Wednesday, May 9, 2012

“We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars.” Oscar Wilde.


 

Scott  Dennis had been sinigng most of his adult life when he found his way to my studio over a year ago where I began intensive study with him. A year later this sight challenged  highly gifted man has transformed into a first rate jazz singer. Id like to share his thank you note with you. It is humbling and at the same time a reason for great celebration.

"How do you thank someone who has not only changed your life, but enriched it beyond your wildest dreams? How do you thank a person who has made you embrace what you already have, and like it enough to want to make it even better? Who inspires you to not only do your best, but see your best? How do you thank a person who shares their music, their gift, their soul so openly with you, and teaches you that the best way to show your appreciation for such a gift is to share it? Who's voice can stop you from looking down at the ground and stare into the stars? How do you thank someone who has become an inspiring teacher, gentle philosopher, part-time psychologist, and treasured friend? ...I guess you just say "thank you". Scott Dennis, Jazz singer

Friday, April 6, 2012

The future of Jazz


People often ask me will jazz ever come back and my answer is always no. The music popular during an era is the result of the emotional state of mind of the society at that time in history .The people are or never will be in the frame of mind that created the music again or in the frame of mind to enjoy the music and those circumstances will never happen again. It was unique to that time in history .I think with some guidance and education the listener can be taught to appreciate it but it will never be popular again.
There is some good news, it is an art form and will always be at the top of the musicale mountain. Capitalism has all but destroyed art in our country. Soon it will be once again up to the family as it was centuries ago to expose their children to art.