Spafford tapped The New Motif keyboardist Cory Schechtman to join the band. Schectman will come aboard in 2023 following Spafford’s New Year’s Run in Tempe, Arizona on December 30 and 31 (New Year’s Eve) which will be longtime keyboardist Andrew “Red” Johnson’s final shows.
Schectman previously subbed for Red at four Spafford shows back in September while Johnson tended to family medical issues at home in Arizona. Red recently announced he will be departing Spafford after a decade-plus run as a member of the quartet. “The past 11 years with Spafford have been a dream come true and I wouldn’t trade a single second,” explained Red. “But more and more my desire to spend time with my wife and family has started to outweigh the demands and dedication of full time touring.”
Spafford announced Schectman as their newest member in a post on social media that included a note from the band and from Cory. “We can’t begin to express the gratitude and appreciation for all of the moments, memories, and connections we have all shared together these past 11 years,” wrote Spafford. “It is a joy knowing he has touched so many lives and we will always cherish the music we created together.
“We would never look to replace Red musically and personally as those things are irreplaceable; rather, we look forward to allowing someone to join in to what we have created and imprint a new and unique voice in the musical conversation we all cherish so much,” added bassist Jordan Fairless, guitarist Brian Moss and drummer Nick Tkachyk. “Without further ado, we would like to welcome Cory Schechtman as the newest permanent member of Spafford. Cory joined us to fill in for 4 shows back in September and after careful thought and consideration he was the only logical player to continue our journey with.
“Before the first note was ever played together there was an undeniable connection with Cory and that chemistry was met equally on stage in the 4 shows we played together in September,” continued Spafford. “Cory’s ability to step in and provide not only what the songs require, but also the patience and thought that heavy improvisation demands, is something we respect greatly. He is a master of his craft who has spent a lifetime dedicated to its pursuit and we know without a doubt that Cory has the dedication and talent to take Spafford to the next level.”
Massachusetts-based jam band The New Motif formed on Cape Cod in 2017. Schechtman also plays saxophone in the band. The New Motif has not addressed their future as of press time.
Read Cory Schechtman’s statement to Spaffnerds below:
Hi everyone, Cory here.
I know the news about Red has hit a lot of people hard — I’m a fan, too. I am honored and humbled with the responsibility of helping to bring Spafford’s music through the next chapter.
Without knowing it, I’ve been preparing for this my entire life. I made the decision in my childhood to dedicate my life to improvisational music. It’s a living thing that even science can’t explain. It’s the transformative power of improvisation that moves me the most.
My musical personality is influenced by Miles Davis, Frank Zappa, John Medeski, Jeff Beck, Weather Report, GD and so much more.
As a lot of you know I played 4 shows with Spafford back in September when Red needed a sub. I was, quite frankly, astonished at how great it went – on and off stage. Brian, Jordan, Nick and Red are terrific humans. When I got the call that Red was walking away and the band had chosen me, I went right to the shed and have been there since working my ass off.
While my thoughts are with Red and his family, I’m also psyched to be joining the Spafford family and meeting many of you.
Let’s jam.
Cory
Spafford kicks off their 2023 tour with Cory on keys in Crested Butte, Colorado on January 6. Scroll below for a full list of Spafford tour dates.
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