Jason Rigby Music

Leading my duo project, Mayhem, with Mark has been a comfortable and natural feeling experience.

Mark and I have played so much together, it didn’t really feel that different from working with him in his band, other than I was the one contributing the music.

The new record is made up of a mixture of my compositions and duo improvising, so it was a pretty effortless and no stress vibe.

I loved it and am looking forward to doing more with this project!

First photo: night off in Dublin, hanging at Whelen’s. Chris and I played a duo set on a night off in one of my top 5 favorite cities. We performed Chris’ originals, he on guitar and voice, myself on soprano.

Second photo L-R: Chris Morrissey, MG, JR post-show in Paris.

MAYHEM releases this Friday 8/22 - 🔗 in bio

Since putting out my first record in 2005, I’ve grown quite a bit—not just as a musician, but as a person learning to trust my creative instincts.

With this new project MAYHEM, I feel I’ve finally embraced the courage to develop and express my ideas in my own way, without compromise.

It’s taken time, experience, and a lot of trial and error, but I’m proud of the path that’s led me here.

On Mark’s 2022 record The Sound of Listening, the track ‘The Courage to Be Free’ was dedicated to YEAH BOiii, whose unwavering commitment to staying true to himself—boldly, unapologetically, and without compromise—has been an incredible inspiration to me.

His courage reminds me that the most powerful art often comes from honoring who we are, even when it’s not the easiest path.

MAYHEM Album Release 8/22: https://orcd.co/presavemayhem

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Sevensixfive is one of my favorite tracks from this new record.

We pieced it together using synth, saxophone, bass clarinet, Rhodes, Moog bass, and drums. I composed the quirky bass lines on my Prophet 6 and the task was to blend electronic and acoustic sounds in a way that works and makes sense.

Pete Min’s treatment of the bass clarinet is nothing short of brilliant, adding a subtle octave doubling effect.

I’m looking forward to playing this one in a live setting, as I feel it has a lot of room available to stretch out.

Listen on all platforms: https://orcd.co/streamsevensixfive

I pretty consistently seek great coffee wherever I go, and touring has proven fruitful in that endeavor.

in Tokyo is a strong standout. These baristas are more scientists than tattoo-clad java slingers, wearing lab coats and keeping close observations of air humidity, water density, etc. Walking in here is like stepping into a hollowed tea room: dark wood, quiet peacefulness, and a serious dedication to achieving perfection - very Japanese. The coffee here is able to be appreciated like one would with a fine wine - fruity, earthy and complex.

in Madrid is a favorite. I love Madrid - such a great city packed with culture, impressive architecture, interesting people and great cuisine. The owners of Toma often come to our shows and are beautiful people. Their coffee is super consistent, fresh and packed with lovely flavor profile.

in Zurich is a special place. I never thought of Switzerland as a coffee haven, but Mame is one of the best spots in the world. Very consistent and the cafe has a great vibe - sitting outside in its chill neighborhood brings peacefulness to mind - a community of coffee lovers enjoying the trees and civilized living. What else could one ask for?

Another Madrid cafe - is really special. I had a super funky wet-processed pour-over that was out of this world! Really complex flavor profile - beautiful aroma, long-lasting aftertaste and beautiful acidity.

is a roaster based in Turkey, I think Istanbul. A cymbal rep came to a Mark Guiliana show we did at the Jazz Cafe in London and brought us all sample packs. This coffee is on a whole other level! KungPow roasts beans from all over the world but uses cutting-edge processing techniques incorporating lactic yeasts and double fermentation. Flavors ranging from blueberry to peach yogurt - insanely flavorful, even brewed in a hotel room (or on a train!).

Colleen and I went to high school together - she is a seriously gifted photographer and is a fiercely loyal friend.

Colleen has such a natural way with photography and somehow effortlessly manages to deal with someone like myself, who is very much NOT comfortable in front of the camera.

I learned from her a long time ago something about photography that is relatable to music: the more pictures you take, the better chance you’ll have with finding choice images.

It’s like composition: the more you do it, the more choices you’ll have for quality results.

All to say these photos are featured on my new website and you can pre-save the next single “YEAH BOiii” here: linktr.ee/jasonrigby

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