Smirk: Not Your Grandfather’s Jazz and the Birth of a Label

Alan and Lindsay Bjorklund explore the decade-long journey of the album Not Your Grandfather’s Jazz featuring Tyshawn Sorey, Matt Mitchell, Jeremy Viner, Travis Reuter, and Kim Cass. They break down the band history of Smirk, the process of recording world-class improvisers at GSI Studios, and why they chose to build an independent platform for creative music.Timestamps:00:00 - Intro: Reflecting on the label’s first release01:00 - The origins of Smirk (2011 at Ibeam)02:00 - Smirk vs. Face: Electric and Acoustic quintets04:14 - Expanding to a sextet with Matt Mitchell09:29 - Personnel rotations and sub-players11:44 - Writing specifically for the 5-string electric bass12:04 - Bass chemistry with Tyshawn Sorey15:28 - Meeting Tyshawn Sorey and early collaborations19:51 - Inside the 2017 GSI recording session22:38 - The decision to fund a project and start a label25:58 - Interconnectedness: The Merry Poppins session30:05 - The Nublu release gig and the live energy31:14 - Tyshawn’s perfectly timed stick drop32:39 - Nostalgia for the 55 Bar and intimate spacesBIRCH GROVE MEDIAWeb: birchgrove.ioFollow us: @birch.grove.media on Instagram.Watch on YouTube: youtube.com/@BirchGroveMediaGet the Record: Shop our current 180g LP and digital releases on our website. Rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.