The Working Artist Project

Connect with Dr. Ashley Jackson here. www.ashleyjacksonharp.com

Bio

Praised for her rhythmic precision and dynamic performances, harpist Dr. Ashley Jackson enjoys a multifaceted career in New York and beyond. She holds degrees from Juilliard (DMA) and Yale University (BA, MM). As an orchestral harpist, she performs with the New York Philharmonic, Metropolis Ensemble, and NOVUS NY, and has appeared on stages in New York and around the world including Carnegie Hall, Park Avenue Armory, Royal Opera House in Muscat, Oman, and the National Center for the Performing Arts in Beijing, China. A passionate advocate for developing new works across artistic disciplines, she has premiered works by Brad Balliett, Doug Balliett, Courtney Bryan, Danielle Eva Schwob, and Nina Young. She also premiered a mixed-medium immersive performance curated by Roya Sachs titled What Did Freud Dream About, performed at New York Fashion Week, and was featured in the fashion and style blog, Swagger New York.

Throughout her academic and professional careers, Dr. Jackson has demonstrated a commitment to diversity and inclusion within the performing arts. Her speaking engagements have included “Representation as Resistance: How an Activist Orchestra Redresses the Push-out of Black Practitioners from Classical Music” (Harvard University) and “The Cultural Citizen: How Classical Music Got Me Woke” (SUNY Purchase). She is on the faculty at Vassar College. Learn more at ashleyjacksonharp.com.

For more than two decades she’s been on the scene, bassist/vocalist/producer/label owner and now filmmaker Mimi Jones has reigned supreme, as a side woman to an impressive coterie of musicians and as a leader with three CDs on her own Hot Tone Music label, A New Day (2009) and Balance (2014) ----her third CD for the label, Feet in the Mud, being her most powerful, propulsive, and personal recording to date. I had the great pleasure of sitting down with Mimi to discuss music, politics and the dynamics of being a woman of Color in 2017.

Connect with Mimi Jones here: http://www.mimijonesmusic.com/

Connect with Darrian Here: https://www.patreon.com/DarrianDouglas

Find the show notes here: https://www.DarrianDouglas.com

Evan and I dove into the topic of divorce, inner peace, and transcending musical barriers.

Connect with Darrian here:

https://www.DarrianDouglas.com

Connect with Evan Here:

https://www.EvanArntzen.com

Bio

Evan Arntzen is a saxophonist, clarinetist, and vocalist born and raised in Vancouver BC, currently residing in Brooklyn, NY. Coming from a musical family, he was instructed by his grandfather, Lloyd Arntzen (also a clarinetist), who taught him traditional New Orleans jazz from the age of seven. He obtained a degree in saxophone performance from Capilano University in Vancouver and performed extensively with such groups as the October Trio and Amanda Tosoff Quartet, as well as with many of Canada’s most prominent musicians, such as Brad Turner, Ron Samworth and Dave Robbins. Since moving to NYC in January 2014, Evan has performed at some of New York’s most prestigious venues such as Town Hall, Symphony Space, Dizzy’s Club Coca Cola, Birdland, Smalls, and the Appel Room at Jazz at Lincoln Center.

Evan’s travels have taken him all over the United States, Canada and he has been a guest soloist at festivals in the Netherlands, France, Hungary and Japan. His long-time musical partnership with fellow west coast Canadian trumpeter/singer Bria Skonberg (3-time Downbeat rising star) continues to this day. As a member of Bria’s Quintet, Evan performed at the 2015 Newport Jazz Festival, the 2016 New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, and recorded on her most recent album featuring Ali Jackson, Stefon Harris, Reginald Veal and Aaron Diehl, released in September 2016 on Sony Records.

In New York, Evan takes part in a vast and vibrant traditional jazz scene, performing regularly with Vince Giordano’s Nighthawks (Boardwalk Empire, the Aviator), Terry Waldo’s Gotham City Band, and Jon-Erik Kellso’s Earregulars. In 2015 he recorded with the Nighthawks on the soundtrack to the HBO film “Bessie”, a biographical film about Bessie Smith. He is also the co-leader of the Scrub Board Serenaders, a quartet of singing, playing young musicians, possessing a unique interplay.

