ABE GOLSTIEN INTERVIEWS ROBERTO MAGRIS ON THE “EAST OF THE SUN” SESSION

In November and December of 2009, Italian pianist Roberto Magris performed with saxophonist Herb Geller in Serbia and Austria. Some of the music from those concerts was captured on An Evening with Herb Geller & The Roberto Magris Trio — Live in Europe 2009 (JMood 012). Recently, Roberto discovered some recordings from a May 15, 2009, date the two (along with a different bass player and drummer) played at The Duke in Roberto’s hometown of Trieste. I asked Roberto to reminisce about his experiences with Herb Geller.

What brought you and Herb Geller together in Europe?

German bassist Rudi Engel told me that Herb Geller was living in Hamburg, Germany. So, I invited him to join my Europlane project which was enjoying some success at the time. The first result of our collaboration was the CD Il Bello Del Jazz recorded in 2003 and released by Soulnote Records in 2006. We connected again in 2009 for the sessions in Austria, Serbia and Trieste. We would have continued our collaboration, but Herb was having some  health issues at the time. Despite that, he was still a great player even at his age. In my opinion, he was really a jazz hero!

What was the difference between the sessions you recorded with Herb?

I had first met Herb in 2003 when we recorded a completely different program than in 2009 but still focused on some his favorites which included tunes by Benny Carter, Billy Strayhorn, Cole Porter and Arthur Schwartz. We played tunes not only associated with the classic West Coast style but also some picks from the swing, big band and early bop periods. Herb agreed to join me for the session at The Duke, a jazz pub in Trieste, where I frequently played at that time. We decided to play some standards in a swinging session for the local jazz fans. 

Tell me more about the rhythm section on the Trieste date?

The rhythm section were some of my favorite local musical partners I was working with at the time. We were all excited to have a chance to play with Herb in a classic jazz club setting  — West Coast jazz brought to northern Italy!  

Who selected the tunes? 

Herb liked to bring a bag full of music with him and was always willing to play this and that. He always wanted to present the beauty of the past days of swing, bop and that epic jazz age of the 50’s. We selected the tunes on the spot for the night at The Duke. I remember when I started to play “Broadway” Herb looked at me and asked, “Why are  you playing in it “F” instead of “Bb?” I answered, “I don’t know, it came out from me in “F.”  He said OK and off we went! 

What are three things you learned from playing with Herb Geller?

I learned the beauty of some unfamiliar compositions by Billy Strayhorn. I learned how Benny Carter was a major influence for saxophone players of Herb’s generation. Working with Herb also taught me how a former West Coaster could swing with incredibly evolved
harmonies. 

Did you and Herb ever get a chance to meet or play again after 2009?

I don’t remember exactly when Herb and I met for the last time in person, but we talked by telephone often.  I was so honored to collaborate with him and become a good friend in his last days. The music from our recordings — Bello Del Jazz, An Evening with Herb Geller, Come Lately and this latest lost/found session bring back fond memories of my time with Herb. 

Any final thoughts?

My collaboration and friendship with Herb Geller were very significant for me musically and personally.  Coming from the musical traditions of McCoy Tyner and Herbie Hancock, I had to play in a different style than usual with Herb, but he never told me how I was supposed to play. I respectfully understood where to limit my modern jazz while enjoying and digging the tradition with a real master. I loved it!

I hope you enjoy this session. The recording quality may be a little rough, but the music is full of passion and energy. It was my honor to perform with Herb Geller, and it’s a joy that the JMood label, thanks to Paul Collins, is sharing this music with you two decades later.