SML is a Los Angeles based, improvisation fueled band consisting of Jeremiah Chiu (electronics), Gregory Uhlman (guitar), Booker Stardrum (drums), Anna Butterss (bass), and Josh Johnson (sax). Ahead of the performance of SML at Pickathon, Anna and Josh share their experiences playing with Jeff Parker’s ETA 4tet, collaborating with Makaya McCraven, and the origins and process of SML.
0:00 - Introductions to Anna Butterss & Josh Johnson and early work with Jeff Parker’s working dynamic
1:00 - The process of freely improvising in the room with Makaya and how he edits this improvisations into the released recordings
3:00 - The grown intimacy of the Jeff Parker ETA 4tet
6:00 - The longform, small textural changes that make up the SML sound
9:00 - The growth of SML from an ETA gig to a band who records and tours
14:00 - The process of the tune “Industry” and the construction of songs on Small Medium Large
18:30 - New album projected to release later this year
19:00 - SML’s upcoming Pickathon set is made for dancing