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Eric Person
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Ever had one of those bad days when everything went wrong? I know I had and nothing is more relaxing than some good ole jazz music. But, if you are looking for some good music anytime of the day, I have an artist that will fit the bill. Eric Person is an amazing jazz musician who definitely understands the genre.
Whether you are new or old to jazz music, Eric Person is the perfect place to land. Eric’s style of performing reminds me of the great such as Miles Davis, John Coltrane, and the countless others. Eric makes one feel alive and when he performs nothing else seems to matter. It is my pleasure to introduce to you the sensational Eric Person.
Isaac: Eric would you mind briefly describing how you entered into the music industry.
EP: I did many gigs as a youngster around my native St. Louis, Missouri. I was in Jazz and R&B groups and those groups sometimes traveled to other parts of the state. But I feel that I became a professional musician after my move to New York City in 1982. I was 19 years old at the time. When I got to New York, that's when the plot thickened in every way. Musically and with my life experiences.
Isaac: What is the most rewarding aspect to making music currently for you?
EP: I dig the freedom that I have as an independent musician. I write and arrange my own music for distribution on my own label. I'm not limited in any way because of it. I love the challenge of seeing a project start with a thought, then blossom to many ideas, then how I funnel those down to the best. Getting the right musicians, songs, pictures and art is just thrilling for me. I love it.
Isaac: What has discouraged you the most about making music?
EP: I've been very blessed. Over the years I have worked with some fantastic musicians. I have recorded my music, and performed all over the world. Making music is life affirming for me. But I would say the thing for me that is a drag is the exploitation and lack of respect given to musicians by many in the business. It's happened to me, and to many others. The key for us musicians is to continue to empower ourselves with independence and knowledge.
Isaac: Do you have a personal philosophy about music? If so, what is it?
EP: I have to be able to be me. Whatever that means at any given moment, I have to project that. And it has to be fun. Leaving something behind in terms of a legacy is also something that's firmly in my thoughts too. I want to make great music.
Isaac: When you are performing live in front of an audience, what are the thoughts that are running through you head?
EP: I'm very focused on making great music. That's what I really want to do. I want to always in some way take the music higher; to try something different, and to bring the best out of the other musicians. I may think about almost anything except worldly problems. I don't think about bills, the state of the world, problems with a woman...none of that stuff. Music really is a sanctuary for me. I can escape from it all.
Isaac: Why is being an independent musician important to you?
EP: When I think of many of the great musicians I love like: Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Stevie Wonder, Ray Charles, Horace Silver, Earth, Wind and Fire...on some level they were all independent. And for me that means that they were free. Many of them owned their master tapes, and their publishing. Even before I came to New York, I wanted to be in control of my output. Now that I have more knowledge about the business, I seek to control all the facets. My father is a business man and that always inspired me to be my own boss.
Isaac: Do you think the Internet has altered the path of music as an industry? If so, how?
EP: The music business is now changed forever because of the Internet. I would say the Internet has made certain ideas about doing it yourself more then expectable. Now, it's the way to be. If a musician is not looking at taking advantage of many ways to promote and sale his or her music over the Internet, they're really short changing themselves.
Isaac: Any advice for other musicians out there when it comes to using the Internet as a medium for getting their music heard to the masses?
EP: I would say do your research, and take your time. Don't rush into spending money with just anyone. There are a lot of folks claiming they can promote you, or do your radio promotion. If you think about going with an individual, or company, check with the musicians who used them. If you can, contact some of them and see if you can get a consensus on the work they did. You will be glad you did!
Isaac: What kind of recording software do you use?
EP: I'm in the process of getting my home studio in order. I have been talking to engineers, and musicians in the know who can steer me in the best direction regarding home recording gear. Using Pro-Tools might be the direction I’m heading in.
Isaac: I know that everybody has his or her idea of a dream artist, someone who for whatever reasons that person would just love to listen to and admire. As an entertainer yourself, if you could play with one of your "dream" musicians, anyone at all, who would it be and why?
EP: I would love to play with Chick Corea, Herbie Hancock, rock band U2, and this great new R&B singer Chrisette Michelle. Cause I love their music, and I could hear my sound weaving, blending and cascading through their music.
Isaac: What are you hoping to gain from your experience of being a musician and making music?
EP: I'm trying to find new ways to express my thoughts, and feelings through music. Doing things fresh is important to me. I would like to find an audience for my way of making music. I also want to touch people through music. I'm not looking to be political or nothing like that. My goals in music are simple: project something new, and make people happy.
Isaac: What are you hopes for your music in the year 2008?
EP: I'm looking to do more local performances around New York City, and to do some festivals around the country. I want to expose more people to my latest CD, Rhythm Edge.
Isaac: This is our Shout Out time. Please give props to anyone and everyone that matters the most to you.
EP: I want to say HI to: my son Kadin. My dad Thomas, and Mom Noreen. My brothers, tommy, and Glen, my sister Theresa. LeRoy Downs, the jazzcat! And all those that are truly close to me, and who believe in my mission in music. And to my grandmother who's 95 years old and doing great!
Isaac: This is Shameless Plug time: Give us some updates on new releases and other projects in the works.
EP: I'm planning my next CD release. I should be in the studio by the end of the year. It might be in the "extended play" format; an EP--Maybe just five or six songs. Just to introduce this new direction I’m heading in. What is that? It will be on the disc! Please visit my website at: www.ericperson.com
Isaac: Final Thoughts:
EP: Isaac, thank you for your support with this interview. I want to thank all those that take the time to read this interview. I hope it inspires you to seek out my music. And enjoy!
“Eric has performed with some of the best on the music scene, from Dave Holland, McCoy Tyner, Chico Hamilton, and the World Saxophone Quartet to Vernon Reid, and Ben Harper” - http://www.ericperson.com/
Check out our review of Eric's newest CD
http://www.juniorscave.com/ericpersonreview.html
Eric Person
Junior's Cave Online Magazine/JC Internet Radio Staff Team, PO BOX 2494 Brunswick, Georgia 31521 toll free number 866-554-3997 office number 678-826-0850 fax: 912-265-8093 http://www.jcinternetradio.com http://www.juniorscave.com http://www.friendsmix.net http://www.live365.com/profiles/juniorscave http://www.live365.com/stations/juniorscave View My Stats | |||||||||||||
