Linda May Han Oh: Identity & History

  I  
Image

Linda May Han Oh released the album Walk Against Wind on Biophilia Records on April 14.

(Photo: Shervin Lainez)

You switched from double bass to bass guitar during your set. What prompted you to do that?

It’s just an added element. I’ve been playing a lot more electric these days—mainly for myself, though I play a little bit in Pat [Metheny]’s band, too. It’s just a different sound, a different texture. I still want it to sound like me.

I do think in terms of colors with a lot of these compositions. So much of it is just setting the scene. But within the set, it’s still all us—even if Fabian is doing his electronic thing.

You’ve also added wordless singing to your arsenal. Has it been difficult to vocalize and play simultaneously, or did that come naturally?

I definitely practice it, and I always say to my students that they should practice it, too. It’s a very important component and a useful tool when you’re practicing certain polyrhythmic and even bi-tonal things. It’s great for your ears.

I’ve heard that it can be particularly difficult for bass players to sing and play.

You’re thinking about intonation of the bass—well, the upright bass—as well as the intonation of your voice. But it’s great to do, and a lot of musicians I know do practice it, whether or not they choose to incorporate it.

Finally, do you approach soloing differently on bass guitar?

There are definitely some technical things that are different on electric and upright, but I still want to sound like me. That’s the ultimate goal. DB

Page 2 of 2   < 1 2


  • DB2016_Wayne_Shorter_Earshot_Jazz_Daniel_Sheehan.jpg

    Shorter performing at the 2015 Earshot Jazz Festival in Seattle.

  • Keith_Jarrett_by_Michael_Jackson_lo_res.jpg

    “There was a time I decided I was not a composer, only an improvisor, and I find that very difficult to do with one hand,” Jarrett says. “Jumping off a cliff takes two hands and two feet.”

  • img206_AFI_March_1%2C_1984%2C_Carol_Bayer_Sagar%2C_Burt_Bacharach%2C_Miles_Davis_photo_by_John_McDonough.jpg

    Burt Bacharach with Carol Bayer Sagar and Miles Davis in 1984.

  • Samara_Joy_Grammy_Win_Kevin_Winter_Getty_Images_copy.jpg

    ​Samara Joy gives her acceptance speech at the Grammys on Feb. 5.

  • Fred_Hersch_Esperanza_Spalding_Erika_Kapin_Photography.jpg

    The album Alive At The Village Vanguard (Palmetto), featuring Hersch on piano and spalding on vocals, was recorded in 2018.


On Sale Now
April 2023
Brad Mehldau
Look Inside
Subscribe
Print | Digital | iPad