Evolution of Jazz - Interviews on the Future of Jazz
by Shannon Kennedy
I had several questions about how other people feel about the role image
and skill play in jazz and where they felt music was going. So I took the
time to post my questions in the forum and got a lot of feedback. Here are
the questions I asked and excerpts from responses I received that I found
significant.
>> When did you first begin seriously studying your art? Where? With who?
>> Who are your greatest influences? Name a few. How would you say that
they have affected you?
>>Who or what gave you the confidence to pursue your art as a career as
opposed to a hobby?
"I'm only happy if I am creating and developing as a person, an artist, and a
musician." - Ian O'Beirne, Philly
>> Briefly describe the difficulty to be successful in your career while
remaining true to the art form without "selling out" to popular art?
"Making popular art isn't really selling out if you feel that art form is true to
your spirit. For me, any kind of playing exhilarates me; getting paid for it is
just a bonus that keeps me alive and going." - Ian O'Beirne, Philly
"You're either an artists true to whatever your idea of art is, or you're a
whore who sells yourself to make money. If you compromise anything in
your vision for money/drugs/power/alcohol/other people/etc. then you're
not really an artist. You also have to make the distinction between an artist
and an entertainer." - Chris, Texas
>> Do you believe that your gender or appearance has affected your
career? If so, how have you changed yourself to conform to your industry
standards? Has this changed over time?
"Regarding the issue of looks and gender - this shouldn't make a difference
but does. As an instrumentalist, you don't get gigs on looks alone. The
presentation may give you and edge over people who do not take care over
their look. Also, when dealing with record companies these days, they are
more aware of marketing issues. It is potentially easier to market a pretty
girl or good looking guy. Thankfully in jazz you can make it without being
blessed with good looks." - Some guy from Southampton, UK
"I don't think it hurts to be a good looking person, but I don't think it is a
necessity" - Chris, Texas
>> What have you been doing with your career for yourself? How has
money changed your initial career plans? What do you plan on doing with
your career in the future?
>> What do wish had happened with your career?
>> Where do you think that your art is going? Do you feel that this is a
positive or negative direction?
"It's just about where music is headed. There is very little appreciation for
jazz anymore as most people listen to pop - which I feel is a less talent
based but look based industry. And once again, looks can matter more than
reputation depending on what you decide to do with your music. I hope that
I never have to rely on my appearance to gig. In jazz, unless you play like
Michael Brecker, the best way to go is to play a wide variety of music and
try to play in horn sections with people like Mariah Carey, Duran Duran or
Steely Dan… While finding the time to indulge yourself in just doing jazz…" -
myself in response to someone
"I feel that music will always be alive, but it is definitely getting smaller and
smaller by the day" - Ian O'Beirne, Philly
"Every kid with $500 can make his own record these days. Having a
recording doesn't mean that it's good or that you're an artist - that comes
with experience. It just means that we have to become more aware
listeners." - Chris, Texas
>> Do you believe popular art is still a craft that requires skill? Or do you
feel it has become an image based profession?
>> Whatever the motive of the guy who books you, the name on the
paycheck will be yours." - Southampton, UK guy
>> At what point have you chosen to draw the line between making money
and giving up your perception of what your art is? Do you believe that a
career can be based on staying true to the art form or is it necessary to
compromise?
"I would like to go pro one day but money is the big factor. I can earn more
and more regularly on the day job than with music." - Some guy from
Southampton, UK
>> Do you feel that an individual can be purely gifted in your art or does it
take practice regardless of any natural talent one may have? Do you feel
that popular art reflects the necessity of talent that was once required in
performing arts?
>> What inspires you to continue to pursue your art? Have you ever come
close to giving up?
