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Take Five With Georg Cocron

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Georg Cocron Meet Georg Cocron:

Independent musician/guitarist, Georg Cocron, is a versatile, skilled guitarist whose creative escapades include five solo CDs and numerous session guitar credits.

Inspired by jazz and rock legends such as Al Di Meola, Jimmy Page, Jeff Beck, and classical composers J.S. Bach, and George Frederic Handel, Cocron has branched out with avant-garde, electro-acoustic explorations.

The compositions on Acoustic Guitar Odyssey are intellectual escapades, featuring passionate improvised guitar melodies and daring classical interpretations.

Other than being an indie musician, difficulty characterizing Cocron's approach, and genre speaks volumes about his commitment to stylistic integrity, and harmonic sophistication.

Instrument(s):

Guitar, piano.

Teachers and/or influences? Ken Karsh, Pepe Romero, Glen Monserat

I knew I wanted to be a musician when... Everyone in the neighborhood would come to see my band rehearse. I totally enjoyed that kind of attention. I knew it wouldn't last forever, but it was a sign that I had something going for myself.

Your sound and approach to music: I think that rock music should be played loud, very loud. When the cops come to your door, you know you're playing it the right way. However, through the years I've mellowed. I think that musicians should be disciplined that is: show up to the gig on time, play in tune, try to get along with the other musicians, and be courteous and respectful to the audience. Otherwise, I just try to have fun playing.

Your teaching approach: As far as teaching goes, it seems people are curious about certain guitar licks that I play. Other times I get asked about my equipment, that is, what kind of guitar do I play, etc.

Generally, I really enjoy teaching. As a teacher I learn as much as the students do. I tend to teach basic things, like introductory music theory, technique, and performance theory.

I try not to tell people what to play. That's where teachers make mistakes. I try to help anyone to tap into their creative potential, just as my teachers helped me.

Your dream band:

Hmmm good question. If I built a dream band I'm not sure that it would go over well. It might be too perfect, or it might not work whatsoever. But here goes: I would like to jam with John McLaughlin (guitar), also it would be cool to work with a really outrageous drummer like Steve Gadd, or Billy Cobham, just to see what could happen. But until that day...I'll play with anyone who has a passion for music, and a professional attitude.

Road story: Your best or worst experience: Hmmm, amps blowing up on stage, guitar chords popping out of amps? You mean stuff like that? Or are you talking about after the gig? Either way I've had my share of misadventures. Gigs are crazy. I got tired of playing them. But I guess it goes with the territory.

Favorite venue:

I like playing at Universities, that is, when I can. As part of a class or music program, the focus is on the music and the performance. That way, people can really learn from one another and there is usually a professional and respectful attitude.

Your favorite recording in your discography and why? I like my most recent CD, Acoustic Guitar Odyssey; I think that it's my most mature work.

I have some music that I haven't released yet that I think is even better.

The first Jazz album I bought was: Larry Carlton, Room 335.

What do you think is the most important thing you are contributing musically? Excellent question! I think that my music helps me and others to relax. It may sound silly, but that's what music should do, in my opinion. Also the better my compositions, and my performances become, the more enlightening and perhaps even educational my music can be.

Did you know...

Someone from my family was canonized as a saint. I went to Rome and participated in a ceremony, along with Pope John Paul II, in front a giant crowd of people at the Vatican.

CDs you are listening to now: Al Di Meola, Live at Montreux DVD (Eagle Eye Media);

Frank Gambale;

Larry Carlton;

Lee Ritenour.

A lot independently released music, I often derive inspiration from talented musicians, especially guitarists.

Desert Island picks: Anthology of Jazz.

How would you describe the state of jazz today? Well jazz, in my opinion, is not as easy to define as it once was. This is due to the infusion of rock with jazz. I think of jazz as sophisticated popular music, often times instrumental. But I know that this might irritate someone with a more pure definition. Honestly I don't know if the words jazz musician apply to me. But that's OK. I really love jazz, and am inspired by it. If I play rock, or metal, or blues, it doesn't really matter. As a matter of fact, Heavy Metal is described by some as Heavy "Jazz Rock."

What are some of the essential requirements to keep jazz alive and growing? Education. People need to be exposed to it, not indoctrinated mind you, but just like me, I wanted to study jazz. I respect musicians who don't place a barrier between themselves and musicians from other genres. If some musicians can't get along that's one thing, but in general, music is there to be enjoyed. As long as people are growing musically, and intellectually, then I think that jazz will remain strong.

What is in the near future? I have a new CD that will be released this year. Otherwise, I spend my time studying music, composing, and teaching.

By Day:

I am involved in volunteer work, using my music to assist others who might be in need of social services.

If I weren't a jazz musician, I would be a: An astronaut.

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