All Your Jazz had the opportunity to talk with pianist/composer Spencer Day. Currently touring around the west coast – and promoting his latest release, Vagabond – we talked with him about his inspiration for the album, his musical influences, and future projects.

Questions are written in text, and all you have to do is click on the audio to hear his responses. Hope you enjoy.

Interview Questions

1. Can you talk a little bit about the inspiration for the album?

2. The album, specifically the lyrics, seem very reflective in nature – where you put forward your own views on different aspects of life. First of all, is this true – and secondly, was this the direction from the beginning?

3. I think the words that you write are so appealing because they are insightful and reflect people’s real lives. When they can identify with that, it makes the music more personal. Would you agree?

4. Yeah, I think people, in general, are on the same page with the topics you’re presenting on the album.

5. Do you have any experience with musicals – either performing in them or simply have an interest in them?

6. On the track “Maybe,” it gave me the feeling of a musical, and one can even imagine actors on stage during the song (at least I could). Was that ever any part of your intention when writing it?

7. Your music is very straight forward and appeals to many people. It’s fun and easy to listen to, but it’s also complex at times. I think it shows your talent as a musician and composer – the ability to produce the kind of music you love that is also well received by fans and listeners.

8. And on the track “25,” you also play around with the time signature as well, moving in and out of 5/4 time. Was that a conscious decision, or did it just fit?

9. It’s great to have the opportunity to be in an environment where you can learn more about music (notation and instrumentation) while collaborating with others during the writing and recording process.

10. I also noticed that you have strings on about 3 or 4 tracks of the album. How much experience do you have writing for strings?

11. You guys must really work well together.

12. One of the great things I liked about the strings on your album, apart from the musicians who played them, was that they were added where they could be best used, not just all over the place and because you had access to them.

13. Who was the track “Joe” written for, if anyone at all?

14. You said earlier that you were thinking about going in another direction with your next project. Could you talk a little bit about that?

Special Thanks

Our thanks to Spencer Day for setting aside time to speak with us. Also, thanks to Concord Jazz and On Target Media Group for arranging and coordinating the interview.

Related Posts

1. All Your Jazz Interview: Poncho Sanchez
2. All Your Jazz Interview With Ramsey Lewis
3. All Your Jazz Interview With Jazz Vocalist Luba Mason
4. All Your Jazz Interview: A conversation with a capella group Straight No Chaser
5. Spencer Day Concert Review: Hotel Cafe in Hollywood