the Château to record. In fact, we composed one song, "Aperitif," during the recording sessions,” says Eastwood.
“Andalucía” and “Aperitif” both feature Eastwood’s virtuosity as a bassist during captivating solos that are punctuated by McCormack’s sensitive piano comping and Flowers’ muted trumpeting. These songs really work on all levels and are full of character, atmosphere and the distinctive feelings of the stories behind the songs.
Nurtured versus natural talent
“I feel that most professional musicians have some natural talent, but even the most naturally gifted have to put in a lot of practice to develop their talent,” says Kyle. He became interested in drums and bass at an early age after hearing the Count Basie Big Band at the Monterey Jazz Festival in 1977 when he was nine years old. He started with piano, and then learned some guitar when he was 12 and later picked up the acoustic bass when he was 14 years old.
Influences are viewed from myriad angles
Although Eastwood’s early childhood influences (his father is the acclaimed actor/director Clint Eastwood), his own combined musical talents, imagination and recent collaborations obviously play a role in his ability to create such wonderful music, Kyle says that he “tends to be most influenced by traveling to new places and cities and hearing music from other cultures.” His influences are viewed from myriad angles and accordingly, he was particularly impressed by the music from Morocco. Kyle wrote a song called "Marrakech" which was released on his album titled Paris Blue.
Eastwood was also inspired by the music he heard in South Africa when he was there writing music for the soundtrack to the award-winning movie Invictus which was directed by Kyle’s father. The initial idea for the song "Soul Captain" - which appears on Songs From The Château - was also written there. He performs “Soul Captain” with passion and commitment and his audience will understand that something really special has transpired within him and that the song is rich enough to accommodate his musical growth.
While many bass players are initially shaped as studio session players and/or sidemen in other bands, Kyle Eastwood had the great fortune to step into the spotlight as a leader with finely honed skills and the ability to communicate his musical visions. Now playing with a network of individually like-minded artists, he understands that his role is not just to play in the band but also to be an ambassador for music in whatever context he may find himself in – including a 15th century French castle. Songs From The Château is available on Rendezvous Records.
Sources:
- Eastwood, Kyle, interview by Paula Edelstein. Kyle Eastwood's Songs From The Château Is Rich In Rhythmic Colors (August 26, 2011).
- Eastwood, Kyle. Songs From The Château. Comp. Kyle Eastwood. 2011.
