So why Jazz, you ponder?

Salut Les Amis. Lately, I have found many opportunities to immerse myself in the vibrant and energetic live music scene in Philadelphia. There is no particular reason why it is only happening now. If I had to think of a reason why I have not forayed into the performance side of music, I believe it is because the compositional phase of the EP is now complete. Since it is all packaged and ready to be shared with the world, I am seeking inspiration on how to take things to the eventual next step of performing my set in front of a live audience. 😅 (mild shivers)

So why Jazz, you ponder?

Jazz, with its fluid rhythms, spontaneous improvisations, and deep emotional resonance, has an inexplicable allure. Philly is famous for an incredibly talented pool of jazz musicians. Jazz is ever present in my practice routine, it has heavily dominated my listening selections and the opportunities to meet some of the greatest musicians that have had a deep impact on my approach to creating music.

For example, I keep a constantly evolving diary entry for all the things that inspire me in relation to my future work. I have titled it, EP 2 - Inspirations and I keep a track of all the things that continue to inspire me. This document is full of reference songs, voice notes, possibilities, visual cues, artwork ideas, AI prompts for image generation etc.

But I have found that it's not just the music that has captivated me, but the community that surrounds it. It is a community that thrives on openness, creativity, and a shared passion for all things jazz. This sense of unity, of shared understanding, the art of improvisation and mutual respect for this profound art form, have begun to show its impact on my own musical journey.

The conversations I've had with fellow musicians have not only deepened my appreciation for the music but also broadened my perspective on its impact and significance. In this community, I've found a space where I can express my thoughts and ideas freely, where I can learn from others, and where I can contribute to the collective knowledge and appreciation of jazz.

My inclination towards jazz has only been reinforced by my recent encounters with fellow jazz lovers like Shubh Saran and ZackGrooves. Their ever increasing passion for the genre, their willingness to share every nuance of their creative process, and their infectious enthusiasm for 'geeky' musical discussions have only reaffirmed my belief in the profound accessibility of this art form. That is one of the things I find most enchanting about jazz is its deceptive simplicity. The barriers to entry are minimal, almost non-existent. You don't need to be a musical prodigy or a virtuoso instrumentalist to appreciate or even create jazz music. All you need is a passion for the genre and a willingness to explore its depths.

I think of it as a language that speaks to my soul, awakening emotions and thoughts I never knew I could express and its power to inspire me to come up with a new idea each day. Having this buzz moment first thing in the morning has proven to be a great set up for all the things I work on through the day. Even though the day job keeps me out of the groove for the majority of the day, when it is time to play the guitar, creative thoughts just flow out of my head and things feel so natural. I feel grateful to be able to use the gift of music each day and the joy it brings is unparalleled.

This simplicity, however, does not imply that creating jazz is easy. On the contrary, the creative process is an ongoing journey of exploration and self-discovery, filled with moments of euphoria and frustration. Yet, amidst this whirlwind of emotions, there's a certain joy, a sense of fulfillment that comes from expressing oneself through a medium as versatile as music.

My journey into the world of jazz has also transformed my listening experience. I find myself paying closer attention to the different elements in the music, appreciating the subtle nuances, and understanding the stories the musicians are weaving with their notes. Each jazz piece has become a novel, with its own plot, characters, and narrative, waiting to be discovered. And I maybe just a beginner on this journey, but that is what excites me. The feeling of learning something new everyday is addictive and with the all the music to listen to and so many books to read, this promises to be a journey worth pursuing. It's a journey that has allowed me to learn more about myself and the world around me.

It's a journey I'm so thrilled to share with you. 🥰 

References: This article was heavily inspired by the book “How to Listen to Jazz” by Ted Gioia.

Quote of the week 🍀

Current Favorites! ❤️

Book: "Understanding Creativity" explores the multifaceted nature of creativity, delving into psychological, social, and cultural aspects. Author Jane Piirto examines creative individuals, processes, and environments, offering insights into fostering creativity. Drawing from various disciplines, the book provides a comprehensive exploration of the intricate dynamics that contribute to the emergence of creative expression.

Podcast: This podcast has been a gamechanger for me personally. It has perfectly roadmapped my journey with Jazz and the host, Brent offers a comprehensive approach to improvisation, beginning with a simple yet effective tool. He underscores the importance of experimentation and gradual improvement, encouraging embracing the process of improvisation. Moreover, he introduces the concept of learning jazz language by dissecting small licks and ideas, illustrating how to apply and personalize them in improvisation.

Album: Inglish - Shubh Saran Since I got the chance to meet Shubh Saran at his latest gig in Philadelphia with his project, Aberdeen, (cannot recommend their music enough), I have dug deeper into Shubh’s incredible catalog of music and has certainly given me the chills! Hope you enjoy the album as well!

Hope you are having a good week! See you on the LiveStream on my YouTube Channel on Saturday, March 2nd!

For tour/song release/press and merch enquiries - kindly reach out via www.ameyaxoxo.com