We had a great chat with jazz vibraphonist Ed Smith, faculty member at the University of North Texas and SMU. Ben was able to meet with him in person for this interview.
Topics: Gamelan, jazz vibes, the Malletech Love vibe, John Cage, Gamelan Wanita
Watch here. Listen below.
0:00 Intro and hello
1:40 Ed’s current projects and relationship with Ben
4:46 Malletech Love Vibe and pedaling technique
13:09 “Neptune” and vibrato notation
15:58 Mason: “How did you first get interested in gamelan and decide to bring it to UNT?”
20:02 Shadow Puppetry and Gender Wayang
24:33 Transcribing Balinese music
27:28 Establishing a gamelan at UNT
29:50 Dance and Martha Graham
33:03 Megan: Gamelan Wanita
38:22 Composing for Gamelan Gong Kebyar
40:54 Gamelan Beleganjur
42:36 Working with John Cage
44:44 Ben: John Cage, part 1
55:27 Working with Stuart Copland
58:16 Ted Jackson: What is the most important thing you want your students to know by the time they graduate?
59:21 Wrap
