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A Dialogue with Trio Mundo's
 Manolo Badrena and Dave Stryker Album: Trio Mundo Rides Again (ZOHO Music - 2004) By Tomas Pena
TP: So Mundo Rides Again, is basically a trip to
Noloworld, eh? Meaning it captures the joyful spirit and enthusiasm of
Manolo Badrena (drums, vocals, nylon guitar and assorted percussive
devices). Musically speaking, what drives you Manolo?
MB: Music drives me.
TP: Dave, in your opinion, what drives Manolo?
DS: I'm not sure but I would like to be bottle it and sell it! Manolo has the most positive energy and the most creative sense of rhythm I have ever encountered. In addition, he brings a joy (to playing) which is contagious. It's a rare gift.
TP: Speaking of drum-sets, I don't think I have
ever come across one quite like it. It is a veritable arsenal of percussion
instruments and assorted devices from disparate parts of the globe. Did your
drum-set evolve over time or is there a method to your madness?
MB: My so called drum set evolves from the premise of tambers: Low,
middle, high, etc. Musically, I change according to what is needed for each
project. Normally, musicians stay with one particular mind-set, instrument
wise that is. Me? I like to change. It keeps me fresh and alert.
DS: There is definitely a method to Manolo's madness. Manolo is a heavy
cat. He not only plays percussion but he kicks the drums, plays guitar,
composes and sings. I think Trio Mundo is the perfect vehicle for Manolo.
TP: The members of the trio come from such varied
musical backgrounds. How and where did you meet? How did you all come to be
Trio Mundo?
MB: I met Dave many years ago, while he was performing with Steve
Slage’s Band. I like his style, he is able to adapt to any situation and
doesn't need tons of effects and gadgets. The sound is all in his hands.
Incidentally, I have the same approach. Over the years we got to know each
other. One day Dave heard me play the guitar and he was open enough to
invite me to expose my musical abilities on a project we call, Trio Mundo.
Bass player Andy Mc Kee arrived the morning we started working on our first
CD and he blew me away. Andy has too much talent to express in words. The
rest is history.
DS: I wanted to form a group that would feature Manolo. I think Manolo is
one of the most unique, talented and crazy (in a good way) individuals I
have ever met. It also gives me another outlet. A way to explore and write
differently that I do with my jazz quartet (with Steve SLAGLE). Steve and I
have been playing together for close to 17 years. We met in Harlem with Jack
Mc Duff. I met Andy Mc Kee many years ago. I loved his style of playing with
(drummer and the late) ELVIN Jones.
TP: It was a gas celebrating Sweet Rhythms second
anniversary with Trio Mundo. I understand the band performed at Sweet
Rhythms first anniversary as well. Moreover, the band composed a tune in
honor of the venue, a sure-fire way to secure future gigs! Does the band
have a history with Sweet Rhythm?
MB: I met Richie Okun many years ago while both of us were working with
Terumasa Hino. This was before Sweet Rhythm, back then it was called Sweet
Basil. I had the privilege of working (weekly) with the Gil Evans Orchestra,
Ahmad Jamal and other projects.
DS: When James Browne opened Sweet Rhythm he was looking to expand the
format. Richie Okun (the Manager) thought that Trio Mundo would be perfect,
so we opened the club 2 years ago and continue to perform.
TP: Steve SLAGLE is an excellent musician, he plays
a mean sax and flute. You introduced the band as Trio Mundo plus one. How
often does Steve SLAGLE get to perform with Trio Mundo?
DS: Steve and I have partners for years. He joins us for occasional gigs,
however, as the name implies we play mostly as a trio. Steve played on half
of the tracks on our first recording, however, he performs on of the tracks
on Trio Mundo Rides Again.
TP: Musically speaking, Trio Mundo's approach is
free and easy. However, someone has to make the hard decisions when its time
to get down to business? Who might that be?
DS: I produced the recording and Manolo and I are partners on this
particular project.
MB: Getting down to business, Mr. Stryker? You better believe it! Joking
aside, the group has a free sound because we praise and/or criticize each
other's efforts. What you see is what you get with Trio Mundo.
TP: In Spanish Trio Mundo literally means Trio
World. Obviously, the group's approach is multicultural and quite diverse.
How does the band feel about the term, World Music? Do you consider Trio
Mundo's music to be world music?
DS: It is just a label. However, as I said I wanted to explore rhythms
and music from all over the world.
MB: With the advent of technology there is much more access to
information. I choose to use the medium to enrich my knowledge of world
music. It enriches my musical vocabulary.
TP: What is it like when the three (or four) of you
guys get together in the studio?
