Season 2 Episode 21 Graham Dechter

At the age of 9, jazz guitarist, Graham Dechter, first caught the attention of drummer Jeff Hamilton. He was later hired at age 19 by Hamilton and John Clayton to join the Clayton–Hamilton Jazz Orchestra. He was the youngest member in the history of the band. He was only 22 when Right On Time, his first recording as a leader, was released. His second release, Takin’ It There, spent 22 weeks on the Jazz Week chart, including 12 weeks in the top five and two weeks at #1. Now years later for his third release titled Major Influence, Graham reunites with his dream team rhythm section from his earlier recordings: Tamir Hendelman on piano, John Clayton on bass and Jeff Hamilton on drums. The album was recorded prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, but the release was delayed until the group could return to touring and live performances. About the cuts on Major Influence, Graham says, “After completing seven originals and co-arranging the classic ‘Pure Imagination’ with Mr. Hamilton, I came to the realization that every song on this recording, whether consciously or subconsciously, was dedicated to and/or directly influenced by one or more of my musical heroes.” Those musical heroes include jazz guitar luminaries Herb Ellis and Wes Montgomery, Charlie Parker, George Shearing, Hank Mobley, Louis Cole, Art Blakey, Larry Goldings - and Genevieve Artadi of the synth-heavy avant-pop duo KNOWER. This is a delightful conversation we know you’ll enjoy, and it will make you want to know more about this talented guitarist. It’s quite a journey.