Let me tell you a little more about my vision. Its a 8 piece band (including me) inspired by the look and image of the 1950's with the sounds of 1950's Doo Wop and 1930-40's Blues. Some of the artists I have blogged about have all greatly influenced me. I put my headphones on and study the intense emotion of this era, the innocence and raw rare talent. Once the music starts playing I become dead to everything else around me, it becomes me. It takes over.
I couldn't talk about it until I was completely sure that I understood this era and also the overall idea to effectively communicate what it is I wanted. Trying to recreate something you weren't a part of is a tricky one. I can't go blindly into something I don't understand (especially the blues) there's too much room for ineffective communication in not understanding. I'm also not arrogant enough to think I get it but I am learning and dive into it open and with good intent. I have more resources then I ever had in New York. The foundation is down and everyone who shakes my hand or comes within a foot of me now hears about the project. I believe that's called networking a concept I once didn't understand. I watch the business cards pile up and more and more people around me know a friend of a friend who lives in New York and plays the piano. Those sort of connections start lining up, the process is in motion. That's the funnest part to watch when your creating something out of nothing.
The next step is moving to Manhattan and hitting the ground running (1 MONTH). Once I get there I will recruit a house band, this is my rhythmic section the skeleton for this vision. This is the most important element. After interviewing professional musicians here in Minnesota I now know exactly what to seek out and also how to communicate exactly what I want since I don't play an instrument.
My Mad Men:
Jazz mostly prewar blues musicians. Must be able to improvise, create original music while capturing the feeling and timeless energy of this era. This vision is to showcase the musical ability of each instrumentalist, the accurate recreation of a blues and Doo-Wop while looking and acting the part. Influences from this era is a MUST.
Piano-
Drums-
Upright Bass-
Trumpet-
3 Guy A cappella Group-
This is also the place where I say thank you to the many artists I have been inspired by at The Dakota Jazz Club. I sit on the Mezz and study, watch and admire all the talent that graces that stage. My vision started here and the moment I landed in Minnesota I said to myself that I will only work at a place that inspires me, I got exactly what I wanted.
