Ron Trent – Influences

When we heard Ron Trent was returning to London for a genre spanning 8 hour set at Need2Soul, it seemed the perfect time to ask the Chicago pioneer about the foundation of his sound. For a few weeks we heard nothing, then Ron came back with a mini essay, lovingly detailing the jazz and soul that has inspired his vast, endlessly influential discography. It was way more than we were expecting, but in keeping with a man who's integrity has shone through time and again. Here's what Ron had to say:
"I am inspired by the world in general… Movies, books, music, quotes, world events propel creative flow. Honestly to sum up my influences in 10 youtube clips, “impossible”, but I can try to give 10 musical figures out of the various important musical forces sailing through my mind. There are thousands but I will try.…"
Cycle through the the links to the left to see all videos in this series.
Ron Trent plays Need2Soul on November 8th at Plan B. More info and tickets here
When I first heard this group back in the 80’s I was naturally attracted to the warmth in the production and musicianship. This Trio comprised of the late great Jose Bertrami (keyboards), Alexis Malheiros (Bass), Ivan Conti (Drums and Percussion) sounded more like a group of 6. The way they masterfully colored Brazilian flavor into jazz landscapes created revolutionary surrealism. By listening to Azymuth’s music you could experience the elements of their influence. The music was mysterious, exotic, and surreal. I often imagined what Brazil was like while listening to their albums and felt a great deal of energy from these recordings. They created pictures and conjured moods. Least to say this group highly inspired a organic approach to magic and melody in me. “Last summer in Rio” is one of their more famous tunes. Very popular on the last night sessions on the radio back in the day in Chicago and still a staple in the Chicago Steppers collection. For me I have spent many nights alone and sometimes not alone (Ha) letting this song play in my private moments. Azymuth is probably one of the most important groups in the world to me.
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