Jeffrey Friend
Jeffrey Friend discusses his jazz roots, the creative freedom behind his new EP Different. On Purpose., the importance of collaboration, and his four decades of musical exploration.
1. Hi Jeffrey, your new EP Different. On Purpose. marks a departure from your usual rock-oriented, singer-songwriter style. What inspired you to explore jazz and take this new musical direction?
I’ve always been into the jazz genre. In fact my first record in 2003 was me dipping my toe into smooth jazz. The songs on the new EP were all written around the same time in 2018 between a three-piece blues gig and a rock gig. But I got side-tracked, and just tucked these songs away.
2. You focused primarily on keyboards for this project, allowing five other musicians to contribute their own ideas and personalities. How did this collaborative approach influence the final sound of the EP?
The main reason I shelved the project in 2018 was that I wasn’t completely happy with the demos being entirely my own playing. I needed seasoned jazz guys to bring their own personalities to the music and help take it to another level. Just bringing in a Sammy K with a full understanding of jazz drumming completely transformed the sound. Everyone contributed something unique that I hadn’t envisioned, and the music became so much more than I could have created on my own.
3. The EP moves between smooth jazz, jazz fusion, and straight-ahead jazz. How did you approach blending these different styles while maintaining a consistent identity across the five tracks?
In all honesty, I’m not sure I have pulled it off! But putting these amazing musicians on the project sure helped with the consistency.
4. “Remembrance” is a particularly personal composition, written in 2018 in memory of family members you lost. What inspired you to write this piece, and how does it feel to share it with listeners?
My dad was a huge cheerleader when it came to music. He played trumpet, sax, flute, and he had perfect pitch to boot. He died of Parkinson’s Disease. My friend Mike was my “A” session guy back in the ad agency days. He could play any style at anytime and nail it. He died of alcohol poisoning. There are so many more, but to me, Remembrance feels like what I would want to play for them if they were here today.“
5. You have more than four decades of experience in music, from dance production and advertising soundtracks to jazz and rock. How has this diverse musical background shaped you as a composer and producer?
That’s a good question. I guess I don’t consider myself a composer per se. I just make things up! I’ve been doing this since I was 18 with a Teac 3340 4 channel reel to reel. It’s just what I do, and I’m blessed to be able to keep doing it.
6. The title Different. On Purpose. suggests that stepping outside your comfort zone was a conscious decision. Has this experience changed the way you approach music, and what musical direction would you like to explore next?
I don’t think it will change the way I approach music. I get bored easily, and so I’m all about changing things up and keeping it fresh. I’m actually discussing a possible live fusion project for 2027… on drums! Stay tuned.