Melika Belhaj and I discuss how she educates the community about her culture with her poetry, culinary skills and mentorship. We also dive into the complicated definition of identity. She herself identifies as Arab American. We discuss what it means to be Arab and how Eurocentric values tend to shape our thoughts on identity in the western world.

Connect With Melika here

Insta:mvbelhajjj

Web: https://mvbelhaj.com

Connect with Darrian Here

https://darriandouglas.com

or

https://www.patreon.com/DarrianDouglas

Bio

Melika Belhaj writes, cooks, and resides in Portland, Oregon. Her work explores the dynamics of authenticity, tradition, and identity. She self-published and hand bound the chapbook, Binti: Daughter of Arab America, and is one-half of Ya Banat, a storytelling project reframing narratives of the North African Diaspora. Melika offers pop-up dinners that provide space for community to connect and build. She teaches a Community Art & Screen Printing class at her place of work and in her free time plays basketball.

Grammy-nominated pianist Chris Pattishall is a master curator of life and music. He and I discuss the challenges young musicians face in today's super competitive musical landscape. We also dive deep into his "old school" musical education and the community that supported his growth. We also listen to his transformative creations and discussed what it means to defy labels.

Connect with Darrian Here

http://www.DarrianDouglas.com

or

https://www.patreon.com/DarrianDouglas

Connect with Chris here:

http://www.chrispattishall.com

Biography

Recently named by Wynton Marsalis as one of the top five jazz musicians under 30 to watch, Grammy-nominated pianist and composer Chris Pattishall is steadily generating a noted presence in the jazz world. Combining an impressive technique and deep jazz feeling, Pattishall embodies a music that is at once intelligent, soulful and joyous. He has appeared with Wynton Marsalis, Jon Hendricks, Jimmy Heath, Donald Byrd, George Coleman, Billy Hart, Jamey Aebersold, Wycliffe Gordon, Fred Wesley, Steve Wilson, Steve Nelson, Billy Kilson, Bucky Pizzarelli, Russell Malone, Mark Whitfield Sr. and Rafiq Bhatia. Pattishall can be heard on Jamison, the Grammy-nominated debut of vocalist and drummer Jamison Ross.

Pattishall has toured internationally as a leader and sideman, presenting original music as well as inventive readings of a broad range of jazz repertoire. In August 2016 he premiered Fictions, a chamber music suite based on the short stories of Jorge Luis Borges. In December 2015 Pattishall was the Music Director for “Divas of the Silver Screen,” a tribute to Ethel Waters, Lena Horne and Rosemary Clooney as part of the 2015-16 Jazz at Lincoln Center season. Recent programs have presented distinctive interpretations of the music of Nat “King” Cole, Fletcher Henderson, and Mary Lou Williams, as well as pairing works by Igor Stravinsky and Maurice Ravel with those of Duke Ellington and George Gerswhin.

Active as both a pianist and composer, Chris holds an ASCAP Young Jazz Composer’s Award, and participated in the Kennedy Center's Betty Carter Jazz Ahead Program and the Ravinia Festival Stean’s Young Artist Program.

Pattishall is an engaged music educator, teaching privately and at William Paterson University. Chris also conducts masterclasses with high school jazz ensembles throughout the United States, and he regularly presents masterclasses on jazz and its socio-historical context in the New York City public school system.

Pattishall currently resides in New York City, where he performs at many of the city's renowned jazz clubs including Dizzy's Club Coca-Cola, Small's, Iridium, Smoke, the Kitano and The Blue Note. He holds a B.A. in Jazz Studies (Magna Cum Laude) from Florida State University and a M.M. in Jazz Performance from William Paterson University and has studied with Harold Mabern, Mulgrew Miller, Marcus Roberts and Gary Kirkpatrick.

Rita Brent and I dive into the complexities of honesty, humility and mastering the ability to learn from life as you go. She has a long list of accomplishments ranging from producing her own comedy special to giving Ted Talks. She the remarkable ability to make real life events funny and interesting. I know you guys are going to enjoy this one!

