In this episode, I sit down with Steve Lehman, visionary alto saxophonist and composer, to discuss his project "Ex Machina," a collaboration with the grammy-nominated Orchestre National de Jazz (ONJ). We talk in detail about his approach to composing and how the process varies according to the size of the group he's composing for—big bands versus quartets—and how he writes for other musicians so that they can shine while leaving space for his own solos. We compare classical to jazz and their differing approaches to improvisation, as well as improv in general, exemplified in his latest work, an interweaving of forms and patterns. Last but not least, we discuss his musical influences, including trombonist George Lewis and alto saxophonist Jackie McLean, with whom he studied for several years.
"Ex Machina" releases September 15, 2023
MUSICIANS-
Steve Lehman - alto saxophone, electronics
Jonathan Finlayson - trumpet
Chris Dingman - vibraphone
Members of Orchestre National de Jazz
Frédéric Maurin - direction, electronics
Fanny Ménégoz - flute, alto flute, piccolo
Catherine Delaunay - clarinet, basset horn
Julien Soro - tenor saxophone, clarinet
Fabien Debellefontaine - baritone saxophone, clarinet, flute
Fabien Norbert - trumpet, flugelhorn
Daniel Zimmermann - trombone
Christiane Bopp - trombone
Fanny Meteier - tuba
Bruno Ruder - piano, synthesizer
Stéphan Caracci - vibraphone, marimba, glockenspiel, percussion, synthesizer
Rafaël Koerner - drums
Sarah Murcia - double bass
Jérôme Nika - generative electronics creation & artistic collaboration
Dionysios Papanikolaou - IRCAM electronics
https://www.stevelehman.com/