Dave Sereny : Musical Serenity
January 3, 2008 - Canadian Smooth Jazz guitarist Dave Sereny is not a newcomer in the jazz world, as he has already been extensively touring and performing with the best musicians in this musical genre.
 

But what is really stunning is that this Toronto-based artist has only released his long-awaited debut album "Take this Ride" in September 2007. And the result is worth listening to. Let us find out more on this multiple nominee at 2008 Canadian Smooth Jazz Awards co-founded by the dynamic president of our web site, John Beaudin and Mary Kirk of the Wave in Hamilton/Toronto.

Akbar Nour : Hi Dave, good to have you on www.smoothjazznow.com. It is not often that a Canadian artist makes the headlines in smooth jazz. You are familiar with the Canadian Smooth Jazz Awards, as you were already nominated in 2006 and 2007. And for next year's edition you are again in two categories, "Guitarist Of The Year" and "Album Of The Year," which will be held on March 7, 2008. And you have hit the road with your long-awaited debut album "Take this Ride". Well, a lot of good news for the end of this year.
 

 
  
       
  
 
       
  
       
  Dave Sereny : It is nice to be nominated, especially for something you really love to do. My chances of winning are slim due to my competition. Michael Buble has me beat out on the data base #'s.

Akbar : You started to play guitar when you were 9 years old, if I am not wrong. How did it happen?

Dave : My brother came home with a guitar, one more item to fight over. I guess I won that one. Music was always happening in our house. We had instruments before that, they probably became sports equipment. Luckily he came home with a telecaster. That thing put a few holes in the wall and still stayed in tune. We were always into jamming. First it was blues and rock, than fusion, then we got serious. Jazz!!! It was always about the groovers. In rock it was Zeppelin, Bad Company, Deep Purple...in blues it was Muddy Waters, Johnny Winter, James Cotton, Roy Buchanan and Jazz Oscar Peterson, Miles Davis and Jimmy Smith. We grew up listening to these guys through our parents.

Akbar : What is surprising in your career is that you have been touring extensively with some great jazz musicians and you only released your debut album "Take This Ride" in September 2007. Why did you take so much time to deliver this very polished album?

Dave : Because I was too busy producing music for other musicians. I did two other records GrooveUnited's "Springbird in Flight" and The High Strung Trio,"C'mon Home" that were mainly me and my Bro Mike. While is was producing Wade O Browns cd I met producer arranger Lemoyne Alexander who talked me into doing some Smooth Jazz. At first I was reluctant but that song was St. Tropez which got me the my first nomination, so it's all Lemoynes fault.

Akbar : And you have an amazing cast of stellar artists on this CD: great bass man Wayman Tisdale, piano giant Bob James, acid jazz Brand New Heavies lead singer N'Dea Davenport, dynamic sax players Warren Hill and Darren Rahn, as well as bass player Nathan Watts, who has worked with soul legend Stevie Wonder. You are also surrounded by your family: your brother Mike (on keyboards) and your wife Dalilah (as a vocalist). Are you a perfectionist, as you have top musicians for top quality music?

Dave : Very much so. I would probably redo my whole album, but somewhere along the line you have to let go. Having Nathan Watts on this record is an honor that can only be stated as priceless. He has been a great friend and is a member of the family. Darren Rahn, Vikter Duplaix, and Lemoyne Alexander are like brothers. Working with family makes for interesting music. You feel more comfortable and can make more mistakes. And let me tell you I make lots of them. One of my early mentors JohnT. Davis/Jim Heinemen (The Jazz Police) told me the best music are in the mistakes. I still practice trying to scratch the surface that the greats have left as a legacy, and what a legacy it is. For the guitar Wes Montgomery just killed it, Good luck tying to beat that!!!
 
 
  
       
  
 

Akbar : This album is led by some funky grooves. The amazing rendition of Rick James' funk smash hit "Give It to Me Baby" and your own compositions "Funkified", "Fly Away", "Keep Going" (with Nathan Ways on bass). But there are also more soothing tunes. And the very stunning cool hip-hop track "Take This Ride" with the singers N'Dea Davenport and Lady Bug Mecca performing spoken word. How did you meet up with these two incredible female vocalists?

Dave : They had worked with Vikter Duplaix and he had the wonderful idea of putting they're talents together. I have always been a big fan of both these wonderful artists, so what more could I say but Yeah!!! I'm a big fan of funk and R&B. I like music that grooves and moves the listener physically and emotionally no matter what style. Delilah has been a big part of my sound. She has a wonderful clean voice and can harmonize with an airconditioner. She does most of the backgrounds,all the hamonies. Kind of like a one person Take 6. I beleive the best of Delilah has yet to come, but stay tuned!!!

Akbar : Besides being a groove-oriented guitarist, you are also the CEO of a Canadian record label, Groove United that you co-founded with your brother Mike. What motivated you to launch this label? And another thing I noticed is that your debut album was not released on Groove United, by NuGroove?

Dave : By coincidence they're names are similar. Doing your own label is a full time job. And being independent is like a midget playing one on one basketball with Michael Jordan. I decided to focus on playing and let a state side company do the business. I really like David Chackler the president of Nu Groove. He has a very good track record. Now I can play more and worry less. I always liked recording and technology and I invested in a studio. When all my friends found out I became a label.

Akbar : The Brecker Bothers (Randy and Michael (peace to his soul!) have toured and released albums together. So when will a Sereny brothers album come out?

Dave : I just want to pay my respect to the Brecker family. The loss of Michael has been a great loss and I'm sure that Randy and his family are deeply heartbroken. I guess we better hurry up. Those two other albums I mentioned before are Sereny Bro albums. We started one with the great Kennwood Dennard (drums), but its still in the works. My brother has been my musical partner from day one, and he some great compositions that need to recorded. Time will tell!

Akbar : You were nominated several times at the Canadian Smooth Jazz Awards in 2006 and 2007, but did not win any awards. For the 2008 edition, you have been nominated in two categories. I assume that you really want to get an award this time to find more serenity, especially in your home country, otherwise you may not come again (laughs)?

Dave : I'm not one for giving speeches. I like my guitar to do the talking. I'm just happy to be a part of the big picture. I love the guitar and inspirational music. I'd be plucking away if I were the last person on earth.

Akbar : What are you next musical projects as a musician and as Groove United's CEO?

Dave : I've been working on producing for Delilah. Like I said before she's a super talent with a story to boot. I'll do a follow up for the Smooth Jazzers. A Sereny Bro album is brewing and simmering. I just want to keep learning some beautiful melodies and a few chords to go with it. And as James Brown said,"What ever I do it's gots to be funky!!!" Peace!

Akbar : Dear Dave, thanks so much for your time and have a great 2008!
Interview by Akbar Nour for www.smoothjazznow.com