Exclusive: Sympathy for the Sax

Tim Ries

Tim Ries may be an accomplished and talented jazz and classical saxophonist but in the last eight years his life has had a distinctly rock ‘n’ roll edge to it. Since 1999, he has been touring with the Rolling Stones playing saxophone and keyboards and two years ago brought out The Rolling Stones Project. a jazz album of Stones covers. While the Stones are in London to complete their world tour, Tim decided that on his night off he would have a gig of his own and play tracks from his album while also helping to raise money for National Children’s Homes Byte Night. Tim took time out of his busy touring schedule to talk to Belinda Wanis about what gives him Satisfaction.

How did a jazz saxophonist come to tour with the Rolling Stones?

I got a call from Michael Davis, the trombonist with the Stones, telling me that Andy Snitzer was going to be leaving to perform with Paul Simon. I had known Mike for many years and we had done hundreds of gigs and recordings in New York and he and Kent Smith, the trumpet player, thought that I would be a good replacement.

Was it a huge difference to the gigs you were used to playing?

Yes, of course. I had done many different kinds of gigs from jazz, classical, R&B, pop and rock but nothing quite comes close to the Stones.

What is the best and worst thing about playing and touring with rock legends?

The best thing is playing with the Rolling Stones. The worst is being away from family.

Who from the Stones do you have the most in common with or spend the most time with?

Besides Mike, Kent and Bobby, the horn section, I spend time with a lot of different people on the tour in the band and the entourage.
Charlie Watts is probably the one I talk with the most about music. He is quite knowledgeable about jazz and is also a wonderful jazz drummer. I have had the chance to talk with all of the Stones about music and listen to the artists that inspire them. The whole band is like a big family and we take turns hanging with different folks at different times.

Has it given you a taste for rock? And if so who else would you like to play with from the rock world?

It is a rather unusual situation. After so many years with the Stones nearly any other tour would seem somewhat deficient. What I mean is that we are treated like royalty and like members of the Stones family. It's not just a gig: when we are off the tour it's like missing your extended family.
Having said that, there are many people I would love to play with: U2, Peter Gabriel, Prince; basically, very creative people. Not to mention the long list of R&B, jazz, world music and classical groups and ensembles that I want to collaborate with in the future such as Herbie Hancock, Chick Corea, Keith Jarrett, Berlin Philharmonic and New York Philharmonic.

What gave you the idea of doing jazz versions of the Stones greatest hits?

I had always wanted to do an album of covers in a creative way that would make sense both creatively and hopefully cross over to something other than the jazz market. I didn't want to be that guy who just played sappy material, it had to have a personal connection to me. After I began touring with them I really started to seriously experiment with the Stones melodies to see how far I could go with them. I discovered that there was great potential for their songs in a jazz setting. It has been so much fun recording and performing these arrangements.

You have singers such as Sheryl Crow, Norah Jones and Lisa Fischer singing on the album. How did you decide who to approach?

Lisa Fischer was an easy choice because she is in the band and is truly one of the greatest singers in the world today. Norah, I had wanted to have early on in the process to record with Bill Frisell but her schedule was so crazy but eventually it worked out. She has a magical quality to her voice. Sheryl, I approached when she opened for the Stones a few times a couple tours ago and she was genuinely interested. She was wonderful in the studio and sang so beautifully. It was my good fortune to have three of most gifted singers, not to mention, beautiful and sweet people singing on the Stones Project.

How have the members of the Stones reacted to your interpretations of their songs?

They have been very positive and I was lucky to get them to record with me on the CD. The new disc, Stones World, which will be released in early 2008, will also feature Mick this time on harmonica.

How did you first get into music?

My father was a trumpet player, my mother played a bit of piano and clarinet when she was young and my sisters all took piano lessons and everyone sang all the time. Mostly my father inspired me because he used to take me on his gigs and I would start sitting in with him when I was a young lad.

What music did your parents listen to and how do you think these artists influenced you?

I listened to many of the big bands because that was the music my mum and dad loved. Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Woody Herman, Maynard Ferguson and many others. Also, my father had some Stan Getz records and Louis Armstrong.
My father also loved classical and I heard that in the house as well.
My sisters were a bit older and were Rolling Stones and Beatles fans so in the next room I was hearing their music.
I also loved Motown and played with many of the artists in Detroit. I still can't get enough of Stevie Wonder and Aretha Franklin.

As you’re from such a musical family did you ever want to rebel and do something completely different?

I also loved sports and wanted to be a baseball player; I guess like every other boy in America at that time. Other than that, no, I always loved music and I am eternally grateful that I have had so many great opportunities.

Do you have a special connection with the Byte Night, who is benefiting from the gig that you are doing in London?

One night after a Stones gig I had a conversation with Alwyn Welch ( from the charity) who told me about Byte Night. He was interested in my music and we talked about doing something in London for it.
When I discovered that they helped homeless children I was more than happy to get involved. It is nice to know that we can bring happiness not only to the audience but also to the children  who will really benefit.
It’s a great and worthy cause.


Tim Ries and the Rolling Stones Project are playing at the Mean Fiddler ( Astoria 2) Wednesday 22nd August. Tickets are just £20 and can be purchased by calling 08700603777 (24hrs) or online at www.meanfiddler.com
There will be limited availability on the door.

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