Getting to Know David Chesky: Graffiti Jazz
Label Manager of The Audiophile Society Matt Rose talked with Audiophile Society founder, composer, and pianist David Chesky about his new album Graffiti Jazz and
Mega-Dimensional Sound™.
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MR: Before we get into the record, can you talk a bit about
Mega-Dimensional Sound™ since it is so important to this record. What is it?
DC:
Mega-Dimensional Sound™is a process where we can create real three dimensional recordings out of two speakers. You are not going to hear things flying behind your back, but this giant oval sound in front of you. The sounds will go way past the 60 degree speaker line. You will also hear better depth and the sound should come out front of the speakers as well. In addition, with a properly set up hi-fi system, you should her height as well.
MR: What was the musical concept for this record? How does it differ from what you've done in the past?
DC: I have always used real instruments in the past. I wanted to give myself a break and try something new, all virtual. This enabled me to create virtual spaces as well that are far bigger and cooler than what we get in a normal hall. Plus I can tailor each sound to the proper hall. Also, I can use sub bass instruments to give me an extra octave over normal physical bass instruments.
MR: What was the compositional process like? What was it like working in a virtual environment rather than with real instruments?
DC: This was really kind of cool. Normally, I sit with a large piece of paper, a score, and write out everything I hear in my head. Now I can layer and try things and build on top of them. It's like the best ever video game designed for audio.
MR: Knowing that you were going to use Meta-Dimensional Sound with this project, how did that affect the writing process?
DC: I could compose for the space I was going to put the sounds into. Normally, I just hear music and write it out in an abstraction all in my head. By composing and hearing what I am doing I can adjust the spaces for the sounds and melodies I want to write.
MR: Were there any influences for this record?
DC: I would think it a fusion of eclectic jazz and my other jazz band, Jazz in the New Harmonic. But the main difference is that instead of using chords to accompany the melody, I only use sounds. Think of the sounds as a pianist's left hand.
Graffiti Jazz is now available on our website, www.TheAudiophileSociety.com, in
Mega-Dimensional Sound™.