A composer, modern fingerstyle guitarist, and leader of the dynamic ensemble MVI, Mark Vickness is a unique and prominent musical talent. With a rich background in jazz, classical, and various world music traditions, Mark's journey through the musical landscape is nothing short of extraordinary. Armed with a bachelor’s and master’s degree in composition, he has performed with notable groups ranging from West African drumming ensembles to Motown bands.
In this interview, Mark opens up about his early inspirations, the formation of MVI, and their latest project, ‘I Will Find My Way’, a seminal album in three parts. He discusses the profound influences that have shaped his music, his creative process, and the central theme of human interconnectedness that runs through his work.
Mark, it’s a pleasure to have you here, thank you for taking the time to chat with us. When did you first start making music? Where did it all begin, and what inspired you?
“I first started learning to play piano at age six at my mother's insistence. My memories of those early years are not altogether favourable as my first teacher was old school and very strict. Not much fun for a six-year-old but I learned how to read music, how to follow a metronome, and some important basics. I don't recall becoming inspired by music until around age eleven or twelve when I heard the reigning guitar gods of the day - Jimmy Page, Hendrix, Townsend, Duane Allman, etc. I was utterly smitten at that point!”
Can you tell us a bit about MVI and the new album?
“I formed MVI (Mark Vickness Interconnected) in 2019. Our new release, ‘I Will Find My Way’, is the third album written for this group. MVI is a collective comprising a core instrumental group consisting of two-time GRAMMY-winning violinist Mads Tolling, wind maestro Matt Renzi (saxophones, English horn, oboe), cellist Joseph Hebert, upright bassist, Dan Feiszli and myself on steel string acoustic guitars. We added GRAMMY-winning percussionist MB Gordy and Tabla virtuoso Ty Burhoe for pieces on all three albums.”
“I first became exposed to and enthralled by the idea of an interconnected, interdependent world - of all people as belonging to one human family spanning all of human history - in college. I found myself expanding my musical horizons to include the full range of Western music as well as Classical Ragas from India, drum ensemble music from West Africa, Salsa, Indonesian Gamelan and more. As a guitarist, I played in every type of setting I could think of from jazz solo guitar to quartets to big band, singer/songwriter, funk, Motown, blues, free improv and modern fingerstyle.”
“I embraced formal studies in composition and got a master's degree in composition from Cal Arts where I studied with Pulitzer Prize winner Mel Powell. I eventually became the kind of musician that reflects the interconnectedness of the world we live in. MVI is intended to project that idea by incorporating elements of the full range of styles, instruments and cultures we, as a group, have embraced over the years.”
How would you describe the sound of the new album? Has there been a change or evolution in style since you first began?
“I describe the music on ‘I Will Find My Way’ as Instrumental Progressive Acoustic Fusion. My style continues to evolve as I interact with and absorb more music and discover sounds that move me - hence, I will find my way!”
Is there a central message or theme you were trying to convey in your latest release? Is there a moment in the release that really captures that idea?
“The central message and theme is human interconnectedness. It is expressed throughout the album. Some examples: the percussion parts on More Hot Apple Stuff consist of Classical Indian Tabla playing a western style galloping groove combined with traditional Latin Congas. That gets put behind a bluegrassy violin solo in the middle of the piece. The cello in The Four plays a traditional West African drum part under the violin solo in the middle of that piece. Three Bridges ends with a traditional Chaconne - an old Baroque form adapted for this modern group. I could go on.”
What is your songwriting process with MVI?
“My process usually starts with an idea I develop while improvising on guitar or a melodic or rhythmic idea that comes to me frequently while either driving or hiking. These are recorded on my phone for reference. Once I have some material I think is worth developing into a composition, the idea gets recorded in Logic and then developed using the compositional tools I've learned over the years. After that, we will head into a recording studio to record for real. No AI. Real musicians only!”
Are there any artists, moments, or experiences that influenced you when writing the project?
“So many! I am a devotee of J.S. Bach. He sits atop a mountain of other influences: Michael Hedges, Paul Simon, Peter Gabriel, Ravi Shankar, Joni Mitchell, Jacob Collier, Chris Thile, Bon Iver, John McLaughlin, Ralph Towner - it's a long list. I am also influenced by living in the high desert in California. The piece Three Bridges on the new album was written mostly while hiking one of my favourite Eastern Sierra trails.”
What’s the most important thing when you’re writing a song”
“Two things compete for most important: staying true to myself and there is no ‘good enough’.”
What has been your best moment as a musician or band so far?
“My best moments are every single moment that someone out there chooses to listen to music I've created. The second best moments are sitting alone composing and coming up with a solution to a problem that works and moves me.”
Is there anything you would like to say to our audience?
“Yes, I am deeply grateful to anyone who checks out MVI and I hope you find something there that moves you!”
Released today, ‘I Will Find My Way’ is a vibrant tapestry of sound, showcasing the diverse talents of MVI and the broader ensemble. The album is a testament to Vickness's ability to craft intricate compositions that seamlessly blend elements of jazz, classical, and world music.
The album is a compelling and engaging album that showcases the versatility of Mark Vickness and the MVI ensemble, delivering three intricate parts that showcase the project’s various forms, from the quintet of winds, violin, cello, guitar, and upright bass, the full seven-member group, and re-written version of four pieces from previous albums. It is a must-listen for fans of jazz, classical, and world music, and for anyone who appreciates innovative and well-crafted instrumental music.
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