Drummer Andrew Baldwin studied music at UW-Madison both within and outside of the western classical tradition with a focus on Afro-Cuban and Brazilian, as well as developing a unique voice with his jazz playing and compositions. This performance of original music includes Paul Dietrich, trumpet; Rachel Heuer, tenor sax; Sam Moffet, piano; Isaac Surprenant, bass and Andrew Baldwin on drums. Presented by the Madison Music Collective . Madison Public Library Central Branch, 201 W. Mifflin St. 7:30 PM. Free admission.
The inDIGenous JAZZ concert series provides a platform for Greater Madison’s jazz musicians to perform their original music. The Spring concert series, which is held in the Community Room at Madison Public Library’s central branch, continues on Friday, April 6th at 7:30pm, featuring the Andrew Baldwin Quintet.
In advance of the concert, JazzInMadison interviewed Andrew Baldwin, who recently completed a Master’s degree at the UW-Madison School of Music. His band will feature fellow UW-SoM alumni Rachel Heuer on tenor saxophone, Sam Moffet on piano, and Isaac Suprenant on bass, as well as Madison local Paul Dietrich on trumpet.
Jazz in Madison: Tell us about yourself and your group!
Andrew Baldwin: I’m really excited about this group. It was put together for this gig. I’ve played with Isaac, Rachel and Sam a lot (both at UW-Madison and around Madison on our own), and we play really well together. We all have similar instincts as to where we hear a tune going. And I’ve been a fan of Paul’s writing and playing since I moved to Madison, so I was stoked when he said he’d play with us.
JiM: Is there anything special about this performance? Where did the music come from?
AB: I live in Chicago now, so being able to come back and play my music with friends for a community that aided in my musical development is very special to me. Most of the tunes are mine, with several from other group members sprinkled in. All of my tunes for this concert have been composed during and after my time in Madison, or got some substantial revisions during this time.
JiM: You mentioned revisions. How does your music and your compositional approach change over time?
AB: It usually follows what I’m digging at the time. For example, I’ve recently been listening to Tigran Hamasyan and Thundercat a lot, and I feel that comes across in my writing. When I first started out, everything was pretty standard sounding, really using that popular song form. During my undergrad at UW-Whitewater, one of my jazz professors always wanted us to make things more hip. For him, that was odd meters and funky chord progressions, so my music started breaking away from sounding like good ol’ standards. Since Madison, more and more of my tunes have been written out. Lead sheets turned into sections of notated melodies and counter melodies and specific piano comping patterns with solo sections over minimal chord changes.
JiM: What else have you got going on, musically?
AB: In Chicago I’ve been freelancing, playing for dance classes and performances, subbing with community orchestras, playing for musicals, and teaching. Also keeping up on the writing. I think it’s time I take a shot at big band writing – pray for me.
JiM: Can you talk about some of your musical influences? Are there any local musicians who played a big part in your development?
AB: Compositionally, I would say jazz both new and old, mixed with some gospel, soul, and hip hop. Fusion-ish? Playing-wise, I’d say Elvin Jones, Mark Guiliana, Robert “Sput” Searight, and Jimmy Cobb, just to name a few. As far as local musicians, I would definitely have to mention Johannes Wallmann. He has been an integral part of my growth, both as a composer and a performer. I owe him a lot, and I’m glad I’m able to call him a friend (literally one of only a handful of people that can out-sarcasm me). I’d also like to give a shout out to Devin Drobka. He’s a really cool guy to talk to for music or drum advice, and his music and career inspire me to hit the practice room.
JiM: You recently attended the UW School of Music. Can you talk about your experience in their jazz program?
AB: Again, Johannes is doing amazing things. I loved all of the opportunities the jazz program at UW offers. Whether it was playing with top jazzers on their way through the city, performing at festivals, or being able to sit on stage with Snarky Puppy because only a few people (those few being in the jazz program) knew about their masterclass, this program is a wellspring of growth. Sam, Isaac and Rachel, who will be playing on Friday, are proof of this. I’ve known all of them from early on in their time at UW, and to see the players they’ve become is remarkable.
JiM: Would you have anything to say to a new listener of your music, or of jazz in general?
AB: I’d say to keep your ears open to new things, and try to throw away your biases. Too many people like to lump music into specific boxes. “I listen to everything except country,” or “I don’t really like jazz”. There is so much variety within these categories. The difference between artists like The Bad Plus, Tigran, Gil Evans, and Herbie Hancock is so vast, simply lumping them all into one category does yourself a disservice.
JiM: What’s next for you? Where can we hear you?
AB: If the funds ever show up, I’d love to record an album of my music, with this group. But for now, I can be heard on my website, youtube and soundcloud (all can be found from www.andrewbaldwinpercussion.com). Hopefully I’ll be back up to play in Madison sooner rather than later!
