JAZZ SABBATH has just issued their 3rd LP – The 1968 Tapes. This 8 Black Sabbath classics (including 1 ‘bonus’ track.) The LP’s back cover tells the story of the band’s hard luck of having their jazz songs stolen and made famous by a certain heavy rock band from Birmingham. Jazz Sabbath is lead by Milton Keanes (aka Adam Wakeman), who was kind enough to answer my questions about the band, the albums, and a bit more of his time outside of JS, working with Black Sabbath, Ozzy, and more recently touring the USA with Uriah Heep.
Can you tell a bit about your musical upbringing/influences, and how you got into jazz?I was taught piano from the age of 8 and took the 8 classical grades which was a great bedrock for technique and musical theory. The first artist I got really into was Jazz Blues pianist Dr. John who is still one of my favourite artists. I used to like Jazz but never really wanted to play it. I was more into rock as a kid, so it was Van Halen and bands like that that I loved.
How did the whole idea/concept (along with back story) for Jazz Sabbath come about?
I was in a hotel bar in Berlin on a Black Sabbath tour and I started playing some of the Black Sabbath set on the piano at the request of one of Ozzy’s security guards who was the only other person in the bar.
From there, I went to my room and started thinking about creating the disillusioned Jazz pianist called Milton Keanes who thinks he wrote all the songs made famous by Black Sabbath. I love the mix of a comedic backstory with good music.
How have you gone about choosing the Sabbath songs for each Jazz Sabbath album, including the ‘1968 Tapes’?
I just played a few songs and whichever ones initially seemed to work, I then developed from there. Some seem to work easier than others so for example, Into the Void I knew straight away how I wanted the main theme to sound and then the solo sections I just went off on a tangent.
Can you give us an idea of how you translate a classic heavy Black Sabbath song into a jazz number, minus vocals ?
I take either the guitar part or vocal melody and adapt that rhythmically and melodically to how I think it should sound in my style of jazz/blues. I try to make it as interesting and challenging to play, which means when we come to play it live, it’s always a challenge!
What have been some you most interesting and/or challenging moments on these Jazz Sabbath records?
One of the most interesting parts has always been choosing the musicians and instruments for the solo spots within songs. The 1968 Tapes was the first time I got 2 different solos in the same track – so one release has a trumpet solo and the Record Store Day release has a Sax solo.
Might Jazz Sabbath attempt any tracks beyond the band’s 70s era w/ Ozzy,?
Not at the moment. I feel I know the Ozzy Era so well because of all the shows I have played with that original line up of Black Sabbath over the years so I feel it comes from a genuine place. I won’t say never, but it’s not something I’m planning.
How are the audience’s that come to see the band – do you find there are a lot of Sabbath fans curious to hear those songs done so differently, OR do you get jazz fans who aren’t familiar with Black Sabbath?
Its a real mix and generally, it’s only a handful of hardcore metal fans. Mostly it’s music lovers who like Sabbath amongst other bands and Jazz fans that are curious. There are always people who have not been that aware of the Sabbath catalogue.
Might we see you guys in Canada sometime in the future?
Yes most definitely… Watch this space as we’re working with promoters at the moment.
How has the feedback been from the Black Sabbath guys? Any of them particularly fond of what Jazz Sabbath is doing or anyone making any song suggestions?
They have all been very supportive with their comments. I certainly wouldn’t have pursued this if any of them were unhappy with it, or didn’t find the comedic back story amusing. Fortunately, they all have a great sense of humor and after 20 odd years, I’m very fortunate to still be good friends with all of the guys. I’m extremely fond of all of them.
You’ve worked with Ozzy and Sabbath for years. Can you give me any favorite tracks you’ve recorded on, or any favorite classic Ozzy / Sabbath songs to perform live?
There’s so many great songs from Ozzy & Black Sabbath’s catalogue. Live favourites for me are Mr. Crowley, Perry Mason and Into The Void. From a recording perspective, co-writing the Scream album with Ozzy was a real highlight for me. The opening track Let it Die was a real favourite.
You toured the US in the spring, playing with Uriah Heep. Can you tell me how that tour came about for you? And if you can talk a bit about the time taken and learning Heep’s setlist?
I got a call from Russ Gilbrook the drummer from Heep and although I had met them all once before, Russ I had met a few times over the years. He told me that they needed someone to cover the US leg of their tour and it fitted perfectly in between 2 other tours so I jumped at the chance. I was learning the songs whilst on a different tour so it was just grabbing a few hours here and there on a tour bus or in a hotel room. These days, the luxury of learning songs in my studio seem to be long gone as I’m on the road so much.
Were you familiar with Heep (or their catalogue) prior to the tour? Any favorite tracks to perform?
I wasn’t that familiar with their entire catalogue but I knew a couple of tunes. “July Morning” was a favourite to play as was “Grazed by Heaven”. I really liked playing “Hail the Sunrise” from their new album too.
Did you enjoy the tour and might we see you on stage with Heep during their farewell tour?
I loved the tour. great music and great people. For me that’s the combination, especially when you have to spend so much time together. I don’t see me joining them on the farewell tour as Phil only needed cover for the 6 week US tour. I will try and go see a show though if our paths cross!
What sort of music do you listen to, either at home or on the road? Any favorite older artists you’re into or more current favorites?
It’s hard to relax with music if I’m honest because I’m around it with work all day long and when I’m not playing, I’m either learning songs for the next tour or arranging strings for projects, in the studio writing or recording. When I do get a chance to listen to something, it’s normally whatever is on the radio, be it pop music, classical music or some good old AC/DC.
If I had to turn something on, I’d probably go rock first – back to my childhood and Guns N Roses, Led Zep, that sort of stuff.
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Outsider Rock 