Filippo Gualtieri interviewed one of the most obscure bands of these days, Jackie-O Motherfucker: impro near to the freaks, folk and gospel, the most acid free jazz, everything with a lot of taste and craziness. With their last album Change they are near to the final synthesis of their parts, there is another chance to reach the perfect composition, the music that will be able to merge all the sides of this strange combo. Tom's replies give us some ideas about them...
Sodapop: What's your idea of improvisation? Method or freedom?
Tom Greenwood: We come to improvisation from a non academic perspective. This is just where we ended up.
S: I think that the art of JOMF is characterized by the connection between the roots of american folk music and the New York lofts avant-garde. What do you think?
T: Those are reference points, but only if you need a sign to get home. What is the point of referencing history if your perspective is non-academic.. we have nothing to do with any music other than our own, except as fans ourselves.
S: When did you start playing improvisation for the first time? Why?
T: When I was a teenager. In order to survive.
S: How important is other music to your own? How does your inspiration work?
T: Sub-conscience-rambling of the dead. Whispers in the woods, synchronicity of the tribe, telepathy, love-joy-misery.
S: What does "impro" mean to you in the punk sense of the word? What current other artists can you relate to?
T: A brand of motorcyle/punk at it's best, draws on the energy of the moment. Contains is for a second... and hurts it back at the audience, creating a circle of human feedback. Other artist we like are Bo Diddley, Dub reggae, Gospel Music.
S: Could you think of a modus operandi that JOMF operates under?
T: We operate as a collective... or cell. There is no leader. Anything goes. We define structure as we desire, there is freedom. Also responsibility!
S: Why do you like to use obscure instruments - is it they give more awkard, obscure sounds? Where did you find them?
T: We find many tools in the scrap heap. Things worn, or old + thrown away. We recycle + find a new use, washing machine, metal bowl.
S: The main goal of the music biz is to sell a lot of records and make a lot of money. How do you handle that profit oriented mentality as a musician who wants to create songs he personally likes?
T: The only way to handle is to refuse it.
S: If you made a mixtape for me what songs would you include?
T: Everythings you love.
