Ashton and Kyle

 

 

Could you introduce yourself?

My name is Kyle Dick. I grew up in the U.S, in the state of New York. I recently graduated from Bethel University where I studied Reconciliation Studies (Peace and Justice Studies) with a minor in World Religion Studies. Last month I moved to Chilgok with my girlfriend to teach English.

 

Do you have any special reason to like Jazz?

Ever since I was young my father has introduced me to many different styles of music (Rock, Blues, Jazz). He let me listen to his Miles Davis albums, the first Jazz tune I remember enjoying was Davis’ song “So What”. Soon after I began exploring many different American Jazz artists (John Coltrane, Thelonious Monk, Herbie Hancock and Pat Metheny). My father is a music lover and passed that on to me, he would take me to many concerts throughout my childhood, including the Rochester International Jazz Festival (which has sparked my interests in some of my favorite current Jazz artists, The Bad Plus and Medeski Martin and Wood). Jazz was a breathe of fresh air for me. Before I was turned on to Jazz I strictly listened to Rock and Blues, but there was something free to Jazz, less limitations, more improvisation, and emotion that could not be emulated by the use of the guitar. However it was not until I listened to John Coltrane’s album “A Love Supreme” that I fell in love with Jazz. To this day this album remains one of my favorite pieces of music ever written.

 

How do you feel the Daegu International Jazz Festival?

I was fortunate enough to have attended 2 of the 3 nights thus far. Both of the two nights far surpassed any of my expectations. There has been a great deal of diversity among the artists I have seen thus far. And I am excited for what is to come the next few weeks. The atmosphere is wonderful as well, lots of fans and friendly faces in the crowd. I really enjoyed the Japanese jazz band lead by the classically trained pianist on Saturday night. Upon coming to South Korea, I was saddened by the realization that I would be missing both the Rochester International Jazz Festival in (New York) and many other great live concerts. However after the great music this weekend my thoughts were no longer on the music I will be missing back in the U.S, rather my thoughts become full of anticipation to the many more artists I will be lucky enough to enjoy at the Daegu International Jazz Fest in the weeks to come.

 

Could you tell me about Ashton’s Music?

Unfortunately I do not know a great deal about his music. However I have seen a musician that he has collaborated with many times, Christian McBride. This being said I having listened to his music in the past I have been greatly impressed by his talented voice and in addition, I appreciate the way he honors past great Jazz Vocalists. By performing songs written by (Al Green, Stevie Wonder, and Eddy Jefferson) Moore encourages listeners to dig deeper into some of the great Jazz vocalists. In the past I have listened to strictly instrumental Jazz, but Ashton’s music has encouraged me to explore Jazz vocalists.

 

Could you show me your way to enjoy Jazz?

I enjoy jazz in different ways. However I think the best way to enjoy Jazz is to see it live. It is a much different experience when you are able to see the musicians themselves playing and improvising. But if I can’t see Jazz live I enjoy turning on some good jazz albums at home and zoning out to the music. I like to let my mind wonder and allow the music to take me places. Especially when I listen to Jazz artists from the 1950’s and 60’s I like to close my eyes and imagine myself in a small smoky Jazz clubs in Harlem, New York.

 

Do you play instruments?

I do, I grew up playing piano, however I have forgotten much of what I have learned. I started playing the guitar when I was a teenager and have played ever since. I just play for fun, but I love to play the Blues.

 

Do you have a view about Jazz Festivals?

I have been to several different Jazz Festivals throughout the years and I am consistently amazed by the new talented artists in which I am able to discover. To me this is what makes Jazz Festivals and Music Festivals in general so great, it is the ability to discover and be exposed to many different talented musicians and styles of music.