Jim Hall Interview

**mattymel** · 03-07-2012, 07:00 PM

Still hard to believe. It was in the works for A WHILE and I never mentioned it because I was always afraid it was too good to be true. Finally happened this last week. We met up to do an interview for this book of Jimmy Giuffre 3 transcriptions I did. I am still kind of blown away by the whole experience. Spent an afternoon at his apartment in NYC where he has lived for over 40 years.

Really an amazing experience and Im still processing what it all means, interview-wise and...PERSONALLY. All I can say is the interview went well and I didn't freak out until later that night when it really HIT me who was answering my questions. We talked about a lot of stuff. He has a thing with keeping his eyes on the horizon (so to speak), but was very kind about taking time to reflect on his time with Jimmy Giuffre.

Anyway, Im feeling very lucky and positive about things. Glad knowing there are all around good guys like Jim still out there. What an inspiration...had to share.

**Flat** · 03-07-2012, 08:07 PM

Wow! Very cool, Matthew! Thanks for the story. Will you publish the interview in your book or somewhere else?

I once asked Jim for his autograph after a show, and now have a copy of the "Live" LP framed and hanging on my office wall. Prized possession. He was incredibly gracious.

BTW, is that Jim's D'Aquisto in the background behind the Sadowsky with the towel draped on the headstock?

**marcwhy** · 03-07-2012, 08:21 PM

Wow, congrats! What an experience.

So, either he's really short, or you're really tall ...

**msr13** · 03-07-2012, 08:45 PM

Awesome!! I hope we get to sees transcript. What a wonderful experience.

**Jazzpunk** · 03-07-2012, 09:07 PM

Congrats man, that is one to treasure for sure.

**mattymel** · 03-07-2012, 09:32 PM

yes, thats the famed D'Aquisto. i was sad to hear that he no longer has the GA50. as to the height...im not that tall, but Jim had back surgery a while back. hence the difference. but i can assure you i was the one who felt like there was a giant in the room!

the full interview will eventually be published along with the transcriptions. I'm working on a edited down video to put out first to build some interest. should be done in a few weeks.

**fep** · 03-07-2012, 09:40 PM

Awesome.

Jim Hall is such a class act. His daughter, Devra, met my brother who told her 1) I was a huge fan of Jim Hall and 2) I was in the hospital going through some health issue.

So what starts showing up in my mailbox? A signed book of his, a bunch of his CDs and he sends me greeting cards. So, I'm corresponding with Jim Hall!!!!

He didn't have to do any of that. But he did.

**M-ster** · 03-07-2012, 09:49 PM

Very cool, Matt!

**tonedeaf** · 03-08-2012, 01:25 AM

Originally Posted by fep

Awesome.

Jim Hall is such a class act. His daughter, Devra, met my brother who told her 1) I was a huge fan of Jim Hall and 2) I was in the hospital going through some health issue.

So what starts showing up in my mailbox? A signed book of his, a bunch of his CDs and he sends me greeting cards. So, I'm corresponding with Jim Hall!!!!

He didn't have to do any of that. But he did.

Great. This just shows that in addition to being musically and personally a fine man, Mr. Hall also raised a fine and caring daughter!

**srlank** · 03-08-2012, 02:32 AM

Waaam Doggy for sure. Congrats!!

**paynow** · 03-08-2012, 10:07 AM

That is awesome Matt. Wow.

**NSJ** · 03-08-2012, 10:18 AM

Wow, looking forward to this. As far as I'm concerned, not enough Jim Hall interviews. What a class act!

From my point of view, Jim and Johnny Smith have been THE standard bearer for our instrument and our music.

May they both have good health and as much personal enjoyment as they desire.

**FatJeff** · 03-08-2012, 12:17 PM

Amazing! Looking forward to your video.

**mr. beaumont** · 03-08-2012, 01:21 PM

Late to the party...but agreed, very cool.

I like that Jim appears to be a nice guy. I know that sounds like a little kid just looking up to his idols, but it means a lot to me that he's as cool as he seems...

**JazzVocab** · 03-08-2012, 01:42 PM

Fantastic, memories you will treasure!

**voxwerx** · 03-08-2012, 01:52 PM

Nice that you got to meet a hero, and have them turn out to be what you expected (maybe more). Got to interview Mancini back in my radio days... it was just weird. Of course, I was 19 years old, and Henry didn't seemed too tickled to be playing in Southeast Kansas...

**mattymel** · 03-08-2012, 07:59 PM

Im really itchin for a discussion here of what he said, but I guess the video will do that much better than i can. stay tuned!

I wish I would have timed it to see him play with Julian Lage next month...wow.

Nuff Said · 03-09-2012, 04:30 AM

Brilliant, meeting Jim Hall wow, he's been such a big influence on how modern Jazz guitar playing has evolved. When I listen to Julian Lage, I hear Jim Hall's influence.

Nuff

**Marto** · 03-16-2012, 07:06 AM

Man! When ever I see stuff like this it makes me wish I lived in the States. Jim Hall is an institution, his comping and knowledge of harmony is incredible.
I would love to see him play with Julian Lage!
Congrats Mattymel good for you.

Fep your story is just great!