7 Questions with Mary Halvorson

September 17th, 2009 § 0 comments § permalink

A big reason I wanted to start the 7 Questions project is to enlighten some of my readers to musicians who deserve wider
recognition.  Mary Halvorson is a guitarist who has recently gained some critical attention, but still unknown to a large audience.
Originally from Boston she gravitated to more avant garde jazz music at an early age. She then went to Wesleyan University where
she met an important mentor in Anthony Braxton.
Mary’s style is equal parts angular and melodic.This gives her music an interesting feel but it also doesn’t become repettitve. I
have yet to see Mary live, but hope to real soon.  Currently she is residing in Brooklyn and gigs all over.  Make sure to check her
website and pick up her latest disc, Dragon’s Head on Firehouse 12 Records.
Describe your first experience playing music.
Sad to say, I honestly don’t remember. I played classical violin from ages 7-11, so likely it was something to do with the violin.
The Violin Years are a blur. However, I do remember my first gig on guitar. It was at Berklee College of Music summer program when
I was probably fifteen. We were playing Little Sunflower by Freddie Hubbard. I was so nervous and my hands were sweating so much
that my pick slipped out of my fingers and fell on the floor.
What has been your most significant musical experience?
Meeting and playing music with Anthony Braxton.
What is the best advice on pursuing a career in music you were ever given?
Have low expectations.
What is your favorite sound?
Church bells.
Name some of your biggest non-musical influences.
Astrology and cities.
What was the most memorable concert you ever attended?
Probably the Art Ensemble of Chicago in Boston when I was a teenager. It was doubly memorable because I was with my father and it
was his most memorable concert as well. It opened up a whole world for both of us.
Put your iPod on shuffle and list the first 5 songs that appear
“Mean Old World” by Sam Cooke & the Soul Stirrers
“Are you Lonesome Tonight?” by Elvis Presley
“Divining a Hot Spot” by Gorge Trio
“A Night in Tunisia” by Art Blakey & the Jazz Messengers
“Madness” by Miles Davis

A big reason I wanted to start the 7 Questions project is to enlighten some of my readers to musicians who deserve wider recognition.  Mary Halvorson is a guitarist who has recently gained some critical attention, but still unknown to a large audience. Originally from Boston she gravitated to more avant garde jazz music at an early age. She then went to Wesleyan University where she met an important mentor in Anthony Braxton.

Mary’s style is equal parts angular and melodic.This gives her music an interesting feel but it also doesn’t become repettitve. I have yet to see Mary live, but hope to real soon.  Currently she is rMaryHalvorsonesiding in Brooklyn and gigs all over.  Make sure to check her website and pick up her latest disc, Dragon’s Head on Firehouse 12 Records.

Describe your first experience playing music.

Sad to say, I honestly don’t remember. I played classical violin from ages 7-11, so likely it was something to do with the violin. The Violin Years are a blur. However, I do remember my first gig on guitar. It was at Berklee College of Music summer program when I was probably fifteen. We were playing Little Sunflower by Freddie Hubbard. I was so nervous and my hands were sweating so much that my pick slipped out of my fingers and fell on the floor.

What has been your most significant musical experience?

Meeting and playing music with Anthony Braxton.

What is the best advice on pursuing a career in music you were ever given?

Have low expectations.

What is your favorite sound?

Church bells.

Name some of your biggest non-musical influences.

Astrology and cities.

What was the most memorable concert you ever attended?

Probably the Art Ensemble of Chicago in Boston when I was a teenager. It was doubly memorable because I was with my father and it was his most memorable concert as well. It opened up a whole world for both of us.

Put your iPod on shuffle and list the first 5 songs that appear

“Mean Old World” by Sam Cooke & the Soul Stirrers

“Are you Lonesome Tonight?” by Elvis Presley

“Divining a Hot Spot” by Gorge Trio

“A Night in Tunisia” by Art Blakey & the Jazz Messengers

“Madness” by Miles Davis

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