Bio:

A native of Jackson, Mississippi, Cherita Brent (also known as “Rita B.”) is a professional drummer, radio host, and stand-up comedienne. She began her professional drumming career at the age of 21 and has performed with the likes of D’ Mar and the Nu Funk Society, Grady Champion, KD Brosia, and more. Cherita graduated from Murrah High School in 2005, and in 2006, joined the Army National Guard Band. After graduating from Basic Combat Training in South Carolina, she graduated from the Navy School of Music in Norfolk, Virginia in 2006. She became a Sergeant in the 41st Army Band and recently ended her service in December 2014. While at Jackson State University from 2006-2009, she worked as an on-air personality at WJSU 88.5 FM for three years before joining Mississippi Public Broadcasting where she currently serves as a weekday local radio show host and producer.

Bio:

Stephen Taylor is the founder and owner of TheArtofPractice.online and StephensDrumShed.com. He has a passionate focus to bring online music education to musicians around the world. Stephen has written and self-published three drum method books and is the creator of multiple online music courses. His passion for seeing success in his students has led him to study the strategical side of practice. After multiple requests over the years, Stephen created and published his online course The Art of Practice for Musicians in late 2016/early 2017.

Stephen began playing professionally at the age of 16. In his late teens and early twenties, he cut his teeth playing nightly in clubs on Bourbon Street, in New Orleans, LA. After three years of gigging up to ten hour days, he relocated to pursue his education. While obtaining his degree in Jazz Studies from the University of Southern Mississippi, he studied under Dr. John Wooton and Larry Panella.

Stephen currently maintains a busy teaching and playing schedule in Nashville, TN. He has played and toured with independent and major label artists including Danielle Peck (Big Machine Records), Jason Jones (Warner Music), Meshach Jackson, and many others. In late 2008, Stephen began playing with an original project, Lovers and Liars. They signed with Universal Republic Records between 2010 and 2011, had several songs featured on MTV, and had the opportunity to share the stage with Hoobastank, Finger Eleven, Civil Twilight, Candlebox, Hurt, Cavo, Hinder, Fuel, Eve 6, Hawthorne Heights, Red, Thriving Ivory, Theory of a Deadman, Saving Abel, Framing Hanley, 10 Years, Seether, Shinedown, and many others. Stephen has a passion for teaching with current and past students having achieved or been featured on MTV, NBC, The Grammies, VH1, The Real World, the Dove Awards, and various college scholarships.

Stephen proudly endorses Zildjian cymbals, Vic Firth drumsticks, Alclair in-ear monitors, Tama drums and hardware, and Aquarian drumheads.

He currently lives just outside of Nashville, TN in Spring Hill with his wife, Kelli, and their 3 awesome kids: Jackson, Carter, and Brooklyn.

This is a unique episode. This episode I'm the one answering all the questions. Noah Jackson interviews me about my recent pilgrimage to Africa. We had a compelling conversation about the extreme emotions that surfaced after returning to my ancestral home after a 400 year forced exile.

Connect with me here

http://www.DarrianDouglas.com

Become a patron herehttps://www.patreon.com/DarrianDouglas

Connect with Noah Here

http://www.noahjacksonmusic.com/home-horizon/

Bio

Jackson, Mississippi native Darrian Douglas has fashioned a successful music career with jazz groups throughout New Orleans and New York City. At age 11, Darrian began studying music at the Academic and Performing Arts Center under Dr. Perry Combs and several other inspiring music educators, including Alvin Fielder, London Branch and Chad Anderson. These musicians played a huge role in his early development and would also serve as his mentors.

In 2008, Darrian moved to New Orleans, Louisiana, where he took over the drum chair in Ellis Marsalis's quartet. He stated, "I love playing with Mr. Marsalis; he allowed me to grow and explore the music without consequence." Darrian continued to play with Ellis until his departure from New Orleans in December 2012.

Darrian is a rising star, drummer, composer, and band leader of The Session, a group comprised of unique characters he shared the bandstand with while playing in Jason Marsalis' vibe quartet.

Darrian has performed in over 30 festivals worldwide. He has also performed at renowned venues such as The Kennedy Center, Herbst Theatre, Saenger Theatre, Aladdin Theater, Dizzy's Club Coca-Cola, Snug Harbor, Smoke Jazz Club, and Irvin Mayfield's Jazz Playhouse.

