INTERVIEW: Andersons bring Great American Songbook to life
The Great American Songbook continues to inspire musicians and composers, including the Anderson brothers, who count themselves among the devoted fans of Irving Berlin, Jerome Kern and so many others. Will Anderson and Peter Anderson, joined by a six-piece ensemble, are honoring some of the great composers in the songbook over the next few weeks with a special Songbook Summit at Symphony Space in Manhattan.
They have already celebrated the music of Berlin and Kern, and now they are focusing on Hoagy Carmichael (through Aug. 26) and Jimmy Van Heusen (Aug. 28 to Sept. 2). That means audiences can expect to hear some beautiful standards: “Georgia on my Mind,” “Stardust,” “My Kinda Town” and “Come Fly With Me.”
Peter Anderson plays tenor saxophone, soprano saxophone and clarinet throughout the engagement, while Will Anderson plays alto saxophone, clarinet and flute. Rounding out the band are Molly Ryan on vocals, Tardo Hammer or Steve Ash on piano, Clovis Nicolas on acoustic bass, and Philip Stewart on drums.
The brothers are natives of Washington, D.C., but they moved to New York City to attend Juilliard. They have collaborated with the likes of the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra, Village Vanguard Orchestra, Kenny Barron, Cecile McLorin Salvant, Jimmy Heath Big Band and Wynton Marsalis. Their two recording efforts are Correspondence, which features Barron, and Deja Vu, which features Albert “Tootie” Heath. Their Songbook Summits are turning into annual showcases of their many musical talents.
Recently, Hollywood Soapbox exchanged emails with Will Anderson about the Songbook Summit. Questions and answers have been slightly edited for style.
What can audiences expect from this year’s Songbook Summit?
We’ve got a lineup featuring four fascinating composers who were all geniuses, led very different lives, and each had there own defining style. We delve into not only the specifics of their music, but their life experiences and greater impact on American culture.
What do you find so inspirational about the music of Berlin, Kern, Carmichael and Van Heusen?
They’re all so different in many ways, but their outputs were all extraordinary. Berlin was universal, Kern was noble, Carmichael was bluesy and Van Heusen was nostalgic. It’s hard to choose a favorite. They had different influences ranging from European classical, ragtime and hymns.
What’s it like to work at Symphony Space?
We’ve performed at Symphony Space frequently in past years and love the neighborhood, people and attitude. They have a wide array of events and a great respect for the arts. Very professional venue!Does it improve the performance if an audience member comes in knowing the composers beforehand?
Yes, certainly! But not necessary. We strive to make our shows just as appealing to the novice as well as the expert.
Do you two always see eye to eye when it comes to creative decisions?
Peter and I often have different opinions, but it’s usually over small details On most bigger things we come to a consensus. We often play devil’s advocate, and it provides a balance of viewpoint. We often disagree, but it is beneficial.”
By John Soltes / Publisher / John@HollywoodSoapbox.com
Songbook Summit, featuring Will Anderson and Peter Anderson, plays through Sept. 2 at the Symphony Space in New York City. Click here for more information and tickets.
