I Used To Be Anonymous by The Steve Elmer Trio

We have played all kinds of gigs together: duo, trio, quartet, sextet, big band, and with many singers. He has a beautiful sound and his time feeling is as solid as bronze. Hide is always willing to play, whatever the circumstances. He never holds back. He shares whatever he has to give. I am fortunate to know him and to play with him. (Hide's name is pronounced "hee-day".)

Shingo Okudaira, Drums

I played with Shingo for the first time in 2005. After the first tune I knew he was a great drummer. He swings all the time, no matter what the tempo, including ballads. Sticks, brushes, mallets: it doesn’t matter. His drums sound beautiful and his cymbals sing. His solos are imaginative and complex. Shingo is a complete musician. He proved this by playing a Wynton Kelly solo for me (yes, he played it on the piano) note for note the way Wynton played it, swinging just as hard and with as much enthusiasm. What a gift.

My Compositions

I like to write tunes dedicated to people who have inspired me or had an impact on my life. “Peter the Painter” is written for Peter Salvatore, a guy who paints houses and apartments for a living. He does great work, is an honest person, and is someone who understands quality. “Dance of the Drackots” is for Bud Powell and my wife, Olivia Stockard. A “Drackots” is a feisty mythical creature who is independent and determined to match the highest standards. “Blues For Bobby T” is for Bobby Timmons, the great piano player and composer. “Wounded Heart” is for anyone who has been hurt in life. “Keep Your Eye On the Ball” is some kind of reminder to myself. “Easy Mr. B” is for the wonderful singer Billy Eckstein. “Monk’s Slow Drag” is for you know who. “Stepping Out With Wynton K” is for Mr. Kelly and “Tyner Time” is for McCoy.

Classic Jazz

There are many definitions of “classic.” But the ones that mean the most to me are:

a : serving as a standard of excellence : of recognized value b : traditional, enduring c : characterized by simple tailored lines in fashion year after year

My idea of classic jazz is simple: play the original song, improvise on the melody, the harmony, and the form. Tell a story and make it swing one way or another.

Notes by Steve Elmer

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