Jeff Ballard interviewed by Pablo Held

As I tell Jeff Ballard in the beginning of our conversation, every time I hear him I’m amazed by the lively sound and feel he gets out of the drums. I think that’s something we as musicians all strive for: to have our sounds (and the music in general) be reflective of life itself, to transcend the notes, the rhythms, the general parameters of the music and make others (and ourselves) feel something and connect with each other.
It was a big pleasure for me to connect with Jeff during our talk. Right from the start it felt like I had known him forever! He was really ready to share his experiences in a candid and honest way. We touched on many subjects, including his time feel, drastically changing his physical approach to playing the drums, his experience of playing with Chick Corea, books, his relationship with Larry Grenadier, what he’s looking for in a bassist, his admiration for Donald Bailey and much more.
a few pointers 👉
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[@Admojazz]

I'm so glad I discovered you, both as an interviewer and as a musician. You have added so much wealth and beauty to my life. Thank you!

[@PabloHeldmusic]

Wow, thank you Adam!!

[@docnelson2008]

A terrific interview. I really like Jeff's playing but had no idea how interesting he was to listen to talking. Thank you Pablo for your perceptive questions.

[@PabloHeldmusic]

Wow Leslie, it seems like you’re binging all the interviews 😊 that’s so cool!

[@docnelson2008]

@@PabloHeldmusic Many of the musicians you interview are my heroes too. Like you, I collect bootlegs as well the albums. I retired to the south of France back in 2006 so my wife and I try get to the summer jazz festivals. I look forward to seeing your trio live one day. I know I'm not alone in enjoying the feeling of a jazz community that you generate in each interview-well done Pablo- thank you.

[@shlongtown3000]

the washing machine analogy at the end is incredible

[@bassocanario]

Brilliant: " My warm-up is walking to the venue and trying to feel how heavy my arms are.🤗 " Great questions, great conversation.
ETA Love the Joe Sanders shout out😎😉

[@PabloHeldmusic]

thanks Mark!

[@thorpeenith3436]

Bravo Pablo, thanks for another great interview! You're a treasure, keep it up!

[@PabloHeldmusic]

Cheers Thor! I had a great time with Jeff ;-)

[@tristanpaxton51]

At first I was bummed this was only 40 minutes, but it was so densely packed with wisdom that I'm totally satisfied.
Thanks!!

[@PabloHeldmusic]

haha! I'm glad you're satisfied Tristan!

[@JC-ug7rg]

Como siempre, excelente charla. Saludos.

[@floatonjazz]

right on guys...

[@pedroahets]

Amazing!

[@wakitakiwakitaki]

Another great episode. Yeah!

[@PabloHeldmusic]

Thanks Dan!

[@ReinaldoSantiago]

Thanks Pablo...! Great Jeff

[@YiannisIliakis]

That was great Pablo! It will be awesome to have a conversation with Jim Black and Brian Blade.

[@AmauriSuarezG]

great interview man! would be amazing if you do one with Nelson Veras!

[@PabloHeldmusic]

Hey! I did: pabloheldinvestigates.com/2018/06/20/pablo-held-investigates-nelson-veras/

[@Benfreidkin22]

This is gold! Thank you Pablo! Maybe one day I'll investigate you ;)

[@TiagoLageira]

Two great musicians.

[@jaronlopez]

Great interview series, binging them! What is the tune at the end? Is it a master Ballard record?

[@PabloHeldmusic]

Hey Jaron, thank you! That’s from Jeff’s album „Fairgrounds“

[@RC_Cola2020]

Interview Brad next :)

[@mitchkahle314]

Mahalo!

[@bluecrueful]

Mike Longo used to say that "relaxation is my technique."

[@PabloHeldmusic]

that's nice!

[@erod425]

That is one angry kitty