Advice from two musical greats interviewed by iRockJazz!

Check out this great interview with musician Lisa Hilton by iRockJazz!

In the era when Hathaway was growing up, children used to aspire to become astronauts, a seemingly glamorous occupation that actually requires an unmatched application of ingenuity, intelligence, discipline and nerves that few can achieve or sustain. However, for the few that do, the payoff of traversing the spectacular unknowns of outer space or gazing upon the surface of the planet from the weightless confines of a space shuttle is well worth the preparation and pitfalls.

“The point is there’s so much going on; and if you only had a chance to experience it and taste it, you may to have the opportunity to—not convert—but become more open to what else is out there.” —Esperanza Spaulding

Watch the Esperanza Spaulding interview from iRock Jazz.

One of the worst kept secrets in history is that music has a way of affecting how we feel about people. Music also makes us feel a certain way about the artists that create the music. Whatever emotions the message and the melody conjure up for us, we subconsciously associate the artist with those virtues and flaws. Brian McKnight has sold millions of records by writing songs about love and loss and singing them with alarming range and ability.

Grammy Nominee Gregory Porter wooed fans during a recent performance at Mayne Stage in Chicago. An amazing musical treat, especially during Jazz Appreciation Month, Porter performed several selections from both his Water and Be Good albums, including favorites like “Illusion,” “1960 What?” “Lonely One,” “On My Way to Harlem,” “Be Good (The Lion’s Song),” and “Real Good Hands.” There aren’t as many male jazz vocalists around today as fans would like, but Gregory Porter is one to make up for what the jazz world has […]

Denise White wasn’t thinking of the words strength, light, and bright when she decided to adopt the name Avery Sunshine. According to Sunshine, she now personifies all of those qualities.

When examining the arc of one’s artistry, what must be considered above that individual’s personal aptitude of his respective skill is the fact that you are a product of your environment. Terence Blanchard is an arc type for this principle, extracting the rich spirit of his New Orleans upbringing from his trumpet onto everything he’s touched: from his teenage stint with Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers to his stature as one of the most respected film composers of the last two decades.

With all of her accolades and accomplishments, she simply views life right now as purposeful. She acknowledges walking in your purpose and allowing others to do the same as one of the biggest lessons life has taught her. “You know, my current manager had no experience, but I gave him a chance,” said Angie Stone

In his very modest way, Campbell, an extraordinary vocalist, explains that he was surprised that he had captured the coaches’ attention. “I couldn’t believe that everyone wanted ME,” he exclaimed.