An interview with pianist and composer Michael Pagan
The joy in your playing has brought joy to so many others, including and especially me. What do you think is its secret?
I wish I knew! Music, like all art, is a gift. It is a gift that must be carefully prepared with much dedication, hard work, etc., and ultimately, love. And, there is risk involved. Artists must be willing to spend the time, the energy, the resources with only a hope of success. And how does one define success? The answer to that question can be as varied as there are individuals who pursue it. Your question is philosophical, but also wonderful. That is important. I don’t know if there is a “Secret” to any of this, all I know is that I am fortunate to have been given the opportunity to share what I do with others whoever they may be, wherever they may be.
What are the experiences of your life that led you to see music as a spiritual endeavor? Life is more than just music, is there any other field that has influence on your music?
I have fairly ordinary interests, honestly. I enjoy reading, cooking, and distance running. I enjoy various artistic media, especially calligraphy and type (because of my work as a composer).
I guess I would say that I don’t really have a big passion for anything other than music.
Where does your creative drive come from?
The creative process for me is like an engine or a furnace… the engine is running; the furnace is burning. When you figure out what it takes to keep the machine going, then it is just a matter of putting in the time in the work. The “fuel”, if you will, is inspiration. Other musicians who play my music, as well as ideas that I formulate, and then perhaps toss aside for another day… This and so much more contributes to the stuff that winds up being my musical product. If that seems a little bit dry or uninteresting, believe me, it is not… Behind it is hard work, decision-making, stress, and let us not forget, a lot of fun and a sense of fulfillment. I feel blessed to have a creative aptitude that sees no end.
But in your formative, figuring things out, years, whose sense of rhythm did you admire?
Chick Corea. Art Tatum. And many more.
Who has impacted you rhythmically?
Wow, great question! My teachers, of course! Since I also became a teacher, I have to say that rhythm is by far the most difficult thing to teach about music. And, perhaps (this will vary from individual to individual) it is the hardest thing to learn as well. When I studied music in college and performed in various ensembles, rhythm became a “dealbreaker”… it is very different from practicing alone in a practice room and preparing for a lesson. Going to a rehearsal means that you have to be ready to perform rhythmically with others to the approval of a director (conductor).
That was by far the most important thing that impacted me about rhythm – playing with others!
What are you doing to keep it relevant today, to develop it and present it to the youth?
I play regularly with many musicians who are much younger than I. I listen to what they say; how they converse with each other; who the musicians are that they talk about and listen to.
I recall when I was their age. I want to present something that perhaps, if they listen, they will benefit from in some way.
Do you have any interesting stories about the making of the new album?
I am very happy that this album was released on Capri Records. After a 14 year absence, I contacted Capri records and they were glad to welcome me back. Since returning to Capri there have been many wonderful things happening. They have a wonderful catalog with many esteemed artists, and I feel humbled and honored to be a part of their roster.
How was your new album formed – Michael Pagan – Paganova 2024 (?)
I believe it is important for any serious musical group to record. Sooner or later a group must document their work. When I formed Paganova I knew in the back of my mind, sooner or later, that a recording would happen. I was writing and arranging with these particular players in mind: saxophonists Michael Herrera and David Chael; drummer Ray DeMarchi, and the bassist of the group, my son Louie Pagán. Once the personnel of the band was firmly established, the composing and arranging became more fluent.
Do you share the opinion that your live albums are some of your best records? What is it about you and your music that works so well for live recordings?
“Paganova” was recorded in a recording studio; it is not a “live” recording.
And how did you select the musicians who play on the album?
Part of this was the availability of certain musicians for the engagements when we first started playing. I have known all of these players for nearly 20 years except for my son Louie who I have known for his entire life. We did a couple of jobs together with this personnel and everything clicked. I knew that I had something special and that had to be developed.
How have you managed to so successfully pull so much of your life and personality through so much of your music?
It is my life’s work. I have been inspired by others who have done it, and I say to myself “why can’t I ?”
Did your sound evolve during that time?
One’s sound is constantly evolving; constantly developing. Knowing the players in the band, how they work, how they play, how we interact with each other all plays a part in the development of the group’s sound.
What have been the highlights in your life and career so far?
At the time of this writing, I am preparing a recording session of Big Band music that I have composed and arranged. This will be an ensemble of 18 instrumental musicians… and so it is the latest “highlight” … the Michael Pagán Big Band.
Your life is an open book or that your life is always open to new experiences, or something else?
I am always open to new experiences! That is what keeps us young and invigorated. Part of the creative spirit is the willingness to try new things.
What would you say characterizes Jazz scene in comparison to other local scenes and circuits?
The type of creativity that takes place in jazz music – jazz improvisation specifically – creates an exciting energy that audiences are very receptive to in Kansas City, one of the birthplaces of American Jazz music. I run a weekly jam session here (in Kansas City) every Wednesday night… Musicians of all ages sit in, partake, perform, share, mentor, learn… At the sessions, it is very common to see a jam session with band members of very wide age differences. It is very unique.
Do you think there is an audience for young people to become future audiences and fans?
Of course. As long as the music continues to be performed, there will be young musicians pursuing it. It is a timeless and sustainable art form.
