Interview with Kim Nazarian: Music has the power to heal and celebrate life! Video

Jazz interview with jazz singer and songwriter Kim Nazarian of New York Voices. An interview by email in writing.

JazzBluesNews.com: – When you improvise, you know where you’re going. It’s a matter of taking certain paths and certain directions?

Kim Nazarian: – Due to the nature of improvisation being a personal expression; yes, it will go in certain paths and directions depending on the artist, the instrument, the groove, tempo, and vibe of the piece, the communication within the band, and the development of the artist.

JBN: – Do you ever get the feeling that music majors, and particularly people who are going into jazz, are being cranked out much like business majors? That they are not really able to express themselves as jazz musicians?

KN: – Yes, sometimes we wonder about the reason for a “Jazz Major”, when the guarantee of getting work is so uncertain. However, without education there would be very little opportunity for exposure to this great art form, and the valuable time to dig deeply into its history, discipline and development.

You can never be stopped by expressing yourself as a Jazz Musician! Good choices start early, and not all Jazz degrees are created equal. Find a good school with a strong program and dedicated teachers who will actually be there to teach you REAL Jazz!! They are definitely out there, and doing a mighty fine job!

JBN: – What about somebody who is really gifted and puts together a band and just gets upset to the point of quitting because of the business aspects-the agents and the clubs?

KN: – Well, you have to have enough grit to manage both. Once again, I would say surround yourself with good people – in your band, the studio, and dealing with your business. Anyone involved is a reflection of your music, and that must always come first! I live by 3 words: LOVE (in this case “what you do”); TRUTH (honest music resonates; honest business frees the conscience); and BALANCE (Art and business).

JBN: – How to prevent disparate influences from coloring what you’re doing?

KN: – It can never hurt to try a suggestion; but ultimately you own your music, and the final decision about ANYTHING lives with you. Stay focused, believe in yourself, and follow your heart! Be kind, but be clear and firm about your own opinions.

JBN: – What’s the balance in music between intellect and soul?

KN: – Well, I think the intellect works on the music first – the writing, the arranging, the practicing, the recording, the business. Once the intellect has done it’s job, then the soul is free to soar!

JBN: – There’s a two-way relationship between audience and artist; you’re okay with giving the people what they want?

KN: – I’m alright with making a connection with my audience; and giving them the best performance I possibly can in the live arena! The energy of the audience is so valuable, and truly makes the artist “be in the moment”! You only get that particular moment once, and it must be special! My hope is that what they want, is what I can give; and that what I give, is what they want!

JBN: – Please any memories from gigs, jams, open acts and studio sessions which you’d like to share with us?

KN: – Well, we opened up for Lena Horne years ago at Carnegie Hall! I’ll never forget how gracious she was by stopping her sound check in time for us to have ours! I was honored… she also turned off the air conditioning in Carnegie Hall during the SUMMER because it effected her voice! Only Lena!!!

One of my favorite recording sessions was with the great Nancy Wilson – I actually couldn’t believe we were in the studio together, listening to playbacks in the green room, talking music, and hanging out! A dream come true!

JBN: – How can we get young people interested in jazz when most of the standard tunes are half a century old?

KN: – Well, I think we get young people into Jazz by exposing them to Jazz!! We have to start them young, in the schools, music programs, churches, etc. It’s like anything else – the more they know, the more they want to know! Show them the beautiful words, melodies, and harmonies … then with the liberties of Jazz, let them try and reinvent these wonderful standards, or perhaps write a contemporary standard of their own. We always learn from history, and that which came before us… the old is a stepping stone to the new!

JBN: – And lastly, being a teacher, do you find it difficult to write music yourself?

KN: – Well, I’m not really a composer – I definitely have arranging ideas, and feel most comfortable as a lyricist. I truly enjoy creating poetry to melodies and getting to the point where the text is completely comfortable. You know, when I’m no longer thinking about the process or second guessing my final choices. Good lyrics are married to the melody and roll off of the tongue quite easily.

JBN: – How important is it to you to have an original approach? Can you comment on the bridge between being a musician and being a composer?

KN: – What is important to me is having an HONEST approach – Know what you are doing, and do it well!

Well, being a Jazz musician means that you approach the music with a composer mentality… not all composers are well steeped in the Jazz tradition… You can tell when they are! These kind of composers appeal to me the most.

JBN: – Do you have an idea of what it is you’re trying to say or get across? Is it an idea or is it just something that we feel?

KN: – I only sing lyrics I believe; so that being said, I am trying to get across true emotion! Hopefully, everyone feels something from the music… it is the primary reason, to create it and listen to it!

JBN: – What do you see for your extended future? You know what you have going on? You have life?If you could change one thing in the musical world and it would become a reality, what would that be?

KN: – For my extended future, I see a happy and fulfilling life! What I have going on is that which I have generated, both personally and professionally.

I would love for everyone who is interested to be able to study the instrument of their choice with the teacher of their choice. There are so many underprivileged and underserved people who would benefit from music in their lives. I would also create more musical opportunities for our Senior Citizens, Veterans, hospitalized, and challenged communities.

JBN: – Who do you find yourself listening to these days?

KN: – Roy Hargrove.

JBN: – Let’s take a trip with a time machine, so where and why would you really wanna go?

KN: – Music has the power to heal and celebrate life! I’d love to be one of Ella Fitzgerald’s friends!! I would want to learn from her first hand!

JBN: – I have been asking you so far, now may I have a question from yourself…

KN: – What is the passion in your life?

JBN: – Thank you for answers. Many things …

JBN: – So putting that all together, how are you able to harness that now?

KN: – I live everyday passionately! It’s the way I measure each moment…

Interview by Simon Sargsyan