Upstairs / Matt Herskowitz

When Jim first told me he wanted to record one of my upcoming solo gigs at Upstairs Jazz in Montreal, I was at first surprised by the enthusiastic and determined conviction with which he announced it. I was also happy to see such enthusiasm from him regarding this proposal. However, I wasn't entirely convinced of the idea of recording a solo album on a smaller piano in a jazz club, without the ambience of a concert hall. But this was what Jim wanted, so we picked a date and did it. After I heard the recordings, I soon realized what he was going for, and why he was so excited about it: the recording beautifully captures the essence of what it's like to be at an intimate, live performance at Upstairs, a classy, unpretentious restaurant and bar where serious jazz fans come to listen to music. For sure, the vibe from the room affects my performance, and this performance definitely reflects that vibe: warm, intimate, and intensely focused. The ambient noise, from the beer taps to the clinking coffee cups, only enhances the experience, helping to draw us in. I felt transported back to the club, but this time as a listener to my own performance - it was a very cool experience.

Price: $17.98