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Titillating Tales
An interview with jazz trumpeter Mark Rapp
Mark Rapp (Photo: Shawn Bell/Jim Borth/Ray Masters)
Mark Rapp blew away the jazz world with his debut album Token Tales so we decided to find out about the album, future projects and jazz music in general from the world-renowned bandleader, composer and trumpeter.
What does the collaborative process mean to you as a jazz artist?
Collaboration is the heart of jazz music—the essence of civil communication. It’s one of the main principles at which a jazz artist must excel. It’s truly the best example of the democratic process and a shining example of diplomatic ideals. Many world-leaders and ambassadors would do well to take some music lessons. Jazz, like all great art, requires something of the listener too. It requires collaboration, an active participation on the part of the audience. My goal has always been to reach as many people as possible in order to give the opportunity to enjoy the greater experience of jazz.
What were the main influences on Token Tales? How has the reception of the album been for you as an artist?
Token Tales has been received far better than I could have imagined! This record is really coming from a singer/songwriter mentality where one writes their own music and presents themselves completely—composer and player—like Bob Dylan or James Taylor or Dr. Dre even.
How is the upcoming Braden-Rapp: The Music of Billy Strayhorn different than Token Tales?
Token Tales is my debut effort as a leader. The Braden-Rapp project highlights all arrangements and a band of musicians largely made up of artists under my manager’s roster. We each contributed a handful of arrangements of the music of Billy Strayhorn. It’s a darn bold thing to do…we are reharmonizng, reorganizing and reworking his music. On the other hand, it is an ideal in jazz to have your own voice, even on someone else’s composition. It is some of the hippest versions of these classic tunes I’ve heard in a long time! I cannot tell you how excited I am about this group and this music.
What is your favorite live performance venue?
Whoa—tough, tough question. Jazzland in Vienna, Austria, is brilliant for its rich history, underground vibe and great beer. I’ve played a half-torn down castle in Italy under a clear moonlight sky filled with stars, which was pretty spectacular. The Jazz Standard for the prestige of the venue; it has awesome BBQ too!