"MUSIC IS MY SANCTUARY": A PLAYLIST INSPIRED BY CONVERSATIONS WITH GARY BARTZ

I first met Gary Bartz in the early 2000s when I was a student at Oberlin Conservatory.  Since then, I have toured and recorded with him, continuing my education through playing and also through conversation. Being around him is so much fun, that you hardly realize you are being blessed with priceless gems until after the hang is over. Kassa Overall

ORNETTE COLEMAN, "THE SPHINX"

KO: I grew up listening to Ornette as a child via my father and his collection, but last year, my view on Ornette was expanded when I worked with Gary on his forthcoming album in L.A. On our drive to or from the studio, Gary played me “The Sphinx”. As usual, he was filled with enthusiasm and insight into why the song was important — the song showed Ornette’s bebop chops and connected him to the tradition of Charlie Parker. For the rest of the trip we kept listening to "The Sphinx", and Gary looked like was hearing for the first time as well!

MAX ROACH, "IT DON'T MEAN A THING (IF IT AIN'T GOT THAT SWING)" (from Max Roach + 4)

KO: Gary played with Max Roach in the 1970s. he shared many things he learned about playing with him over the years, one of which was that Max would always start the set with the fastest song of the night. Once you get it out of the way, everything is smooth sailing. 

PHILLY JOE JONES, "BLUES FOR DRACULA"

KO: Gary has spoken about Philly Joe’s personality and how he could have been an actor. In “Blues for Dracula”, Philly Joe does a skit at the beginning of the song. Listening to it now, it feels super innovative and forward thinking. Think about rap albums today. This was ahead of its time! 

MCCOY TYNER, "THE WANDERER" (from Extensions)

KO: I was a freshman at Oberlin when I discovered this record that Gary was on with all my heroes! It made me realize not to take for granted the opportunity to be around a pillar of this music. To hear Gary in the context of Wayne and Elvin pointed out some of his uniqueness as a voice. He would take it outside and deal with the expansive harmonics, but he also had this thing like a singer. He could get a whole story out of one note before he even took it outside.  I would listen to this song every morning when I would get out of the shower because it was so vibrant. They intentionally speed up at the bridge, which I thought was pretty cool because I had a problem with rushing!

BITCHES BREW, LIVE AT THE ISLE OF WIGHT

KO: Gary has told me many stories about his time with Miles. Always educational and always entertaining, and maybe this isn’t the place to share those gems!

GARY BARTZ, "LIBRA"

KO: Gary and I are both Libras. I discovered this song at Oberlin as well. There is a version of this song on Max's album, Members Don't Git Weary, but the version I knew and loved was from the Gary Bartz album Libra. Billy Higgins is on drums, and they just sit inside that pocket is incredible. Just the head-in is super heavy! I asked Gary about it, and he told me that the two against three rhythmic structure represents the scales seeking balance, just like the libra sign.