Lucas Sader Interview by Aaron Epp in The Uniter

The Lucas Sader Project

Why did Lucas Sader decide to use his debut album, Apollo, to pay tribute to jazz icon Miles Davis’s 1960s quintet?

“I feel they totally changed the way people think about small group jazz playing,” explains 21-year-old drummer and bandleader Sader.

“Also, the drummer in the group, Tony Williams - who was only 17 at the time he joined Miles - was already changing the way people thought about jazz drumming. He had a totally different sound and concept when he approached the drums, and the fact that he was so young makes it even more (impressive). Words can’t even express how awesome his playing was at such a young age.”

The Lucas Sader Project, which also features world-renowned trumpeter Derrick Gardner, alto/tenor saxophonist Paul Balcain, pianist Paul DeGurse and bassist Karl Kohut, will release the album with a performance at the West End Cultural Centre on Thursday, Nov. 22.

The group recorded the disc live off the floor in one five-hour session this past June. In addition to compositions by Davis, the 11-song collection features five originals by Sader.

“Miles Davis was an artist who was always trying to reach for something more - he was always going somewhere different,” Sader says. “I felt it was crucial that this album do that as well, so that’s why I included my own songs on there.”

Thursday’s concert starts at 8 p.m. and will feature guest musicians Will Bonness on piano and Erin Propp on vocals. Comedian Reggie San Miguel will act as host for the evening.

Advance tickets are $15 ($12 for students) and available at the WECC, Music Trader and http://www.TicketWeb.ca. They are $20 at the door.

Visit http://www.lucassadermusic.com.

To check out the interview on The Uniter's website, follow this link: http://uniter.ca/view/8431/