13th May 2020: #WhirlwindInFocus “I’m dealing with an entirely new circumstance”: Rez Abbasi on life during COVID-19, new musical directions and how the legend of Django Reinhardt lives on

As part of #WhirlwindInFocus (Whirlwind’s new series of exclusive features, written features, Q & A sessions, video interviews & live playing sessions content), we spoke to guitarist Rez Abbasi about managing during lockdown, his upcoming release Django-shift and how the legendary Django Reinhardt continues to inspire countless creative projects. Interview by Hugh Morris ( hugh@whirlwindrecordings.com ).

WWR: Hi Rez, great to chat to you! Most pressingly, how are you coping day-to-day during lockdown?

RA: I’m trying to take it day-to-day as opposed to drowning in the thought of our post-pandemic world. It’s easy to get lost in the speculation of what’s going to happen to touring, which is a large part of what most do to make a living and get the music out. 

I’ve already had six tours postponed or cancelled. But we need to hold each other’s hands through this, even though it can’t be physically, at least mentally.  

WWR: Your previous releases on Whirlwind (Unfiltered Universe and A Throw of Dice) have both explored traditional music from India and Pakistan. How does your new release, Django-shift change this direction? 

RA: Both of the previous projects you mentioned featured my compositions as well as playing. By now, after working with many South Asian musicians and dancers, it’s only natural whatever I compose encompasses all of my musical experiences.

In the case of A Throw of Dice, it is a 1929 Indian/German silent film, so it was a perfect foil to explore my western classical side and my Indian classical side, all couched within a jazz mindset. Unfiltered Universe was the third of a trilogy of albums that reflect different facets of South Asian music within a jazz context.

With Django-shift, I was dealing with an entirely new circumstance. I wanted to still create something very personal but now it was based on the solidified canon of compositions of one of histories most distinguished musicians, a challenge to say the least. It was imperative to maintain a strong reverence for his compositions while trying to align my musical personality to them.

In other words, in order for my creative doors to swing wide open, I felt the need and desire to uphold the character of his music. By retaining the melodic content, I had the green light to bring forth my ideas and compose around that core. If I was going to re-contextualize Django’s music and perform and record it, I needed to start by imagining the music as my own. This mindset is akin to a composer as opposed to an arranger and ultimately deepened my experience with his music. 

WWR: Where does the influence of Django Reinhardt fit into your own musical picture? Did you grow up with Django records, or was he a later discovery? 

RA: He was among a handful of guitarists I listened to. The others included Wes Montgomery, Joe Pass, Barney Kessel, George Benson, Pat Martino and Jim Hall. Ultimately Jim was the most influential guitarist for me. But Django always had a conviction in his playing that most others practice a lifetime to find. That conviction has stayed with me throughout my life. Also the fact that he could play the way he did with only two fingers is a testament to humanity and leaves us with no excuses for our own development. I would’ve also liked to hear him in a more modern surrounding, perhaps with Max Roach, Monk, or Miles… can you imagine? 

WWR: Guitarists of all creeds have been queuing up to pay musical tribute to Django. How did you come about approaching Django through fresh eyes? 

RA: Well if I didn’t think I could make a compelling addition to the category of “Tribute” albums, I wouldn’t have done it. Because I’ve been a composer as well as a player all my musical life, my creative muscle is used to being on call. I couldn’t simply play Django’s music in a customary way because that’s not who I am, simple as that. And I’m a terrible actor. 

Django-shift, the new release from guitarist and multiple DownBeat critics poll winner Rez Abbasi, will be released on CD / DL / 12″ LP 180g Limited Edition Vinyl on 28th August 2020.

Check out Rez’s previous albums on Whirlwind, Unfiltered Universe (featuring Vijay Iyer and Rudresh Mahanthappa) and A Throw of Dice, and follow Rez on Spotify and Apple Music.

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