INTERVIEW: Violinist Marissa Licata will mix styles at Birdland
Photo: Marissa Licata will play Birdland Monday, Sept. 13. Photo courtesy of the artist / Provided by Fortune Creative with permission.
Violinist Marissa Licata is about to make her New York solo debut, and she could not have chosen a better spot for the special concert. Birdland, the legendary jazz club in Midtown Manhattan, will play host to Licata’s intricate playing Monday, Sept. 13 at 8:30 p.m. She will be joined by blues icon James Montgomery.
The title for the performance offers a preview of what fans can expect: “Strings of Fire.” In addition to Montgomery on harmonica and vocals, Licata’s band will feature Jerry Sabatini on trumpet, Matt Marcus on piano, John Miller on bass and Shannon Ford on drums, according to press notes. There will be many musical influences on the Birdland stage that night, including sounds from Latin America, Eastern Europe and the Middle East.
Licata has had an impressive career, playing with the likes of Alicia Keys, Jethro Tull, Wyclef Jean and H.E.R., not to mention Ben Harper, Ringo Starr and Gloria Estefan. Her musical theater credits include playing in the orchestras of the world premiere of Jagged Little Pill in Boston and even the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, a gig she’ll return to later this year.
Recently Hollywood Soapbox exchanged emails with Licata about her upcoming concert. Questions and answers have been slightly edited for style.
When did you first fall in love with the violin?
I first fell in love with the violin around age 12. I should say, I realized at 12 that I was one with this instrument I played and what it had meant to me to be able to communicate through the instrument. Before 12, I was a diligent student, and I practiced hard, with discipline every day. And it showed through my performances. But at 12, I realized something more that I wanted from my sound. I wanted to “speak” through the instrument, not just play it. That was the moment for me.
How excited are you to premiere this show at Birdland?
Being able to premiere this show at Birdland is beyond exciting, especially after the last 18 months of no in-person musical interaction. Along with the excitement that the band and I all feel comes some nerves and anxiety as well, though. I am taking in and enjoying every part of what has led up to being able to debut at Birdland in 2021.
We have all had quite a bit of time to think about what we do in our lives and why, how we behave, what we want, if it’s even possible to continue being a musician. Once we hit the stage, it will be a huge win with an overwhelming sense of appreciation and gratitude, along with “kid in a candy shop” excitement to be debuting at Birdland!
What can audience members expect from the evening?
The audience can expect a high energy, rhythmically fierce party of music from all over the world, from Latin America to Eastern Europe, classical and folk, back to the funk and blues of the United States. We will be taking some wild solos; the audience will get to know who we are through our diverse improvisational styles. The whole show has an improvised feel to it, in that we as a band prefer to leave the music open to take its own direction in the moment. There have been times where we hadn’t discussed who would take a solo and/or when, and on stage it was decided by who felt like saying something on that tune; give a little nod, and go ahead … say what you need to say.
How long have you known James Montgomery? What’s it like to collaborate with him?
I have known James Montgomery for nearly a decade now. We were coincidentally connected through a mutual massage therapist friend of ours, who thought that we’d have a lot of fun playing and performing on stage together. She was right! James and I first performed together in 2012 when I joined his band for a show in Rhode Island. We’ve performed together ever since.
From the start, we had a similar approach and understanding about music, so it made working together natural and always fun. James is so inclusive, and that’s a huge confidence booster, to know that I can trust James fully on stage. He lets you be yourself and free, and there is an unspoken sense that he’s got you covered. If you have an instrument and want to play music, James will always welcome you in; no matter what “level,” or age, or style. It’s about sharing music with each other and as many people as possible.
Before shows, we casually talk through the set list, decide on keys, feature songs for each of the band members, and then just have a blast on stage. We trust in each other’s musical ideas, and we listen; the rest is a matter of allowing the music to come out.
Do you like to mix different musical styles when creating music?
I love mixing different musical styles. As a kid, I listened to jazz, klezmer, classical, salsa, doo wop, pop, whatever was good. Being classically trained on violin, there was, at times, a limited feeling of only being able to play classical music. I always thought, violin is such a beautiful instrument. Why can’t I play salsa on violin? Why can’t I play klezmer? I hear violin in all of these other types of music. Why am I only being told to focus on orchestral music or solo classical pieces? Don’t get me wrong, I love classical music, as my show will feature, and I also love other styles.
The reason I enjoy mixing styles, is because it tells a complete musical story of where I come from, my past influences and where that has brought me. I get the chance to pick and choose what I have liked best from my musical experiences, and feature what I believe makes up the most moving aspects of my playing and personality.
What does the future hold beyond this concert?
Beyond this show, the hustle will continue. I have planned a busy fall schedule, performing with a country rock band, before moving into the holiday season for the Radio City Christmas Spectacular.
After the Birdland debut, I’m hopeful that moving into next year with this band, we can schedule a Northeast tour and get this show on the road!
By John Soltes / Publisher / John@HollywoodSoapbox.com
Marissa Licata will perform Monday, Sept. 13 at 8:30 p.m. at Birdland in New York City. Click here for more information and tickets.