He has shared the stage with Wynton Marsalis, Victor Goines, Irvin Mayfield, Godwin Louis, Jazzmeia Horn, Brianna Thomas, Joe Temperley, Germaine Bazzle, Jessie McBride, Bob Cranshaw, Bria Skonberg and Ellis Marsalis.

Darrian has recorded with Ellis Marsalis (Live at New Orleans Jazz Fest 2011), Greggory Agid (Mystery Blues), The Session (This Is Who We Are), Sam Zeanah Band (self titled), Bria Skonberg (TBA), Christina Perez (self titled), and Regeneration Brass Band (Body and Soul).

In addition to performing, Darrian taught percussion classes at the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts. Performing and teaching are two of Darrian's greatest passions!

Darrian now resides in New York City where he is currently pursuing his music career.

Gregory and I discuss the complexities of love, life, art and success. His latest release entitled Words Are Not Enough places emphasis on the many faces of love or the lack thereof. We also have a great exchange about identity and community. Shining a spotlight on the role our communities play in our everyday lives.

Connect with Gregory here

https://www.gregoryagid.com/

Connect with Darrian here

http://www.darriandouglas.com/copy-of-my-podcast

Support The Working Artist Project here

https://www.patreon.com/DarrianDouglas

Bio

Clarinetist Gregory Agid was born in San Antonio, Texas, and grew up in Honolulu, Hawaii. He got his first clarinet at the age of seven—and when his family moved to New Orleans five years later, Agid discovered jazz.

After attending Louis Armstrong Jazz Camp, where he learned from legendary musicians Alvin Batiste, Kidd Jordan, and Clyde Kerr, Agid was accepted to the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts (NOCCA). Here, Batiste became his mentor. “Alvin Batiste once told me that the clarinet is also like a jealous mistress, and the moment you don't give her the attention she wants, she becomes spiteful and unruly,” Agid remembers.

Agid’s NOCCA classmates included Grammy-nominated trombonist and trumpet player Troy “Trombone Shorty” Andrews, Grammy-nominated trumpet player Christian Scott, and pianist Jonathan Batiste. In 2005, NOCCA awarded Agid a grant to study with clarinetist Eddie Daniels at Daniels’ home in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

While earning his bachelor’s degree in clarinet performance from Loyola University New Orleans, Agid dove into performing. In addition to playing alongside Delfeayo Marsalis and the Uptown Jazz Orchestra, the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra, and Kristina Morales, he leads the Gregory Agid Quartet and performs regularly in the New Orleans area, Nationally, and Internationally.

Agid graduated from Loyola in 2010, and released his debut album, Mystery Blues, in 2013. The following year, he completed his master’s degree in music at the University of New Orleans. Agid’s sophomore record, Words Are Not Enough, will be released winter 2016

BLVK Samurai (AKA Charles Burchell) is a pillar of strength, love, and courage. His unique approach to life glows with a fluorescent hue. Harvard graduate, father, friend, musician, and love are all words that describe his journey and our conversation. I have a feeling you guys are going to love the topics and sounds explored on this episode of The Working Artist Project.

Connect with BLVK Samurai here

https://charlesburchell.com

https://theloveexperiment.bandcamp.com/

Listen to the music below!

https://soundcloud.com/wayofthesword

Connect with Darrian here

http://www.darriandouglas.com/

https://www.patreon.com/DarrianDouglas

Bio

Charles "BLVK SamuRai" Burchell is a multi-instrumentalist, producer, composer, educator, and diplomat from New Orleans, LA. He has studied at the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts, the New England Conservatory (B.M. ’12) and most recently completed the Masters of Arts in Education program at the Harvard Graduate School of Education (Ed. M ’13). Burchell has recorded and produced albums with Wes “Warmdaddy” Anderson, Delfayo Marsalis, Ran Blake, Ciel Rouge, and has performed and given master classes at various music festivals around the world. His band, The Love Experiment, released their self-titled debut album last year and have been featured on prominent music blogs such as 2dopeboyz. Burchell also works as a cultural diplomat with the Next Level Program and is currently a teaching artist for Carnegie Hall’s Digital Music Production Workshop and Musical Connections Program in which he works with court involved youth and students from various boroughs throughout New York City. Burchell continues to perform regularly around the U.S. and internationally as a DJ, drummer, and bandleader.