The Easley Quartet (The EQ) is a new collaboration of some of the most revered jazz players in Atlantic Canada. The group features Tom Easley on bass, Mark Adam on drums, and the dual guitar attack of Geordie Haley and Kevin Brunkhorst.
With a sound that speaks to both classic jazz aficionados and fans of groove oriented artists like Medeski, Martin and Wood and Bill Frisell, The EQ shines a new light on jazz while still honoring its tradition.
I had a chance to interview Tom prior to their kick off show tonight.
Tell me a bit about yourself and The Easley Quartet?
I was born in Fredericton NB. I have been playing music for quite some time and always bass. I have two daughters who are both very musical and kind. The Easley Quartet or The EQ is a new project/ group that has been around for about a year now. I’m very lucky to have some of the best musicians in the region joining me. They are Geordie Haley (guitar), Kevin Brunkhorst (Guitar), Mark Adam (drums) and myself Tom Easley (Bass). The music is all my compositions that I have been working on over the last few years.
Tell me about your debut album “The Starting Point vs The Steep Decline”
The recording has 11 tracks and was recorded live off the floor. I think of this as a document of what we were feeling and sounded like at this point. The title is meant to reflect that this recording is part of a journey that we all take in our musical careers.
“The EQ is not your standard jazz quartet” – how do you stand out from others?
Well, it has many contemporary influences such as rock, folk, blues along with modern jazz and is completely original compositions. The instrumentation of two guitars offers a bit of a different take as well.
Who are some of your musical influences?
I have had many influences in jazz, folk, blues and pop. I think in jazz this recording comes out of artists like Marc Johnson, The Bad Plus, and Charlie Haden. But overall I see elements of folk, blues and rock as well.
You have earned a reputation as one of Eastern Canada’s finest jazz bassists- how does that feel?
In a region where there are so many great bassists I’m really proud that I have been able to stay current and in demand as a player and have have acknowledged my work.
You are kicking off a tour in the Maritimes, can you tell me about that?
This fall we are play 6 shows in NS and NB. I hope to add more in the new year but for now we have shows in Halifax, Saint John, St. Andrews and Fredericton. I am originally from NB so heading there was a must for these first shows.
Oct. 25 Halifax, NS The Local
Oct. 26 Halifax, NS 1313 Hollis Street
Oct. 27 Glen Haven, NS Paul’s Hall
Nov. 23 Saint John, NB BMO Studio
Nov. 24 St. Andrews, NB Sunbury Shores (1pm)
Nov. 24 Fredericton, NB Wilser’s Room (8pm)
Anything else you would like to add?
Support live music!
