READ EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW – Click the READ MORE link below. The first of four inDIGenous JAZZ concerts in the Spring original music series kicks off with the Jon Hoel Trio. This inventive trio features Nuggernaut veterans Jon Hoel, tenor sax; Ben Ferris, bass, and Kelby Kryshak, drums. Presented by the Madison Music Collective. 7:30pm, Madison Public Library central branch. Free Admission.
In advance of the concert, JazzInMadison interviewed Jon Hoel.
Jazz in Madison: Tell us a little bit about yourself, and your group!
Jon Hoel: I’m a saxophonist born and raised in Madison. I went to UW-Stevens Point for saxophone performance and I’ve been playing professionally in Madison since I returned in 2005. I’ve led this trio since 2013 and I’ve had this lineup, with Ben Ferris on bass and Kelby Kryshak on drums, since 2015.
JiM: Is there anything special about this performance? New music, or anything like that?
JH: This performance is special because we will be playing all original music and many compositions will be brand new, written specifically for this show. I’m also excited because we’ll be featuring at least one composition from each member of the band.
JiM: Would you say your music has changed over time? If so, how?
JH: Yes, definitely. I continue to be influenced and inspired from all the artists around me. I’m constantly listening and studying music across genres and consciously, as well as subconsciously, incorporating that into my playing and writing. Also, my wife Katie and child Julius offer a wellspring of inspiration and motivation.
JiM: What other groups do you, personally, play with? How do you approach playing in this group versus any other musical endeavors?
JH: I have an instrumental funk/jazz group, Nuggernaut (editors note: Nuggernaut played on the inDIGenous series in 2016), a funk band Better Yeti, an Otis Redding tribute band called Don’t Mess With Cupid, and I’m a member of Ben Ferris’s Octet, to name a few. I also enjoy the challenge of playing freelance pick-up gigs. I approach all these groups with the intention and effort of being fully prepared. I always say you can learn something on every gig – what to do and sometimes what not to do. The Trio is one of the groups that provides a more creative outlet as we play mostly original material, so there is more prep work in terms of composing and arranging.
JiM: Can you talk about some of your musical influences? Are there any local musicians who played a big part in your development?
JH: I always answer that question with my big five tenor sax influences – John Coltrane, Sonny Rollins, Dexter Gordon, Joe Henderson and Hank Mobley. That’s a little simplistic as there are so many more. One thing I like about jazz, which isn’t really duplicated in any other music, is you can check out one record – let’s say John Coltrane’s Blue Train – and start checking out all the sidemen. Lee Morgan, Curtis Fuller, Paul Chambers – all amazing musicians with tons of recordings. And then you start checking out their records, and so on and so on. It really never ends and, for me, all those recordings and experiences are influential.
Anders Svanoe was my private teacher in high school and he has had a huge influence on me. He really got me excited about jazz and music in general. He taught me a lot about being a musician with both his words and actions. I owe him a great deal.
JiM: The landscape for jazz in Madison has been changing; what recent developments are you excited about?
JH: I think we’re in a good place, or, at least, things are improving. There are some great new venues that are successfully showcasing jazz and creative music like North Street Cabaret and ALL (Arts + Literature Laboratory) while other venues like Alchemy continue their jazz commitment. There seems to be an emphasis on creating new music which I love. Programs like the inDIGenous Series are providing amazing opportunities to showcase musicians and their talents that weren’t necessarily there before. As always, musicians are supporting other musicians and there is a great sense of camaraderie in the city.
JiM: What would you like to say to a new listener of your music, or of jazz in general?
JH: PLEASE, PLEASE LIKE ME. Seriously, not all music is for everyone but give it a try. Maybe even a second listen. Try some new things out, eat some green eggs and ham.
JiM: What’s next for your group? Where else can we hear you?
JH: We will be recording a studio album very shortly after this show. We have a monthly residency the last Wednesday of the month at Alchemy. It’s a fun time where we try new things, play some classics and eat sweet potato fries.
