In an attempt to document my work as an improvisational vocalist (and to work with a great bassist!), I approached my mentor friend Anthony Cox last summer about getting into the studio together to play. We finally aligned our schedules earlier this month.

I was a little apprehensive that morning. First of all, 9 am is not the friendliest time for singers and, second, Anthony and I had not discussed what we were going to do — at all. The folks recording us didn’t know what to expect. (Neither did I.)

Anthony has earned his reputation as a talented and versatile player, however, and he made it easy.

More important (to me!), he had a plan which, being the planner I am, I appreciated. We’d do something open, work on a song, do something abstract and then do something more abstract. (c;

Anthony started right in with a repeating pattern I didn’t expect to hear come out of his bass. I took a deep breath … and off we went.

Something “open”

Something “abstract”

…

Later, I had to laugh when we were in the booth listening to the playback and one of the engineers asked me when Anthony and I had composed these pieces. My definition of successful improv? When the audience doesn’t know you’re making it up!

Anthony, thanks so much for the musical conversations. I had a great time! (Can we do it again? Soon? (c;)

Patty, thanks for getting up early to take the wonderful photos.