On 'The Short Years,' Ed Kornhauser's Jazz Is Of The Moment

Speaker 1: 00:00 A local jazz musician just released a debut album of original quartet, music, KPBS arts editor, and producer, Julia Dixon Evans spoke with ed cornhouser about the record called the short years and about the ephemeral nature of time, Speaker 2: 00:25 The days are long, but the years are short is a common mantra of parents attributed to writer, correct? Speaker 1: 00:31 10 Speaker 2: 00:36 30 three-year-old pianist. Ed Kornheiser has been envisioning and putting off writing the short years, his debut jazz quartet album for some long years. But once he finally got started with the recording process, the days move, yeah. Speaker 1: 00:51 Quickly Speaker 2: 00:54 Time is the magic, not the enemy of the album released November, right? Speaker 1: 01:04 [inaudible] Speaker 3: 01:05 It's a series of moments walked in time by a recording. And, you know, the title refers to, to me anyway, it speaks to how it might be tough right now in the moment. And things might need to be dragging on, but you know, still things will pass quickly and we need, we need to appreciate what we can Speaker 1: 01:24 In the moment, Speaker 2: 01:31 Corn who grew up in Escondido and studied music at San Diego state university is known among the local music scene as a prolific pianist, performing with other groups as well as, as an accompanist and gave musician. Speaker 1: 01:43 Hmm. Speaker 3: 01:49 I met the saxophone players on this record, Dylan Hermanson and I, and, uh, I really liked the sound and we did a gig where we played some of my songs and I'm like, that's it, that's the other voice I want. This is the extra ingredient I already know the drummer and the baseball, or I want, I'm just going to find a date. Everyone's available, book it at the studio and go, Speaker 1: 02:15 [inaudible] Speaker 2: 02:16 Finding a sax player. Didn't just trigger the act of recording the album. It shaped the project. Speaker 3: 02:22 I spent my years in San Diego in large part as an accompanist. And it's made me really appreciate, you know, a good like ensemble sound. I love a good group, you know, and I wanted that extra voice Speaker 1: 02:36 In there. Speaker 2: 02:39 Last October. He rounded up Hermanson along with basis to McKenzie, Layton and drummer, Kevin Gucci, who is also the drummer for punk Crocker, Jeff Rosenstock to record the 13 track collection in just two days, the short years weaves through moods, textures and styles, showcasing corn housers and versatile quartet. Speaker 1: 03:00 Hermanson Speaker 2: 03:01 Saxophone is a strong element throughout the album and shines, but doesn't dominate just like Korn hazards, piano on close inspection. Each track on the album feels like it brings something new to the jazz table, but the album is ambient enough to hit play and listen through. Speaker 1: 03:23 [inaudible] Speaker 2: 03:23 The opening team. The Schaeffler has a classic swing standard feel to it. The track manages to showcase the tight compositions and ensemble unity before an early skillful piano solo, then an instant switch to Hermanson on saxophone for a solid solo plus a few breaks to show off Leighton's bass and Gucci's drums. Before settling back into the tracks reframe for the final Corn has her pulls away from the standards quickly with salad and the second track that's startlingly melodic. It's a lovely tune with twinkling piano and a romantic edge saxophone, melody and Kornheiser said the track was inspired by San Diego pianist, Danny green. Speaker 1: 04:27 [inaudible] Speaker 2: 04:28 Another standout piece is the moody foo U which opens with nearly two minutes of piano solo, like a welcome magnifying glass for corn hazards, style chops and creativity. Within a few more minutes, the tuna solidly in a highly technical whirling, saxophone solo, sharp edged, but maintaining the tracks slowed down darkness Speaker 1: 05:05 [inaudible] Speaker 2: 05:06 Tumblehome is driven by what Kornheiser describes as the traditional train beat. It's a fun wandering track packed with melody and steady drums. And he use of gospel Speaker 1: 05:16 American [inaudible] Speaker 2: 05:26 Kornheiser said that this album like all improvisational music is a snapshot in time and that at no other time, will these tracks sound the same? The music is formed by these four musicians in each one, the seven minute take of each track on every subsequent time they're performed, the band can grow with the tune and make room to be surprised by it. The concept of time is undeniable in this piece of work and Kornheiser, his approach to composition and jazz in general. Speaker 1: 05:57 [inaudible] the old saying is we only have the moment and jazz is an intensely femoral music. It exists in a unique space and a unique time. Speaker 2: 06:17 K PVS arts editor and producer Julia Dixon. Evan spoke with ed cornhouser about his new album available. Now cornhouser performs as part of the voices of our city choir virtual holiday show tonight at 6:00 PM. And he will also stream a dual performance with Whitney Shay on Sunday at 7:00 PM and eight 30. Speaker 1: 06:46 [inaudible].