You may have heard us playing the new track from SKY CANYON, Subtle Approach, on Phoenix FM recently. We caught up with Sky to find out more about his life and music.
Tell us a little bit about your yourself?
I’ve been a musician all my life, and professionally since my early teens (we’re talking over 50 years). As well, I’ve spent a lot of time in business: As the original president and publisher of a noted book publishing company, New World Library, with bestsellers in the self-help genre; my own record company, Rising Sun Records, with international distribution and licensing (this is when it was all vinyl and cassettes); and as well in the holistic health field and working with clients in a variety of industries to help them with capital raises and other company development.
Meanwhile playing music throughout: in rock bands, jazz combos, big bands, an East Los Angeles salsa band (I was the token gringo), symphony orchestras and more.
When did you first start to develop a passion for music?
I was listening to music as early as I can remember – 4 or 5 years old. Started on trumpet at age 8, then went to piano, then to drums and percussion by age 12, then vibraphone by age 14. I studied vibraphone with the noted jazz giant, Terry Gibbs, in Los Angeles.
Which artists did you listen to while growing up?
I listened to all the great classic jazz from the 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s, and as well by 1964 it was the Beatles, Beach Boys, Stones, Blood Sweat and Tears, Dylan, and everything rock and pop and folk music as well.
How would you describe your music to someone who hasn’t heard you before?
My releases over the last four years are all classic jazz originals (except for my version of the tune, Poinciana), however, this new release, Subtle Approach (New Version), while it has jazz elements, is more in the Santana zone.
What music have you recorded and released to date?
On the jazz or jazz-related front:
Subtle Approach (New Version):
https://open.spotify.com/track/75FZxDoKupKIO6vltIg1Uf?si=5f8447a176884d6e
Bop That Rhythm:
https://open.spotify.com/track/7uSEPpnkBwammao5UBHCMI?si=80ab4827b27b4df6
Bluesalicious:
https://open.spotify.com/track/7zKtftxY7lXDfWTaXrQ67g?si=d71a0a2dfcdd44b4
Wijic:
https://open.spotify.com/track/1N1hKzfKu9dNLE6iUbfl6Z?si=66ce934bb0b7473b
You Know That I’ve Loved You (For A Long, Long Time):
https://open.spotify.com/track/6wJd49h05dTXyMOur0mzLz?si=091853dd0a134750
Poinciana:
https://open.spotify.com/album/5peAHx5wSanlbBESOHWJx1?si=qmVrOVVESViNKDLjA4tyTA
Then there is all the classic new age music – several albums – that I did as producer and artist – from 1979 thru the mid-80s, on my own label, Rising Sun Records, which we sold to a bigger label late 80s, then re-acquired and re-released under Watercourse Media (www.watercoursemedia.com)
Which artists do you enjoy listening to at the moment – and do they influence your work?
In the big picture, artists that have a message, whether it is in their lyrics and/or instrumentally in the melodic and emotional content of their playing. I like to be moved. It’s an eclectic mix: I still love classic rock/pop/folk from the 60s and 70s, like the Beatles, Stones, Eagles, Joni Mitchell, The Who, Allman Brothers, Doobie Brothers, Dylan, Linda Ronstadt, The Police and on and on. Yet, also Nirvana and bands like that.
Eminem did some great stuff I enjoy, Even NWA hit the nail on the head, as controversial as they are for some people. Then on the jazz side – all the greats from the 30s and on. Still a Beethoven and other classics fan. Contemporary music: There are a ton of great artists with a great melody, great lyrics (if it’s a vocal song), great chord changes – that I like, many in the Top 100 on Billboard.
Who would your dream collaboration be with?
Monty Alexander, one of the top jazz pianists of all time. And Carlos Santana, whom I’ve been a raging fan of since 1969. I would LOVE for him to cover this new tune – I think he might like it! And perhaps ask me to play on it. . .LOL.
What are your plans for the future?
More recording: Jazz, Latin Jazz, Latin Rock, and I’m currently producing a folk-rock song (with vocals!) written by the guitar player from my mid-70s all-originals rock band (where I was the drummer). Also looking at vibes and pedal steel collaborations with Robert M Powell, who plays the lead guitar solo on Subtle Approach (New Version).
Where can we find out more about you?
My official website is at www.skycanyonjazz.com.
Bluesalicious:
“Makes me wanna go to NOLA and enjoy some Jazz music in a bar overlooking the beautiful city of New Orleans”
“I could imagine this playing in a movie!”
“This song is so beautiful! I love the creative stylings of the vibraphone; it makes it happy, upbeat, and unique sounding. What a fun, cool artist!”
“Makes me wish that music like this was on the mainstream radio airwaves.”
Wijic:
“Very smooth, best jazz I’ve heard on here [SubmitHub], great work, keep it up.”
“THIS is exactly what I want from jazz.”
“I think I’d come out into the dangerous covid world and watch you perform live. This is the kind of classy jazz I like – sophisticated.”
You Know That I’ve Loved You (For A Long, Long Time):
“Like fresh air for my soul.”
“A sparkly jazz instrumental!”
“Beautiful, heartfelt and captivating.”
“Outstanding!”
