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Jordan Rudess

Interviewed by Gary Hill

Interview with Jordan Rudess from 2018

MSJ:

I know I interviewed you for Poetry of the Air, but shockingly we haven't done an interview with you for Music Street Journal since 2004. What's been going on recently in the world of Jordan Rudess?

Very excited at the moment about escaping the cold weather in New York and heading off to Stanford University’s CCRMA to be an Artist in Residence for three months!
MSJ: If you weren't involved in music what do you think you'd be doing?
Digital art...
MSJ: What's the best thing that's ever been said about your music?
That it soothes the soul
MSJ:
What's ahead for you?
I’m going to be continuing to do some solo shows at the piano. I will have some west coast US shows around March, and then in April I will tour in Europe for a few weeks. Stay tuned for more info on that!
MSJ:
Do you think that illegal downloading or streaming of music is a help or hindrance to the careers of musicians?
The fact that everyone gets music for free is the death of the music industry…
MSJ: In a related question, how do you feel about fans recording shows and trading them or posting them online?

It depends what kind of band you are. If you're Phish it's totally cool. If you are Dream Theater, maybe not. I like the spirit of and the freedom of sharing/trading, but it all depends on what the nature of the band's music and show are all about…

MSJ:
If you were a superhero, what music person would be your arch nemesis and why?

John Tardy because he is a death metal singer and spiritually opposite from my nature. Having said that - I have nothing at all against the guy, and he might be sweet and kind when he is not on stage!

MSJ: If you were to put together your ultimate band (a band you'd like to hear or catch live), who would be in it and why?

Morton Subotnick (the electronic guru)  Marco Minnemann (amazing) , Guthrie Govan (amazing guitarist)  and Mike Gordan (because I just saw Phish and thought he was cool)  Also this list is what came to mind when I’m typing this, and it would be awesome!

MSJ:
If you were in charge of assembling a music festival and wanted it to be the ultimate one from your point of view who would be playing?

Sigur Ros

Steven Wilson

Andy Mckee

Steve Horelick

MSJ: What was the last CD you bought and/or what have you been listening to lately?
I was just turning somebody on to Sigur Ros and listening to their album Valteri.
MSJ:
Have you read any good books lately?
I read music…
MSJ: What about the last concert you attended for your enjoyment?
Phish at the garden just the other day - wonderful concert with lots of peaks and valleys….
MSJ:
Do you remember the first concert you attended?

It was the Who at the Fillmore when I was 13 years old - mind blowing. They performed and introduced Tommy.

MSJ:
Have you come across any new gear recently that you love?

The coolest things are often apps for my iPad!

Beyond that, I’ll have my Steinway my Korg Kronos and my Seaboard…

MSJ: Do you have a musical “guilty pleasure?”

I like the Bridge station on Sirius...all mellow and gentle….

MSJ:
If you could sit down to dinner with any three people, living or dead, for food and conversation, with whom would you be dining?

Jimi Hendrix. Mozart and Anthony Bourdain..

MSJ: What would be on the menu?
Whatever Anthony chooses…
MSJ: Are there any closing thoughts you would like to get out there?

Life is a journey. I’ll see you on the road….

MSJ: This interview is available in book format (hardcover and paperback) in Music Street Journal: 2018  Volume 1 at  garyhillauthor.com/Music-Street-Journal-2018.
 
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