In 2023, Goldmine introduced our readers to jazz trumpeter and vocalist Matt Von Roderick’s album Celestial Heart, which included his version of Johnny Rivers’ 1965 hit “Seventh Son.” Now Von Roderick takes on The Flaming Lips’ 2002 single “Do You Realize??” along with seven originals on his new album The Perfect Storm, a mix of jazz trumpet instrumentals and vocal tracks, of which he spoke with Goldmine about over half the songs.
Matt Von Roderick, photo by Heidi Calvert
MATT VON RODERICK
The Perfect Storm
Label 51/Flatiron Recordings (vinyl, CD, and digital formats)
The album opens powerfully with “Signs,” featuring a circular trumpet sound, an “In the Mood” swing, and warning signs of a troubling relationship or situation. Matt Von Roderick told Goldmine, “‘Signs’ has a circular feeling in the chord progression almost like Samuel Barber’s ‘Adagio for Strings’ and it never fully resolves, being cyclical and spiraling. The song depicts a person’s internal conflict that we all go through until you find a sense of control. The album is largely about overcoming challenges. A mentor said to me that one of the main roles of an artist is to mine the depths of their own personal and spiritual development and then bring that to life through their art and gift it as an offering to others.”
“Signs”
“One of the main roles of an artist is to mine the depths of their own personal and spiritual development and then bring that to life through their art and gift it as an offering to others.” – Matt Von Roderick
“Hello” is a lively rave-up, recalling the ‘90s party sounds of The Mighty Mighty Bosstones. Von Roderick continued, “‘Hello’ is one of the happier tracks because of the breakthrough that occurs with a change in one’s life, experiencing the world anew. Peter Retzlaff went for something more ska-oriented on the drums, to give it that positivity.”
“Hello”
The title tune “Perfect Storm” has a traditional Doc Severinsen-like styling with classy string sounds. Von Roderick agreed, “Doc Severinsen, for any trumpet player, is an influence, legendary and incredible. He is a great example of having integrity and being a real craftsman, bringing it to millions of people and having commercial success. One of my favorite sections on the whole album is the string part on this song, which is emotionally satisfying.
“Perfect Storm”
The dramatic “Coexistence” has a very long introduction, leading to wild abandon, crashing drums, and a “Harlem Nocturne”-like emotion in the middle. Von Roderick shared, “It is cinematic and has become a very important part of my live shows. It is the most avant-garde and probing track on the album. I sing and play simultaneously, producing multiple notes of harmony.”
“Coexistence”
The sole cover on the album is the dreamy Flaming Lips song “Do You Realize??” with thought-filled lyrics, making for a great finale. Von Roderick concluded, “I offer a personal rendition of the song with my trumpet and vocals on loops. It is just me on this song. Bill Hein, who is a co-founder of Flatiron Recordings, who I am signed to, also signed The Flaming Lips to their original deal with Warner Bros. in the ‘90s. Their lead vocalist, Wayne Coyne, has heard my version and he loves it, thankfully. I started playing this song during the heart of the pandemic, it is one of the songs that I played last month at the Burning Man festival, along with ‘Coexistence’ and ‘Signs.’ It was a very special event despite this year’s weather at Black Rock City. There were sand storms, rain, and mud, but true to form, as the sun set and the music emerged, all attendees present were swept up into sonic bliss.”
“Do You Realize??”
Matt Von Roderick’s album release show for The Perfect Storm will be at the Catalina Jazz Club in Hollywood, California on October 2. Doors open and dinner begins at 7 p.m. with the concert starting at 8:30 p.m.
Related Links:
catalinajazzclub.com/tm-event/matt-von-roderick-cd-release
Goldmine 2023: Matt Von Roderick’s Celestial Heart
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