Myron Walden: Eclectic Reedman

Edward Bride

Interviewer since 2009

Ed hails from Pittsfeid, MA.

Recent articles (3 total)

Published: November 23, 2009

Among the many other people who have taught Myron Walden a thing or two, he also credits his wife as playing a key role. "My wife and I are as close as two can be. When I gave the recording [In This World] to her, I told her how much I love her and wanted to write something that was representative, and I asked if she thought it captures it."

His wife, whom he describes as "the most appreciative and loving person I know," responded. "In not-so-many words, she said, 'Slower, and lower.' Some people may have been insulted by that, but I'm not that way. I wanted to get it closer to my intent. Her, not being a musician, saying that, was probably the most profound thing that anyone has ever said, in the terms of getting my music do to what I intended it to do, to convey more depth, and the sentiment of love. I'm not sure she totally understood what she was saying. She is not a musician; I could take the most truth from that. "

How so?

Because sometimes as musicians we can over-study something, we might like it because the chords are hip, or moving in an interesting way, we sometimes don't hear...can't step outside of it and say: How does it make me feel? A layman, non-musician, is more able to do that."

Pausing from the fascinating anecdotes of his development, Walden reflected on the state of the jazz business. "Music in general is facing a challenge. The economy at large has presented the world with a situation that is difficult to surmount. People are losing their homes, their jobs; their kids can't go to college. These situations weigh on the arts, which are in decline in the schools. It seems they are the first to be cut, especially in the inner city."

There is no appropriate one-line answer, he averred, there are many things that will ultimately affect the fate of the arts and performers. "But I sense that because of the economy, artists have had to depend more on themselves, and in a way I think that's a good thing. They need to look towards themselves, to find the reasons they are doing this. And if the reasons don't add up...what next?"

He asked a rhetorical question: "Can you imagine a famous artist being dropped by a label? If the big jazz names aren't secure in this, what kind of chance does an up-and-coming artist, without a following yet, without supportive backing, have?"

Even the most accredited and accomplished artists have looked at this situation and taken charge. "Individual artists need to take charge. In the rock, field, a big name like Prince has done it; in jazz, Branford Marsalis, Dave Douglas. The younger generation, Marcus Strickland. Kendrick Scott and others are taking advantage of a new opportunity. Because of the Internet, they can make a move for themselves, and be in charge of their own destiny."

In some ways, Myron Walden's current batch of 2009-2010 albums best reflects the way music made him feel at that early age. Beyond those recordings, the Brian Blade Fellowship left a long-lasting impression on him, which he frequently cites as a meaningful, influential experience. "Here was a jazz master who knew country, blues and early rock. Brian helped me realize the vast possibilities in music. My passion is too expansive to be limited to one style. I like to express myself and my emotions beyond the conventions of any one genre."

Rather beyond category, one thinks.

Selected Discography

Myron Walden, Countrified (Demi Sound Records, 2010 )
Myron Walden, In This World (Demi Sound Records, 2010)
Myron Walden, Momentum (Demi Sound Records, 2009)
Brian Blade and the Fellowship Band, Season of Changes (Verve, 2008)
Freddie Hubbard, On the Real Side (Times Square, 2008)
Kendrick Scott Oracle, The Source (World Culture, 2006)
Myron Walden, This Way (Fresh Sound New Talent, 2005)
Jeremy Pelt, Identity (MAXJAZZ, 2005)
Lizz Wright, Salt (Verve, 2003)
Myron Walden, Higher Ground (Fresh Sound New Talent, 2002)
Brian Blade Fellowship, Perceptual (Blue Note, 2000)
Myron Walden, Like a Flower Seeking the Sun (NYC Records, 1999)
Brian Blade, Fellowship (Blue Note, 1998)
Myron Walden, Hypnosis (NYC Records, 1996)