STILL YOUNG
Interview:Joel McIver
Mantrais the sixteenth album from the Toronto-based songwriter, bassist, and Juno Award-winning member of the Order of Canada, Dave Young. Recorded with a sextet of trumpeter Kevin Turcotte, reedist Perry White and a backline of Reg Schwager on guitar, Brian Dickinson on piano, and Terry Clarke on drums, Mantraalso includes as guests Ewen Farncombe on organ, John Johnson on alto sax and flute, and Les Allt on flute. Even if you don’t play upright bass, you will be fascinated by the tone and bounce of Young’s bass parts, which are unselfish but which also extend to some fiery soloing.
How did you choose the songs for Mantra, Dave?
The majority of them are original tunes, but whenever I record anything in a CD format, I always like to mix in a few jazz standards, because then people will think, ‘Oh, yeah, I know this tune!’ which makes it more approachable.
The bass on the album is mixed high, but it leaves space for everybody else, like a true bandleader.
Well, I always like to give the guys plenty of room.
