Note-worthy Experiences Music Studio
F E A T U R E
Interview with Evan Palmer
F E A T U R E
Interview with Evan Palmer
Why did you choose to play bass, oboe, and English horn?
I first became interested in bass through listening to rock music, particularly the bass playing of Geddy Lee in Rush. I really loved the big, punchy sound of the instrument and the melodic bass lines he would play. That got me started playing bass guitar. It was through getting more and more into jazz and improvised music that I decided I wanted to learn double bass. I realized it had even more of the qualities I loved about bass, like the warm tone and percussiveness. I also really loved the sound of bowed bass, and it’s become my favorite way to play.
I got into oboe and English horn later, largely because I loved the sound of oboe in Baroque music like Bach and Marcello. I love the unique sound of double reed instruments, how intense and cutting it is. I think it’s no coincidence that some of the most beautiful melodies in classical and film music are played on oboe and English horn.
What/who are some of your influences?
I’m mainly influenced by avant-garde and improvised music. Some of the improvisers who have had a huge impact on me are Francisco Mela, John Lockwood, Anthony Braxton, Dave Holland, Tony Malaby, Charlie Haden, and William Parker. I also take a lot of influence from classical composers like Webern, Bartók and Boulez.
What is your favorite thing about teaching?
The best thing about teaching is being inspired by a student who is really improving, growing, and finding their sound. Helping musicians get there and achieve this is what teaching is all about for me.
What is your advice for young musicians?
My advice is to seek out your artistic vision, the music you love most, and uncompromisingly follow that path. One of the most important things for a musician is to be yourself, so you should find out what you like and stick with it, even when it’s difficult
Learn more about Evan on his Teacher Page.
I first became interested in bass through listening to rock music, particularly the bass playing of Geddy Lee in Rush. I really loved the big, punchy sound of the instrument and the melodic bass lines he would play. That got me started playing bass guitar. It was through getting more and more into jazz and improvised music that I decided I wanted to learn double bass. I realized it had even more of the qualities I loved about bass, like the warm tone and percussiveness. I also really loved the sound of bowed bass, and it’s become my favorite way to play.
I got into oboe and English horn later, largely because I loved the sound of oboe in Baroque music like Bach and Marcello. I love the unique sound of double reed instruments, how intense and cutting it is. I think it’s no coincidence that some of the most beautiful melodies in classical and film music are played on oboe and English horn.
What/who are some of your influences?
I’m mainly influenced by avant-garde and improvised music. Some of the improvisers who have had a huge impact on me are Francisco Mela, John Lockwood, Anthony Braxton, Dave Holland, Tony Malaby, Charlie Haden, and William Parker. I also take a lot of influence from classical composers like Webern, Bartók and Boulez.
What is your favorite thing about teaching?
The best thing about teaching is being inspired by a student who is really improving, growing, and finding their sound. Helping musicians get there and achieve this is what teaching is all about for me.
What is your advice for young musicians?
My advice is to seek out your artistic vision, the music you love most, and uncompromisingly follow that path. One of the most important things for a musician is to be yourself, so you should find out what you like and stick with it, even when it’s difficult
Learn more about Evan on his Teacher Page.