Ralf Bushmeyer: jazz cat on the prowl

By Lindsay Wilson

As printed in beatroute

Jazz fusion: “a musical fusion genre that developed in the late 1960s from a mixture of elements of jazz such as its focus on improvisation with the rhythms and grooves of funk and R&B and the beats of heavily amplified electric instruments and electronic effects of rick” (Wikipedia).

For classically trained guitarist Ralf Bushmeyer, who has journeyed through the genres of rock, blues, R&B and jazz, there was no need to record his latest release, Renewal (2009) under the guidelines of a specific genre. Why not fuse his favourite elements of jazz, rock, blues and funk, throw in some female vocals and put out a CD that stands apart from his previous recordings?

“I opened up to the idea of letting some influences like my rock and blues playing take over the songs where it was appropriate. I like to rock and I love playing blues; it’s where I started…I do love jazz and I continue to work at it as much as possible, but I also like getting called to play other forms of music. It keeps things interesting to me to continue to play various music forms with respect and legitimacy. I would never want to ‘fake’ any style of music,” explains Bushmeyer, who has built an impressive career as a freelance guitarist, composer, musical director and faculty member of Mount Royal’s Jazz Diploma Program.

Renewal comes off as a successful weave of sexy jazz harmonics, groovy blues lines and a splash of funk; the overall effect is a pleasing one for fusion fans, and anyone who has an appreciation for good blues and jazz.

Bushmeyer’s latest recording has earned him praise from numerous blues reviews, as well as several nominations at the 2010 Hamilton Music Awards.

Bushmeyer will be joining MRU faculty members Greg Rumpel and John Thiele, as well as guitar greats Tim Williams and Amos Garrett, to put on a highly anticipated blues and jazz workshop, which runs August 23-27. Spaces are filling up quickly, and it is recommended to book a spot now by phoning 403-440-6821.