Interview with Wayne Krantz
by Adam Schatz
1. Why do you do what you do?
I'm interested in it. I can survive doing it, I'm good at it, it's an
activity I can believe in. Making music, there's always a chance you
can inspire someone positively. It's worth doing.
2. What was the last bit of magic that you witnessed?
A family reconciliation.
3. What are three of your current favorite jazz albums, and three of
your favorite “non-jazz” albums?
I'd like to have some favorite albums. I've been thinking lately of
turning again to music for inspiration, myself. It's been a long time.
4. If you had the power to resurrect the dead, who would you bring
back to play one show with?
Whaddya mean, "if"? I guess Miles Davis. Tony Williams. Maybe Jaco.
And for thrills, John and George. Sinatra. If I felt particularly
courageous, Frank Zappa.
5.What’s something you’ve never done before that you’ve always
wanted to do?
Create a successful pop band.
6. What is a common thought that runs through your brain while
improvising?
If it's going well, there is no common thought. If it isn't: "Now what?"
7. What has been a difficult situation for you to perform in?
Almost all my gigs as a sideman, and maybe 40% of my gigs as a leader.
I find improvisation difficult.
8. What has been an encouraging one?
Successfully dealing with Donald Fagen's "Morph The Cat" studio
sessions. That exorcised some demons for me.
9. In an alternate universe, if you had never picked up a guitar, what would you be doing right now?
Probably taking care of more kids. Maybe paying some alimony. Making
car payments.
10. For a long time you were playing every week in New York City, where as now, your local performances are less frequent. Has this affected the way you approach performing?
It's too soon to tell. It's a period of transition now, I'm in the
dark. But performance has been a constant in my life since I was a
kid. I have a lot if faith in it and in my relationship to it. So I
don't worry much.
11. At a show, what role does the audience play for you?
The audience is the show, no less. Obviously there's never been a
great show without 'em...that gets my respect.
12. Given the chance to pick one commercial product to endorse with your music, what would you choose?
Cool question. Assuming my endorsement would garner some spoils -
maybe Virgin Airways, or BMW. How about Italy - are they looking for
somebody?
