Cathy Morris music

It came to me one day when doing some musical contemplating what might others think?
So I thought why not ask? 
And I reached out.
And they answered.
So starts the beginning of

THE INTERVIEW
– a series of questions –

next up – Martin Melende

I connected to Martin through reading about the upcoming Barcelona Fiddle fest coming up Feb 2016.
Actually reached out to a number of folks on the line up some of which replied like this new friend.
It’s all about leaving that legacy of thoughts for future folks to ponder IMHO and Martin was indeed on board!

How Do You Describe Your Music?
I started studyng classical music but as I come from Cuba I have been influenced by traditional and popular cuban music, bossa nova and latin jazz. Since I’m living in Spain and have traveled around the world my sound has been enriched by other styles too flamenco, balkan music celtic music etc. So now I think my music its a big fussion.

What’s Your Latest Project?
My last project is AUPAQUARTET second album, rereading the string quartet. Another project I have is TRAZA QUARTET which was founded in Cuba in 2003 , a modern vision of popular cuban music, 2 guitars 1 violin and cello.

Do You play more than one instrument? Do You Recommend That?
Violoncello, electric bass and piano. Of course I do recommend playing more than one instrument, Each instrument is a different tool for getting your mind and heart opened.

Who Are Some Other Players You’ve Enjoyed Collaborating With?
Chano Dominguez, Cassey Driesen, Pablo Milanes, Alasdair Fraser, Nathalie Hass, Renuad Garcia Fons , Yusa among others.

Who would you like to play with that you haven’t?
Darold Anger, Sting, Bobby Mcferrin.

Where Has Been One of Your Favorite Places to Perform?
Jazz Festival Montreal, Adelaide Festival (Australia), Main Theatre Shanghaiko (Sanghai), Teatro Sodre ( Uruguay).

Favorite Gear?
I use G&Fills pick up, DPA 4099C and OC-3 Super octave BOSS which gives a warm and bass sound to the cello,and RC-3 LOOP STATION BOSS.

Fav Summer Camps or Educational Opportunities?
Alasdair Fraser runs the best sumner camp in Burgos,Spain is called Crisol de Cuerda Tradicional and I been invited to collaborated with for the third time this year.
Another interesting educational opportunitie is the Barcelona fiddle Congress runed by Oriol Saña.

Who do you like to listen to?
Bach, Avishai Cohen, Juan del Encina, Robert Glasper, Jordi Savall, Esperanza Spalding, Michael Breker, Bebo Valdés, Take six ,Los Van Van, Monica Salmaso, Chico Pinheiro, Egberto Gismonti, Joshua Redman , Path Matheney and so on

What Do You Recommend to an aspiring Improviser?
To listen a lot of different styles of music and to let it flow.

How Do You Overcome Self Conscience Playing?
You must connect with your heart.

Any Other Tips On Performance Practices?
To make the stage your home

Final thought: philosophy, quote…anything at all…
You are the difference.

Martin