MB: We just record one take or two and keep moving on.
DS: On the new CD we went in and recorded the main tracks live. The CD
has a real group sound. Hopefully, we captured the essence of our live
performances . . .
TP: Undoubtedly, each and every one of you has had
a mentor or someone who has had a major influence on you personally and
professionally. Who might that be?
DS: I love Jazz so I would say guitar wise: Billy Rogers, Pat Martino,
Grant Green, West Montgomery, George Benson and on and on . . . Also
Miles, Coltrane, Bill Evans and Mc Coy Tyner.
MB: Since I am a lover of music and the arts, I cannot pinpoint anything
specific. I am like a sponge, soaking up knowledge from a wide variety of
sources such as the African continent, Cajun music, Blues, Heavy Metal, Rap,
Bluegrass, Caribbean and South American music. Everything and everybody from
Glen Campbell. You name it! I always find something to learn.
TP: You are all successful bandleaders. How do you
find the time to pursue such busy schedules and keep up with matters
pertaining to Trio Mundo?
DS: Trio Mundo has been working a lot. We hope to travel to Europe and
keep the band going. As you mentioned, I am also involved in other projects
such as The Stryker/Slagle Band. It keeps things interesting . . .
TP: The band obviously has a lot of on stage. Are
your performances planned or does the band just go with the flow?
DS: There are both a lot of improvisation and going with the flow. That
is the beauty of Trio Mundo. Everyone is a great player and with Manolo
anything is bound to happen!
MB: Let's just call it planned risk taking!
TP: I am curious to know what kind of music the
band members enjoy listening too in their spare time.
DS: Besides the artists I already mentioned, I enjoy listening to the
Blues. Artists like Albert King, Muddy Waters and J. B. LENOIR to name a
few. Actually, I am open to all types of music. I dig R & B and Funk as
well. Right now I am listening to BJORK!
MB: I really love Algerian, Hungarian, Moroccan and Spanish Gitano
(Gypsy) music, German pop music, Sabrina Setlure, etc. I am a frustrated
Metal Head so I love Kittie(you must hear this all female group). I also
enjoy Azucar Letal Nilo's New Cuban Music People and the music of India
(everything evolves from India). Even Julie London - wow!
TP: When will Trio Mundo Rides Again be released
and where can it be purchased?
DS: The album is out. Check out Tower Records and J & R Music World. It
is also available at:
www.davestryker.com.
MB: As of September tenth the CD should be available everywhere.
It's a great album. Thank You Manolo, Dave and Andy
(who unfortunately was unable to participate in this interview). Best of
luck with your new release - Trio Mundo Rides Again!
Tomas Pena - 9/04
Track Listing:
1. Mundo Rides Again (D. Stryker) D. Strike Music BMI 6:07 2. Cameroun (M. Badrena) Obonekue Music BMI 4:42 3. Sweet Rhythm (S. Slagle) Slagle Music BMI 6:35 4. Corazon (D. Stryker) D. Strike Music BMI 3:05 5. What You Want (M. Badrena) Obonekue Music BMI 5:58 6. Guille (D. Stryker) D. Strike Music BMI 6:18 7. Pinarena (M. Badrena) Obonekue Music BMI 4:26  8. Africano (D. Stryker) D. Strike Music BMI 6:58 9. Dream Maurice (A. McKee) Agoona Music ASCAP 7:05 10. Hot Ice (A. McKee) Agoona Music ASCAP 5:02 11. Shanti (D. Stryker) D. Strike Music BMI 5:01
Guitarist Dave Stryker has recorded 15 CD's as a
leader, and was Stanley Turrentine's guitarist for 13 years. As a sideman,
he has played on over 30 albums and worked with Jack McDuff, Kevin Mahogany
and Eliane Elias.
Bassist Andy McKee records as a leader as well as a
sideman with The Mingus Big Band, Hank Jones, and Don Cherry. Drummers Elvin
Jones, Philly Joe Jones, and Idris Muhammed, and pianist Michel Petrucciani
have all used Andy in their bands.
Saxophonist Steve Slagle co-leads The Stryker /
Slagle Band, has released 10 CD's as a leader, and has played with Milton
Nascimento, Ray Barretto, Carla Bley, Charlie Haden, The Mingus Big Band and
Joe Lovano.
Links:
ZOHO MUSIC:
http://www.zohomusic.com/cds_detail.php?cds_id=9
PROMOTION - Jim Eigo: Jazzpromo@earthlink.net SWEET RHYTHM - www.sweetrythmny.com/ Dave Stryker: www.davestryker.com
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